No. The Federal Maritime Commission has no records or information regarding requirements or opportunities with the United States Merchant Marine. The websites of the United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and the Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation, provide a variety of information about the Merchant Marine.

Does the Federal Maritime Commission have information about Veterans’ benefits for people who served in the Merchant Marine during World War II?

No. If you served in the United States Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II and would like to know if you qualify for Veterans’ benefits, information on the United States Coast Guard website may be helpful.

Does the Federal Maritime Commission have information about U.S. Cabotage Laws?

No. Information concerning Cabotage laws, including the Jones Act, is available from the Maritime Administration.

Does the FMC provide certified copies of documents in its files?

Yes. Requests for certification of documents should be made in writing and should be addressed to:

Commission’s Secretary
Office of the Secretary
800 N. Capitol Street, NW
Washington, DC 20573

Phone: (202) 523-5725; Fax: (202) 523-0014; Email: Secretary@fmc.gov.

Your written request should thoroughly identify the specific documents you need certified, and indicate specific dates or information you need included in the certification language. The charges associated with certifications and duplication of documents are located at 46 CFR Part 503 of the Commission’s rules.

How do I make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request?

Freedom of Information Act Requests must be directed in writing to:

Secretary
Federal Maritime Commission
Washington, D.C. 20573

and must reasonably describe the record or records sought. E-mail requests may be directed to the Secretary at secretary@fmc.gov. More information about how to make FOIA requests and the associated charges may be found at 46 CFR Part 503 of the Commission’s rules or on the Commission's FOIA site.

Is the Commission's Docket Activity Library available to the public for research?

Yes. The Docket Activity Library is the Commission’s repository for legal pleadings filed in various types of proceedings such as, formal and informal dockets ( private complaints or Commission instituted investigations) and rulemakings. Docket files can be viewed at:

800 North Capitol Street, N.W.
Room 1049, Washington, DC.

Docket logs (a chronological listing of all filings/issuances in each docket) also are available through the Commission’s website. For assistance in locating or requesting copies of documents in the Docket Library please contact our Docket Activity Library at (202) 523-5760 or send email to secretary@fmc.gov.

Is the Commission’s Reference/Law Library available to the public for research?

Yes. The Commission’s Public Reference/Law Library is available to the public. Its holdings consist of specialized material primarily covering the various segments of the international shipping industry, as well as historical and current regulatory materials covering all phases of shipping in the U.S. foreign trades. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Library and use the materials; however, all collection materials must be used in the Library during Library hours. The Librarian can be reached at (202) 523-5762, or by email at LibraryInquires@fmc.gov.