STRATEGIC SEALIFT OFFICER PROGRAM
(SSOP)
Brief Overview for
Prospective Students
1
What is the Merchant Marine?
The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of U.S. civilian-owned
merchant vessels, operated by either the government or the private
sector, that engage in commerce or transportation of goods and
services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States.
2
What is the Strategic Sealift Officer Program?
Program is made up of qualified, licensed merchant marine
officers who are ready and available to augment the U.S. Navy
when needed in time of crisis, conflicts or wars.
3
What is a USCG Unlimited License (Merchant Mariner Credential
(MMC)?
Licensed ship’s officer aboard any vessel of any size, tonnage/
horsepower
Deck License
Engine License
4
Where are we and what do we do?
The officers of the program are throughout the U.S. Maritime
industry in sea going jobs or shore side positions.
These are civilian careers.
Because most in the program are holding sea going positions the
reserve requirement is only 2 weeks every year for 8 years
following graduation
5
Student Incentive Payment (SIP)_
Program
MARAD’s Maritime Education and Training Programs
Students must apply and qualify for the program
Payments of $4,000 per semester for no more than 4 academic
years ($32,000 total)
Payments are used to defray the costs of uniforms, books and
subsistence
6
Basic Overview of Obligation
U.S. Navy Obligation
8 years in U.S. Navy Reserve
Maintain a license for at least 6 years
Work 5 years in Maritime Industry
Submit Annual Report (via NSIPS) OR when changes need to be
made
Annual Physical (PHA) and Semi-Annual Fitness Test (PFA)
MARAD Obligation
Work 3 years in the Maritime Industry (sailing, unless MARAD
approves other employment)
Maintain a license for at least 6 years
Submit Annual report for 6 years to MARAD of employment and
Navy Obligation being fulfilled
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Additional Requirements
NROTC Program (Battalion):
3 Naval Science Courses: NVSC 101 - Introduction to
Naval Science, NVSC - 204 Naval Science for the Strategic Sealift
Officer and NVSC 402 - Leadership and Ethics
Battalion PT (2 x per week): Tuesday and Thursday early
mornings
Leadership Lab (1 x per week): Wednesday late
afternoons
USCG License Program:
Meet all STCW Requirements
All License courses
Sea Time
8