Cal Maritime Academy cadets embark on training voyage

Times-Herald staff report
Posted: 05/06/2010 01:01:32 AM PDT

Nearly 260 cadets from California Maritime Academy in Vallejo are heading to Korea, Japan, Guam and Saipan on their two-month training voyage.

The school's 500-foot training vessel, Golden Bear, is serving as their floating classroom. Under the supervision of nearly 50 faculty and staff, students operate and maintain all aspects of the vessel.

This year's voyage began this week with a day of training exercises in the San Francisco Bay. With students at the helm, the ship visited the ports of Richmond and Oakland; students also did maneuvering and anchoring exercises off Treasure Island before docking in San Francisco. The ship left San Francisco's Pier 27 Monday morning.

At Busan, Korea, some students majoring in international business and global and marine affairs will go ashore to learn more about the history, culture and commercial business operations of Korea and Japan. They will rejoin the others when Golden Bear makes her second port of call in Kobe, Japan.

CMA spokesman Doug Webster said the ashore and port visits are part of Cal-Maritime's efforts to expose students to global marine affairs. "We want to expose students to the global community and their role in it," he said.

Every Cal-Maritime student sails on at least one training voyage, and those seeking careers in the maritime industry must complete at least two tours.

This year's trip also include dropping off donations at a Korean orphanage. The campus-based Kiwanis Club collects money and supplies during each year.

For details about the cruise and to follow the Golden Bear's voyage online, go to www.csum.edu and click on the link for "Follow the Voyage 2010."