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The Corps of Cadets is what sets Cal Maritime apart from most other colleges and universities in the United States. Every Cal Maritime student has an opportunity to be a cadet in the Corps of Cadets. The Corps of Cadets is a structured program focused on developing leadership and professionalism designed to enhance the character and abilities of each student. Students choose to apply and are accepted by the Academy into the Corps of Cadets, understanding that they are enrolling in a unique and selective educational experience with high standards.
The Academy provides a strong academic foundation and a supportive structure for personal growth. Cadets are expected to meet high standards of conduct, pursue academic excellence, and follow rules that build accountability, responsibility, and self-discipline.
The principles of honor, integrity, and loyalty, which have long defined the professional merchant marine officer, are central to the cadet experience. The Academy’s rigorous expectations prepare graduates for success in a wide range of high-demand careers.
The Corps functions as the most visible mechanism for the delivery of the widest range of direct leadership experience opportunities on campus. All Corps members develop positive and desirable leadership traits, such as bearing, discipline, initiative, integrity, justice, loyalty, reliability, responsibility, selflessness, and tact. Much is asked of every cadet at Cal Maritime, and the development of self-discipline is critical to the success of each member in the Corps.
The Corps is led by approximately 20 cadet leaders appointed by the Office of Cadet Leadership & Development (CLD) through a rigorous interview and evaluation process. The Corps Commander is the highest ranking cadet and works closely with CLD and the Corps Leadership Team to foster Pride, Teamwork, Professionalism and Self-Discipline. Every new cadet is placed in a division upon entry into Cal Maritime. Division Commanders work closely with all cadets in fostering community, divisional pride and adherence to high standards.
The Edwards Leadership Development Program
The Edwards Leadership Development Program (ELDP) is a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs, Cadet Leadership & Development, and Student Affairs. The Edwards Leadership Development Program (ELDP), made available through the generosity of Tom and Libby Edwards, is designed to educate and train students and cadets to become strong, effective leaders. ELDP integrates experiential learning with academic coursework, drawing inspiration from the Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) models. It emphasizes outdoor expeditions, progressive leadership training, and peer mentorship to create a unified and holistic leadership development experience. In alignment with the donors’ intent, key leadership skills are now embedded across several academic courses, ensuring that students and cadets develop the capabilities needed to succeed in their professional careers, where well-trained and proven leaders are in high demand.
Corps of Cadets Membership
Beginning with the start of the Fall 2024 semester, Cal Maritime began offering two distinct pathways, or academic experiences, for eligible students, like programs offered at several other state maritime academies. The two pathways are a Corps of Cadets program and a traditional student path outside of the Corps of Cadets. In line with federal regulations and several degree program accreditation requirements, students in select programs are required to be members of the Corps of Cadets. In such cases, the traditional student experience path is not an option for those in some degree programs.
In accordance with federal regulations, students under instruction or berthed aboard the training ship are members of Cal Maritime Corps of Cadets. In line with accreditation body (ABET) requirements for Engineering, students in Facilities Engineering Technology and non-license track Mechanical Engineering programs must participate in the corps for a portion of their degree program. Once these curricular requirements are fulfilled, students may elect to withdraw from the Corps.
CORPS OF CADETS - MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR LICENSE TRACK
Students seeking to pursue a U.S. Coast Guard license must be a cadet in the Corps of Cadets. Students who pursue a USCG license will be qualified to work onboard commercial vessels once they are licensed. Additionally, there are certain academic programs at Cal Poly Maritime Academy that require membership in the Corps of Cadets for a portion of the degree program.
In addition to following established rules and regulations and participating in all Corps of Cadets activities during the school year, cadets will also participate in Summer Sea Terms aboard the training ship.
OPT-IN CORPS OF CADETS - LEADERSHIP AND LIFE SKILLS
Students enrolled in degree programs which do not require them to be a member of the Corps of Cadets, yet those who seek the lifestyle and leadership training that the Corps of Cadets offers may choose to opt-in to the Corps of Cadets. Students who opt-in will be required to abide by cadet rules and regulations, including wearing a uniform and participating in all required Corps of Cadets activities.
Rather than participate in the Summer Sea Term aboard the training ship, these cadets will participate in International Experience, internships, and co-ops as outlined in their degree program.
Students interested in Opting-In should email Office_CLD@csum.edu.
Office of Cadet Leadership & Development
The Office of Cadet Leadership & Development (CLD) is responsible for overseeing the Corps of Cadets. It is involved in many of the day-to-day activities of the Corps, including training Corps Leaders, and providing opportunities focused on developing leadership and professionalism to all cadets.
You can find our office in Morrow Cove.
Watchstanding
Watchstanding is an important element of leadership development and is essential for each cadet’s future success, whether at sea or ashore. Cadets stand watch either on the Training Ship GOLDEN BEAR or on campus. As they develop their skills, cadets are placed in positions of increasing levels of responsibility. As their knowledge grows, they oversee and direct the actions of others during periods of watch.
Watches are scheduled in 4-hour blocks from 1600 - 0800 the next every day including weekends. Watches provide important learning experiences for cadets, and they also assist Cal Maritime in providing a high level of security and safety, both on campus and the ship.
Corps of Cadets Rules & Regulations
Another important element of leadership development is standards of conduct. All cadets are subject to rules and regulations that characterize the objectives set forth in the development of their leadership and professional skills. Cal Maritime’s conduct and discipline system is a vehicle for assessing a cadet’s aptitude for becoming a respected working professional.
The goal of the conduct system is to develop and reward positive personal characteristics and to modify incorrect behavior. Cadets receive demerits for inappropriate behavior and, those with excessive demerits, may be required to serve extra duty on weekends or evenings. Cadets who commit egregious breaches of conduct or who have consistent conduct problems may be subject to extra duty, probation, suspension or dismissal.
Cadets are required to wear uniforms to all academic functions and formations, and while standing watch. Uniform and grooming inspections are conducted for all members of the corps regularly.
Regulations also exist that forbid cheating, plagiarism, alcohol consumption, use of illegal drugs, theft, hazing and other conduct considered unbecoming of a member of the Corps.
The Corps of Cadets Rules & Regulations is provided to all cadets via a Canvas course and requires each cadet to acknowledge their receiving and understanding of the expectations.
Drug Testing
The Cal Maritime, as prescribed by 49 CFR Part 40 and amendments thereto, randomly administers drug tests to all cadets. Testing may also occur for reasonable cause, pre-employment, USCG licensing physical exams, follow-up testing, and for any marine casualty, accident, or serious incident. Additional testing for alcohol may also be undertaken during the training cruise.
Policy on Use of Alcohol and Drugs
In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C.1145g), Cali Maritime prohibits the unlawful possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs by cadets, faculty, and staff on its property, training vessels, or as part of any academy-sponsored activities.
This prohibition extends to any off-campus activities that are sponsored by the institution or any of its recognized clubs and organizations.
Cadets-in-training for a U.S. Coast Guard license are subject to additional federal regulations regarding alcohol and drug us, and are also required to participate in Cal Maritime’s random drug testing program.
For more information regarding these regulations and the standards of conduct, please refer to the Corps of Cadets Rules & Regulations.
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