245 
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, 2035. 
‘‘(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 50301(b) of 
this title, to carry out this section, $500,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2026 through 2035.’’ . 
(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 2025) 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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‘‘(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 50301(b) of this 
title, to carry out this section, $2,000,000 for each of fis-
cal 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 WORKFORCE PROMOTION AND RE-
CRUITMENT. 
Section 539A of the Servicemember Quality of Life 
Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159), is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘the heads of 
such other Federal agencies as the Secretary deter-
mines appropriate’’ and inserting ‘‘the Maritime Se-
curity Board’’; and 
(2) by amending subsection (f) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) FISCAL
YEARS
2025
THROUGH
2028.— 
There are authorized to be appropriated out of the 
Maritime Security Trust Fund, established under 
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section 50301(b) of title 46, United States Code, to 
the Secretary of the Navy, for each of fiscal years 
2025 through 2028, $15,000,000 to carry out this 
section. 
‘‘(2) FISCAL
YEARS
2029
THROUGH
2034.— 
There are authorized to be appropriated out of the 
Maritime Security Trust Fund, established under 
section 50301(b) of title 46, United States Code, to 
the Secretary of the Navy, for each of fiscal year 
2029 through 2034, $25,000,000 to carry out this 
section.’’. 
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 50301(b) of 
this title, to carry out this section, $25,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.’’. 
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SEC. 613. MARITIME CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION 
ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’ means the Maritime Administrator. 
(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. 
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(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.— 
(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The Advisory Committee 
shall include the Administrator (or a delegate of the 
Administrator) who shall serve as Chair of the Advi-
sory Committee. 
(2) REPRESENTATIVES.—The Advisory Com-
mittee shall be composed of representatives from 
each of the following, to be appointed the Adminis-
trator: 
(A) Maritime education, including rep-
resentatives from— 
(i) the Centers of Excellence for Do-
mestic Maritime Workforce Training and 
Education designated by the Maritime Ad-
ministration, taking into consideration— 
(I) geographic diversity; 
(II) the rate of employment after 
graduation; 
(III) training or skillset diversity; 
and 
(IV) other qualities as deter-
mined by the Administrator; 
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(ii) the United States Naval Sea 
Cadet Corps; 
(iii) kindergarten through grade 12 
maritime education programs designated 
by the Maritime Administration; 
(iv) the oceanographic science commu-
nity, including from a University-National 
Oceanographic Laboratory System institu-
tion; and 
(v) institutions of higher education. 
(B) The maritime workforce, including 
representatives from— 
(i) skilled workers representing a wide 
swath of the career and technical maritime 
industry both onshore and offshore; 
(ii) career and technical education cer-
tified instructors; and 
(iii) maritime labor organizations. 
(C) Maritime industry, including represent-
atives from— 
(i) shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship-
yard industry stakeholders; 
(ii) maritime industrial base coali-
tions; 
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(iii) shipping industry stakeholders; 
and 
(iv) owners and operators of vessels of 
the United States. 
(D) Technical nonprofit organizations with 
expertise in the maritime industry, including 
representatives from— 
(i) think tanks; 
(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. 
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(F) Any other representatives that the 
Maritime Administrator determines appropriate 
to appoint. 
(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. 
(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 
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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-
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-
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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-
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— 
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(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-
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. 
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(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; 
(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 
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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-
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; 
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(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 
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 50301(b) of 
title 46, United States Code, to carry out this section, 
$1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 
2030. 
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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 
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— 
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(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-
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. 
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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 
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). 
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(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. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
rity Trust Fund, established under section 50301(b) of 
title 46, United States Code, $2,000,000 to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035. 
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: 
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(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 
chapter 121 of title 46, and graduates make up 
more than 80 percent of the United States Navy’s 
Strategic Sealift Officer Program. 
(3) The United States defense readiness and 
economic security relies on a strong investment in 
training and cultivating United States Merchant Ma-
rine officers at the United States Merchant Marine 
Academy. 
(4) Most of the facilities at the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy date back to the Acad-
emy’s founding, have not been modernized since, and 
are not conducive to the immersive training and de-
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manding coursework today’s Midshipmen are re-
quired to complete. 
(5) Rehabilitating and modernizing the campus 
infrastructure at the United States Merchant Ma-
rine Academy is necessary to ensuring current and 
future generations of Midshipmen receive a first- 
class education. 
