237 
United States Merchant Marine detailed for that in-
struction.’’; and 
(3) in subsection (c), by inserting ‘‘, and offi-
cers and unlicensed mariners of the United States 
Merchant Marine,’’ after ‘‘Coast Guard’’. 
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of De-
fense, shall submit to Congress a report assessing what 
matters relating to military training it would be beneficial 
for mariners to study at the Naval Postgraduate School. 
SEC. 604. REIMBURSEMENT OF QUALIFYING SPOUSE RELI-
CENSING COSTS AND BUSINESS COSTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 521 of title 46, United 
States Code, as amended by section 602, is further amend-
ed by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 52103. Reimbursement of qualifying spouse reli-
censing costs and business costs 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transportation 
shall establish a program to reimburse an individual serv-
ing in the merchant marine of the United States for quali-
fied relicensing costs and qualified business costs of the 
spouse of that individual when the individual relocates to 
a new jurisdiction or geographic area as the result of a 
reassignment as a result of service as a commissioned offi-
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cer in the Navy Reserve (including the Strategic Sealift 
Officer Program, Navy Reserve), the Coast Guard Re-
serve, or any other reserve component of the Armed Serv-
ices of the United States. 
‘‘(b) LIMITATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) RELICENSING.—Reimbursement provided 
to a member under this subsection for qualified reli-
censing costs may not exceed $1,000 in connection 
with each relocation described in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(2) BUSINESS
COSTS.—Reimbursement pro-
vided to a member under this subsection for quali-
fied business costs may not exceed $1,000 in connec-
tion with each relocation described in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(3) DEADLINE.—No reimbursement may be 
provided under this subsection for qualified reli-
censing costs or qualified business costs paid or in-
curred after December 31, 2034. 
‘‘(c) QUALIFIED RELICENSING COSTS.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘qualified relicensing costs’ means costs, in-
cluding exam, continuing education courses, business li-
cense, permit, and registration fees, incurred by the 
spouse of an individual serving in the merchant marine 
of the United States if— 
‘‘(1) the spouse was licensed or certified in a 
profession, or owned a business, during the individ-
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ual’s previous assignment and requires a new profes-
sional license or certification, or business license or 
permit, to engage in that profession in a new juris-
diction because of the individual’s relocation de-
scribed in paragraph (1); and 
‘‘(2) the costs were incurred or paid to secure 
or maintain the professional license or certification, 
or business license or permit, from the new jurisdic-
tion in connection with such relocation. 
‘‘(d) QUALIFIED BUSINESS COSTS.—In this section, 
the term ‘qualified business costs’ means costs, including 
moving services for equipment, equipment removal, new 
equipment purchases, information technology expenses, 
and inspection fees, incurred by the spouse of an indi-
vidual serving in the merchant marine of the United 
States if— 
‘‘(1) the spouse owned a business during the in-
dividual’s previous assignment and the costs result 
from the individual’s relocation described in para-
graph (1); and 
‘‘(2) the costs were incurred or paid to move 
such business to a new location in connection with 
such relocation. 
‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
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rity Trust Fund, established under section 9512 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to carry out this section, 
$500,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2034.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 521 of title 46, United States Code, as amend-
ed by section 602, is further amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘52103. Reimbursement of qualifying spouse relicensing costs and business 
costs.’’. 
SEC. 605. NONCOMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL 
EMPLOYMENT. 
(a) AMENDMENT.—Chapter 521 of title 46, United 
States Code, as amended by sections 602 and 604, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 52104. Noncompetitive eligibility for Federal em-
ployment 
‘‘(a) DEFINITION OF AGENCY.—In this section, the 
term ‘agency’— 
‘‘(1) has the meaning given the term ‘Executive 
agency’ in section 105 of title 5, United States Code; 
‘‘(2) includes the United States Postal Service 
and the Postal Regulatory Commission; and 
‘‘(3) does not include the Government Account-
ability Office. 
