Corps of Cadets
The Corps of Cadets: A Tradition of Excellence
Since its founding in 1929 as the California Nautical School, Cal Poly Maritime Academy has prepared future maritime leaders through academic excellence, hands-on training and professional development. Central to that experience is the Corps of Cadets, which helps students develop the leadership, accountability and teamwork skills essential to success in the maritime profession.
The responsibilities and expectations of the Corps reflect the professional requirements of the maritime industry. Standards related to leadership, integrity, discipline and accountability prepare cadets for careers aboard commercial vessels, in military service and across the transportation, energy and logistics sectors.
As a campus situated on the San Francisco Bay waterfront, Cal Poly Maritime Academy faculty and staff - many of whom are Coast Guard-licensed mariners - support cadets throughout their educational and professional development journey.
This page is an overview. Cadets enrolled in the Corps of Cadets should consult the Corps of Cadets Rules and Regulations course in Canvas for the complete, current and authoritative requirements, including standards, procedures and accountability expectations.
Corps Membership
The Corps of Cadets is available to all students enrolled at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy campus. Some academic programs require membership for the duration of the degree program, while students in other programs may choose to participate in the Corps. Information about eligibility and enrollment timing is provided in the Corps of Cadets Opt-In section below.
Programs with Corps Requirements
Undergraduates pursuing a U.S. Coast Guard license - Third Mate of Unlimited Tonnage or Third Assistant Engineer of Unlimited Tonnage - are required to participate in the Corps while enrolled in the following academic programs:
- Marine Transportation (MT)
- Marine Engineering Technology (MET)
- Mechanical Engineering with License (MEL)
Mechanical Engineering: Students in the non-license Mechanical Engineering track are required to participate in the Corps until they successfully complete CRU 1150, typically during their first year.
Facilities Engineering Technology: Students are required to participate in the Corps until they successfully complete CRU 1150 and all plant operation courses: EPO 1110, EPO 2210 and EPO 3310. This is typically completed during the junior year.
While Corps requirements may seem atypical of an undergraduate program, they are an important curricular component of preparing students for the leadership and professional demands of a seagoing career. The experience helps graduates build the skills and confidence to assume significant responsibility after earning their Merchant Mariner Credentials.
Cadet Expectations and Requirements
The Corps of Cadets is a component of Cal Poly Maritime Academy. Whether participating as an academic requirement or opting in for personal leadership development, all cadets are held to a shared standard of excellence.
Corps Rules and Regulations
In accordance with Title 46, Part 310 of the Code of Federal Regulations, state maritime academies are required to maintain a formal corps or regiment of cadets. Cadets are required to wear uniforms and participate in a regimental disciplinary system. Membership is mandatory for cadets seeking a U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner license and optional for students in eligible academic programs.
The Corps is organized into companies by major and divisions. Cadets attend Corps assemblies, known as formations, and assume scheduled watches.
The Corps of Cadets Rules and Regulations are administered through a Canvas course available in each enrolled cadet's Cal Poly Portal. This course is the official resource for complete and current Corps requirements. It includes:
- Corps of Cadets organizational structure
- Uniform and grooming standards
- Merit and accolades system, including the Commandant's Cup
- Demerit and accountability system
- Random Drug Testing Program
Cadet Experience: General Overview
These standards reflect common expectations throughout state maritime academies and the maritime industry while supporting professionalism, leadership, accountability and attention to detail. Cadets are expected to maintain a professional appearance while in uniform, participating in academic activities, serving aboard training vessels and representing Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
Uniform Requirements
Cadets are required to purchase uniforms upon arrival on campus, or when joining the Corps if they opt in at a later date. Uniforms are required every academic day from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and when performing assigned academic or official university-related activities, including watchstanding on nights, weekends and holidays.
Uniform standards address footwear, socks, pants, shirts, undershirts, outerwear and head coverings. Common uniform types include:
- Khaki Uniform: Standard daily uniform, commonly worn for academic functions.
- Work Uniform (Coveralls): Worn when academic instruction or work requires physical labor or additional personal protective equipment, such as steel-toe work boots or hard hats.
- Dress Uniform (Salt and Peppers): Worn for special events, ceremonies and activities when directed by the Corps Commander, Director of Cadet Leadership or Superintendent.
Download the Cal Poly Maritime Uniform Guide 2026-2027 (PDF)
Grooming Requirements
Cal Poly Maritime Academy maintains a gender-neutral grooming standard. Requirements and expectations apply to all cadets as they relate to personal presentation.
- Hair: Hair must maintain a professional appearance, support safety and allow for the proper wear of required uniform items. Hair that extends below the bottom of the back shirt collar when unsecured must be secured so it does not fall more than three inches below the collar.
- Fingernails: May not extend more than one-quarter inch beyond the fingertip.
- Facial hair: Cadets must report each day clean-shaven or with an approved facial-hair style. Mustaches and sideburns are permitted within Corps standards. Beards and other facial-hair styles are not permitted while in uniform unless an exception is approved by the Office of Cadet Leadership and Development.
- Jewelry and accessories: Cadets may wear limited accessories while in uniform in accordance with Corps standards. Authorized items include stud earrings that meet established size requirements; one ring per hand, with an engagement and wedding set considered a single ring; necklaces tucked inside the uniform; and one bracelet and one wristwatch or fitness tracker worn on opposite wrists.
When aboard a commercial vessel or another state maritime academy's training ship, cadets may be required to temporarily meet the grooming standards prescribed for that program.
Medical Requirements
Cadets must meet U.S. Coast Guard and Cal Poly Maritime Academy medical requirements to sail aboard the Academy's training ship, participate in the commercial training program and be eligible for a Merchant Mariner Credential. The campus Health Clinic and Coast Guard Licensing Office assist cadets with medical evaluations and applications for the required Coast Guard Medical Certificate.
Drug Testing
All cadets are required to participate in a mandatory random Drug Testing Program consistent with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Testing includes screening for commonly abused substances, including marijuana and its active ingredients.
Corps of Cadets Opt-In
Students in the following programs may opt in to the Corps of Cadets. Eligible undergraduate students may enroll before the start of each semester if they have at least 60 units remaining toward degree completion:
- International Business and Logistics
- Global Studies and Maritime Affairs / International Strategy and Security
- Oceanography
Transfer students in these programs may opt in before the start of their second semester at Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
Contact
Contact the Office of Cadet Leadership and Development for more information.