The U.S. Training Ship Golden Bear, the 500-foot behemoth of the California State University Maritime Academy, rolled into Nawiliwili Harbor this past Saturday, bringing a touch of mainland maritime might to the tropical shores of Kauai. The ship, affectionately known as the TS Golden Bear, docked at Pier 2, casting a long shadow over the former bulk sugar storage facility and drawing the eyes of locals and visitors alike. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, with outrigger canoe clubs buzzing with excitement as they prepared for the Kalapaki Bay regatta.
Onboard, the TS Golden Bear carried 273 cadets, including 12 from the Hawaiian Islands, and a crew of 53 officers and staff. This stop in Nawiliwili is just the third day of a grueling two-month international training voyage, a rite of passage for the cadets of Cal Maritime. The ship’s visit isn’t just a pit stop; it’s an opportunity for the public to get a firsthand look at what goes on aboard this floating classroom. Public tours are happening today and Monday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. But don’t forget your ID and closed-toe shoes—safety first, folks!
The TS Golden Bear is more than just a ship; it’s a hands-on classroom where cadets learn the ropes, literally. During the voyage, these young mariners will be responsible for running the ship, from navigating the vast Pacific to keeping the engines purring like a well-oiled machine. It’s a steep learning curve, but it’s all part of the Cal Maritime experience.
Over the course of the approximately 65-day voyage, cadets will log around 12,000 nautical miles, stopping at ports along the Pacific Rim, including San Diego, Guam, Saipan, Seattle, and now, Kauai. This isn’t just a joyride; it’s a crucial part of the Cal Maritime curriculum, offering cadets practical, at-sea training that they can’t get anywhere else.
The Summer Sea Term is a signature element of Cal Maritime’s experiential learning model. It’s where cadets apply classroom knowledge in real maritime settings, under the watchful eyes of the ship’s captain, licensed faculty, and a crew of seasoned mariners. The programs offered—marine transportation, marine engineering technology, and mechanical engineering—lead to a Merchant Mariner license from the U.S. Coast Guard, in addition to a bachelor’s degree. And the payoff? A nearly 98 percent job placement rate and an average starting salary of $90,000 or more. Not too shabby, huh?
The TS Golden Bear’s trip to Kauai was made possible by Brant Tanaka, a Cal Maritime alumnus and Kauai native, who worked with Jessica Fowler, the assistant to Capt. Samar Bannister on the TS Golden Bear. It’s a testament to the power of alumni networks and the far-reaching impact of Cal Maritime’s programs.
So, what does this mean for the future of the maritime industry? Well, for starters, it’s a clear sign that hands-on, experiential learning is here to stay. The maritime industry is complex and ever-changing, and the best way to prepare the next generation of mariners is to give them real-world experience. Cal Maritime’s Summer Sea Term is a shining example of this approach, and it’s no surprise that the academy consistently ranks as a top university for return-on-investment.
But it’s not just about the cadets. The TS Golden Bear’s visit to Kauai is also a chance for the local community to engage with the maritime industry, to learn about the opportunities it offers, and to see firsthand the dedication and skill of the people who keep our seas safe and our economies humming. It’s a reminder that the maritime industry is not just about ships and cargo; it’s about people, too.
As the TS Golden Bear continues its voyage, let’s hope that the excitement and engagement it’s sparked in Kauai will ripple outwards, inspiring more young people to consider a career at sea. The maritime industry needs fresh talent, and Cal Maritime is leading the way in training the next generation. So, here’s to the TS Golden Bear, to Cal Maritime, and to the cadets who are learning the ropes and charting their own courses. Fair winds and following seas, indeed.