for in subsection (a), and receipts received from those activities, may be trans-
ferred to the Fund, which shall be available for the purposes of those working 
funds or allocation accounts. 
‘‘(e) LIMITATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Amounts made available to the Secretary for mar-
itime activities by this section or any other law may not be used to pay 
for a vessel described in paragraph (2) unless the compensation to be 
paid is computed under section 56303 of this title as that section is in-
terpreted by the Comptroller General. 
‘‘(2) APPLICABLE VESSELS.—Paragraph (1) applies to a vessel— 
‘‘(A) the title to which is acquired by the Government by requisi-
tion or purchase; 
‘‘(B) the use of which is taken by requisition or agreement; or 
‘‘(C) lost while insured by the Government. 
‘‘(3) NONAPPLICABLE VESSELS.—Paragraph (1) does not apply to a 
vessel under a construction-differential subsidy contract. 
‘‘(f) AVAILABILITY FOR ADDITIONAL PURPOSES.—The Fund is available 
for— 
‘‘(1) necessary expenses incurred in the protection, preservation, main-
tenance, acquisition, or use of vessels involved in mortgage foreclosure or 
forfeiture proceedings instituted by the Government, including payment 
of prior claims and liens, expenses of sale, or other related charges; 
‘‘(2) necessary expenses incident to the redelivery and lay-up, in the 
United States, of vessels chartered as of June 20, 1956, under agreements 
not calling for their return to the Government; 
‘‘(3) the activation, repair, and deactivation of merchant vessels char-
tered for limited emergency purposes during fiscal year 1957 under the 
jurisdiction of the Secretary; and 
‘‘(4) payment of expenses of custody and maintenance of Government- 
owned vessels not in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. 
‘‘(g) EXPENSES AND RECEIPTS RELATED TO CHARTER OPERATIONS.—The 
Fund is available for expenses incurred in activating, repairing, and deacti-
vating merchant vessels chartered under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Re-
ceipts from charter operations of Government-owned vessels under the juris-
diction of the Secretary shall be credited to the Fund. 
‘‘§ 50302. Port development 
‘‘(a) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.—With the objective of promoting, encour-
aging, and developing ports and transportation facilities in connection with 
water commerce over which the Secretary of Transportation has jurisdiction, 
the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, shall—
‘‘(1) investigate territorial regions and zones tributary to ports, taking 
into consideration the economies of transportation by rail, water, and 
highway and the natural direction of the flow of commerce; 
‘‘(2) investigate the causes of congestion of commerce at ports and ap-
plicable remedies; 
‘‘(3) investigate the subject of water terminals, including the necessary 
docks, warehouses, and equipment, to devise and suggest the types most 
appropriate for different locations and for the most expeditious and eco-
nomical transfer or interchange of passengers or property between water 
carriers and rail carriers; 
‘‘(4) consult with communities on the appropriate location and plan 
of construction of wharves, piers, and water terminals; 
‘‘(5) investigate the practicability and advantages of harbor, river, 
and port improvements in connection with foreign and coastwise trade; 
and 
‘‘(6) investigate any other matter that may tend to promote and en-
courage the use by vessels of ports adequate to care for the freight that 
naturally would pass through those ports. 
‘‘(b) SUBMISSION OF FINDINGS TO SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD.— 
After an investigation under subsection (a), if the Secretary of Transportation 
believes that the rates or practices of a rail carrier subject to the jurisdiction 
of the Surface Transportation Board are detrimental to the objective specified 
in subsection (a), or that new rates or practices, new or additional port ter-
minal facilities, or affirmative action by a rail carrier is necessary to pro-
mote that objective, the Secretary may submit findings to the Board for action 
the Board considers appropriate under existing law. 
‘‘§ 50303. Operating property and extending term of notes 
‘‘(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Transportation may— 
‘‘(1) operate or lease docks, wharves, piers, or real property under the 
Secretary’s control; and 
‘‘(2) make extensions and accept renewals of— 
‘‘(A) promissory notes and other evidences of indebtedness on 
property; and 
‘‘(B) mortgages and other contracts securing the property. 
‘‘(b) TERMS OF TRANSACTIONS.—A transaction under subsection (a) shall 
be on terms the Secretary considers necessary to carry out the purposes of this 
subtitle, but consistent with sound business practice. 
‘‘(c) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS.—Amounts received by the Secretary from 
a transaction under this section are available for expenditure by the Secretary 
as provided in this subtitle.
‘‘§ 50304. Sale and transfer of property 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY TO SELL.—The Secretary of Transportation may sell 
property (other than vessels transferred under section 4 of the Merchant Ma-
rine Act, 1920 (ch. 250, 41 Stat. 990)) on terms the Secretary considers ap-
propriate. 
‘‘(b) TRANSFERS FROM MILITARY TO CIVILIAN CONTROL.—When the Presi-
dent considers it in the interest of the United States, the President may trans-
fer to the Secretary of Transportation possession and control of property de-
scribed in the second paragraph of section 17 of the Merchant Marine Act, 
1920 (ch. 250, 41 Stat. 994), as originally enacted, that is possessed and con-
trolled by the Secretary of a military department. 
‘‘(c) TRANSFERS FROM CIVILIAN TO MILITARY CONTROL.—When the Presi-
dent considers it necessary, the President by executive order may transfer to 
the Secretary of a military department possession and control of property de-
scribed in section 17 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (ch. 250, 41 Stat. 
994), as originally enacted, that is possessed and controlled by the Secretary 
of Transportation. The President’s order shall state the need for the transfer 
and the period of the need. When the President decides that the need has 
ended, the possession and control shall revert to the Secretary of Transpor-
tation. The property may not be sold except as provided by law. 
‘‘§ 50305. Appointment of trustee or receiver and operation of 
vessels 
‘‘(a) APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES AND RECEIVERS.— 
‘‘(1) APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY.—In a proceeding in a court of the 
United States in which a trustee or receiver may be appointed for a cor-
poration operating a vessel of United States registry between the United 
States and a foreign country, on which the United States Government 
holds a mortgage, the court may appoint the Secretary of Transportation 
as the sole trustee or receiver (subject to the direction of the court) if— 
‘‘(A) the court finds that the appointment will— 
‘‘(i) inure to the advantage of the estate and the parties in 
interest; and 
‘‘(ii) tend to carry out the purposes of this subtitle; and 
‘‘(B) the Secretary expressly consents to the appointment. 
