Background

America’s five State Maritime Academies (SMAs) are unique institutions within the landscape of higher education. They offer specialized training and education focused on maritime industries, which play a critical role in global commerce, defense, and transportation. Unlike traditional universities, these academies provide hands-on, career-oriented programs that prepare students for leadership roles in the U.S. Merchant Marines, maritime law, shipbuilding, and naval architecture, among other fields.

The importance of these academies lies in their direct alignment with national security and economic interests. They not only educate students in technical and engineering disciplines but also instill leadership skills through regimented, quasi-military training. This blend of academic rigor and real-world experience ensures graduates are ready for the complexities of maritime careers, making America’s Maritime academies vital for maintaining the nation’s global maritime presence and operational readiness.

A crux of these academies is the designated training ships, on which all students, regardless of major, complete an extended training cruise. On this cruise, their hands-on skills and leadership are put to the test in real-world situations. Every summer, thousands of students sail the globe on these ships, taking classes and furthering their unique learning experience.

The National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, authorized by the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, was designed to replace the aging fleet of training ships used by state maritime academies. These vessels are critical to preparing future mariners for the U.S. Merchant Marine and other maritime industries. The NSMVs are unique in that they serve dual purposes: not only as advanced training platforms for cadets, but also as national assets capable of supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and homeland security missions.

The program’s importance lies in its role in maintaining a modern, capable fleet for maritime education, ensuring that state academies can continue to provide practical, hands-on training. Additionally, the NSMVs enhance the U.S.’s ability to respond to national emergencies, making them vital for both workforce development and national security.

The first two ships, Empire State and Patriot State, have already been delivered to their respective universities while the remaining three are in progress, and final delivery is expected in 2026.

Ensuring that the NSMVs are fully accessible to students and individuals with disabilities is vital for fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity in maritime education. Just as universities are required to comply with ADA standards, these state-of-the-art training vessels should reflect the same commitment to accessibility, allowing all cadets, regardless of physical ability, to fully participate in hands-on training and leadership experiences at sea.

What’s needed?

While the nature of the design of these ships, known as Roll-on / Roll-off type, incorporates elevators, ramps, and other features that would allow disabled individuals to access many areas of the ship, further adjustments are needed in areas such as stateroom accommodations and bathrooms to provide adequate space for such individuals to move around.  Moreover, we hope that a holistic evaluation can be conducted to ensure mobility-impaired students and faculty are empowered to use these crucial training ships.

By incorporating ADA-compliant features—such as accessible living quarters, classrooms, common areas, and decks—NSMVs can accommodate cadets with mobility impairments and other disabilities, ensuring that no student is left behind in pursuing a maritime career. Additionally, this accessibility is crucial in preparing a diverse workforce, where all individuals can contribute to national security missions, disaster relief operations, and emergency response efforts. Investing in accessible NSMVs supports maritime academies’ broader mission of training the next generation of mariners while upholding the principles of equity and inclusion.