Letter: Professional maritime training essential

The recent maritime disaster in Italy emphasizes the importance of an academic institution like the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point ["Search for missing goes on," News, Jan. 26].

The professionalism, dedication and capabilities of its student body and graduates have earned it a reputation as one of the finest maritime colleges, both at home and internationally. The excellent training that the midshipmen receive helps to keep our waterways and shipping lanes safe and environmentally healthy.

Allan J. Ceasar, Great Neck

Editor's note: The writer is a retired professor of mathematics and statistics at the Merchant Marine Academy.