New Maritime Business Course for Cadets Aboard TS Kennedy    

This summer, over 500 cadets will set sail on the TS Kennedy for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s annual summer sea term for license-option students and for the first time, students can take a maritime business administration course while on board.

The course is a directed elective and worth three credit hours. It also counts toward a maritime business administration minor or an elective for the Master of Maritime Business Administration and Logistics license-option students. Though it's a maritime business administration course, the subject matter is designed entirely with deck cadets in mind. Maritime Business Administration professor and course instructor Cassia Bomer Galvao based the course structure and critical dates on the ship's itinerary and the rotation schedule the cadets follow while on the ship, such as standing watch, maintenance and major-specific classes.  

"The course is entirely new, and it will focus on the main aspects of the maritime business domain, including shipping, ports and logistics," said Galvao. "I have built the course content with consideration to the most relevant aspects of the business side that our cadets should learn and become familiar with as they become professionals in the maritime industry."

Students will have the chance to learn both theoretical and practical approaches to maritime business, including economics, strategic management, marketing and operations of shipping companies, ports, terminals and other maritime logistics companies. Galvao said that the course will emphasize current challenges and trends in maritime business practices. 

Galvao told bldg. 311, "I am excited to be part of this year's summer sea term. This is a new project for me and my home department, Maritime Business Administration. With the support of our campus leadership, I am confident that we can successfully enrich our students' learning experience on the TS Kennedy!"

Originally considered in 2019, the course could not be fully developed because of the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Galvao restarted the project early this year. Supported by Colonel Michael Fossum, vice president of Texas A&M University, chief operating officer of the Galveston Campus and superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy; Captain Allan Post, deputy superintendent; Captain Ryan Vechan, interim department head and associate professor of the practice and mate in the Department of Maritime Transportation and Dr. JoAnn DiGeorgio, interim department head of the Department of Maritime Business administration and department head of the Department of Liberal Studies, Galvao presented a proposal to the curriculum committee and Department of Maritime Transportation leadership, which was ultimately accepted. She will be on board the TS Kennedy teaching alongside the Maritime Transportation faculty this summer.