‘‘(2) APPOINTMENT OF OTHER PERSON.—The appointment of another 
person as trustee or receiver without a hearing becomes effective when 
ratified by the Secretary, but the Secretary may demand a hearing. 
‘‘(b) OPERATION OF VESSELS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If the court is unwilling to allow the trustee or 
receiver to operate the vessel in foreign commerce without financial aid 
from the Government pending termination of the proceeding, and the
Secretary certifies to the court that the continued operation of the vessel 
is essential to the foreign commerce of the United States and is reason-
ably calculated to carry out the purposes of this subtitle, the court may 
allow the Secretary to operate the vessel, either directly or through a 
managing agent or operator employed by the Secretary. The Secretary 
must agree to comply with terms imposed by the court sufficient to pro-
tect the parties in interest. The Secretary also must agree to pay all op-
erating losses resulting from the operation. The operation shall be for the 
account of the trustee or receiver. 
‘‘(2) PAYMENT OF OPERATING LOSSES AND OTHER AMOUNTS.—The 
Secretary has no claim against the corporation, its estate, or its assets 
for operating losses paid by the Secretary, but the Secretary may pay 
amounts for depreciation the Secretary considers reasonable and other 
amounts the court considers just. The payment of operating losses and 
the other amounts and compliance with terms imposed by the court shall 
be in satisfaction of any claim against the Secretary resulting from the 
operation of the vessel. 
‘‘(3) DEEMED OPERATION BY GOVERNMENT.—A vessel operated by the 
Secretary under this subsection is deemed to be a vessel operated by the 
United States under chapter 309 of this title. 
‘‘§ 50306. Requiring testimony and records in investigations 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In conducting an investigation that the Secretary of 
Transportation considers necessary and proper to carry out this subtitle, the 
Secretary may administer oaths, take evidence, and subpoena persons to tes-
tify and produce documents relevant to the matter under investigation. Per-
sons may be required to attend or produce documents from any place in the 
United States at any designated place of hearing. 
‘‘(b) FEES AND MILEAGE.—Persons subpoenaed by the Secretary under sub-
section (a) shall be paid the same fees and mileage paid to witnesses in the 
courts of the United States. 
‘‘(c) ENFORCEMENT OF SUBPOENAS.—If a person disobeys a subpoena 
issued under subsection (a), the Secretary may seek an order enforcing the 
subpoena from the district court of the United States for the district in which 
the person resides or does business. Process may be served in the judicial dis-
trict in which the person resides or is found. The court may issue an order 
to obey the subpoena and punish a refusal to obey as a contempt of court. 
‘‘CHAPTER 505—OTHER GENERAL PROVISIONS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘50501.
Entities deemed citizens of the United States. 
‘‘50502.
Applicability to receivers, trustees, successors, and assigns. 
‘‘50503.
Oceanographic research vessels. 
‘‘50504.
Sailing school vessels.
‘‘§ 50501. Entities deemed citizens of the United States 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In this subtitle, a corporation, partnership, or associa-
tion is deemed to be a citizen of the United States only if the controlling in-
terest is owned by citizens of the United States. However, if the corporation, 
partnership, or association is operating a vessel in the coastwise trade, at 
least 75 percent of the interest must be owned by citizens of the United States. 
‘‘(b) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CORPORATIONS.—In this subtitle, a 
corporation is deemed to be a citizen of the United States only if, in addition 
to satisfying the requirements in subsection (a)— 
‘‘(1) it is incorporated under the laws of the United States or a State; 
‘‘(2) its chief executive officer, by whatever title, and the chairman of 
its board of directors are citizens of the United States; and 
‘‘(3) no more of its directors are noncitizens than a minority of the 
number necessary to constitute a quorum. 
‘‘(c) DETERMINATION OF CONTROLLING CORPORATE INTEREST.—The con-
trolling interest in a corporation is owned by citizens of the United States 
under subsection (a) only if— 
‘‘(1) title to the majority of the stock in the corporation is vested in 
citizens of the United States free from any trust or fiduciary obligation 
in favor of a person not a citizen of the United States; 
‘‘(2) the majority of the voting power in the corporation is vested in 
citizens of the United States; 
‘‘(3) there is no contract or understanding by which the majority of 
the voting power in the corporation may be exercised, directly or indi-
rectly, in behalf of a person not a citizen of the United States; and 
‘‘(4) there is no other means by which control of the corporation is 
given to or permitted to be exercised by a person not a citizen of the 
United States. 
‘‘(d) DETERMINATION OF 75 PERCENT CORPORATE INTEREST.—At least 75 
percent of the interest in a corporation is owned by citizens of the United 
States under subsection (a) only if— 
‘‘(1) title to at least 75 percent of the stock in the corporation is vested 
in citizens of the United States free from any trust or fiduciary obliga-
tion in favor of a person not a citizen of the United States; 
‘‘(2) at least 75 percent of the voting power in the corporation is vest-
ed in citizens of the United States; 
‘‘(3) there is no contract or understanding by which more than 25 per-
cent of the voting power in the corporation may be exercised, directly 
or indirectly, in behalf of a person not a citizen of the United States; 
and
‘‘(4) there is no other means by which control of more than 25 percent 
of any interest in the corporation is given to or permitted to be exercised 
by a person not a citizen of the United States. 
‘‘§ 50502. Applicability to receivers, trustees, successors, and 
assigns 
‘‘This subtitle applies to receivers, trustees, successors, and assigns of any 
person to whom this subtitle applies. 
‘‘§ 50503. Oceanographic research vessels 
‘‘An oceanographic research vessel (as defined in section 2101 of this title) 
is deemed not to be engaged in trade or commerce. 
‘‘§ 50504. Sailing school vessels 
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘sailing school instructor’, 
‘sailing school student’, and ‘sailing school vessel’ have the meaning given 
those terms in section 2101 of this title. 
‘‘(b) NOT SEAMEN.—A sailing school student or sailing school instructor 
is deemed not to be a seaman under— 
‘‘(1) parts B, F, and G of subtitle II of this title; or 
‘‘(2) the maritime law doctrines of maintenance and cure or warranty 
of seaworthiness. 
‘‘(c) NOT MERCHANT VESSEL OR ENGAGED IN TRADE OR COMMERCE.— 
A sailing school vessel is deemed not to be— 
‘‘(1) a merchant vessel under section 11101(a)–(c) of this title; or 
‘‘(2) a vessel engaged in trade or commerce. 
‘‘(d) EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.—The owner or charterer 
of a sailing school vessel shall maintain evidence of financial responsibility 
to meet liability for death or injury to sailing school students and sailing 
school instructors on a voyage on the vessel. The amount of financial responsi-
bility shall be at least $50,000 for each student and instructor. Financial re-
sponsibility under this subsection may be evidenced by insurance or other 
adequate financial resources. 
‘‘PART B—MERCHANT MARINE SERVICE 
‘‘CHAPTER 511—GENERAL 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘51101.
Policy. 
‘‘51102.
Definitions. 
‘‘51103.
General authority of Secretary of Transportation. 
‘‘51104.
General authority of Secretary of the Navy. 
‘‘§ 51101. Policy 
‘‘It is the policy of the United States that merchant marine vessels of the 
United States should be operated by highly trained and efficient citizens of 
the United States and that the United States Navy and the merchant marine 
of the United States should work closely together to promote the maximum 
integration of the total seapower forces of the United States.
‘‘§ 51102. Definitions 
‘‘In this part: 
‘‘(1) ACADEMY.—The term ‘Academy’ means the United States Mer-
chant Marine Academy located at Kings Point, New York, and main-
tained under chapter 513 of this title. 
‘‘(2) COST OF EDUCATION PROVIDED.—The term ‘cost of education 
provided’ means the financial costs incurred by the United States Gov-
ernment for providing training or financial assistance to students at the 
Academy and the State maritime academies, including direct financial 
assistance, room, board, classroom academics, and other training activi-
ties. 
‘‘(3) MERCHANT MARINE OFFICER.—The term ‘merchant marine offi-
cer’ means an individual issued a license by the Coast Guard author-
izing service as— 
‘‘(A) a master, mate, or pilot on a documented vessel that— 
‘‘(i) is of at least 1,000 gross tons as measured under section 
14502 of this title or an alternate tonnage measured under sec-
tion 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under 
section 14104 of this title; and 
‘‘(ii) operates on the oceans or the Great Lakes; or 
‘‘(B) an engineer officer on a documented vessel propelled by ma-
chinery of at least 4,000 horsepower. 
‘‘(4) STATE MARITIME ACADEMY.—The term ‘State maritime academy’ 
means— 
‘‘(A) a State maritime academy or college sponsored by a State 
and assisted under chapter 515 of this title; and 
‘‘(B) a regional maritime academy or college sponsored by a 
group of States and assisted under chapter 515 of this title. 
‘‘§ 51103. General authority of Secretary of Transportation 
‘‘(a) EDUCATION AND TRAINING.—The Secretary of Transportation may 
provide for the education and training of citizens of the United States for the 
safe and efficient operation of the merchant marine of the United States at 
all times, including operation as a naval and military auxiliary in time of 
war or national emergency. 
‘‘(b) SURPLUS PROPERTY FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may cooperate with and assist the 
institutions named in paragraph (2) by making vessels, shipboard equip-
ment, and other marine equipment, owned by the United States Govern-
ment and determined to be excess or surplus, available to those institu-
tions for instructional purposes, by gift, loan, sale, lease, or charter on 
terms the Secretary considers appropriate.
‘‘(2) INSTITUTIONS.—The institutions referred to in paragraph (1) 
are— 
‘‘(A) the United States Merchant Marine Academy; 
‘‘(B) a State maritime academy; and 
‘‘(C) a nonprofit training institution jointly approved by the Sec-
retary of Transportation and the Secretary of the department in 
which the Coast Guard is operating as offering training courses that 
meet Federal regulations for maritime training. 
‘‘(c) ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER AGENCIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transportation may secure di-
rectly from an agency, on a reimbursable basis, information, facilities, 
and equipment necessary to carry out this part. 
‘‘(2) DETAILING PERSONNEL.—At the request of the Secretary, the 
head of an agency (including a military department) may detail, on a 
reimbursable basis, personnel from the agency to the Secretary to assist 
in carrying out this part. 
‘‘(d) ACADEMY PERSONNEL.—To carry out this part, the Secretary may— 
‘‘(1) employ an individual as a professor, lecturer, or instructor at the 
Academy, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appoint-
ments in the competitive service; and 
‘‘(2) pay the individual without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter 
III of chapter 53 of title 5. 
‘‘§ 51104. General authority of Secretary of the Navy 
‘‘The Secretary of the Navy, in cooperation with the Maritime Adminis-
trator and the head of each State maritime academy, shall ensure that— 
‘‘(1) the training of future merchant marine officers at the United 
States Merchant Marine Academy and at State maritime academies in-
cludes programs for naval science training in the operation of merchant 
vessels as a naval and military auxiliary; and 
‘‘(2) naval officer training programs for future officers, insofar as pos-
sible, are maintained at designated maritime academies consistent with 
Navy standards and needs. 
‘‘CHAPTER 513—UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE 
ACADEMY 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘51301.
Maintenance of the Academy. 
‘‘51302.
Nomination and competitive appointment of cadets. 
‘‘51303.
Non-competitive appointments. 
‘‘51304.
Additional appointments from particular areas. 
‘‘51305.
Prohibited basis for appointment. 
‘‘51306.
Cadet commitment agreements. 
‘‘51307.
Places of training. 
‘‘51308.
Uniforms, textbooks, and transportation allowances. 
‘‘51309.
Academic degree. 
‘‘51310.
Deferment of service obligation under cadet commitment agreements.
100 
‘‘51311.
Midshipman status in the Naval Reserve. 
‘‘51312.
Board of Visitors. 
‘‘51313.
Advisory Board. 
‘‘51314.
Limitation on charges and fees for attendance. 
‘‘§ 51301. Maintenance of the Academy 
‘‘The Secretary of Transportation shall maintain the United States Mer-
chant Marine Academy to provide instruction to individuals to prepare them 
for service in the merchant marine of the United States. 
‘‘§ 51302. Nomination and competitive appointment of cadets 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENTS.—An individual may be nominated for a competitive 
appointment as a cadet at the United States Merchant Marine Academy only 
if the individual— 
‘‘(1) is a citizen or national of the United States; and 
‘‘(2) meets the minimum requirements that the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall establish. 
‘‘(b) NOMINATORS.—Nominations for competitive appointments for the po-
sitions allocated under subsection (c) may be made as follows: 
‘‘(1) A Senator may nominate residents of the State represented by 
that Senator. 
‘‘(2) A Member of the House of Representatives may nominate resi-
dents of the State in which the congressional district represented by that 
Member is located. 
