Summer Sea Term Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Sea Term Frequently Asked Questions
May 1, 2024
The information provided in the FAQs below is based on currently available information. It is subject to change with little notice due to factors beyond the control of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy.
Don't see your question? Submit it to academy staff today! at tamma@tamug.edu
Updates related to the Summer Sea Term are released on Thursdays when applicable. Follow the Texas A&M Maritime Academy at @texasmaritime for update notifications.
Pre-Embarkation
Pre-Embarkation What are the required documents for pre-embarkation processing?
Required documents for pre-embarkation are:
- TWIC
- Merchant Mariner Credential
- Medical Certificate
- Passport
- Student ID Card
Pre-Embarkation Where do cadets purchase their overalls?
The Texas A&M University at Galveston Campus Bookstore.
Address:
1001 Texas Clipper Rd.
Galveston, Texas 77554
409-740-4488
Website
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Based on feedback from cadets, we recommend purchasing two pairs.
Pre-Embarkation My syllabus contains items not listed under seabag requirements. Do I still need to have these items?
Yes. The syllabus lists items required for a specific class that all cadets may not be taking. The seabag is a listing of items all cadets are required to have.
Pre-Embarkation Where can cadets on Summer Sea Term store their on-campus belongings?
Personal belongings are not able to be stored on campus. Campus residence halls are used by various summer camps and programs throughout the summer and our staff performs extensive maintenance and cleaning during breaks in use. Cadets often take their belongings home or use off-campus storage facilities in Galveston or the surrounding areas.
Pre-Embarkation Is on-campus parking available for students while on sea term?
- All cadets, faculty, staff, and crew received the parking form via email, which they must complete if they plan to park a vehicle on campus during the 2026 Summer Sea Term. All vehicles parked on campus during SST26 must be registered and parked in the SAGC parking lot.
- Parking elsewhere on campus is strictly prohibited and will result in a ticket.
- All vehicles parked at SAGC must have a valid TAMUG hang tag or paper permit. We ask that you visit the TAMUG Police Dept. in Sea Aggie Center (Bldg# 3026) for all hang tags and permit needs.
- Summer Sea Term 2026 vehicles parked in the TAMMAH lot between Aug. 1, 2025, and Aug. 31, 2025, will not be ticketed for an expired 2024-2025 hang tag.
Pre-Embarkation When will cadets check-in for sea term?
Check-in date and location will be announced at a later time. All cadets should be prepared for check-in when it is announced. You must arrive prepared to board the vessel during that time. Cadets will be moving directly onto the ship.
To check-in, all Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets must be registered for MART/MARE courses 200, 300 or 400. This information will be verified. Unregistered cadets will not be allowed to check in. Check-in will also include sea bag inspections, credential verification, and medical checks by ship doctors.
Underway
Underway Will civilians be able to contact cadets aboard the ship via mail or letters?
No mail or packages will be accepted by the Maritime Academy for delivery to the ship during Summer Sea Term.
Underway How can cadets be contacted in case of an emergency?
Contact the Texas A&M-Galveston Campus Police Department in the event of an emergency. Campus police will notify the ship’s designated shore-side contact who will coordinate communication with the ship. Please keep in mind that communication will take time due to technical limitations while underway.
Campus Police:
Front Office:
(409) 740-4545
Officer on duty/after hours/weekends/holidays:
(409) 740-4545 or cell phone: 409-771-5185
Police@tamug.edu
Underway How are liberty allowances handled?
Liberty allowances are determined at the sole discretion of the captain.
Liberty curfews are as follows:
- MART/MARE 200: 2300hrs
- MART/MARE 300: 2330hrs
- MART/MARE 400: 2400hrs
Emergencies
Emergencies How do I report or submit a complaint while underway?
General Concerns/Complaints:
Concerns should be made in writing to the Captain aboard the ship.
Academics:
Students should address concerns or complaints related to academics with their Department Head. Assistance from the ship counselor is available to aid in helping students determine the best way to approach their Department Head with a concern.