(b) SENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the sense of the 
Senate— 
(1) to ensure that the United States continues 
to have a sufficient number of service-obligated li-
censed merchant mariners to meet current and fu-
ture economic and national security needs, the Mari-
time Administration and the Department of Trans-
portation have a responsibility to provide suitable 
academic, training, and dormitory facilities at the 
United States Merchant Marine Academy by rapidly 
implementing a comprehensive plan for campus-wide 
modernization in accordance with section 51329 of 
title 46, United States Code, (referred to in this sec-
tion as the ‘‘Campus Modernization Plan’’) and pro-
viding sufficient accountability and oversight to en-
sure that milestones in such plan are met; 
(2) in developing the comprehensive Campus 
Modernization Plan for the United States Merchant 
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Marine Academy, the Maritime Administration, and 
the Department of Transportation should utilize, to 
the maximum extent practicable, the ‘‘Merchant Ma-
rine Academy Full Speed Ahead Plan’’ developed by 
the Maritime Security Infrastructure Council as 
summarized in the Congressional Record, dated Feb-
ruary 28, 2024; 
(3) given the conditions of the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy as of the date of enact-
ment of this section, a comprehensive, campus-wide 
modernization is needed to significantly upgrade or 
replace facilities throughout the campus; and 
(4) the Maritime Administration and the De-
partment of Transportation should identify opportu-
nities to utilize design-build contracts to increase de-
livery times and reduce costs. 
(c) CAMPUS MODERNIZATION PLAN.—Chapter 513 
of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
the end the following: 
‘‘§ 51329. 10-year Campus Modernization Plan 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
develop and begin to implement a comprehensive Campus 
Modernization Plan (referred to in this section as the 
‘Campus Modernization Plan’), informed by the ‘United 
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States Merchant Marine Academy Full Speed Ahead Plan’ 
developed by the Maritime Security Infrastructure Council 
as summarized in the Congressional Record, dated Feb-
ruary 28, 2024, to carry out a campus-wide modernization 
at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. 
‘‘(b) OBJECTIVES.—In carrying out the Campus 
Modernization Plan authorized under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall prioritize the following objectives: 
‘‘(1) Promoting modern education best prac-
tices by constructing learning facilities that leverage 
state-of-the art technologies and learning best prac-
tices. 
‘‘(2) Providing Midshipmen with access to fa-
cilities needed to pass the United States Coast 
Guard License Exam for Third Mate or Third As-
sistant Engineer Unlimited. 
‘‘(3) Ensuring Midshipmen have access to fa-
cilities sufficient to enable Midshipmen to maintain 
physical readiness standards required of United 
States Navy officers. 
‘‘(4) Developing campus infrastructure to en-
sure the Academy attracts a diverse pool of appli-
cants. 
‘‘(5) Providing facilities that enable industry 
engagement and continuing education opportunities. 
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‘‘(6) Maintaining a safe and secure campus en-
vironment for all Midshipmen, which shall include 
any facilities or infrastructure needed to meet the 
requirements of sections 51326, 51327, or 51328 of 
this title. 
‘‘(7) Implementing, to the extent practicable, 
the facilities and infrastructure recommendations in 
chapter 4 of the report titled ‘Organizational Assess-
ment of the United States Merchant Marine Acad-
emy: A Path Forward’ issued by the National Acad-
emy of Public Administration in November 2021. 
‘‘(c) INCLUSIONS.—In meeting the objectives of sub-
section (b), the Campus Modernization Plan authorized 
under subsection (a) shall include— 
‘‘(1) construction of new facilities or significant 
renovation of existing facilities to provide— 
‘‘(A) Standards of Training, Certification, 
and Watchkeeping applications laboratories; 
‘‘(B) a Safety Of Life At Sea training 
pool; 
‘‘(C) engineering powerplant laboratories; 
‘‘(D) athletic facilities that meet the needs 
of both male and female students; 
‘‘(E) enhanced waterfront facilities, to in-
clude a new pier; 
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‘‘(F) a visitor welcome center and main 
campus security office building; 
‘‘(G) housing facilities for senior staff and 
faculty; and 
‘‘(H) sufficient parking facilities for fac-
ulty, staff, and campus visitors; 
‘‘(2) upgrades to all classrooms and laboratories 
with modern information technology infrastructure; 
‘‘(3) a campus-wide upgrade and retrofit of— 
‘‘(A) the electric distribution power grid; 
‘‘(B) the sanitary sewer system piping; 
‘‘(C) the storm drainage system; and 
‘‘(D) the drinking water system, including 
development of a separate and redundant fire 
suppression system; and 
‘‘(4) renovations of existing campus facilities to 
ensure all campus facilities— 
‘‘(A) are structurally sound; 
‘‘(B) have reliable heating and air condi-
tioning systems; 
‘‘(C) have functioning plumbing and elec-
trical systems; 
‘‘(D) are protected from the elements, in-
cluding through roof replacements and window 
repairs or replacements, as needed; 
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‘‘(E) are accessible in accordance with the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and 
‘‘(F) have working fire alarm and fire sup-
pression systems. 