‘‘(3) A Delegate to the House of Representatives from the District of 
Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam, or American Samoa may nominate 
residents of the jurisdiction represented by that Delegate. 
‘‘(4) The Resident Commissioner to the United States from Puerto 
Rico may nominate residents of Puerto Rico. 
‘‘(5) The Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands may nominate 
residents of the Northern Mariana Islands. 
‘‘(6) The Panama Canal Commission may nominate— 
‘‘(A) residents, or sons or daughters of residents, of an area or 
installation in Panama and made available to the United States 
under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977, the agreements relating 
to and implementing that Treaty, signed September 7, 1977, and 
the Agreement Between the United States of America and the Re-
public of Panama Concerning Air Traffic Control and Related 
Services, concluded January 8, 1979; and 
‘‘(B) sons or daughters of personnel of the United States Govern-
ment and the Panama Canal Commission residing in Panama. 
‘‘(c) ALLOCATION OF POSITIONS.—Positions for competitive appointments 
shall be allocated each year as follows:
101 
‘‘(1) Positions shall be allocated for residents of each State nominated 
by the Members of Congress from that State in proportion to the rep-
resentation in Congress from that State. 
‘‘(2) Four positions shall be allocated for residents of the District of 
Columbia nominated by the Delegate to the House of Representatives 
from the District of Columbia. 
‘‘(3) One position each shall be allocated for residents of the Virgin 
Islands, Guam, and American Samoa nominated by the Delegates to the 
House of Representatives from the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American 
Samoa, respectively. 
‘‘(4) One position shall be allocated for a resident of Puerto Rico nom-
inated by the Resident Commissioner to the United States from Puerto 
Rico. 
‘‘(5) One position shall be allocated for a resident of the Northern 
Mariana Islands nominated by the Governor of the Northern Mariana 
Islands. 
‘‘(6) Two positions shall be allocated for individuals nominated by the 
Panama Canal Commission. 
‘‘(d) COMPETITIVE SYSTEM FOR APPOINTMENT.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF SYSTEM.—The Secretary shall establish a 
competitive system for selecting individuals nominated under subsection 
(b) to fill the positions allocated under subsection (c). The system must 
determine the relative merit of each individual based on competitive ex-
aminations, an assessment of the individual’s academic background, and 
other effective indicators of motivation and probability of successful com-
pletion of training at the Academy. 
‘‘(2) APPOINTMENTS BY JURISDICTION.—The Secretary shall appoint 
individuals to fill the positions allocated under subsection (c) for each 
jurisdiction in the order of merit of the individuals nominated from that 
jurisdiction. 
‘‘(3) REMAINING UNFILLED POSITIONS.—If positions remain unfilled 
after the appointments are made under paragraph (2), the Secretary 
shall appoint individuals to fill the positions in the order of merit of 
the remaining individuals nominated from all jurisdictions. 
‘‘§ 51303. Non-competitive appointments 
‘‘The Secretary of Transportation may appoint each year without competi-
tion as cadets at the United States Merchant Marine Academy not more than 
40 qualified individuals with qualities the Secretary considers to be of special 
value to the Academy. In making these appointments, the Secretary shall try 
to achieve a national demographic balance at the Academy.
102 
‘‘§ 51304. Additional appointments from particular areas 
‘‘(a) OTHER COUNTRIES IN WESTERN HEMISPHERE.—The President may 
appoint individuals from countries in the Western Hemisphere other than the 
United States to receive instruction at the United States Merchant Marine 
Academy. Not more than 12 individuals may receive instruction under this 
subsection at the same time, and not more than 2 individuals from the same 
country may receive instruction under this subsection at the same time. 
‘‘(b) OTHER COUNTRIES GENERALLY.— 
‘‘(1) APPOINTMENT.—The Secretary of Transportation, with the ap-
proval of the Secretary of State, may appoint individuals from countries 
other than the United States to receive instruction at the Academy. Not 
more than 30 individuals may receive instruction under this subsection 
at the same time. 
‘‘(2) REIMBURSEMENT.—The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure 
that the country from which an individual comes under this subsection 
will reimburse the Secretary for the cost (as determined by the Secretary) 
of the instruction and allowances received by the individual. 
‘‘(c) PANAMA.— 
‘‘(1) APPOINTMENT.—The Secretary of Transportation, with the ap-
proval of the Secretary of State, may appoint individuals from Panama 
to receive instruction at the Academy. Individuals appointed under this 
subsection are in addition to those appointed under any other provision 
of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) REIMBURSEMENT.—The Secretary of Transportation shall be re-
imbursed for the cost (as determined by the Secretary) of the instruction 
and allowances received by an individual appointed under this sub-
section. 
‘‘(d) ALLOWANCES AND REGULATIONS.—Individuals receiving instruction 
under this section are entitled to the same allowances and are subject to the 
same regulations on admission, attendance, discipline, resignation, discharge, 
dismissal, and graduation, as cadets at the Academy appointed from the 
United States. 
‘‘§ 51305. Prohibited basis for appointment 
‘‘Preference may not be given to an individual for appointment as a cadet 
at the United States Merchant Marine Academy because one or more members 
of the individual’s immediate family are alumni of the Academy. 
‘‘§ 51306. Cadet commitment agreements 
‘‘(a) AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS.—A citizen of the United States ap-
pointed as a cadet at the United States Merchant Marine Academy must sign, 
as a condition of the appointment, an agreement to— 
‘‘(1) complete the course of instruction at the Academy;
103 
‘‘(2) fulfill the requirements for a license as an officer in the merchant 
marine of the United States before graduation from the Academy; 
‘‘(3) maintain a valid license as an officer in the merchant marine 
of the United States for at least 6 years after graduation from the Acad-
emy, accompanied by the appropriate national and international en-
dorsements and certification required by the Coast Guard for service 
aboard vessels on domestic and international voyages; 
‘‘(4) apply for, and accept if tendered, an appointment as a commis-
sioned officer in the Naval Reserve (including the Merchant Marine Re-
serve, Naval Reserve), the Coast Guard Reserve, or any other reserve unit 
of an armed force of the United States, and, if tendered the appointment, 
to serve for at least 6 years after graduation from the Academy; 
‘‘(5) serve the foreign and domestic commerce and the national defense 
of the United States for at least 5 years after graduation from the Acad-
emy— 
‘‘(A) as a merchant marine officer on a documented vessel or a 
vessel owned and operated by the United States Government or by 
a State; 
‘‘(B) as an employee in a United States maritime-related indus-
try, profession, or marine science (as determined by the Secretary 
of Transportation), if the Secretary determines that service under 
subparagraph (A) is not available to the individual; 
‘‘(C) 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 Secretary; or 
‘‘(D) by a combination of the service alternatives referred to in 
subparagraphs (A)–(C); and 
‘‘(6) report to the Secretary on compliance with this subsection. 