‘‘(b) APPOINTMENT AUTHORITY.—The head of an 
agency may appoint noncompetitively— 
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‘‘(1) a graduate of the United States Merchant 
Marine Academy who has met all of the require-
ments of their cadet commitment agreement under 
section 51306 of title 46, United States Code; or 
‘‘(2) a credentialed United States Merchant 
Mariner with an officer or rating endorsement who 
has completed not less than 7 years of service 
aboard a vessel of the United States.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 521 of title 46, United States Code, as amend-
ed by sections 602 and 604, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘52104. Noncompetitive eligibility for Federal employment.’’. 
SEC. 606. UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE CAREER RE-
TENTION PROGRAM. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) it takes years of training and experience, 
and costly license trainings, to earn mariner quali-
fications; 
(2) with just around 12,000 merchant mariners 
of the United States operating oceangoing vessels, 
compared with China’s more than 1,700,000 sea-
farers, the United States may not have a sufficient 
number of mariners to fully power the strategic sea-
lift vessels necessary in a future prolonged conflict; 
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(3) the United States requires a qualified work-
force of sufficient size that is ready and available to 
crew vessels of the United States for national de-
fense or national emergency; and 
(4) a workforce committed to take all measures 
possible to expand, develop, and protect the domestic 
maritime workforce should— 
(A) support a retention program to permit 
credentialed merchant mariners to maintain 
recency through a coordinated Federal pro-
gram, in coordination with maritime labor orga-
nizations; and 
(B) implement civil service, workplace, and 
hiring protections. 
(b) AMENDMENT.—Chapter 521 of title 46, United 
States Code, as amended by sections 602, 604, and 605, 
is further amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 52105. United States Merchant Marine Career Re-
tention Program 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Maritime Adminis-
trator shall establish a program, to be known as the 
‘United States Merchant Marine Career Retention Pro-
gram’, to ensure that a qualified workforce of sufficient 
size is ready to crew strategic sealift vessels in the event 
of a national defense or national emergency activation. 
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Through the United States Merchant Marine Career Re-
tention Program, the Maritime Administrator shall estab-
lish and administer mechanisms to register merchant 
mariners and mariner employers to participate in the Pro-
gram. 
‘‘(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Maritime Adminis-
trator shall— 
‘‘(1) appoint a board of directors to oversee the 
United States Merchant Marine Career Retention 
Program; 
‘‘(2) appoint and facilitate a working group to 
recommend policies, procedures, and a prioritization 
matrix for the United States Merchant Marine Ca-
reer Retention Program, which shall be composed of 
representatives from major stakeholders, including 
maritime labor organizations, credentialed United 
States Merchant Mariners, vessel owners, vessel op-
erators, the United States Merchant Marine Acad-
emy, State maritime academies, United States Mili-
tary Sealift Command, and other likely employers of 
members of the United States Merchant Marine Ca-
reer Retention Program; and 
‘‘(3) submit to Congress an annual evaluation 
of the United States Merchant Marine Career Re-
tention Program. 
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‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP IN UNITED STATES MERCHANT 
MARINE CAREER RETENTION PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—There shall be 2 paths to 
enrollment in the United States Merchant Marine 
Career Retention Program as described in para-
graphs (2) and (3). 
‘‘(2) MEMBERS WHO WORK ASHORE WHO HOLD 
MARINER QUALIFICATIONS.— 
‘‘(A) OPPORTUNITIES.—The United States 
Merchant Marine Career Retention Program 
shall provide individuals who hold Coast Guard 
issued mariner qualifications who work ashore 
with an opportunity to maintain, or potentially 
upgrade, their mariner qualifications and cre-
dentials by— 
‘‘(i) providing qualified service at sea 
on vessels of the United States; and 
‘‘(ii) 
participating 
in 
compulsory 
training. 
‘‘(B) STRUCTURE.—The United States 
Merchant Marine Career Retention Program 
shall be open for enrollment to both licensed 
and unlicensed mariners and provide members 
with an 8–3–1 schedule as follows: 
‘‘(i) 8 months shoreside employment. 
