Superintendent’s Welcome

On behalf of our alumni, cadets, faculty and staff, welcome to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. The maritime academy is located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. This area, long known as a vacation destination, is referred to as the “Cherry Capital” of the United States. While our orchards and vineyards receive international acclaim, the parks, sand dunes and lakes continue to bring visitors each year. A person looking for adventure and outdoor recreational opportunities while receiving the finest in maritime education will be well served.

The past few years have been an exciting time of growth and investment in the future of our programs. As the state maritime academy of Michigan, we are committed to providing all graduates with the latest in technology and training. The new maritime campus opened in the fall of 2003. Our training ship, State of Michigan, arrived in 2002 and facilitated a complete harbor renovation completed 2005. While we are proud of our new maritime complex, it is the cadets within the program which make the academy a special place. Since 1969 we have been providing our unique industry with merchant marine officers and business professionals that sail the Great Lakes and Oceans. Shipping companies of all types continue to indicate an insatiable demand for our graduates.

I encourage you to research carefully the contents of this Web site. Our enrollment reflects students from across the nation and world. Better yet, contact us directly to learn more about our programs and arrange a campus visit. Our faculty and staff would be pleased to answer questions.

RADM, John Tanner, USMS
Superintendent, Great Lakes Maritime Academy