‘‘(b) FAILURE TO COMPLETE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.— 
‘‘(1) ACTIVE DUTY.—If the Secretary of Transportation determines 
that an individual who has attended the Academy for at least 2 years 
has failed to fulfill the part of the agreement described in subsection 
(a)(1), the individual may be ordered by the Secretary of Defense to serve 
on active duty in one of the armed forces of the United States for a pe-
riod of not more than 2 years. In cases of hardship as determined by 
the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Transportation may 
waive this paragraph in whole or in part. 
‘‘(2) RECOVERY OF COST.—If the Secretary of Defense is unable or un-
willing to order an individual to serve on active duty under paragraph
104 
(1), or if the Secretary of Transportation determines that reimbursement 
of the cost of education provided would better serve the interests of the 
United States, the Secretary of Transportation may recover from the in-
dividual the cost of education provided by the Government. 
‘‘(c) FAILURE TO CARRY OUT OTHER REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) ACTIVE DUTY.—If the Secretary of Transportation determines 
that an individual has failed to fulfill any part of the agreement de-
scribed in subsection (a)(2)–(6), the individual may be ordered to serve 
on active duty for a period of at least 3 years but not more than the 
unexpired period (as determined by the Secretary) of the service required 
by subsection (a)(5). The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Defense, shall determine in which service the indi-
vidual shall serve. In cases of hardship as determined by the Secretary 
of Transportation, the Secretary of Transportation may waive this para-
graph in whole or in part. 
‘‘(2) RECOVERY OF COST.—If the Secretary of Defense is unable or un-
willing to order an individual to serve on active duty under paragraph 
(1), or if the Secretary of Transportation determines that reimbursement 
of the cost of education provided would better serve the interests of the 
United States, the Secretary of Transportation may recover from the in-
dividual the cost of education provided. The Secretary may reduce the 
amount to be recovered to reflect partial performance of service obliga-
tions and other factors the Secretary determines merit a reduction. 
‘‘(d) ACTIONS TO RECOVER COST.—To aid in the recovery of the cost of 
education provided by the Government under a commitment agreement under 
this section, the Secretary of Transportation may— 
‘‘(1) request the Attorney General to bring a civil action against the 
individual; and 
‘‘(2) make use of the Federal debt collection procedures in chapter 176 
of title 28 or other applicable administrative remedies. 
‘‘§ 51307. Places of training 
‘‘The Secretary of Transportation may provide for the training of cadets 
at the United States Merchant Marine Academy— 
‘‘(1) on vessels owned or subsidized by the United States Government; 
‘‘(2) on other documented vessels, with the permission of the owner; 
and 
‘‘(3) in shipyards or plants and with industrial or educational organi-
zations.
105 
‘‘§ 51308. Uniforms, textbooks, and transportation allow-
ances 
‘‘The Secretary of Transportation shall provide cadets at the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy— 
‘‘(1) all required uniforms and textbooks; and 
‘‘(2) allowances for transportation (including reimbursement of trav-
eling expenses) when traveling under orders as a cadet. 
‘‘§ 51309. Academic degree 
‘‘(a) BACHELOR’S DEGREE.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Superintendent of the United States Merchant 
Marine Academy may confer the degree of bachelor of science on an indi-
vidual who— 
‘‘(A) has met the conditions prescribed by the Secretary of Trans-
portation; and 
‘‘(B) if a citizen of the United States, has passed the examination 
for a merchant marine officer’s license. 
‘‘(2) EFFECT OF PHYSICAL DISQUALIFICATION.—An individual not al-
lowed to take the examination for a merchant marine officer’s license 
only because of physical disqualification may not be denied a degree for 
not taking the examination. 
‘‘(b) MASTER’S DEGREE.—The Superintendent of the Academy may confer 
a master’s degree on an individual who has met the conditions prescribed by 
the Secretary. A master’s degree program may be funded through non-appro-
priated funds. To maintain the appropriate academic standards, the program 
shall be accredited by the appropriate accreditation body. The Secretary may 
prescribe regulations necessary to administer such a program. 
‘‘(c) GRADUATION NOT ENTITLEMENT TO HOLD LICENSE.—Graduation 
from the Academy does not entitle an individual to hold a license authorizing 
service on a merchant vessel. 
‘‘§ 51310. Deferment of service obligation under cadet com-
mitment agreements 
‘‘The Secretary of Transportation may defer the service commitment of an 
individual under section 51306(a)(5) of this title (as specified in the cadet 
commitment agreement) for not more than 2 years if the individual is en-
gaged in a graduate course of study approved by the Secretary. However, 
deferment of service as a commissioned officer under section 51306(a)(5) must 
be approved by the Secretary of the military department that has jurisdiction 
over the service or by the Secretary of Commerce for service with the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
106 
‘‘§ 51311. Midshipman status in the Naval Reserve 
‘‘(a) APPLICATION REQUIREMENT.—Before being appointed as a cadet at 
the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a citizen of the United States 
must agree to apply for midshipman status in the Naval Reserve (including 
the Merchant Marine Reserve, Naval Reserve). 
‘‘(b) APPOINTMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A citizen of the United States appointed as a 
cadet at the Academy shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Navy 
as a midshipman in the Naval Reserve (including the Merchant Marine 
Reserve, Naval Reserve). 
‘‘(2) RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES.—The Secretary of the Navy shall pro-
vide for cadets of the Academy who are midshipmen in the United States 
Naval Reserve to be— 
‘‘(A) issued an identification card (referred to as a ‘military ID 
card’); and 
‘‘(B) entitled to all rights and privileges in accordance with the 
same eligibility criteria as apply to other members of the Ready Re-
serve of the reserve components of the armed forces. 
‘‘(3) COORDINATION.—The Secretary of the Navy shall carry out para-
graphs (1) and (2) in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation. 
‘‘§ 51312. Board of Visitors 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—A Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Ma-
rine Academy shall be established, for a term of 2 years commencing at the 
beginning of each Congress, to visit the Academy annually on a date deter-
mined by the Secretary of Transportation and to make recommendations on 
the operation of the Academy. 
