#EmpireState – Training vessel Empire State VI is on its annual summer sea term, that is one of the requirements to earning a U.S. Coast Guard license.

The former cargoship now trains the cadets of the SUNY - State University of New York, which is to make a visit to Dublin Port next week having departed Norfolk, Virginia in early May.

As part of the program, cadets - either deck or engine license candidates - must accrue at least 180 days at sea before they graduate.

Time is earned during summer sea term journeys after freshman, sophomore and junior years.

Through the summer sea term, cadets travel around the world gaining vital hands-on experience in operating the 565ft steam-powered vessel and dealing with port traffic.

Cadets on board the ship will use the vessel as a floating lab during the school year.

The cruise itinerary changes every year to include ports around the U.S. East Coast and Europe.

This year the ship is scheduled to travel to Trieste, Italy; Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain; and Valletta, Malta before returning to campus in early August.

To follow the progress of the summer sea term by tracking the vessel here.