Twelve middle school-aged cadets are learning what it is like to work as a N.C. Marine Patrol officer this week at the 2024 North Carolina Marine Patrol Junior Academy taking place at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City.
Throughout the week the cadets will get hands-on experience with boat handling, navigation, water safety and survival, fish and gear identification, ethical angling practices and physical fitness.
As they gain experience in these areas, they are learning to be a responsible boaters and fishermen, about the state’s natural resources and the impact conservation law enforcement can have.
This is the first of what the Marine Patrol hopes will become a recurring event.
The Division of Marine Fisheries invites the news media to watch the cadets go through various vessel scenarios on Thursday, June 13. Interview opportunities with the cadets and officers will be available at a hot dog lunch.
News media representatives interested in covering this event should email Tricia.Smith@deq.nc.gov by noon Wednesday, June 12, for details.