‘‘(b) APPOINTMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Board shall be composed of— 
‘‘(A) 2 Senators appointed by the chairman of the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; 
‘‘(B) 3 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the 
chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives; 
‘‘(C) 1 Senator appointed by the Vice President; 
‘‘(D) 2 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives; and 
‘‘(E) the chairmen of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives, as ex officio members. 
‘‘(2) SUBSTITUTE
APPOINTMENT.—If an appointed member of the 
Board is unable to visit the Academy as provided in subsection (a), an-
107 
other individual may be appointed as a substitute in the manner pro-
vided in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(c) STAFF.—The chairmen of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives may designate staff members of their committees to 
serve without reimbursement as staff for the Board. 
‘‘(d) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—When serving away from home or regular place 
of business, a member of the Board or a staff member designated under sub-
section (c) shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of sub-
sistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5. 
‘‘§ 51313. Advisory Board 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—An Advisory Board to the United States Merchant Ma-
rine Academy shall be established to visit the Academy at least once during 
each academic year, for the purpose of examining the course of instruction 
and management of the Academy and advising the Maritime Administrator 
and the Superintendent of the Academy. 
‘‘(b) APPOINTMENT AND TERMS.—The Board shall be composed of not more 
than 7 individuals appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. The indi-
viduals must be distinguished in education and other fields related to the 
Academy. Members of the Board shall be appointed for terms of not more than 
3 years and may be reappointed. The Secretary shall designate one of the 
members as chairman. 
‘‘(c) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—When serving away from home or regular place 
of business, a member of the Board shall be allowed travel expenses, including 
per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5. 
‘‘(d) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAW.—The Federal Advisory Committee 
Act (5 App. U.S.C.) does not apply to the Board. 
‘‘§ 51314. Limitation on charges and fees for attendance 
‘‘(a) PROHIBITION.—Except as provided in subsection (b), no charge or fee 
for tuition, room, or board for attendance at the United States Merchant Ma-
rine Academy may be imposed unless the charge or fee is specifically author-
ized by a law enacted after October 5, 1994. 
‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—The prohibition specified in subsection (a) does not 
apply with respect to any item or service provided to cadets for which a 
charge or fee is imposed as of October 5, 1994. The Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall notify Congress of any change made by the Academy in the 
amount of a charge or fee authorized under this subsection. 
‘‘CHAPTER 515—STATE MARITIME ACADEMY SUPPORT 
PROGRAM 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘51501.
General support program. 
‘‘51502.
Detailing of personnel.
108 
‘‘51503.
Regional maritime academies. 
‘‘51504.
Use of training vessels. 
‘‘51505.
Annual payments for maintenance and support. 
‘‘51506.
Conditions to receiving payments and use of vessels. 
‘‘51507.
Places of training. 
‘‘51508.
Allowances for students. 
‘‘51509.
Student incentive payment agreements. 
‘‘51510.
Deferment of service obligation under student incentive payment agreements. 
‘‘51511.
Midshipman status in the Naval Reserve. 
‘‘§ 51501. General support program 
‘‘(a) ASSISTANCE
TO STATE MARITIME ACADEMIES.—The Secretary of 
Transportation shall cooperate with and assist State maritime academies in 
providing instruction to individuals to prepare them for service in the mer-
chant marine of the United States. 
‘‘(b) COURSE DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary shall provide to each State 
maritime academy guidance and assistance in developing courses on the oper-
ation and maintenance of new vessels, on equipment, and on innovations 
being introduced to the merchant marine of the United States. 
‘‘§ 51502. Detailing of personnel 
‘‘At the request of the Governor of a State, the President may detail, with-
out reimbursement, personnel of the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Maritime 
Service to a State maritime academy to serve as a superintendent, professor, 
lecturer, or instructor at the academy. 
‘‘§ 51503. Regional maritime academies 
‘‘The Governors of the States cooperating to sponsor a regional maritime 
academy shall designate in writing one of those States to conduct the affairs 
of that academy. A regional maritime academy is eligible for assistance from 
the United States Government on the same basis as a State maritime acad-
emy sponsored by a single State. 
‘‘§ 51504. Use of training vessels 
‘‘(a) APPLICATIONS TO USE VESSELS.—The Governor of a State spon-
soring a State maritime academy (or the Governor of the State designated 
to conduct the affairs of a regional maritime academy) may apply in writing 
to the Secretary of Transportation to obtain the use of a training vessel for 
the academy. A vessel provided under this section remains the property of the 
United States Government. 
‘‘(b) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary may 
provide to a State maritime academy, for use as a training vessel, a suitable 
vessel under the control of the Secretary or made available to the Secretary 
under subsection (e). If a suitable vessel is not available, the Secretary may 
build and provide a suitable vessel. 
‘‘(c) APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary may provide a vessel 
under this section only if— 
‘‘(1) an application has been made under subsection (a);
109 
‘‘(2) the State maritime academy satisfies section 51506(a) of this 
title; and 
‘‘(3) a suitable port will be available for the safe mooring of the vessel 
while the academy is using the vessel. 
‘‘(d) PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE.—A vessel provided under this sec-
tion shall be— 
‘‘(1) repaired, reconditioned, and equipped (with all apparel, charts, 
books, and instruments of navigation) as necessary for use as a training 
vessel; and 
‘‘(2) maintained in good repair by the Secretary. 
‘‘(e) AGENCY VESSELS.—An agency may provide to the Secretary, for use 
by a State maritime academy, a vessel (including equipment) that— 
‘‘(1) is suitable for training purposes; and 
‘‘(2) can be provided without detriment to the service to which the ves-
sel is assigned. 
‘‘(f) FUEL COSTS.—The Secretary may pay to a State maritime academy 
the costs of fuel used by a vessel provided under this section while used for 
training. 
‘‘(g) REMOVING VESSELS FROM SERVICE AND VESSEL SHARING.—The Sec-
retary may not— 
‘‘(1) take a vessel, currently in use as a training vessel under this sec-
tion, out of service to implement an alternative program (including ves-
sel sharing) unless the vessel is incapable of being maintained in good 
repair as required by subsection (d); or 
‘‘(2) implement a program requiring a State maritime academy to 
share its training vessel with another State maritime academy, except 
with the express consent of Congress. 
‘‘§ 51505. Annual payments for maintenance and support 
‘‘(a) PAYMENT AGREEMENTS.—The Secretary of Transportation may make 
an agreement (effective for not more than 4 years) with the following acad-
emies to provide annual payments to those academies for their maintenance 
and support: 
‘‘(1) One State maritime academy in each State that satisfies section 
51506(a) of this title. 
