Maritime Administration (Mar Ad)

The Maritime Administration (Mar Ad) is an agency of the United States Federal Government. The mission of the Maritime Administration is to “promote the development and maintenance of an adequate, safe, efficient, and environmentally sound maritime transportation system that serves the needs of the Nation.”

In furtherance of its mission, Mar Ad administers laws for the construction, reconstruction, and operation of merchant vessels. These include:

  • The Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. Appendices), authorizes the Maritime Administration to promote the development and maintenance of a strong and viable United States merchant marine;
  • The Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. Chapters 50101-50315), provides for the regulation of ocean-borne transportation of goods and passengers by water carriers engaged in foreign or interstate commerce;
  • The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (46 U.S.C. Chapter 701), which among other things, reauthorizes the United States Coast Guard;
  • The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-241, 120 Stat. 516), among other things, authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard and sets forth policies regarding maritime security.

In addition to these statutes, Mar Ad also administers the vessel disposal program authorized by the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended. Under this program, surplus vessels owned by the United States Government are sold to domestic and foreign buyers.

The Maritime Administration is also responsible for providing maritime training through its National Maritime Center (NMC). The NMC administers the licensure and registration of merchant mariners in the United States.

The agency also manages the Maritime Security Program, which is designed to protect U.S. maritime interests and vessels from terrorist attacks.

In general, the Maritime Administration is responsible for the regulation of the U.S. merchant marine, and the promotion of maritime transportation.

Related Links

About Us – MARAD
United States Maritime Administration
Maritime Administration – US Department of Transportation
Understanding the ?Maritime Administration (MARAD) – US Department of Transportation

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