OCC features exceptional facilities and the latest in technology and offers more than 135 academic and career programs, including one of the nation’s largest and most acclaimed public nautical programs.
Students who complete Orange Coast College's professional mariner program are eligible for their Merchant Mariner's Document, and receive their STCW safety training certificates among others. They will have the skills to begin a career as a deckhand, ordinary seafarer, or wiper. Some examples of past students are working in private and commercial jobs include working on large private yachts, charter yachts, cruise ships, passenger ferries, whale watch and dive boats, supply vessels, work boats, tugs, and commercial shipping vessels. Many students continue their education at maritime colleges.
Apply now and take advantage of our internship opportunities that are available to students in the program.
For more information, contact us at: 949-258-8918 or kprioleau@occ.cccd.edu
Find out more on Professional Mariners courses.
Ethan BeigelStudentCal Maritime Academy
I think OCC’s Professional Mariner program is a complete gem – there’s no other program like it. When I first started taking classes at the OCC Sailing Center, it blew me away that there was something like that available to students who were interested in pursuing careers in the maritime industry at the community college level... Read more
Heidi Mariner StudentMaine Maritime Academy
Before I took Introduction to Sailing at OCC, I had never been on a boat. Once I took that first course, I completely fell in love with it. It wasn’t until I was about three classes in that I realized this is what I want to do with my life... Read more
Jenna DavisFounder/Owner Raw Love Sunscreen
I attended OCC’s Professional Mariner program to obtain my Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, and I found that the program not only offered that certification but also so much more that ended up being really helpful in my career... Read more