Based on academic majors cadets are organized into Squads, Sections, Divisions and Companies which regularly muster in Morning Formations multiple times a week, as well as stand watches on campus and aboard the training ship.

In January 1990 RADM John J. Ekelund, then president, resigned amidst allegations of mistreatment of the academy's first female cadets.

[9][10] This led to a gradual elimination of military regimentation of cadets' life and training, as well as leading to becoming part of the California State University System.

The California Maritime Academy Corps of Cadets is a cadet-run organization, consisting of over 1000 members, modeled after the Naval Regiment of Midshipmen.

The Office of Leadership Development is Commandant of Cadets, who is appointed by California Maritime Academy and is a paid staff and faculty member.

Currently, cadets in non-leadership positions wear sleeve striping and rank insignia that corresponds to their academic class standing.

Reserve Officer Training Corps, Civil Air Patrol, and other program awards are not allowed to be worn on the CMA cadet uniform.