Health Requirements
An applicant must be physically and mentally capable of performing all work required in the academic courses and in the annual practical work periods. All students will be issued a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document with Student Observer classification. To meet the document’s requirement, an applicant must have the agility, strength, and flexibility to climb steep or vertical ladders; maintain balance on a moving deck; pull heavy objects, up to 50 lbs in weight, distances of up to 400 feet; rapidly don an exposure suit; step over doorsills of 24 inches in height and open or close watertight doors that may weigh up to 56 pounds. Any condition that poses an inordinate risk of sudden incapacitation or debilitating complication, and any condition requiring medication that impairs judgment or reaction time are potentially disqualifying. Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Admissions to determine if they can complete the academic and practical aspects of the program with reasonable accommodation. The Institute reserves the right to exclude from continued class attendance or enrollment any student who, in the judgment of the authorities, is not physically or mentally qualified to follow the regular curricular program.