The “SEA Semester” is totally different from the “Semester at Sea” – the latter, you are a passenger on a cruise ship; the former you are crew on a sailing vessel (www.sea.edu). You might also look into Sail Training on American tall ships (www.sailtraining.org) or international tall ships, like the Barque Picton Castle (www.picton-castle.com)
Are you suggesting this kiddo enlist in the Coast Guard…or are you suggesting he apply to the Coast Guard Academy?
Thank you, all, for your responses. I’m exploring all if the suggestions that were given, and really appreciate them. @Counselmom , the Coast Guard Academy would be a great fit, and would eliminate the need for a gap year, I believe (I did a little online investigation last year). He does well academically, is very physically fit, a year-round athelete used to dealing with challenging situations, and he does well in a disciplined environment. But, he has ADHD and takes medication for it; he would have to be medication - free for one year in order to he eligible. I don’t think that’s possibe, at least not at this point.
What about the Merchant Marine Academy?
My D did a Gap Year and spent part of her year doing an internship with the Student Conservation Association. While most of these internships are land-based, I recall a few that required kids to spend a good portion of the day in a boat of some type. It is certainly worth looking into. They provide housing, a small stipend, and travel funds. So it is not an expensive option. The kids work hard and learn a lot. They certainly have an opportunity to develop independent living skills. I think it has made a big difference in my D’s maturity and confidence.http://www.thesca.org/
With respect to the US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY), there are also six state Maritime academies (Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Michigan, Texas, California): https://www.marad.dot.gov/education/maritime-academies/
Hi, @thumper1 . I think all of the academies have the same restrictions re: medication for ADHD. He’d have to be medication - free for a year, which won’t be possible in the near future. Thanks, though. Sad because I think it would be a good fit, otherwise. Does anyone know if they make exceptions to this rule? It’s his only physical limitation.
@colfac92 , thanks. I will look into those suggestions.
Thank you, @LeftofPisa, I’ll check it out!!