Merchant Marines aid the Navy in a time of war by providing civilian shipping for military operations. Additionally, they are required to maintain good academic standing with a grade point of 2.0 or better and must pass a semi-annual Physical Readiness Test. Students will be offered the opportunity to join the MMR during the orientation period of their first year at Cal Maritime. Applicants will be interviewed by the Merchant Marine Reserve Training Officer to determine aptitude for naval service and must apply and be selected for an appointment as Midshipman, U.S. Naval Reserve concurrent Navy Enlisted Reserve Status. Obligation Midshipmen are commissioned as Ensigns in the U.S. Naval Reserve upon graduation and are obligated to maintain their Coast Guard license and participate in the Naval Reserve for six years.
Reservists perform two weeks of active duty per year for six years.
In addition, they are required to maintain employment in the maritime industry for three years. Midshipmen also have the opportunity to apply for an active duty commission in the Navy or another branch of the Armed Forces.