What's Happening?
Over 300 cadets from Cal Poly Maritime Academy are set to embark on their annual Summer Sea Term, a 65-day training voyage across the Pacific Ocean aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear. This voyage is a critical component of the cadets' education, providing
hands-on experience in operating a working vessel under real-world maritime conditions. The journey will begin on May 8 from Vallejo, California, with scheduled stops in San Diego, Papeete, Tahiti, Suva, Fiji, and Honolulu, before returning to California in July. This marks the first voyage since the academy's transition from California State University Maritime Academy to Cal Poly Maritime Academy. The Golden Bear, which has served the academy for three decades, will be transferred back to the U.S. Maritime Administration at the end of 2026 and replaced by the Training Ship Golden State.
Why It's Important?
The Summer Sea Term is essential for developing the technical skills, leadership, accountability, and teamwork necessary for cadets to succeed in maritime careers. The hands-on training aligns with U.S. Coast Guard licensing standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for high-stakes environments. The transition to the new Training Ship Golden State will expand the academy's training capacity and capabilities, supporting its mission to produce skilled maritime professionals. This development is significant as it enhances the educational infrastructure and resources available to future cadets, contributing to the long-term growth and success of the maritime industry.
What's Next?
The Golden Bear will continue to serve until the end of 2026, after which it will be replaced by the Training Ship Golden State. This new vessel is designed to enhance training capabilities and support the academy's centennial celebrations in 2029. The transition to the new ship will likely involve updates to the curriculum and training programs to leverage the advanced features of the Golden State. The academy will continue to focus on providing comprehensive maritime education to prepare cadets for the evolving demands of the industry.
