Maine Maritime Academy cadets get firefighting training at Port Canaveral

The vessel is carrying 177 cadets on the second of three training cruises for 2021, which began July 7 from its homeport in Castine, Maine.

Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray, an alumnus of the Maine Maritime Academy, welcomed State of Maine Capt. Gordon 'Mac' MacArthur, presenting a traditional plaque to commemorate the vessel’s inaugural visit.

'The future of the maritime industry depends on the education and learning experiences of these cadets,' Murray said. 'We are proud to host this training ship at our port and wish all aboard great success with their sea term.'

Shipboard and LNG fire training

Port Canaveral’s Maritime Training Academy was established to train seafarers and shipboard personnel, as well as professional firefighters serving seaport communities. All Maine Maritime Academy cadets had classroom training followed by hands-on training with Canaveral Fire Rescue personnel for simulated shipboard and LNG fire training.

Port Canaveral is home to the Americas' first LNG-powered cruise ship, Mardi Gras. 

State of Maine, owned and operated by the US Maritime Administration, has been used as a training vessel by the Maine Maritime Academy since 1997. The academy is one of six  in the US. Cadets pursuing certain maritime careers requiring US Coast Guard licensure must sail a specified number of hours to earn a certification.

Hosting students over many years

Port Canaveral has been welcoming students from various maritime programs for many years. The port has hosted cadets and faculty from Texas A&M Maritime Academy aboard the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s training ship Kennedy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s training ship General Rudder and the US Coast Guard Academy’s training vessel, Eagle.