Marine Science

Cadets in MMA's Marine Science class take to the water on Academy sailing vessels almost every weekend during the school year. To MMA Mariners these field trips are not simply recreational activities, but a chance to demonstrate their mastery of the hands-on part of the Marine Science curriculum. Although each field trip is a mandatory, graded exercise, Cadets still find the challenge a fun way to break the regular campus routine. In addition to learning sailing skills, Cadets also study piloting, radar navigation, marine physics and engineering and are certified by the United States Power Squadrons. MMA's Marine Science course is the only course of its kind among military academies and is offered as a Science credit.

The Marine Science program offers Cadets exciting new challenges unavailable to most secondary school Cadets. Putting the principle of "learning by doing" into action, each MMA Mariner learns to apply classroom theory to the actual operation and navigation of Academy sail training vessels. Through a closely supervised program of interdisciplinary instruction and hands-on training, the Cadet obtains a firm appreciation of the historic and scientific principles which underlie the nautical world, while developing the confidence and skill to meet the physical challenges of the marine environment. The MMA Marine Science program is the ideal choice for Cadets planning a sea service career or for adventurous Cadets in search of wider personal and academic horizons.

The marine science program at Marine Military Academy offers its Cadets a truly unique educational experience. Seamanship and navigation are the heart of this year-long course of study, and Cadets have ample opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the actual marine environment. On a weekly basis, MMA Mariners set sail from local ports aboard 16-foot sloops and skiffs in two- or three-man crews. After they have mastered the basics in protected waters, they venture forth into the Laguna Madre to test their skills in more challenging waters. Near the end of the academic year, top marine science students may participate in a long-distance offshore cruise aboard a 28-foot sloop. All MMA Mariners qualify as recipients of the United States Power Squadrons certification, and the top Cadet is recognized at year's end as MMA Mariner of the Year. Hands-on sailing activities are complemented by classroom instruction in piloting, marine physics, marine engineering and radar navigation, during which Cadets learn to operate an actual marine radar. Having successfully completed the program, MMA Mariners receive a full elective science credit.

Marine Science is a full-year science credit course which introduces the Cadet to advanced concepts of marine operations and navigation. Interdisciplinary by nature, this course applies the laws of mathematics, geometry, physics and astronomy to the marine world. Principle operational topics include stability and flotation, aerodynamics, and naval architecture. Principle navigational topics include advanced piloting, electronic navigation, computerized radar plotting, and an introduction to celestial navigation. Sail training aboard a square-rigged ship, offshore navigation exercises, and sea duty aboard U.S. Coast Guard vessels are featured activities for the advanced Cadet. Former Mariners may obtain advanced certification by the United States Power Squadrons. Participation in field trips is mandatory. A Cadet activity fee is required.

About the Instructor

Jada Thacker is an MMA alumnus from the class of 1971, and is a former MMA Teacher of the Year. He earned his master's degree at Texas A&M University and holds a United States Coast Guard Masters License, with Sail, Auxiliary Sail, and Radar endorsements. A graduate of Naval Aviation Schools Command, he is a former naval officer and is a current member of the United States Power Squadrons, holding advanced certification. He is a commercial charter captain in the Gulf of Mexico, and has 20 years experience in marine education and operations.