Professional Mariner
Associate in Science Degree Professional Mariner · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Curriculum includes career path identification and job search preparation in the maritime Industry, maritime environment, seamanship, marine safety, boat handling, navigation, and boat maintenance. In addition to lecture, most courses include hands-on practical exercises.
Students must be able to swim 50 yards and tread water for 10 minutes. Previous boating experience is advantageous but not required. Facility fees will be charged.
The Professional Mariner Program prepares students for careers in the maritime industry in Southern California and around the world in private or commercial vessel operations: Large private yachts, charter yachts, cruise ships, passenger ferries, sport fishing, commercial fishing, whale watching, dive boats, supply vessels, work boats, tug boats, and commercial shipping. These vessels must operate with a qualified crew. The curriculum was developed with guidance from an avisory council of maritime professionals who rank skills and knowledge required in their deck crew. Upon completion of the program there are employment opportunities with competitive salary.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Communicate verbally and in writing in a clear manner and with correct nautical protocol.
- Demonstrate safe operation and maintenance of vessels.
- Demonstrate prevention and safety response in First Aid, Personal Survival and Social Responsibility at sea, as well as fire prevention and response.
- Identify maritime career paths along with required U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MARA A150 | Coastal Navigation | 3 |
| MARA A151 | Maritime Industry | 2 |
| MARA A152 | Boat Handling and Seamanship | 3 |
| MARA A154 | Vessel and Engine Maintenance | 2 |
| MARA A156 | Maritime Environment | 2 |
| MARA A136 | Introduction to Sailing | 1 |
| orMARA A137 | Intermediate Sailing - Intro to Keel Boats | |
| MARA A153 | Marine Basic Safety Training | 4 |
| MARA A200 & MARA A201 | Professional Mariner Internshipand Professional Mariner Internship Lecture 1 | 3 |
| MARA A157 | Radar Observer | 2 |
| Total Major Units | 22 | |
| General Education Breadth for AS Degree | 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | 19 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
- Courses must be taken concurrently.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| MARA A156 | Maritime Environment |
| MARA A151 | Maritime Industry |
| MARA A152 | Boat Handling and Seamanship |
| MARA A136or MARA A137 | Introduction to Sailingor Intermediate Sailing - Intro to Keel Boats |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE | 3-4 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE | 3-4 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MARA A153 |
| MARA A154 |
| MARA A150 |
| MARA A157 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| MARA A200 |
| MARA A201 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 |
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS