After the pre-registration, applicants will have a two-week adaptation period aiming at integrating them to the organization and structure of the Instruction Center and its military formation.

During that period applicants are involved in various activities including physical and psychological preparation. Lectures are given, aiming at instructing them about various issues related to the duties of a Merchant Marine Officer, including the internal rules regulations and routine of the academy after the adaptation period.

After facing those phases of Admission and Adaptation, the applicant is enrolled in the Merchant Marine Officer graduation Course lasting a minimum of seven semesters (Engineering) and eight semesters (Deck). At the same time, they (men and women) will be enrolled in the Navy Reserve Officer Formation Center – NFORM, in the rank of 3rd Sargent, while in the Academy.

The course will be in the internship regime, with licenses on the weekends and during regular school vacations. The course is free of charges and CIAGA will provide food, lodgings, uniforms, bed clothing and medical, psychological and religious cares.

From the enrolment on, cadets earn a monthly payment, the amount of which is defined in the Military Remuneration Law.

During the first two school semesters students will be taught basic knowledge that will enable them on their professional career choice, driving them to one of the major areas:

:. DECK => Aiming at graduating the Deck Officer, whose duties include the correct handling of the de Deck and Navigation Equipment, as well as the Communications on board; and

:. ENGINEERING => Aiming at graduating the Engineering Officer, enabling him to conduct and maintain all the engine installations aboard.

The choice for the Deck or Engineering courses will be made by the cadet after the end of the second school semester, rigorously obeying the classification criteria, considering the academy grades obtained in the first two school semesters, respecting the vacancies offered for each course.