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‘‘(ii) 3 months sailing employment de-
signed to ensure that members meet the 
minimum sea-time requirement to main-
tain the credentials required by the Stand-
ards 
of 
Training, 
Certification, 
and 
Watchkeeping certification, or, depending 
on mariner and employer requirements, 
more frequent, but shorter-duration sailing 
assignments. 
‘‘(iii) 1 month vacation, which is in 
addition to vacation provided by the shore-
side employer. 
‘‘(C) ASHORE EMPLOYERS.— 
‘‘(i) EMPLOYER
OBLIGATIONS.—The 
employer of a member of the United States 
Merchant Marine Career Retention Pro-
gram described under this paragraph shall 
grant the member— 
‘‘(I) an unpaid leave of absence 
for the duration of the member’s 
training, sailing, and vacation with 
the United States Merchant Marine 
Career Retention Program; and 
‘‘(II) the same or an equivalent 
position with the employer when the 
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member returns from training, sailing, 
or vacation with the United States 
Merchant Marine Career Retention 
Program. 
‘‘(D) SEA DAY ASSIGNMENTS.—The United 
States Merchant Marine Career Retention Pro-
gram shall, with respect to members described 
under this paragraph— 
‘‘(i) maintain records of each mem-
ber’s qualifications, sea time, and avail-
ability, and prioritize assignments on these 
and other factors with the goal of maxi-
mizing the United States Merchant Marine 
Career Retention Program readiness to 
support strategic sealift; 
‘‘(ii) maintain a ‘job call’ program of-
fice that coordinates how jobs become 
available for members from State maritime 
academies, vessel operating companies, 
maritime 
labor 
organizations, 
United 
States Military Sealift Command, and 
other organizations responsible for crewing 
vessels of the United States of qualifying 
tonnage or horsepower; 
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‘‘(iii) establish partnerships with State 
maritime academies and the United States 
Military Sealift Command that aim to es-
tablish reliable crewing jobs with job cycles 
that maximize the readiness of United 
States Merchant Marine Career Retention 
Program; 
‘‘(iv) dispatch members to fill avail-
able jobs, prioritizing maximizing readiness 
for strategic sealift, taking into consider-
ation mariner availability and credentials, 
sea time requirements to maintain mer-
chant mariner credentials, predicted pro-
gram demand for specific ratings, and ex-
pected expansion or contraction of the pro-
gram’s membership; and 
‘‘(v) coordinate with vessel operators 
and labor organizations to ensure that 
members in the United States Merchant 
Marine Career Retention Program are 
given opportunities to fulfill their sea time 
and maintain the credentials required by 
the Standards of Training, Certification, 
and, Watchkeeping certification. 
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‘‘(E) USERRA PROTECTIONS.—Members 
of the United States Merchant Marine Career 
Retention Program described under this para-
graph shall be entitled to protections and obli-
gations under chapter 43 of title 38 (commonly 
known as the ‘Uniformed Services Employment 
and Reemployment Rights Act’). 
‘‘(F) REQUIREMENT.—A member in the 
United States Merchant Marine Career Reten-
tion Program described under this paragraph 
may not fail to accept a sea day assignment 
and remain in good standing with the Program, 
unless a hardship exemption is provided by the 
Maritime Administrator under subsection (e). 
‘‘(3) MEMBERS
SERVING
ON
FOREIGN
VES-
SELS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The United States 
Merchant Marine Career Retention Program 
shall be open for enrollment to individuals 
who— 
‘‘(i) hold Coast Guard issued mer-
chant mariner credentials required by the 
Standards of Training, Certification, and 
Watchkeeping Certification; 
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‘‘(ii) have completed their service obli-
gations with respect to any previous enroll-
ment in a Federal or State maritime acad-
emy, if applicable; and 
‘‘(iii) are serving on a foreign vessel 
(as defined in section 110) that is not 
owned by a foreign entity of concern (as 
that term is defined in section 4 of the 
SHIPS for America Act of 2024) or a ves-
sel registered under a registry of a foreign 
country of concern or operated under the 
authority of a foreign country of concern 
(as that term is defined in such section 4). 
