The college started its pre-sea training program for the merchant marine deck officers in 1964. Eighteen cadets graduated in the first class. The class continued for the next 22 years. During this period, each class had about 17 graduates. In 1987, a total of 215 deck cadets had received their professional training and were ready to take on the arduous sea life and begin their rewarding careers.

The late founder of Island Navigation Corp (INC), Chinese Maritime Trust, and Orient Overseas Line, Mr. C.Y. Tung ( ) envisioned the growing demand in all facets of the sea-going professionals in the Chinese Maritime Industry. The quality of Merchant Marine Engineers was as equally important as the honorable ship's officers. In 1971, Mr. Tung decided to expand his pre-sea training program. The class of Merchant Marine Engineers was born for his long-term strategic planning in his shipping empire. A total of 106 marine engineer cadets had received their proper pre-sea training. Upon their graduation, they were well qualified to join Mr. Tung's merchant marine fleet which sailed around the globe.

In 1975, the INC fleet was growing so rapidly that the college was asked to provide more specialized seamen. The class-room training for the deck hands, the so-called "Able Seamen" was launched. About 13 men were signed up in each class. In 6 years, 64 graduated trainees of "Able Seamen" were sent to duty on the ships of Island Navigation Corp., Chinese Maritime Trust and Orient Overseas Line. They started off in the capacity of an ordinary seaman which complemented to the manning requirement for the deck and engine-room cadets. Together, three types of cadets worked hand in hand on the INC/OCL vessels. In 1982, Mr. Tung owned 150 ships in his fleet. He became the shipping magnet of Asia.