Originally founded in 1929, as the California Nautical School, the academy is now in its ninth decade of education and research in maritime trade and transportation.

In 1936, the U.S. Congress passed the Merchant Marine Act, creating and maintaining an adequate merchant marine to support international and domestic commerce.

After a decade in operation, the California Nautical School changes its name and becomes the California Maritime Academy.

In 1940, with war looming, the Academy was relocated to San Francisco, then to Vallejo in the east bay. Training programs were accelerated, and many graduates supported the war effort.

In 1973, California Maritime Academy became the first in the nation to enroll women in its licensed maritime program.

In 1974, the academy became a four-year college—laying the foundation for accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and marking a major step in its academic development.