‘‘(B) REQUIREMENT.—Members of the 
United States Merchant Marine Career Reten-
tion Program described under this paragraph 
shall maintain— 
‘‘(i) Standards of Training, Certifi-
cation, and Watchkeeping Certification 
currency; 
‘‘(ii) a valid merchant mariner creden-
tial, unlimited as to horsepower or ton-
nage, issued by the United States Coast 
Guard as an officer in the merchant ma-
rine of the United States, accompanied by 
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the appropriate national and international 
endorsements and certifications required 
by the Coast Guard for service aboard ves-
sels on domestic and international voyages, 
without limitation; 
‘‘(iii) a valid transportation worker 
identification credential; 
‘‘(iv) a Coast Guard medical certifi-
cate; and 
‘‘(v) classes and certifications de-
scribed in subparagraph (C). 
‘‘(C) 
CERTIFICATIONS.—The 
Adminis-
trator shall publish a list of classes and certifi-
cations required for individuals described in 
subparagraph (A) to be eligible for the United 
States Merchant Marine Career Retention Pro-
gram. 
‘‘(D) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing 
in subparagraph (A) shall be construed to allow 
the United States Coast Guard to prevent or 
delay a merchant mariner who is otherwise eli-
gible from attaining a more advanced rank or 
credential for Merchant Mariners sailing on for-
eign vessels. 
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251 
‘‘(E) USERRA PROTECTIONS.—Members 
of the United States Merchant Marine Career 
Retention Program described under this para-
graph shall be entitled to protections and obli-
gations under chapter 43 of title 38 (commonly 
known as the ‘Uniformed Services Employment 
and Reemployment Rights Act’). 
‘‘(d) ENFORCEMENT.—The Maritime Administrator 
shall ensure all members of the Merchant Marine Career 
Retention Program remain in good standing with the re-
quirements of the Program. 
‘‘(1) ENFORCEMENT.—Subject to paragraph 
(2), members found to be in noncompliance with the 
requirements of the Program shall— 
‘‘(A) have their reservist status terminated; 
and 
‘‘(B) forfeit the protections provided under 
chapter 43 of title 38 (commonly known as the 
‘Uniformed Services Employment and Reem-
ployment Rights Act’). 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—In cases where the Maritime 
Administrator determines a hardship exists, which 
prevents the mariner from meeting the requirements 
of the Program, the requirements of paragraph (1) 
shall not apply. 
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‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
rity Trust Fund established under section 9512 of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to carry out this section, 
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2034.’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 521 of title 46, United States Code, as amend-
ed by sections 602, 604, and 605, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘52105. United States Merchant Marine Career Retention Program.’’. 
Subtitle B—Workforce Pipeline 
SEC. 611. MARITIME AND SHIPBUILDING RECRUITING CAM-
PAIGN. 
(a) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this section are 
to— 
(1) address the shortage of workers in the mar-
itime sector and stimulate growth in the United 
States Merchant Marine and shipbuilding industries 
by providing funding for a comprehensive marketing, 
recruiting, and public relations campaign; and 
(2) expand and nurture a robust maritime 
workforce that enhances the national security and 
strategic sealift readiness of the United States. 
(b) IN GENERAL.—The Maritime Administrator, in 
consultation with the Maritime Security Board, through 
contracts described in subsection (c), shall develop and de-
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ploy branding, content, advertising buys, and local and na-
tional engagement strategies to implement the campaigns 
described in subsection (d). 
(c) CONTRACTS.—The contracts described in this 
subsection shall be made to reputable marketing, recruit-
ing, and public relations firms through a competitive bid-
ding process. 
(d) CAMPAIGNS.—The Maritime Administrator, in 
coordination with the Secretary of Labor and in consulta-
tion with the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out tar-
geted campaigns under this section to— 
(1) promote the virtues of work in the merchant 
marine of the United States for the purpose of sail-
ing in international trade, including Military Sealift 
Command mariner positions, and the critical need 
for skilled workers in the maritime industry, and to 
attract workers to such industry; and 
(2) promote the virtues of work in the ship-
building industry of the United States, highlighting 
the critical need for skilled workers in the ship-
building industry, and to attract workers to such in-
dustry. 
