Message from the Administrator

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit the official U.S. Maritime Administration web site. 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:

• Focus more effort and attention on the development of a seamless transportation system serving the Nation's gateways, waterways and ports
• Oversee the Agency's current U.S. industry support and workforce development activities
• 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
• 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 web site 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 web site. 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