On May 12, the Training Ship Empire State VII departed Fort Schuyler to begin SUNY Maritime College’s Summer Sea Term (SST), with SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoff Davis joining cadets and crew for the first leg of the voyage. This marks Davis’s second year participating in the program, and he is thrilled to once again support cadets during this important stage of their maritime education and professional development.

The SST is a cornerstone of the academic experience for cadets pursuing U.S. Coast Guard licenses at SUNY Maritime College. Combining classroom learning with real-world shipboard operations, the program immerses cadets in the daily responsibilities and challenges of life at sea.

SCI is honored to continue its longstanding partnership with SUNY Maritime by providing chaplaincy support during the SST. Davis will later be relieved by SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Bill Allport, marking the sixth consecutive summer that SCI Chaplains have served aboard during SST voyages.

By joining cadets at sea, SCI Chaplains provide a consistent pastoral presence, offering encouragement, guidance, and support during what is often one of the most formative and demanding experiences of a cadet’s maritime career. SCI extends its sincere gratitude to SUNY Maritime College for welcoming our chaplains aboard and allowing us to accompany and support the next generation of maritime professionals.

Click here to see more photos from the depature.