(e) CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES.—The campaigns under 
this section shall focus on the following objectives: 
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(1) Emphasize the importance of maritime and 
shipbuilding work for national security. 
(2) Showcase the numerous opportunities avail-
able in the maritime industry and the shipbuilding 
industry. 
(3) Highlight the shortage of workers in the 
maritime industry and the shipbuilding industry. 
(4) Seek out new and non-traditional audiences 
and platforms to bring workers from different back-
grounds and with different skill sets into the mari-
time industry and shipbuilding industry. 
(5) Promote the excitement, benefits, and ap-
peal of a career in the maritime industry and the 
shipbuilding industry. 
(6) Inform potential workers of the points of 
entry available to join and receive training for such 
a career, including— 
(A) the United States Merchant Marine 
Academy; 
(B) State and regional maritime academies 
described in chapter 515 of title 46, United 
States Code; 
(C) merchant mariner and shipbuilding 
labor organization training facilities; 
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(D) merchant mariner and shipbuilding 
apprenticeship programs approved by the Sec-
retary of Labor; 
(E) shipbuilding industry training pro-
grams; 
(F) certain community colleges and private 
institutions of higher education; 
(G) maritime training high schools; and 
(H) Centers of Excellence for Domestic 
Maritime Workforce Training and Education 
designated by the Maritime Administration. 
(7) Inform potential workers of sources of fi-
nancial assistance for training for individuals inter-
ested in joining the maritime industry and the ship-
building industry. 
(8) Attract workers to the maritime and ship-
building industries. 
(9) Highlight successes in the United States 
maritime and shipbuilding industries. 
(f) TARGET AUDIENCE.—Each campaign under this 
section shall target a diverse audience, including— 
(1) potential workers interested in maritime in-
dustry careers or shipbuilding industry careers; 
(2) educational institutions and their students 
considering vocational training in the maritime in-
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dustry and shipbuilding industry, including kinder-
garten through grade 12 levels; 
(3) veterans and individuals seeking career 
transitions; and 
(4) the general public to raise awareness about 
the importance of the maritime and shipbuilding in-
dustries. 
(g) REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY.— 
(1) QUARTERLY REPORT.—Not later than 30 
days after the last day of each quarter of each fiscal 
year during which a campaign is carried out under 
this section, the firm selected under subsection (b) 
shall submit a report with respect to such quarter to 
the Maritime Administrator and the appropriate 
committees of Congress detailing the progress, out-
reach, and impact of each campaign carried out 
under this section during such quarter and the effec-
tiveness of each such campaign in increasing appli-
cations for employment in the maritime and ship-
building industries of the United States. 
(2) FINAL REPORT.—The firm selected under 
subsection (b) shall submit a comprehensive final re-
port not later than 60 days after the conclusion of 
all campaigns carried out under this section. 
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(h) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The Maritime Administrator 
shall initiate the competitive bidding process described in 
subsection (b) not later than 180 days after the date that 
appropriations are first made available for this section. 
(i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— 
(1) FY 2025–2028.—There are authorized to be 
appropriated out of the Maritime Security Trust 
Fund, established under section 9512 of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 to the Maritime Adminis-
trator, for each of fiscal year 2025, 2026, 2027, and 
2028, $15,000,000 to carry out this section, of 
which— 
(A) $10,000,000 shall be for the program 
established under subsection (d)(1) (work in the 
United States Merchant Marine); and 
(B) $5,000,000 shall be for the program 
established under subsection (d)(2) (work in the 
shipbuilding industry). 
(2) FY 2029–2034.—There are authorized to be 
appropriated out of the Maritime Security Trust 
Fund, established under section 9512 of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 to the Maritime Adminis-
trator, for each of fiscal year 2029, 2030, 2031, 
2032, 2033, and 2034, $25,000,000 to carry out 
this section, of which— 
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(A) $15,000,000 shall be for the program 
established under subsection (d)(1) (work in the 
United States Merchant Marine); and 
(B) $10,000,000 shall be for the program 
established under subsection (d)(2) (work in the 
shipbuilding industry). 
