California Maritime Academy, Vallejo, Calif., is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States. The school's curriculum is a specialized combination of classroom instruction, experiential learning and professional development to prepare students for careers in the marine industry.
California Maritime's new $7.2 million, 21,000-square-foot Simulation Center replicates the feel of being at sea and provides cadets with complex situations commonly faced by maritime crews around the world. All simulation suites enable students to navigate ships and vessels with life-like accuracy in a variety of environments, weather conditions and events of global impact. Simulation sessions are recorded to monitor how cadets react to the unexpected and how they can respond better to serious situations.
The two-story, steel-braced frame structure is organized by three main components: an elongated classroom and office block, and two double-height, full-mission bridge simulation suites. Lecture space, a technical library, conference rooms and other support spaces also are included.
Architect for the project, which was completed last fall, is NBBJ (San Francisco).
