Anotation. Godlevsky P., Saratovskiy А. Hand-to-hand combat in the professional activity of cadets of Kherson State Maritime Academy. Purpose: improving the training of cadets KSMA (Kherson State Maritime Academy) using hand-to-hand combat. Material and methods. To solve the tasks, the following research methods were used: a theoretical analysis of literary sources, pedagogical observations, a questionnaire survey of sea and river transport specialists. Results. The professional activities of future sailors are multidimensional. The faqifciv survey indicated the importance of four factors of the professional activities of sea and river transport workers, but the ranking of the indicators allowed us to obtain the following data: production conditions are in the first place. Factors such as natural conditions and socio-psychological factors in the survey have almost the same percentage, but when ranking natural conditions in second place, and socio-psychological factors in third. The decrease in motor activity is in fourth place. The factors of professional activity of future seafarers have been studied. They have identified a common problem and solutions. Marked distance learning opportunities and the importance of independent work. Modernized methods for determining the necessary motor activity and calculating the optimal physical load for specialists of sea and river transport. Recommendations are given for self-determination of levels of physical activity and the adequacy of physical activity to physical condition. Conclusions. The factors of the professional activity of future seafarers are investigated. They determine the multidimensionality of various physiological, psychophysical and social influences on a person. The professional activities of seafarers are forcedly associated with insufficient motor activity, and they have a negative effect on the physiological and psychophysical condition. Recommended modernized methods for determining the necessary motor activity and calculating the optimal physical activity will allow you to quickly determine the level of motor activity and load and make timely corrections to the process of independent physical education of the students of KSMA. New forms and sports forms adapted to the learning conditions (by the example of hand-to-hand combat) are one of the factors for increasing physical fitness for professional activity of KSMA cadets