SEC. 612. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR DOMESTIC MARI-
TIME 
WORKFORCE 
TRAINING 
AND 
EDU-
CATION. 
Section 51706 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (c)(1)(B)(iii), by striking 
‘‘nonprofit entity’’ and inserting ‘‘entity’’; and 
(2) by adding to the end the following: 
‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
rity Trust Fund, established under section 9512 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to carry out this section, 
$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2034.’’. 
SEC. 613. MARITIME CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION 
ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’ means the Maritime Administrator. 
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(2) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—The term ‘‘Advi-
sory Committee’’ means the Maritime Career and 
Technical Education Advisory Committee established 
under subsection (b). 
(b) ADVISORY COMMITTEE PLAN AND ESTABLISH-
MENT.— 
(1) PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall develop a plan, and notify Congress of such 
plan, to establish a Maritime Career and Technical 
Education Advisory Committee to— 
(A) bring representatives of maritime in-
dustrial base employers and education providers 
together to identify joint opportunities to train 
needed workers for maritime careers; and 
(B) develop and disperse best practices and 
recommendations for the improvement of ship-
building education and training programs, naval 
architecture education programs, and merchant 
marine training and certification programs. 
(2) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall establish the Advisory Committee. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
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(ii) recognized classification societies; 
and 
(iii) professional societies. 
(E) The Federal Government, including 
representatives from— 
(i) the Department of Education; 
(ii) the Department of Labor; 
(iii) the Department of Transpor-
tation; 
(iv) the Department of the Navy; 
(v) the United States Coast Guard; 
(vi) the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration; 
(vii) the Army Corps of Engineers; 
and 
(viii) the Federal Maritime Commis-
sion 
(d) MEETINGS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee 
shall meet not less often than annually. 
(2) QUORUM ESTABLISHED.—Two thirds of all 
members appointed by the Administrator under sub-
section (c) shall constitute a quorum for a meeting 
of the Advisory Committee. 
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(3) WORKING
GROUPS.—The Advisory Com-
mittee shall include working groups that shall meet 
not less often than quarterly each year. 
(e) FACA.—Chapter 10 of title 5, United States 
Code, shall apply to the Advisory Committee. 
(f) DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULA.—Consistent with 
the purposes of the Advisory Committee established in 
subsection (b) and applicable law (including regulations), 
the Advisory Committee shall recommend curricula for key 
skills for maritime professionals and make such curricula 
publicly available to institutions of higher education, ca-
reer and technical education schools, and State maritime 
academies. 
(g) REPORTING.—The Advisory Committee shall sub-
mit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the 
Maritime Security Board and publish on the website of 
the Maritime Administration, an annual report that in-
cludes best practices and policy recommendations, as de-
scribed in subsection (b). 
(h) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed to create new regulatory authority 
or supersede existing law (including regulations) as of the 
day before the date of enactment of this Act, relating to 
shipbuilding education and training programs, naval ar-
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chitecture education programs, and merchant marine 
training and certification programs. 
SEC. 614. MILITARY CANDIDATES TO MARINER CAREERS 
RECRUITMENT EXCHANGE. 
(a) DUTIES OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall— 
(1) encourage and incentivize military recruiters 
to recommend the United States Department of 
Transportation Maritime Administration to potential 
recruits who do not qualify for military service in the 
Armed Forces; and 
(2) establish a mechanism for military recruit-
ers to introduce recruits described in paragraph (1) 
who are interested in maritime service to representa-
tives from the Maritime Administration, in accord-
ance with the procedures established under sub-
section (b). 
(b) DUTIES OF THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR.— 
The Maritime Administrator shall— 
(1) establish a mechanism to receive recruit-
ment referrals from military recruiters; 
(2) provide hand-off services to connect recruits 
with educational resources and institutions, recog-
nized Maritime Centers of Excellence, eligible mari-
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time industry employers, and other maritime indus-
try career services, as appropriate; 
(3) track the number of referrals from the De-
partment of Defense; and 
(4) track the number of recruits who enroll in 
maritime industry programs, to the extent prac-
ticable. 
