Message from the Administrator
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit the official U.S. Maritime Administration website.
The Maritime Administration is the advocate for the maritime industry within the U.S. Government.
Beyond that, the Agency brings to the table considerable technical and professional experience in vessel
design, construction, maintenance and repair, port operations, vessel operations and the financial acumen
needed to understand industry investment capabilities and limitations.
Yet, unlike other government agencies dealing in the maritime field, the Maritime Administration is not
an enforcement or regulatory agency. Rather, it works in concert with industry developing best management
practices and voluntary measures to enhance operation and viability of the U.S. Marine Transportation System.
In recognition of its unique role with industry, and to revitalize its position as industry facilitator,
the Maritime Administration recently engaged in a realignment of resources to:
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Focus more effort and attention on the development of a seamless transportation system serving the
Nation's gateways, waterways and ports
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Oversee the Agency's current U.S. industry support and workforce development activities
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Effectively manage maritime assets in support of the Department of Defense; prepare for
maritime emergencies; and implement best practices in the disposition of obsolete ships in
the National Defense Reserve Fleet, and
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Address growing regulatory and compliance challenges facing the maritime community in areas
affecting environment, security and safety.
This realignment is, in reality, the embodiment of, and tangible commitment to achieving the
Maritime Administration's "Vision for the 21st Century."
To aid in our vision, the Maritime Administration website is currently undergoing a number of exciting
changes designed to make accessing information easier and the overall online experience more enjoyable.
Major changes to the site will be occurring over the coming months all designed to better serve and inform
our customers and partners. The current design is the first step in revamping the website. The design allows
for quicker access to the information our customers and partners are seeking. Geared more towards function,
the new site design also incorporates best practices in Accessibility and Usability.
Over the coming months, our site visitors will find even more information and functionality as we progress
towards a more dynamic, content-driven web presence. Again, thank you for visiting the U.S. Maritime
Administration website and please visit often as we will be continually updating our site content and
functionality to better serve our customers and partners.
Sean T. Connaughton
Maritime Administrator