Marine Engineering Technology - Course Planning

The Seattle Maritime Academy will train you in the theory, design, operation and maintenance of marine propulsion plants, auxiliary machinery and associated equipment. In addition to classroom instruction in our new state-of-the-art facility, you will spend time at sea aboard a training vessel and participate in an at-sea internship on a commercial vessel.

Below is a sample schedule for the program. Please consult the class schedule and with the program as course offerings may vary.

First Quarter

MGO 101: Principles of Marine Mechanics
2 credits
Provides training in proper use of hand tools, power tools (both hand and stationary) and measuring instruments commonly used in mechanical trades. Covers safe work practices, including safety equipment, work procedures, etiquette and regulatory considerations. Includes fastenings, bearings, seals, gasketing methods and other relevant materials and equipment.

MGO 103: Survival Craft
3 credits
A study of survival craft commonly found aboard ships today. Training in lifeboat operation and handling congruous to that required for the U.S. Coast Guard rating of Lifeboatman. Includes lifeboat nomenclature and equipment, launching procedures, handling by oars, inflatables and other types of lifesaving equipment.

MGO 105: Leadership and Management
3 credits
Examines relevant concepts and principles in management, leadership and organizational communication as they apply aboard ship. Emphasis on instilling an attitude and work ethic required to realize the objectives of Social Responsibility advocated by the STCW Code. Satisfies the General Education Requirement in human relations.

MGO 111: Seamanship
3 credits
Study in seamanship to prepare for employment aboard ship. Includes training in seamanship congruous to that required for the U.S. Coast Guard rating of Able Seaman (AB). Includes nomenclature, ship structure, vessel equipment, deck fittings, knots and splices, rigging and watchstanding duties.

MGO 113: Marine Safety
3 credits
Covers basic damage control, marine fire–fighting and other safety topics to prepare for employment in the marine industry. Includes stability changes to a damaged vessel, emergency repairs to hull and vessel systems, proper use of marine fire–fighting equipment, vessel safety equipment, shipboard emergency procedures and survival at sea.

MGO 119: Marine Mathematics
3 credits
Reviews algebraic and trigonometric methods. Includes the basics of signed numbers, linear equations, fractions, percentages, plane geometry, measurement and variables which represent additional aspects of mathematics required to solve shipboard problems. Satisfies the General Education Requirement in computation.

MTS 217: Diesel Engine Maintenance and Operation
4 credits
A course in marine diesel engines that includes theory, operation, troubleshooting and repair. Students will learn fundamental operating procedures for marine diesel engines. Instructional format combines classroom lectures with applied training in diesel engine labs.

MTS 228: Marine Hydraulics
5 credits
Basic survey course utilizing lectures, laboratory experiments, and practical demonstrations. Students will perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of marine hydraulic equipment. The student will be required to disassemble, analyze and re–assemble various hydraulic components.


Second Quarter

MGO 127: Fundamentals of Marine Electricity
4 credits
Fundamentals of AC and DC electricity and elementary electronics. Focuses on basic theory, measurements and instruments, routine maintenance of electrical components and general operation of shipboard electrical systems.

MGO 147: Marine Engineering Practicum
6 credits
Introductory underway practicum. Receive an indoctrination to both watchstanding duties and shipboard responsibilities of a marine engineer. Covers how to read vessel blueprints, trace machinery systems and troubleshoot simulated malfunctions. Involves 12-hour voyages weekly aboard SMA's training vessels.

MTS 233: Marine Refrigeration
5 credits
Fundamentals of refrigeration cycles, system components, common refrigerants, theory of operation and preventive maintenance techniques as they apply in the marine industry.

MTS 263: Propulsion Systems
3 credits
Focuses on the principles, operation, maintenance and repair of select propulsion systems. Includes design and application of engines and related systems such as fuel, lubricating, cooling, exhaust and heat recovery. Includes reduction gears, shafting, bearings and propellers.

MTS 285: Marine Boilers
3 credits
Combines theory and applied training in operating steam boilers. Covers the principles, operation, maintenance and repair of marine boilers.


Third Quarter

ENGL 105: Applied Composition
3 credits
Covers skills and strategies needed to meet writing demands in college and on the job.

MGO 177: Advanced Engineering Practicum
6 credits
Advanced underway practicum. Under supervision, assume the role of Designated Duty Engineer aboard ship and be responsible for all facets of the operation of the engine room and related equipment while the training vessel is underway. Demonstrate competency, proficiency and confidence in running an engine room without guidance. Involves weekly 12–hour voyages aboard SMA's training vessels.

MTS 212: Auxiliary Machinery and Ship Design
4 credits
Intro to auxiliary machinery and naval architecture. Includes heat exchangers, pumps, air ejectors, steering gear, distilling plants, pressure vessels, piping systems, cargo handling equipment, vessel design, vessel structure and stability.

MTS 221: Applied Marine Electricity
4 credits
An applied course in AC and CD motors and generator applications. In this course the student will apply AC and DC electrical theory to typical marine equipment. Topics covered include: 3-phase circuits and transformers, DC machines, AC machines, batteries and power electronics. The student receives practical experience in operating marine electrical equipment in the laboratory, on a panel board simulator and aboard ship.

MTS 257: Advanced Diesel Engines
4 credits
Continuation of MTS 217. Advanced training in the disassembly and rebuilding of marine diesel engines. Special emphasis on air intake systems, fuel injectors, governors, lubrication systems, cylinder wear, ring wear, piston clearances, bearing wear and crankshaft alignment.

MTS 284: Shipboard Pollution Prevention
2 credits
Using a non–technical format, review issues in pollution prevention and control as they impact on the duties and tasks performed by deck and/or engineering personnel onboard ship.

MTS 294: License Seminar
2 credits
Seminar on licensure knowledge requirements for deck/engineering candidates preparing to take the U.S. Coast Guard deck/engineering exams. Learn to consult and reference the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46 and other publications.


Fourth Quarter

MGO 200: At Sea Internship
5 credits
Provides real–world at–sea experience on vessels of at least 500 gross tons that operate beyond the boundary line. During 30-60 day internship demonstrate mastery of the competencies outlined in Table A–II/4 of STCW for ratings forming part of navigational watch or Table A–III/4 of STCW for ratings forming part of an engineering watch.

73-77 total certificate credits

Questions about course planning? Contact Seattle Maritime Academy staff and faculty for help.