(c) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.— 
(1) 
BRIEFING
ON
THE
IMPLEMENTATION 
STRATEGY.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Maritime Adminis-
trator, in coordination with the Secretary of De-
fense, shall submit a briefing to the appropriate 
committees of Congress about a strategy for imple-
menting the activities required under this section, 
including— 
(A) a timeline for implementation; and 
(B) the identification of the Department of 
Defense recruiter incentives and training re-
quired for maximum utility in carrying out such 
activities. 
(2) ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRAM EFFICACY.— 
One year after the date of enactment of this Act, 
and annually thereafter, the Maritime Adminis-
trator, in coordination with the Secretary of De-
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fense, shall submit a report to the appropriate com-
mittees of Congress on the efficacy and utility of the 
activities carried out under this section, including— 
(A) the number of Department of Defense 
referrals to the Maritime Administration; 
(B) the number of Maritime Administra-
tion hand-offs to the maritime industry; 
(C) an assessment of the efficacy of the ac-
tivities carried out under this section; and 
(D) challenges and recommendations relat-
ing to such activities. 
SEC. 615. MARITIME WORKER DATA COLLECTION. 
(a) PUBLICATION OF REPORT.—The Maritime Ad-
ministrator shall publish an biennial report on the state 
of the merchant mariner workforce. 
(b) COMPLETION OF REPORT.—The Maritime Ad-
ministrator shall complete the biennial report required 
under subsection (a) or enter into a contract with another 
entity to complete the report. 
(c) CONTENT OF REPORT.—The biennial report re-
quired under subsection (a) shall include, at minimum— 
(1) a count of United States Merchant Mari-
ners with valid merchant mariner credentials and 
credentials in continuity endorsement; 
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(2) a count of inactive but credentialed and for-
merly credentialed United States Merchant Mari-
ners, to the extent practicable, and an evaluation 
of— 
(A) the challenges to identifying such indi-
viduals; 
(B) opportunities to partner with Federal, 
State, local, and non-government entities to 
identify such individuals; and 
(C) an action plan of how to implement the 
opportunities described under subparagraph 
(B); 
(3) a count of United States mariners and for-
eign workers employed on vessels, rigs, platforms, 
and other vehicles or structures off the coast of the 
United States and an evaluation of the percentage of 
United States and foreign workers employed on— 
(A) coastwise-endorsed vessels; and 
(B) vessels of the United States which do 
not have a coastwise endorsement; 
(4) a listing of actively operating vessels of the 
United States; 
(5) a report of merchant mariner requirements 
needed in the event of a national defense sealift op-
eration and any gaps identified in quantity and qual-
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ity, and other variables of concern, as determined by 
the Administrator; 
(6) a general outlook for the future of the mer-
chant mariner industry and potential gaps or sur-
pluses of merchant mariners; 
(7) identification of any concerns in the 
credentialing of merchant mariners, which may in-
clude general processing issues, shortage of training 
providers or instructors, and barriers to entry due to 
costs to the economically disadvantaged; and 
(8) recommendations, based on data collected, 
on ways to— 
(A) improve retention of existing merchant 
mariners; 
(B) create expedited pathways for mari-
ners with expired credentials to renew their cre-
dentials; and 
(C) encourage new merchant mariners to 
enter the industry. 
(d) ACCESSIBILITY OF DATA.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the Maritime Administrator, and any au-
thorized agent of the Maritime Administrator, shall 
have full access to available Coast Guard mariner 
credentialing data, in a manner that ensures the 
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protection of personally identifiable information, in 
order to complete the report required under sub-
section (a). 
(2) EXCEPTION.—The Maritime Administrator, 
and any authorized agent of the Maritime Adminis-
trator, may not have access to confidential medical 
information pursuant to paragraph (1). 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
rity Trust Fund, established under section 9512 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to carry out this section, 
$1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 
2029. 
