USMMA Sea Year program set to resume
Written by Marine Log Staff
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) are planning to resume the Sea Year program at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y.
The program was paused last month following the harrowing allegations of rape and sexual harassment by the female Kings Point cadet now widely referred to as “Midshipman X.” Those disclosures prompted the chairs of the Congressional authorizing committees with jurisdiction over the academy to demanding that the program be suspended.They also said that, prior to its resumption, the USMMA must develop a public written action plan that included detailed steps that will be taken to ensure the safety of cadets at sea.
Yesterday, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) released new safety standards to govern the Sea Year.
According to MARAD, the six State Maritime Academies have confirmed their support for these standards. In addition, new policies and procedures will be implemented at USMMA to support cadets while they are at sea.
With implementation of these standards and policies, USMMA anticipates lifting the current pause on Sea Year on December 22.
USMMA’s Sea Year training program typically consists of a sailing period during a cadet’s sophomore year and a longer sailing period during a cadet’s junior year.
SINCE THE PAUSE
“The plan we are launching today represents the collective commitment of DOT, MARAD, USMMA, and the six State Maritime Academies to strengthen safety for cadets aboard commercial vessels, and to support an inclusive culture that prioritizes preventing sexual assault and harassment and supporting survivors,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “The plan is an initial step, and all parties are committed to continuing to review this program frequently, and to make improvements whenever needed to ensure the safety and success of cadets.”
Since the pause was announced, DOT, MARAD, and USMMA have conducted a detailed review of both the existing Sea Year requirements for commercial carriers as well as the policies and procedures in place at USMMA to support cadets while they are at sea. DOT, MARAD, and USMMA have also sought recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders—including industry, labor, advocacy groups working to combat sexual assault and harassment, Congress, and Federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as USMMA midshipmen and alumni—regarding actions to strengthen safety at sea for cadets.
“Safety at sea requires teamwork both aboard vessels and between the vessel and shoreside management. Workplace climates which enable sexual offenses erode trust and teamwork and put mariners’ lives at risk,” said Rear Admiral John Mauger, Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy. “Sexual assault is a crime. When they happen aboard a U.S. vessel it must be reported to the Coast Guard. Coast Guard investigators will respond, and we will hold offenders accountable.”
Two documents were released yesterday:
- The Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture (EMBARC) program, administered by MARAD, which enumerates more than 30 new safety measures that commercial carriers will be required to meet before they can be enrolled in the EMBARC program and approved to carry cadets. The EMBARC program also sets forth a process and protocols for ensuring continuous review and improvement.
- The second document enumerates new policies and procedures that will be implemented at USMMA to support implementation of the EMBARC program and to increase the support provided to cadets while they are at sea. Among other new policies and procedures, USMMA will provide additional pre-Sea Year training and a satellite phone that enables cadets to have voice communication with family and friends as well as Academy personnel and other support resources while embarked at sea. USMMA has also recently implemented a new amnesty policy that ensures that survivors who report sexual assault, as well as intervening bystanders and witnesses, will not be subject to discipline for a violation of the alcohol or drug use policy occurring at or near the time of the commission of the assault.
“We fully support the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention Mandatory Minimum Standards articulated in the Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture (EMBARC standards) for U.S. flag Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) vessels engaged in international trade,” stated Rear Adm. Bill Brennan, chairman of the Consortium of State Maritime Academies. “We believe these standards will help ensure a safe and healthy work environment for our cadets onboard these vessels.”
