Plebe knowledge at Kings Point: from *Bearings* to today

• The original book: Kings Point's plebe knowledge book was first called Bearings, nicknamed the "Plebe Bible."

  • Publication began in 1946, with irregular printings.
  • The USMMA Alumni Association funded it at first. The Commandant's Office later took it over and renamed it Reef Points, the same title the Naval Academy uses.
  • A USMMA Reef Points existed in 2014.

  Source: Ian Watts, "Kings Point Publications" (independent historian, unofficial)

• Later changes: the same source says that after 2014 the book "no longer was a single point of reference for all Midshipman knowledge." It "was supplanted by a series of independent circulars published by both the Regiment and Commandant's Office." Source: Ian Watts (unofficial)

• A historic copy: a 1964 printing was titled Bearings 1964–1965, Volume III: The Annual Handbook of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps. It was presented to the Class of 1968 on arrival. Source: AbeBooks listing (bookseller description)

• Indoc and what it teaches: Indoctrination ("Indoc") is the first three weeks. For the Class of 2030, it started on July 9, 2026. It covers "Academy history and traditions, academic programs, Naval Science, basic seamanship, and Midshipman Regulations." Source: USMMA "Logging In," Class of 2030 Reporting Instructions (PDF)

• Regulations are issued at Indoc: the Academy says Midshipman Regulations are "issued to you during Indoctrination." Source: Logging In 2030

Before you rely on the name Bearings: the Class of 2030 reporting instructions don't name a knowledge book. Families should ask Admissions or the Commandant's Office which publication the current class is issued.

A former midshipman describes the 2010s version this way: candidates are drilled on "the contents of a section called 'Plebe Knowledge'" from Bearings, which serves as "an orientation and reference for Candidates regarding the Regiment." Ian Watts, "Becoming a Kings Pointer" (unofficial)

A 2009 midshipman blog also lists a "Plebe Knowledge Test" (PKT) among Indoc terms. A USMMA Midshipman's Take (unofficial blog)

No current official table of contents was found.

These come from official USMMA pages and the Class of 2030 reporting instructions.

1. USMMA mission:

   "To educate and graduate leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces." Logging In 2030

   Candidates are asked to recite it during Indoc. In July 2023 the Superintendent asked a plebe candidate to "lead the class in reciting the mission." Source: USMMA news, July 14, 2023

2. Motto: "Acta Non Verba," meaning "Deeds Not Words." Source: Logging In 2030

3. Honor Code: "A Midshipman will not lie, cheat, or steal." Source: Logging In 2030

4. The Honor Oath, administered at the end of Indoc. As published in 2015, it begins: "I, do solemnly swear or affirm to live by the honor code of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, which states that, 'A midshipman will not lie, cheat, or steal.'" The full 2015 text is at the link. Source: USMMA news, July 20, 2015

5. Core values: Respect, Honor and Service. Source: Logging In 2030

   The Academy's honor coin carries the "original Academy Core Values of Integrity, Courage, Respect, and Service." Expect older materials to show that four-value set. Source: USMMA news, July 20, 2015

6. Key facts from the reporting instructions:

   • Kings Point has stood "since 1943."
   • Midshipmen accrue "at least 300 days at sea prior to graduation" through Sea Year.
   • Candidates are sworn in as Midshipmen in the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program, U.S. Navy Reserve.

   Source: Logging In 2030

7. Class names: fourth classmen are plebes, third classmen are sophomores, second classmen are juniors, and first classmen are seniors. These are the same designations used at the other academies. Source: USMMA Catalog: The Regimental Program

8. The Code of Conduct. This is public-domain federal text. Source: National Archives: EO 10631

9. Navy officer and enlisted ranks. All midshipmen are in the Navy Reserve Strategic Sealift program. Source: Logging In 2030

10. The Alma Mater. The class sings it at the Honor Oath ceremony. Source: USMMA news, July 18, 2018 Lyrics aren't reproduced here because no official public copy was found.

• Regimental knowledge from circulars and the Midshipman Regulations issued at Indoc.
• Unit details: company and platoon, and your cadre's names. Companies are assigned at Indoc. Source: Logging In 2030
• Platoon traditions. In 2023, companies had to guard mascot items, such as an inflatable shark, that "must be carried at all times during INDOC." Source: USMMA news, July 14, 2023

• Make the mission and Honor Code automatic. They're the two items the Academy itself publishes for candidates and asks for out loud.

• Use spaced flashcards for the mission, the oath and Navy ranks. A deck built from official text is linked below.

• Prepare the official paperwork and fitness items early. The reporting instructions stress them:

  • passport and TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)
  • swim qualification
  • physical readiness test standards

  Source: Logging In 2030

There's a starter deck taken from usmma.edu pages and the Class of 2030 reporting instructions. Open the deck below.

• Mission, motto, Honor Code and core values: USMMA Logging In, Class of 2030 (April 2026).
• Honor Oath wording: a USMMA news article from July 20, 2015. Confirm that the wording is current.
• History of the knowledge book (Bearings, then Reef Points, then circulars): comes from unofficial sources. The current book title wasn't confirmed by USMMA.

This page summarizes and links to official sources, and Academy Dreams is not affiliated with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.