[2] Due in part to the Civil War, there was a decline in the American maritime industry and a growing concern about the professionalism of its officers.

Originally administered by the Board of Education of the City of New York, it was conducted as a grammar school that taught common school subjects (along with nautical classes) during the winter term, and then held practical cruises during the summer term.

With the growing demand, a push was made by then superintendent James Harvey Tomb beginning in 1927 to acquire a larger ship and a land-based institution.

The school, renamed the New York State Merchant Marine Academy in 1929, finally became land-based in 1938 at the Maritime College's present Throggs Neck campus in Fort Schuyler.

[4] All of the college's bachelor's degree programs may be combined with preparation for the professional license as a United States Merchant Marine Officer.

The college also offers a master's degree in International Transportation Management and Maritime and Naval Studies; as well as several graduate Professional Mariner Training certificates.

[5] Most of the degree programs may be completed while concurrently preparing for the United States Merchant Marine officer's license as a third mate or third assistant engineer.

[6] The Maritime Privateers compete in 16 NCAA Division III varsity sports (8 men's, 6 women's, 2 co-ed).

Incoming Cadets must go through Indoctrination (shortened to INDOC), ten days of training in August where they learn leadership and basic seamanship skills.