This FAQ answer most common questions. If you have another question please contact the program coordinator.

Q. Do I need to enroll in classes?

A. Yes. Students will take a minimum of 12 Cal Poly quarter units pluse 2 CMA semester units of training. All students on board must take a 40-hour life saving program that helps prepare them for emergencies that may occur on board. This course is scheduled one week prior to departure. A 30-hour seminar is also provided to allow students to familiarize themselves with fire safety, seamanship, navigation, engineering, communication, rescue-at-sea, and marine environmental protection. Please review the Academic Program page for current offerings.

Q. How do I register for classes?

A. Cal Poly students register as they normally would for classes here on campus. Non-Cal Poly students would register through Cal Poly's Continuing Education Open University Program. Please contact the director to learn how to enroll via open university.

Q. Do I have to be a Cal Poly student in order to participate?

A. No. Most students will be Cal Poly Students, but it is not a requirement. If there is space available, this program is open to other students who are enrolled in a university and can meet the minimum gpa requirement. Please contact the director to learn how to enroll via Intra-System Visitor or open university.

Q. Can I use financial aid to pay for the program?

A. Yes, eligible students, both those now receiving financial aid and those not receiving financial aid, may qualify for aid. In some cases, financial aid will be increased to meet the extra expenses incurred with an overseas quarter. It is highly recommended that you consult a financial aid officer to discuss your individual situation.

Q. Are computers available on board?

A. Yes. There is a lab with 12 fully equipped PCs. There will likely be a range of multimedia software, capability for burning CD-ROMS, digital cameras, etc. for student use, but if you have a laptop - bring it. Each room has a intranet drop and e-mail is available at an additional cost.

Q. How do I communicate back home while on cruise?

A. A phone card with international access numbers can be very helpful for calling home while in port. Some destination ports have Internet cafes where, for a charge, you can log in to your Internet e-mail account and send/receive messages. The ship has affordable e-mail and you will be able to set up an account on board. It is always a good idea to have paper, envelopes and American stamps with you because on occasion individuals leave after some legs and may be able to mail letters for you in the US. There is a phone onboard for emergencies, but this is very expensive, so don't rely on it.

Q. If there is an emergency back home, can they reach me while I'm at sea?

A. In case of an emergency while at sea

CALIFORNIA MARITIME ACADEMY - (707) 654-1031

- OR -

MARICOPY - They can send a message to anyone at sea from their telephone via COMSAT Maritime Services. Call 1-800-826-8680 and dictate the message to a COMSAT maritime operator. Give the name of the vessel (Training Ship Golden Bear), the MMSI identification number (#436797810), and the destined party (Your Name, Cal Poly). Messages are telexed via satellite and should be delivered to the vessel within one hour. In the event they are unable to contact the vessel after 24 hours, the sender will be notified of the non-delivery on no charges will be incurred. The call can be charged to American Express, Mastercard, or Visa Credit cards.

Q. How long will I be at sea?

A. The entire trip is typically approximately 62 days long. However, students who have not participated in this program previously are also required to attend a Basic Lifesaving course that runs for three days prior to departure. Currently the tentative dates for cruise 2008 are April 23rd to June 19th.

Q. What bedding is provided on the ship?

A. Students need to bring their own sheets, blankets, pillow and pillowcases. Sleeping bags are not allowed. The rooms tend to be on the chilly side so a good blanket and spread will come in handy. Also, the beds are a bit longer than standard twin, so be sure to have tall sheets.

Q. The website said that there was a uniform fee, is that expense required for non maritime students?

A. CMA requires visiting students to wear a uniform in order to maintain moral issues and to help people recognize each other. The uniform for visiting students are khaki pants or jeans, a t-shirt, polo-shirt, a sweat shirt and a cap. The pants are not included in the uniform cost only the shirts and the ball cap. Each piece has a CMA emblem on it, so you'll have a souvenir from the cruise. For incremental weather, any solid blue coat will be appropriate, whether logo or plain. You may also wish to bring lightweight yellow rain gear.

Q. Can we select our own cabin mates?

A. We will collect all cabin preferences in February and submit those to the captain. The captain will take those into account, but has the final call on cabin assignments.

Q. How do I keep clothes clean?

A. The ship has laundromats on each floor with schedules of operation to give you a chance to do a laundry at least twice a week (except when in port). Please do not bring laundry soap or bleach of any kind. The ship will supply you with laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. However, we do suggest you bring dryer sheets.

Q. What type of shoes are best?

A. You need to have white or near white gym shoes. Good traction is recommended.

Q. Is there a bank on board the ship?

A. There isn't a bank or purser on board the ship, so you will have to keep track of your money. It is recommended that you have two ATM cards in case one becomes damaged. Also, credit cards (Mastercard and VISA are widely accepted). We found VISA accepted more often than Mastercard.

Q. Should I exchange currency before I leave?

A. It is not necessary to exchange currency prior to departure. There are plenty of opportunities to exchange currency while in port and the crew will inform you on where you can go. In most ports, we even exchange money on the ship the morning of our arrival.