<p>Royce DM, below is a note from the USMMA Parents Page about a laptop loaner program for sea year. However, this is not the solution to every computer problem. When our son had a problem with his computer screen on cruise, the loaner was not a good solution because he had so much info on his hard drive. So he kept his computer and used both it and his sea partner’s laptop. Perhaps your son can coordinate with his ATR to have IT send a replacement battery. But at least the computer works when plugged in.</p>
<p>"Attention Parents - For your information:
"Expansion of Loaner Laptop Program </p>
<p>"The USMMA recently expanded the loaner laptop program to midshipmen at sea visiting foreign ports of call. Previously loaner laptops were only shipped to domestic ports. Adding foreign ports allows the Academy to provide a loaner laptop to midshipmen in a more timely manner. While the expanded program is more costly to operate, it does provide midshipmen at sea with an improved opportunity for success in the completion of their Sea Project assignments.</p>
<p>"Under this program the midshipmen ship their laptop to the Academy for repair. Once repaired and tested, the laptop is shipped to the midshipman at the next available port who returns the loaner laptop to the Academy. All shipping costs are paid by the Academy. </p>
<p>"This program is operated by the Department of Information Technology in collaboration with the Academy Training Representatives in the Office of Professional Development and Career Services.</p>
<p>“Special Note: Midshipmen should note that in some countries, customs officials inspect incoming personal computers. Laptops with files or documents whose content is inconsistent with a country’s cultural values are known to have been confiscated. The Academy is not responsible for the return of a confiscated laptop, or providing a replacement laptop, when midshipmen demonstrate a lack of cultural sensitivity befitting officers-in-training for future service to the U.S. Government.”</p>