‘‘(d) REQUIREMENTS.—For the duration of the Cam-
pus Modernization Plan authorized under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall ensure that the Academy remains 
fully operational. 
‘‘(e) USE OF A FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION AGENT.— 
Consistent with the requirements of section 3515(d)(3) of 
the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263), the Adminis-
trator shall seek to enter into an agreement with a Federal 
construction agent to carry out the Campus Modernization 
Plan authorized under subsection (a). 
‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of 
Transportation, out of the Maritime Security Trust Fund 
established under section 50301(b) of this title, for fiscal 
years 2026 through 2035, for the phased rehabilitation, 
modernization, and construction of facilities and infra-
structure at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, 
in accordance with this section, including the Campus 
Modernization 
Plan 
authorized 
in 
subsection 
(a), 
$1,020,000,000 of which— 
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‘‘(1) $54,000,000 is authorized to be appro-
priated for fiscal year 2026 for design and planning 
purposes, which shall be used for the development of 
a design-build plan for the phased rehabilitation, 
modernization, and construction of facilities and in-
frastructure at the United States Merchant Marine 
Academy in accordance with the Campus Moderniza-
tion Plan; and 
‘‘(2) for fiscal years 2027 through 2035, 
$107,333,333 is authorized to be appropriated for 
each year for construction and contingency pur-
chases necessary to execute the Campus Moderniza-
tion Plan.’’. 
(d) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 513 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘51329. 10-Year Campus Modernization Plan.’’. 
SEC. 622. UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) the United States Merchant Marine Acad-
emy, one of our Nation’s 5 Federal service acad-
emies, is vital to our national security, and modern-
izing the Academy’s aging infrastructure and invest-
ing in faculty and students must be congressional 
priorities; 
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(2) sufficient funding must be provided to en-
able the maximum student enrollment that the cam-
pus infrastructure of the United States Merchant 
Marine Academy can support; and 
(3) considering the Academy’s role as a co- 
equal military service academy, the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy should be included in the 
rotation of presidential attendance at graduations. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
51301 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by add-
ing at the end the following: 
‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of 
Transportation out of the Maritime Security Trust Fund 
established under section 50301(b) of this title, 
$125,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035 
for Academy operations.’’. 
(c) REPORT ON ENROLLMENT.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Maritime 
Administrator shall submit a report to the appropriate 
committees of Congress identifying the additional re-
sources needed to increase enrollment at the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy. 
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SEC. 623. RETIREMENT SERVICE CREDIT FOR SERVICE AS 
A MIDSHIPMAN AT THE UNITED STATES MER-
CHANT MARINE ACADEMY. 
(a) CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM.—Section 
8331(13) of title 5, United States Code, is amended, in 
the flush text following subparagraph (C), by inserting ‘‘or 
the United States Merchant Marine Academy’’ after 
‘‘Naval Academy’’. 
(b) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM.— 
Section 8401(31) of title 5, United States Code, is amend-
ed, in the flush text following subparagraph (C), by insert-
ing ‘‘or the United States Merchant Marine Academy’’ 
after ‘‘Naval Academy’’. 
(c) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by this 
section shall apply to— 
(1) any annuity, the eligibility for which is 
based on a separation occurring before, on, or after 
the date of enactment of this Act; and 
(2) any period of service as a midshipman at 
the United States Merchant Marine Academy occur-
ring before, on, or after the date of enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 624. STATE MARITIME ACADEMIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Maritime Administrator 
shall submit a report to Congress containing the results 
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of a study to evaluate the additional resources needed to 
allow State maritime academies to increase enrollment and 
produce additional mariners. 
(b) NEED FOR ADDITIONAL STATE MARITIME ACAD-
EMIES.—Such study shall consider whether there is a need 
for additional State maritime academies in States that do 
not operate a maritime academy. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
51501 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by add-
ing at 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 50301(b) of this 
title, $10,000,000 for assistance to State maritime acad-
emies under subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2026 
through 2035.’’. 
SEC. 625. ENFORCEMENT OF SERVICE OBLIGATION RE-
QUIREMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Maritime Administrator shall 
ensure that— 
(1) each citizen who is appointed as a cadet at 
the United States Merchant Marine Academy and 
signs a cadet commitment agreement under section 
51306 of title 46, United States Code, meets the 
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service obligation requirements of that agreement; 
and 
(2) each individual that signs a student incen-
tive payment agreement under section 51509 of title 
46, United States Code, meets the service obligation 
requirements under that agreement. 
