MARAD Focuses on US Maritime Workforce

To support community or technical colleges and maritime training facilities that prepare Americans for careers in the maritime industry, the US Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) is accepting applications until September 19 for Centres of Excellence (CoE) designations.

The MARAD-run CoE program prioritizes on already-existing training institutions and aids the marine sector in obtaining and retaining a highly-trained staff. Additionally, the initiative helps the Biden Administration fulfill its goal to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for students, instructors, and employees in the maritime workforce.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2018 grants the Secretary of Transportation the ability to designate eligible organizations as CoEs.

Additionally, the Department and MARAD can work with designated CoEs to improve facilities, develop new maritime career pathways, improve employer-led maritime training practices, and possibly get support in the form of extra equipment or short-term use of MARAD vessels. These initiatives can all be done in conjunction with the advancement of student and faculty recruitment and training.