Dual License

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everlast

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2011
Messages
16
Is the dual license program still an option at USMMA? I see that it's an option on the school website but some of the posts on this forums suggest that it isnt an option anymore. If someone could clarify if its still a program or not I would appreciate it. If it is still a program can anyone provide extra details about it? Does it open more opportunities out of USMMA?

Thanks

everlast
 
The dual license program was ended several years ago due to Coast Guard licensing regulations which require a certain number of days at sea for deck and a separate number of sea days working engine. My DS is a "shopper" (maritime operations and technology major) which gives mids a chance to earn a Coast Guard third mate license and a QMED certification. The Qualified Member of the Engineering Department certification is the highest unlicensed position. My DS is class of 2013, and that is the last year they are allowed to get the QMED at Kings Point. He has found that the engineers on board ships during his sea time appreciate his basic engineering knowledge. We hear that it is somewhat of an advantage when job hunting.
 
thanks for letting me know. Even though you can't get a dual license is it possible to double major.. for example in logistics and marine engineering? Then afterwards you just take one licensing exam?
 
everlast said:
thanks for letting me know. Even though you can't get a dual license is it possible to double major.. for example in logistics and marine engineering? Then afterwards you just take one licensing exam?
Click to expand...

Short answer is no, you can only take one major.

Apparently going forward at USMMA that will now be one of five choices:
- two that lead to a deck license: Logistics and Intermodal Transportation or Marine Transportation (aka "straight decK) or
- three that lead to an engineering license: Marine Engineering (aka "straight engine"); Marine Engineering Systems; or Shipyard Management.

Why USMMA is moving this way and doing away with the so called "shopper" major - Marine Operations and Technology is a little perplexing. Elsewhere in the world most international maritime institutions of higher education are going to a dual major because of the increasing role of automation, automated systems and reduced shipboard manning. However, as of the Class of 2015, my understanding is "shopper" is no longer being offered as a choice of major.
 
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I'm a little disappointed that there's no option to mix between deck and engine majors. I'm interested in both. But thanks for the information. I was offered a prep appointment and was trying to figure out the possibilities at USMMA.
 
You can still take some engineering electives as a deck major to give you some background on that side of things. But I agree, it is a shame not to have a dual major type option anymore.
 
One of the first courses you will take at KP before declaring a major is KP100 (I may have the course number wrong) it gives an introduction to both the deck and engine side. After this class miss choose a major. Mids also talk to upperclassmen about their sea experiences and career paths. My DS went into KP with one path in mind and then changed to the other path.
I believe that the dual major was eliminated due to Coast Guard and ABED changes.
 
I must say that I thought the dual major was over rated. My roommate was one and all I ever saw of him was insane study hours and a decreased overall understanding of both as compared to the straight majors.

As someone who sailed for a bit on oil tankers I think the shopper's were probably the most well rounded of all graduates. Although I didn't think I was at that much of a disadvantage it would have been nice to understand the workings of the pump system a bit better.
 
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