(b) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—The Maritime Ad-
ministrator shall establish an electronic system through 
which each individual with a service obligation under such 
section 51306 or 51509 (referred to in this section as a 
‘‘service-obligated mariner’’) shall annually demonstrate 
that they are meeting their service obligation or have a 
valid deferment consistent with section 51310 of title 46, 
United States Code, or section 51510 of title 46, United 
States Code, as applicable. 
(c) NOTIFICATION
OF VIOLATION.—The Maritime 
Administrator shall transmit a written notice to each serv-
ice-obligated mariner who fails to meet the reporting re-
quirement of subsection (b), notifying such individual of 
the applicable penalties established under section 51306 
of title 46, United States Code, or section 51509 of title 
46, United States Code, for failure to carry out the appli-
cable service requirements, including cost recovery. 
(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this section, and annually 
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thereafter, the Maritime Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the status 
of all service-obligated mariners, which shall include— 
(1) information about how each service-obli-
gated mariner is meeting their service obligation re-
quirement, which shall be based on the results of the 
data collected under subsection (b); 
(2) the number of service-obligated mariners 
who have not met their service obligation and have 
not complied with the reporting requirement under 
subsection (b); and 
(3) the number of actions taken by the Mari-
time 
Administrator 
under 
sections 
51306(b), 
51306(d), 51306(f), and 51509(g) to recover costs 
from service-obligated mariners who have not dem-
onstrated that they have met their service obligation 
requirements. 
SEC. 626. FUEL FUNDING FOR TRAINING SHIPS OPERATED 
BY STATE MARITIME ACADEMIES. 
(a) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 51504 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking sub-
section (f) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(f) FUEL COSTS.—Subject to the availability of ap-
propriations, the Secretary shall pay to each State mari-
time academy the costs of fuel used by a vessel provided 
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under this section while used for training in accordance 
with section 51512.’’. 
(b) AMENDMENT.—Chapter 515 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 51512. Funding for training ships operated by 
State maritime academies 
‘‘(a) FUEL FUNDING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability 
of appropriations, the Secretary shall pay to each 
State maritime academy the costs of fuel used by a 
vessel that is loaned to the State maritime academy 
in accordance with section 51504 while used for 
training. 
‘‘(2) MAXIMUM AMOUNTS.—The amount of the 
payment to a State maritime academy under sub-
section (a) may not exceed $20,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2026 through 2035. 
‘‘(3) PROHIBITION.—Maritime academies that 
receive funding under subsection (a) may not— 
‘‘(A) profit from charging cadets to go to 
sea for their licensing when using federally pro-
vided fuel; or 
‘‘(B) utilize the vessel as housing for stu-
dents outside of seasonal training cruises, un-
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less students elect voluntarily to live aboard the 
vessel. 
‘‘(4) REQUIREMENT.—Each State maritime 
academy that receives fuel costs under this section 
shall offer billets for liaison officers from each mili-
tary service during the time such vessel is provided 
to that State maritime academy. 
‘‘(b) CREW.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each State maritime acad-
emy shall make crew positions available on a vessel 
that is loaned to the State maritime academy for 
mariners enrolled in the United States Merchant 
Marine Career Retention Program established under 
section 52105. 
‘‘(2) CREW FUNDING.—For each crew slot filled 
by a mariner enrolled in the career retention pro-
gram, as provided for under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary shall pay the crew costs for that mariner, 
subject to the availability of appropriations. 
‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
rity Trust Fund, established under section 50301(b) of 
this title, $120,000,000 to carry out this section for each 
of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.’’. 
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(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 515 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘51512. Fuel funding for training ships operated by State maritime acad-
emies.’’. 
SEC. 627. STATE MARITIME ACADEMY SEA TERM SCHOLAR-
SHIP PROGRAMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 515 of title 46, United 
States Code, as amended by section 627, is further amend-
ed by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 51513. State Maritime Academy Sea Term Scholar-
ship Programs 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Maritime Administrator 
shall work with private entities in the maritime industry 
to establish a scholarship program— 
‘‘(1) for students at State maritime academies 
to offset expenses associated with completion of a 
summer sea term to receive sea-time required to 
earn a Coast Guard license; and 
‘‘(2) which is entirely or predominantly funded 
through contributions from a private entity. 
‘‘(b) CONTRIBUTED FUNDS.—The Maritime Admin-
istrator shall enter into a cooperative agreement, or other 
agreement, with private entities in the maritime industry 
to accept funding from private entities for the purpose of 
establishing such a scholarship program. The cooperative 
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agreement may include any terms considered necessary by 
the Maritime Administrator. 
