Marine Transportation, Other.

Degree Overview

Marine Transportation, Other (CIP 49.0399) is a specialized maritime and transportation field focused on the operation, coordination, safety, and support of water-based transportation systems that move cargo, passengers, and equipment across oceans, rivers, lakes, and coastal regions. This classification includes marine transportation programs that fall outside traditional deck officer, marine engineering, or vessel-specific training, often emphasizing operations, logistics, safety systems, port coordination, and emerging maritime roles.

For a degree search site, Marine Transportation, Other represents global trade, infrastructure resilience, and operational responsibility. More than 80% of global trade by volume moves by sea, and inland waterways remain critical to energy, agriculture, and manufacturing supply chains. This degree appeals to students who want a career connected to maritime operations without being limited to ship piloting or engine-room roles, offering strong job stability, international relevance, and long-term career growth.

What Is a Marine Transportation Degree?

A Marine Transportation, Other degree or certificate is a workforce-focused program designed to prepare students for non-traditional or cross-functional roles within maritime transportation systems. Programs under the “Other” designation typically emphasize vessel operations support, maritime logistics, port operations, safety management, and regulatory compliance rather than traditional navigation or engineering alone.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Marine transportation systems and operations
• Port, terminal, and harbor coordination
• Maritime safety and environmental compliance
• Cargo handling and logistics
• Communication, documentation, and regulations

Community colleges, maritime academies, universities, and technical institutes offer this degree to:

• Prepare students for marine operations and transportation support roles
• Support port authorities, shipping companies, and maritime services
• Address workforce needs in global and inland waterway systems
• Train professionals for evolving maritime technologies and regulations

Marine transportation programs emphasize safety culture, coordination, and system-wide awareness.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how marine transportation functions as an interconnected system involving vessels, ports, waterways, crews, cargo, and regulations. You’ll study how ships are scheduled, loaded, routed, monitored, and supported from departure through arrival.

The curriculum emphasizes applied operational knowledge rather than hands-on vessel operation alone. Students learn how to interpret maritime regulations, manage documentation, support navigation and safety procedures, and coordinate between ships, ports, and regulatory bodies. Because maritime incidents can have serious safety and environmental consequences, programs emphasize accountability, communication, and procedural discipline.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Marine transportation operations coordination—vessel and port support
• Maritime safety and compliance—regulations and procedures
• Cargo handling and logistics awareness—efficient movement of goods
• Navigation support and situational awareness—waterway operations
• Maritime communication protocols—clear and precise coordination
• Documentation and recordkeeping—manifests, logs, and reports
• Problem-solving under dynamic conditions—weather and delays
• Teamwork across agencies and crews—multi-stakeholder environments

These skills are essential for maintaining safe and efficient marine transportation systems.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by program but often includes:

• Introduction to Marine Transportation Systems: vessels and waterways
• Port and Terminal Operations: loading, unloading, and scheduling
• Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection: spill prevention and response
• Marine Navigation Awareness: charts, routes, and aids to navigation
• Maritime Regulations and Compliance: domestic and international rules
• Cargo Types and Handling Procedures: bulk, container, and hazardous goods
• Marine Weather and Its Impact: operational decision-making
• Emergency and Incident Response: maritime risk management
• Applied Marine Operations Project: real-world case studies

Programs may also introduce emerging areas such as offshore energy support or autonomous vessel systems.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Marine Transportation, Other degree prepares students for operational, coordination, and support roles across maritime and port-based organizations. Advancement is based on experience, regulatory knowledge, and leadership ability.

Common career paths include:

• Marine Transportation or Operations Coordinator: vessel and port support
• Port or Terminal Operations Specialist: cargo and vessel scheduling
• Maritime Safety or Compliance Assistant: regulatory support
• Marine Logistics or Cargo Coordinator: freight movement
• Harbor or Waterway Operations Technician: traffic and safety support
• Vessel Operations Support Staff: documentation and coordination
• Long-Term Path: port manager, operations manager, or maritime supervisor

These roles are essential to keeping maritime trade safe, efficient, and compliant.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in organizations that operate or support marine transportation:

• Ports, harbors, and terminal operators
• Shipping and maritime transportation companies
• Inland waterway and river transport organizations
• Marine logistics and cargo handling firms
• Government and regulatory maritime agencies
• Offshore energy and marine services companies
• Defense and public-sector maritime operations

Marine transportation professionals support both global and domestic trade networks.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary by role, sector, and experience.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level marine operations or logistics roles: often $45,000–$60,000
• Experienced maritime coordination or safety professionals: commonly $60,000–$85,000
• Supervisors, managers, or specialized maritime roles: can reach $90,000–$120,000+

Port authorities, offshore operations, and management roles often include strong benefits and stability.

Is This Degree Hard?

Marine Transportation, Other is considered mentally demanding and responsibility-driven. While it may not require the physical labor of shipboard roles, students must manage complex systems, follow strict regulations, and respond effectively to changing conditions such as weather, traffic, and operational disruptions.

The challenge lies in maintaining situational awareness, regulatory compliance, and clear communication at all times.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Are interested in maritime, shipping, or global trade
• Enjoy coordination, logistics, and systems thinking
• Want a maritime career without piloting or engineering duties
• Prefer operational responsibility over mechanical work
• Like working in regulated, safety-focused environments

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a marine transportation program:

• Take math, geography, physics, and environmental science courses
• Develop strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Learn basic navigation, weather, or maritime concepts if available
• Participate in STEM, maritime, or leadership programs
• Practice responsibility and attention to detail

Marine Transportation, Other (CIP 49.0399) is an excellent degree for students who want to work at the operational heart of maritime trade and transportation. It provides access to a globally significant industry, strong job stability, and meaningful responsibility in keeping goods and people moving safely across waterways. For those drawn to systems, logistics, and maritime environments rather than ship piloting or engine maintenance, this degree offers a powerful and respected pathway into the world of marine transportation.