Office of Chief Counsel

The Office of Chief Counsel provides legal advice and services to all offices of the Maritime Administration (MarAd) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Office of Chief Counsel staff is fully committed to the MarAd mission to promote the development and maintenance of the United States merchant marine, and ensure the United States maintains adequate shipbuilding and repair services, efficient ports, effective intermodal transportation systems, and reserve shipping capacity for use in times of national emergency.

Contact Us

Department of Transportation

Maritime Administration

Office of Chief Counsel

Mail Stop – 4

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE

Washington, DC  20590

 

Telephone:  (202) 366-5320

Fax:  (202) 366-5705

Email:  [MARADOfficeofChiefCounsel@dot.gov]

 

Information

Overview

The MarAd Office of Chief Counsel is under the direction and supervision of the Chief Counsel, who reports to the Maritime Administrator.  The Chief Counsel is appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, with approval of the President.  The Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel lead a dedicated team of lawyers and support staff.  The principal areas of their legal practice include:

         Legislation and Regulation

         Information Law

         Government Acquisitions and Grants

         Issues related to use, sale, reefing, and donation of vessels

         Environmental Law

         Employment and Labor Law

         International Law

         Ship financial guarantees under Chapter 537 of Title XI, and other ship financing programs, capital construction grants, and Maritime Security Program Agreements.

Office of Chief Counsel attorneys also provides advice relating to administration of the following maritime programs: (I ) Cargo preference; (2) domestic cabotage; (3) war risk and marine insurance; (4) the American Fisheries Act; and, (5) vessel documentation.

 

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