Seattle Maritime Academy

Continuing Education & Non-Credit Classes

SMA provides training in a non-degree format under the aegis of continuing education. Instruction is offered in boating; fisheries' skills; marine affairs; marine engineering; marine safety; navigation and, seamanship.

Course format and duration ranges from half-day lectures to one-day seminars to two- or three-day workshops to quarterly programs. The nature of the training runs the gamut from vocational education to professional-technical training to licensure preparation to public safety campaigns.

Students receive certificates in all courses successfully completed and they may opt to take select courses for academic credit and/or sea-time credit.

SMA also provides training under contract to private sector companies, government agencies, military units and unions. The format and scope of instruction is customized to meet specialized training needs on the part of external clients.

General Marine Courses

BASIC DECK SKILLS - 7291 CSS 122
This seminar focuses on the fundamentals of deck seamanship for entry-level crewmembers. Topics include: marine terminology, deck safety, basic knots and splices, watchstanding, use of lines, deck equipment and emergency gear. Seminar makes full use of SMA's classroom and laboratory facilities and training vessels.

BASIC ELECTRICITY FOR SMALL BOATS AND RECREATIONAL BOATERS - 7251 CSS 122 1A
MW 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
An electrical class designed for the recreational boater and for the small boat owner. A class that will take the mystery out of how electrical systems work. Topics to be covered will include batteries, alternators, solar and wind generators and related charging systems. Small A/C generator and power inverter systems will be investigated. Methods for determining load requirements, wire sizing and wiring techniques will be discussed. Electrical system troubleshooting, meter reading and hands-on training will be offered to the small boat owner or operation in a six week course. Course requires a minimum of 10 students.

MARINE DIESEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE & OPERATION FOR BOATERS - 7306 CSS 122 3D
TTh 6-8 pm
A course in marine diesel engines that includes theory, operation, troubleshooting and repair. The student will learn fundamental operating procedures for marine diesel engines. Instructional format combines classroom lectures with applied training in diesel engine labs. For the small boat owner. Course requires a minimum of 15 students.

BASIC VESSEL HANDLING - 7276 CSS and 7277 CSS
(11 hours)
The class meets on Thursday evening for 3 hours 5pm to 8pm then again on Saturday morning at 0900. The Saturday class is 8 hours.

Course covers the fundamentals of boat handling for small vessels based on single-screw theory. Applied instruction in the following boat handling techniques is included: backing and filling, emergency stopping, docking and undocking. Students are first shown and then given opportunity to experience the aforementioned maneuvers for themselves using a small training vessel.

Maritime Security Awareness Course (MSA)
This 4 hour course is intended to provide security background and training for personnel working on Vessels, facilities or companies that are required by The U. S. Coast Guard to have a security plan. This course meets or exceeds the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the IMO International Ship and Port Security Code and 33 CFR 104.225 and 33 CFR 105.215. This course is certified by DET NORSKE VERITAS NEW YORK (DNV) for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Examination and Course Completion Certificate issued.
Course convenes the second Monday Of each month, 12:30 to 4:30 pm.
This course is offered at off-site locations with prior coordination.

Combined Company, Vessel and Facility Security Officer (CSO/VSO/FSO)
This 24 hour (3 day) course provides the background and training to perform duties and responsibilities as a Company Security Officer, Vessel Security Officer or Facility Security Officer (CSO/VSO/FSO). Graduates are provided the information to develop a Vessel or Facility Assessment, develop, implement and maintain a Vessel Security Plan or a Facility Security Plan. This course meets and exceeds the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and 33 CFR 104.210, 33 CFR 104.215 and 33 CFR 205. This course also meets and exceeds the requirement for Company, Vessel or Facility Personnel with Security Duties as required by 33 CFR 104.220 and 33 CFR 105.210. This course is certified by DET NORSKE VERITAS NEW YORK (DNV) for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Examination and Course certificate issued. Course convenes the second week of each month, Tuesday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
This course offered at off-site locations with prior coordination.
Course times can be scheduled to meet your specific needs.
Call for additional information.

Electrical Refresher [150](–) CSS 211
This course is designed for the experienced technician with at least 3-5 years working with marine electrical systems. The student needs to be very familiar with established industry standards e.g. those of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), U.S. Coast Guard, International Standards Organization and National Fire Protection Association. The course is 56 hours with a 200-question test given. Course topics include the following:

  • Electrical Theory
  • Lead-Acid Batteries
  • Using a Multi-meter
  • Battery Testing
  • Generator Sets
  • Inverters, Grounding, and Bonding Systems
  • Troubleshooting, and more.