‘‘(2) Each regional maritime academy that satisfies section 51506(a) 
of this title. 
‘‘(b) PAYMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), an annual payment to 
an academy under subsection (a) shall be at least equal to the amount 
given to the academy for its maintenance and support by the State in
110 
which it is located, or, for a regional maritime academy, by all States 
cooperating to sponsor the academy. 
‘‘(2) MAXIMUM.—The amount under paragraph (1) may not be more 
than $25,000. However, if the academy satisfies section 51506(b) of this 
title, the amount shall be— 
‘‘(A) $100,000 for a State maritime academy; and 
‘‘(B) $200,000 for a regional maritime academy. 
‘‘§ 51506. Conditions to receiving payments and use of vessels 
‘‘(a) GENERAL CONDITIONS.—As conditions of receiving an annual pay-
ment or the use of a vessel under this chapter, a State maritime academy 
must— 
‘‘(1) provide courses of instruction on navigation, marine engineering 
(including steam and diesel propulsion), the operation and maintenance 
of new vessels and equipment, and innovations being introduced to the 
merchant marine of the United States; 
‘‘(2) agree in writing to conform to the standards for courses, training 
facilities, admissions, and instruction that the Secretary of Transpor-
tation may establish after consultation with the superintendents of State 
maritime academies; and 
‘‘(3) agree in writing to require, as a condition for graduation, that 
each individual who is a citizen of the United States and who is attend-
ing the academy in a merchant marine officer preparation program pass 
the examination required for the issuance of a license under section 7101 
of this title. 
‘‘(b) ADDITIONAL CONDITION TO PAYMENTS OF MORE THAN $25,000.—As 
a condition of receiving an annual payment of more than $25,000 under sec-
tion 51505 of this title, a State maritime academy also must agree to admit 
each year a number of citizens of the United States who meet its admission 
requirements and reside in a State not supporting that academy. The Sec-
retary shall determine the number of individuals to be admitted by each acad-
emy under this subsection. The number may not be more than one-third of 
the total number of individuals attending the academy at any time. 
‘‘§ 51507. Places of training 
‘‘The Secretary of Transportation may provide for the training of students 
attending a State maritime academy— 
‘‘(1) on vessels owned or subsidized by the United States Government; 
‘‘(2) on other documented vessels, with the permission of the owner; 
and 
‘‘(3) in shipyards or plants and with industrial or educational organi-
zations.
111 
‘‘§ 51508. Allowances for students 
‘‘Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation, a stu-
dent at a State maritime academy shall receive from the Secretary allowances 
for transportation (including reimbursement of traveling expenses) when trav-
eling under orders to receive training under section 51507 of this title. 
‘‘§ 51509. Student incentive payment agreements 
‘‘(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—If a State maritime academy has an agree-
ment with the Secretary of Transportation under section 51505 of this title, 
the Secretary may make an agreement with a student at the academy who 
is a citizen of the United States to make student incentive payments to the 
individual. An agreement with a student may not be effective for more than 
4 academic years. The Secretary shall allocate payments under this section 
among the various State maritime academies in an equitable manner. 
‘‘(b) PAYMENTS.—Payments under an agreement under this section shall 
be equal to $4,000 each academic year and be paid, as prescribed by the Sec-
retary, while the individual is attending the academy. The payments shall be 
used for uniforms, books, and subsistence. 
‘‘(c) MIDSHIPMAN AND ENLISTED RESERVE STATUS.—An agreement under 
this section shall require the student to accept midshipman and enlisted re-
serve status in the Naval Reserve (including the Merchant Marine Reserve, 
Naval Reserve) before receiving any payments under the agreement. 
‘‘(d) AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS.—An agreement under this section shall 
require the student to— 
‘‘(1) complete the course of instruction at the academy the individual 
is attending; 
‘‘(2) take the examination for a license as an officer in the merchant 
marine of the United States before graduation from the academy and ful-
fill the requirements for such a license within 3 months after graduation 
from the academy; 
‘‘(3) maintain a valid license as an officer in the merchant marine 
of the United States for at least 6 years after graduation from the acad-
emy, accompanied by the appropriate national and international en-
dorsements and certification required by the Coast Guard for service 
aboard vessels on domestic and international voyages; 
‘‘(4) accept, if tendered, an appointment as a commissioned officer in 
the Naval Reserve (including the Merchant Marine Reserve, Naval Re-
serve), the Coast Guard Reserve, or any other reserve unit of an armed 
force of the United States, and, if tendered the appointment, to serve for 
at least 6 years after graduation from the academy;
112 
‘‘(5) serve the foreign and domestic commerce and the national defense 
of the United States for at least 3 years after graduation from the acad-
emy— 
‘‘(A) as a merchant marine officer on a documented vessel or a 
vessel owned and operated by the United States Government or by 
a State; 
‘‘(B) as an employee in a United States maritime-related indus-
try, profession, or marine science (as determined by the Secretary), 
if the Secretary determines that service under subparagraph (A) is 
not available to the individual; 
‘‘(C) 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 Secretary; or 
‘‘(D) by a combination of the service alternatives referred to in 
subparagraphs (A)–(C); and 
‘‘(6) report to the Secretary on compliance with this subsection. 
‘‘(e) FAILURE TO COMPLETE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.— 
‘‘(1) ACTIVE DUTY.—If the Secretary of Transportation determines 
that an individual who has accepted the payments described in sub-
section (b) for a minimum of 2 academic years has failed to fulfill the 
part of the agreement described in subsection (d)(1), the individual may 
be ordered by the Secretary of Defense to serve on active duty in the 
armed forces of the United States for a period of not more than 2 years. 
In cases of hardship as determined by the Secretary of Transportation, 
the Secretary of Transportation may waive this paragraph in whole or 
in part. 
‘‘(2) RECOVERY OF COST.—If the Secretary of Defense is unable or un-
willing to order an individual to serve on active duty under paragraph 
(1), or if the Secretary of Transportation determines that reimbursement 
of the cost of education provided would better serve the interests of the 
United States, the Secretary of Transportation may recover from the in-
dividual the amount of student incentive payments, plus interest and at-
torney fees. The Secretary may reduce the amount to be recovered to re-
flect partial performance of service obligations and other factors the Sec-
retary determines merit a reduction. 
