On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (Marad) announced progress in establishing Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE), which would recognize and support community colleges and training institutions that prepare Americans for careers in the maritime industry. Marad is seeking public comment on the proposed policy.
“These educational institutions benefit America’s national security and economy by growing and strengthening our maritime work force,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
“America must be a strong maritime nation to continue its global leadership in the world,” said Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, “which is why the Maritime Administration wants to spotlight institutions that excel at training Americans to serve on our domestic waters, dockside, and in related industries. The maritime industry provides rewarding, good-paying careers that also help to support our national and economic security goals.”
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2018 provides the Secretary of Transportation with discretionary authority to designate eligible and qualified entities as CoEs. CoE designations will serve to assist the maritime industry in obtaining and maintaining the highest quality workforce while also enhancing diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
When the CoE program is ready to accept applications, institutions can apply to Marad to seek designation as a CoE by highlighting their success in preparing workers for maritime careers. If designated as a CoE, institutions may enter into cooperative agreements with Marad to advance recruitment of students and faculty, enhance facilities, award student credit for military service, and potentially receive assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of Marad vessels.
The public may submit comments until Sept. 17, 2019 on the CoE policy by visiting http://www.regulations.gov, searching for “MARAD-2018-0088” and following the embedded instructions.