‘‘(c) PRIVILEGES.—The Maritime Administrator may 
provide certain privileges to a private entity who contrib-
utes funds for a scholarship program under this section, 
including opportunities to provide information about em-
ployment opportunities with the private entity to students 
enrolled in the scholarship program. 
‘‘(d) STRUCTURE.—In establishing a scholarship pro-
gram to offset expenses associated with a summer sea 
term— 
‘‘(1) the Maritime Administrator may enter into 
an agreement with a student at a State maritime 
academy that has an agreement with the Secretary 
of Transportation under section 51505 of this title, 
to offset expenses associated with completion of a 
summer sea term; or 
‘‘(2) the Maritime Administrator may enter into 
an agreement with a State maritime academy that 
has an agreement with the Secretary of Transpor-
tation under section 51505 of this title, to offset ex-
penses for all students who participate in a summer 
sea term program. 
‘‘(e) RELATIONSHIP
TO
FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAMS.—Recognizing the need for licensed merchant 
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mariners, the Maritime Administrator shall encourage 
participants of the financial assistance programs under 
part C of this subtitle, to enter into agreements under this 
section to establish scholarship programs to offset ex-
penses associated with summer sea term. 
‘‘(f) REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS.—Any student 
who benefits from a scholarship program under this sec-
tion shall enter into an agreement with the Maritime Ad-
ministrator which requires the student to— 
‘‘(1) complete the course of instruction at the 
academy the individual is attending; 
‘‘(2) obtain a merchant mariner license, without 
limitation as to tonnage or horsepower, from the 
Coast Guard as an officer in the merchant marine 
of the United States, accompanied by the appro-
priate national and international endorsements and 
certification required by the Coast Guard for service 
aboard vessels on domestic and international voy-
ages, without limitation, within 3 months of comple-
tion of the course of instruction at the academy the 
individual is attending; 
‘‘(3) serve in a position that supports the for-
eign and domestic commerce and the national de-
fense of the United States for at least 1 year after 
graduation from the academy— 
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‘‘(A) as a merchant marine officer on a 
documented vessel or a vessel owned and oper-
ated by the United States Government or by a 
State; or 
‘‘(B) as a commissioned officer on active 
duty in an Armed Force of the United States, 
as a commissioned officer in the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration, or in 
other maritime-related Federal employment 
which serves the national security interests of 
the United States, as determined by the Mari-
time Administrator; and 
‘‘(4) report to the Maritime Administrator on 
compliance with this subsection. 
‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated out of the Maritime Secu-
rity Trust Fund, established under section 50301(b) of 
this title, $2,500,000 to carry out this section for each 
of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 515 of title 46, United States Code, as amend-
ed by section 627, is further amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘51513. State Maritime Academy Sea Term Scholarship Programs.’’. 
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SEC. 628. NAVAL JOINT EXERCISE INVOLVEMENT FOR 
TRAINING SHIPS OPERATED BY STATE MARI-
TIME ACADEMIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Navy, in co-
ordination with the Maritime Administrator, shall, to the 
extent practicable, include in national and international 
maritime warfare exercises not less than 1 training vessel 
used by a State maritime academy and maintained pursu-
ant to section 51504 of title 46, United States Code, in 
order to provide an opportunity to integrate merchant 
mariners with naval and military operations. 
(b) PARTICIPANTS.—Subject to guidance issued by 
the Secretary of the Navy and Maritime Administrator, 
an individual may participate in the exercise aboard that 
training ship if the individual is— 
(1) a licensed merchant mariner; or 
(2) a student from the United States Merchant 
Marine Academy, a State maritime academy, a Cen-
ter of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce 
Training and Education, or a merchant marine cen-
ter established under section 147 of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3197), 
as added by section 612 of this Act. 
(c) PRIORITY.—In selecting participants under sub-
section (b) the Administrator shall give priority to stu-
dents described in paragraph (2) of subsection (b). 
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sus tracts may be designated as maritime prosperity 
zone. 
‘‘(4) PERIOD FOR WHICH DESIGNATION IS IN 
EFFECT.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
designation as a maritime prosperity zone shall re-
main in effect for the period— 
‘‘(A) beginning on the date of the designa-
tion, and 
‘‘(B) ending at the close of the 5th cal-
endar year beginning on or after such date of 
designation.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for subchapter Z of chapter 1 of such Code is amended 
by adding at the end the following new item: 
‘‘Sec. 1400Z–3. Treatment of maritime prosperity zones as opportunity zones.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
Æ 
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