WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved the Maritime Administration Improvements Act of 2006, an original committee bill, during the markup session.  The measure strengthens requirements for cadets at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and ensures that graduates meet the Academy's standards and commitment of service. The bill now awaits consideration on the floor of the Senate.

The legislation specifically requires students entering the Merchant Marine Academy to meet the same physical and mental standards required by the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill also requires the DOD, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to certify annually to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) which Academy graduates have remained on active duty or in ready reserve status, thus confirming the fulfillment of a graduate’s service commitment agreement.  

The bill exempts Academy graduates who chose to serve on active duty in the armed forces from certain requirements otherwise required of graduates that do not serve on active duty.  Those cadets that chose to serve active are instead obligated to the terms of service of the branch under which they serve.  Individuals attending a state maritime academy would be required to enlist as a reserve in either the United States Naval Reserve, including the Merchant Marine Reserve, or the United States Coast Guard Reserve as a prerequisite for receiving student incentive payments.  An additional provision clarifies that the fee-based graduate school, housed on the grounds of the Academy, is operated under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation.