THE College of The Bahamas and SUNY Maritime College are establishing a stronger working relationship that will allow students from COB’s maritime programme to take courses at the New York campus that would count toward their major studies.

COB wants to expand its offering, with the development of a study abroad programme that would allow students enrolled in its maritime programme and those of SUNY Maritime College to experience both campuses. Additionally, the College wants to develop a School of Maritime Studies at its Grand Bahama campus as Freeport is the hub of maritime activity in The Bahamas.

SUNY Maritime College is the oldest and largest of the seven maritime academies in the United States. Founded in 1874 by the Marine Society of the City of New York, SUNY Maritime is a four-year college, which offers a solid academic programme coupled with a structured cadet life in the regiment for both men and women, or a civilian programme. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with the option of either US Coast Guard licence or intern programmes, summer training cruises abroad, ROTC options and 15 varsity athletic teams.

Rodney Smith, the President of COB, said: “The Bahamas has a great need for the development of the maritime sector, particularly concerning the education of those who wish to have careers in this area. In an address to the House of Assembly in June of this year regarding the 2015/2016 fiscal budget, Glenys Hanna-Martin, Bahamas Minister of Transport and Aviation, outlined that approximately $400,000 will be spent this year in training and in scholarships to exceptional young Bahamians in maritime studies. This contribution alone speaks to our commitment as a country to further developing our maritime sector. Currently, the College offers two dual degrees with SUNY - a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Operations, Unlimited Deck Licence and Bachelor of Science in Maritime Operations, Engine Licence.”

Dr Carlton Watson, Dean of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences in which the maritime programme resides, said: “We want to spend more time in strengthening our partnership with SUNY Maritime, especially in light of the fact that the College is going through a very exciting, transitional time as we’re on the road to University.”

Dr Michael A Alfultis, President of SUNY Maritime College, is a retired US Coast Guard captain currently serving as Rear Admiral in the United States Maritime Service. He said Bahamians should be proud of the students who attend SUNY. “One thing I can say for sure is that the Bahamian students are very proud of where they come from. In fact, our top performing student is a Bahamian,” he said at his address to a special lunchoeon at Choices Dining Room.

D Alfultis’ main focus is to secure funding for the design of a new training ship and to begin that design. In addition to replacing the College’s 50-year-old training ship, Empire State VI, Dr Alfultis intends to address increasing retention and graduation rates, increasing the quality and diversity of the campus by making it more attractive to out-of-state students and veterans and establishing alternative funding sources.