Midshipman David M. Kimmerlein, son of Jennifer and John Kimmerlein, of Bainbridge Island recently completed Sea Year training at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

Kimmerlein was nominated to the elite federal service academy by Congressman Derek Kilmer. He is a graduate of Bainbridge High School.

“The World is Our Campus” is emblematic of Sea Year, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s signature training program where midshipmen spend one year training aboard ocean going vessels. Midshipman Kimmerlein traveled to Panama, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Jordan, the Suez Canal, Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast aboard the M/V Patriot, M/V Mahimahi, and M/V Marjorie C.

Sea Year is fundamental to the maritime education provided by USMMA and is mandated by Congress. It is an immersive program in which midshipmen are assigned to commercial vessels as officers in training to learn maritime skills in a real-world environment.

When asked about Sea Year, Kimmerlein stated, “Sea Year gave me a taste of just how much the world has to offer. Being able to experience various cultures around the world is a truly eye opening experience, giving me a sense of wonder for what the world has to offer while increasing my appreciation for home.”

The Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their congressman or senator.