Civil Rights and Title IX Investigations:
We are committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning environment on campus and while at-sea. Civil Rights and Title IX Investigations reports or complaints may be made to any university official while underway. All A&M-Galveston faculty and staff are required to promptly report all known information about the incident to:
Jennifer Smith
Assistant Vice President and Title IX Officer
Email: civilrights@tamu.edu
Tel: 979.458.8167
All Other:
Concerns or issues not specifically identified above may be addressed to any university administrator and/or the counselor.
Emergencies There was an incident aboard the ship. How will the safety and security of cadets and staff be communicated?
In the event of an incident aboard the ship, the university will provide information through the SST website and Texas A&M Maritime Academy social media channels. If individual cadets are affected the university will contact the students’ emergency contact via information provided in the Howdy Portal. Expanded communication beyond the means listed above will be determined by the nature of the incident.
Emergencies There is bad weather forecasted along the ship route. What are the ship's protocols and where can I find more information?
The ship is fully connected to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration and international weather sources. While the route most often can be adjusted to avoid inclement weather, the ship is fully equipped to tackle the roughest weather conditions. Any weather deviations are at the sole discretion of the Captain in consultation with shore-side meteorologists and the campus.
Emergencies How do cadets handle medical emergencies?
A limited-capability hospital facility with a doctor is aboard. Should a person aboard need extended care off-board they will be transported to the nearest shore-side facility and accompanied through the duration of their care by a university staff member.
Emergencies What is the Medical History Form for?
Ports
Ports What are the ports of call this year?
While we are confident in our scheduled stops, there is always a possibility that these locations will change due to variables beyond the control of Texas A&M University at Galveston. Plan to be flexible.
Click here to see the scheduled ports of call for SST 2026.
Dining Services
Dining Services What meals will be served during SST?
Traditional ship-board meal service will be served including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight rations for the watch section.
Dining Services How are food allergies and/or dietary restrictions being handled?
Please notify Texas A&M Maritime Academy via the sea term survey to indicate allergies. They will be forwarded to Maine Maritime Academy.
End of Sea Term
End of Sea Term When will cadets have access to on-campus housing?
Cadets will follow all traditional move-in protocols and processes. For questions regarding move-in, please contact Campus Living & Learning.
Campus Living & Learning
Office Location:
Pacific Residence Hall
Bldg. 3031, Office Suite 5110
Phone: 409.740.4445
E-mail: cll@tamug.edu
End of Sea Term Will cadets be starting the fall semester late?
No.
End of Sea Term Is there an extended add/drop date for cadets on cruise?
No. Based on the current schedule the Fall semester will not be impacted.
Cost & Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid What is the cost of summer sea term?
The cost for Summer Sea Term 2026 will be $9,409.36 for 4 UG credit hours and $10,164.52 for 4 GR credit hours.
Cost & Financial Aid When will bills be available and what are the due dates?
Summer 2026 Account Activity will be available in the Bill Payment Suite beginning May 5, 2026. It is recommended students add an authorized user to view their student account and act on their behalf while they are on Summer Sea Term.
If you choose to pay your tuition and fees in full:
Tuition and fees due in full by 5:00PM on May 21, 2026 (Updated due to Memorial Day Holiday)
If you enrolled in the installment plan:
-
1st payment due by 5:00 PM on May 22, 2026
-
2nd payment due by 5:00 PM on June 18, 2026
-
3rd payment due by 5:00 PM on July 10, 2026
Inquiries regarding tuition and fee billing can be sent to tuitioninfo@tamug.edu.
Cost & Financial Aid What kind of financial aid is available for summer sea term?
Federal & state grants, federal direct loans, outside scholarships and alternative or private loans.
Cost & Financial Aid How do I utilize Military Education Benefits for summer sea term?
If you plan to utilize Military Education Benefits, you must request or renew your benefit under the Status tab of the Portal for the correct aid year.
Cost & Financial Aid How many hours should I be enrolled in for financial aid?
Most financial aid programs require half-time enrollment, 6 hours for undergraduates and 3 hours for graduates.