The Department of Cadet Professional Maritime Studies enhances the military education and preparation of cadets for a career in the Coast Guard after graduation. The mission of Professional Maritime Studies is to prepare cadets with professional knowledge and skills for duty as officers in the several career fields immediately following graduation.

Four courses are taught that cover a spectrum of operational topics including basic and advanced navigation, maritime communications, nautical rules of the road, risk management, relative motion theory, collision avoidance, basic emergency procedures and homeland security and maritime domain awareness missions.  The program is enhanced by training and educational opportunities in the navigation lab, training tug boats, ship simulation facilities, and many summer training opportunities at actual working Coast Guard units.