SEC. 616. MILITARY TO MARITIME TRANSITION. 
(a) RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRED.—Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of 
the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Secretary 
of the Army, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating, the Maritime Security 
Board, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the De-
partment of Labor, shall submit a report to the appro-
priate committees of Congress containing— 
(1) recommendations about how to increase and 
improve 
opportunities 
for 
transitioning 
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servicemembers to secure employment in the mari-
time industry at sea and shoreside; and 
(2) a plan to implement those recommenda-
tions. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out subsection 
(a), the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(1) identify barriers that servicemembers face 
when trying to transition to the United States mari-
time industry, including the merchant marines, ship-
building, ship repair, and shipping; 
(2) consider opportunities to improve, expedite, 
and alleviate the burdens on servicemembers 
transitioning to the maritime industry, including ef-
forts to— 
(A) inform transitioning servicemembers of 
employment opportunities in the United States 
maritime industry; 
(B) assist transitioning servicemembers in 
determining how their military credentials and 
experience translate to credentialed civilian em-
ployment in the maritime industry; 
(C) increase the establishment and uptake 
of accelerated or bridge programs to assist sep-
arating members of the Armed Forces in trans-
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lating military credentials and experience into 
maritime industry credentials and employment; 
(D) increase the availability and accessi-
bility of preparatory activities under the 
SkillBridge program established under section 
1143(e) of title 10, United States Code, in the 
United States maritime industry; 
(E) incorporate the maritime industry in 
the Transition Assistance Program, as de-
scribed in chapter 58 of title 10, United States 
Code; and 
(F) enhance the activities carried out pur-
suant to the Military to Mariners Act of 2022 
(section 11514 of division K of the James M. 
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263)); and 
(3) specifically consider the transition of 
servicemembers to employment in the shipbuilding 
and ship repair maritime industries. 
SEC. 617. EARLY MARITIME EDUCATION AND YOUTH IN-
VOLVEMENT. 
(a) SECRETARY OF THE NAVY BUDGET REQUEST.— 
In the Secretary of the Navy’s annual budget submission 
to Congress, the Secretary of the Navy shall include, as 
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a distinct item, the funding request for the United States 
Naval Sea Cadet Corps. 
(b) ENGAGEMENT WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND 
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.—The Maritime Admin-
istrator shall encourage designated Centers of Excellence 
for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education 
to engage with students in kindergarten through grade 12. 
SEC. 618. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR MARINER 
AND NAVAL ARCHITECTURE EXCHANGES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Maritime Administrator shall 
establish an international exchange program for mariners, 
naval architects, and marine engineers between the United 
States and countries described in subsection (b). 
(b) ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS.—In carrying out the 
program under this section, the Administrator shall limit 
participation to United States citizens and citizens of— 
(1) member countries of NATO; 
(2) treaty allies of the United States; and 
(3) major non-NATO allies of the United 
States. 
(c) PLACEMENTS.—In carrying out the program 
under this section, the Administrator shall seek corporate 
and government partners for placement of eligible partici-
pants of the program. 
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(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
rity Trust Fund, established under section 9512 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, $2,000,000 to carry out 
this section for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2034. 
Subtitle 
C—United 
States 
Mer-
chant 
Marine 
Academy 
and 
State Maritime Academies 
SEC. 
621. 
AUTHORIZATION 
OF 
APPROPRIATIONS 
FOR 
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACAD-
EMY 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
AND 
FACILITIES 
MODERNIZATION. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) The United States Merchant Marine Acad-
emy plays a critical role in training service-obligated 
licensed merchant mariners to operate commercial 
vessels, in peacetime and during times of conflict. 
(2) The United States Merchant Marine Acad-
emy is 1 of the 5 Federal service academies and 
plays a critical role in maintaining a domestic, com-
mercial maritime industry, with each graduate hav-
ing a commitment to serve not less than 8 years in 
the foreign and domestic commerce and the national 
defense of the United States, which may include 
service on a merchant vessel documented under 
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