‘‘(f) FAILURE TO CARRY OUT OTHER REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) ACTIVE DUTY.—If the Secretary of Transportation determines 
that an individual has failed to fulfill any part of the agreement de-
scribed in subsection (d)(2)–(6), the individual may be ordered to serve
113 
on active duty for a period of at least 2 years but not more than the 
unexpired period (as determined by the Secretary) of the service required 
by subsection (d)(5). The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Defense, shall determine in which service the indi-
vidual shall serve. In cases of hardship as determined by the Secretary 
of Transportation, the Secretary of Transportation may waive this para-
graph in whole or in part. 
‘‘(2) RECOVERY OF COST.—If the Secretary of Defense is unable or un-
willing to order an individual to serve on active duty under paragraph 
(1), or if the Secretary of Transportation determines that reimbursement 
of the cost of education provided would better serve the interests of the 
United States, the Secretary of Transportation may recover from the in-
dividual the amount of student incentive payments, plus interest and at-
torney fees. The Secretary may reduce the amount to be recovered to re-
flect partial performance of service obligations and other factors the Sec-
retary determines merit a reduction. 
‘‘(g) ACTIONS TO RECOVER COST.—To aid in the recovery of the cost of 
education provided by the Government under a commitment agreement under 
this section, the Secretary of Transportation may— 
‘‘(1) request the Attorney General to bring a civil action against the 
individual; and 
‘‘(2) make use of the Federal debt collection procedures in chapter 176 
of title 28 or other applicable administrative remedies. 
‘‘§ 51510. Deferment of service obligation under student in-
centive payment agreements 
‘‘The Secretary of Transportation may defer the service commitment of an 
individual under section 51509(d)(5) of this title (as specified in the agree-
ment under section 51509) for not more than 2 years if the individual is en-
gaged in a graduate course of study approved by the Secretary. However, 
deferment of service as a commissioned officer on active duty must be ap-
proved by the Secretary of the affected military department (or the Secretary 
of Commerce, for service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin-
istration). 
‘‘§ 51511. Midshipman status in the Naval Reserve 
‘‘A citizen of the United States attending a State maritime academy may 
be appointed by the Secretary of the Navy as a midshipman in the Naval 
Reserve (including the Merchant Marine Reserve, Naval Reserve). 
‘‘CHAPTER 517—OTHER SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT 
MARINE TRAINING 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘51701.
United States Maritime Service. 
‘‘51702.
Civilian nautical schools.
114 
‘‘51703.
Additional training. 
‘‘51704.
Training for maritime oil pollution prevention, response, and clean-up. 
‘‘§ 51701. United States Maritime Service 
‘‘(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Transportation may estab-
lish and maintain a voluntary organization, to be known as the United 
States Maritime Service, for the training of citizens of the United States to 
serve on merchant vessels of the United States. 
‘‘(b) SPECIFIC AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may— 
‘‘(1) determine the number of individuals to be enrolled for training 
and reserve purposes in the Service; 
‘‘(2) fix the rates of pay and allowances of the individuals without re-
gard to chapter 51 or subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5; 
‘‘(3) prescribe the course of study and the periods of training for the 
Service; and 
‘‘(4) prescribe the uniform of the Service and the rules on providing 
and wearing the uniform. 
‘‘(c) RANKS, GRADES, AND RATINGS.—The ranks, grades, and ratings for 
personnel of the Service shall be the same as those prescribed for personnel 
of the Coast Guard. 
‘‘(d) MEDALS AND AWARDS.—The Secretary may establish and maintain 
a medals and awards program to recognize distinguished service, superior 
achievement, professional performance, and other commendable achievement 
by personnel of the Service. 
‘‘§ 51702. Civilian nautical schools 
‘‘(a) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘civilian nautical school’ 
means a school operated in the United States (except the United States Mer-
chant Marine Academy, a State maritime academy, or another school oper-
ated by the United States Government) that offers instruction to individuals 
quartered on a vessel primarily to train them for service in the merchant ma-
rine. 
‘‘(b) INSPECTION.—Each civilian nautical school is subject to inspection by 
the Secretary of Transportation. 
‘‘(c) RATING AND CERTIFICATION.—The Secretary may, under regulations 
the Secretary may prescribe, provide for the rating and certification of civil-
ian nautical schools as to the adequacy of their course of instruction, the com-
petence of their instructors, and the suitability of the equipment used in their 
course of instruction. 
‘‘§ 51703. Additional training 
‘‘(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Transportation may provide 
additional training on maritime subjects to supplement other training oppor-
tunities and make the training available to the personnel of the merchant ma-
115 
rine of the United States and individuals preparing for a career in the mer-
chant marine of the United States. 
‘‘(b) EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AND CONTRACTS.—The Secretary may— 
‘‘(1) prepare or buy equipment or supplies required for the additional 
training; and 
‘‘(2) without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 
5), make contracts for services the Secretary considers necessary to pre-
pare the equipment and supplies and to supervise and administer the 
additional training. 
‘‘§ 51704. Training for maritime oil pollution prevention, re-
sponse, and clean-up 
‘‘(a) ASSISTANCE IN ESTABLISHING PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Trans-
portation shall assist maritime training institutions approved by the Sec-
retary in establishing a training program for maritime oil pollution preven-
tion, response, and clean-up. 
‘‘(b) PROVIDING TRAINING VESSELS.—Subject to subsection (c), the Sec-
retary may provide, with title free of all liens, to maritime training institu-
tions that have a program established under subsection (a), offshore supply 
vessels and tug/supply vessels that were built in the United States and are 
in the possession of the Maritime Administration because of a default on a 
loan guaranteed under chapter 537 of this title. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS.—In addition to any other requirements the Secretary 
considers appropriate, the following requirements apply to vessels provided 
under this section: 
‘‘(1) The vessel shall be offered to the institution at a location selected 
by the Secretary. 
‘‘(2) The institution shall use the vessel to train students and appro-
priate maritime industry personnel in oil spill prevention, response, 
clean-up, and related skills. 
‘‘(3) The institution shall make the vessel and qualified students avail-
able to appropriate Federal, State, and local oil spill response authorities 
when there is a maritime oil spill. 
‘‘(4) The institution may not sell, trade, charter, donate, scrap, or in 
any way alter or dispose of the vessel without prior approval of the Sec-
retary. 
‘‘(5) The institution may not use the vessel in competition with a pri-
vately-owned vessel documented under chapter 121 of this title or titled 
under the law of a State, unless necessary to carry out this section. 
‘‘(6) When the institution can no longer use the vessel for its training 
program, the institution shall return the vessel to the Secretary. The Sec-