Quote: "Those intending to embark upon a career aboard merchant starships or as a portside broker can enrol on a suitable training programme. Some courses are run like a university degree, whilst others are much more vocational. Some large merchant lines have training ships or cadet berths aboard their larger vessels, where a prospective employee can learn on the job. The end result is much the same, with graduates being prepared for a fast-track career in interstellar commerce.
Not all graduates find employment with a major shipping line or port operator. Some are snapped up by smaller lines; others decide to take a different path and embark upon another career. Many businesses value mercantile graduates even though they are not active in the shipping sector, making the Merchant Academy a good starting point for a career in management or diplomacy."
Reference: Traveller Companion, page 31.
Entry:
Term Three or less
INT 9+ check
if SOC 8+, DM+1
Duration:
normal Term duration
Graduation:
INT 7+ check
if EDU 8+, DM+1
if SOC 8+, DM+1
on 11+, graduation with Honors
Entry Benefits:
Gain all Merchant Marine Skills at level 0:
Pilot
Vacc Suit
Athletics
Mechanic
Engineer
Electronics
Gain one random skill at level 1 from Merchant Service Skills table:
1D
Drive
Vacc Suit
Broker
Steward
Electronics
Persuade
Graduation Benefits:
EDU +1
Increase one skill gained at level 0 at entry to level 1
If entering the Citizen or Merchant (merchant marine) career next term:
automatic entry at Rank 1 (Rank 2 if graduated with Honors) gaining any skill attached to that and previous ranks (see Skill or Bonus tables)
Gain DM +1 (DM +2 if graduated with Honors) on all advancement checks in the Merchant or Citizen careers