United States Department of Transportation
Associate Administrator for Environment and Compliance
(Offices of Environment, Security, and Safety)
During the past three decades, the maritime industry has increasingly faced a myriad new and expanding regulations. In the areas of safety, security and the environment, U.S. flag vessels in international trade are required to comply with the guidelines established by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) and implemented in the United States by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Domestic vessels and vessels calling on U.S. ports are, likewise, subject to regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard and, in the environmental area, additional regulations imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ashore, in marine terminals and shipyards, the industry faces ever evolving regulations implemented and enforced by EPA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies (in addition to the USCG).
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is not a regulatory agency, but rather, an agency whose mission is to support a healthy and robust U.S. maritime transportation industry. In so doing, MARAD represents maritime transportation interests with other federal agency partners including EPA, OSHA, the USCG and other DHS agencies. In this regard, through the Office of Environment and Compliance, MARAD continually strives to facilitate a balanced approach between the needs of safety, security, the environment, and commercial mobility.
The Office of Environment and Compliance employs a diverse staff of subject matter experts including; master mariners, marine chief engineers, naval architects, security experts, and environmental scientists and protection specialists. Through collaboration with federal agencies and industry partners, work with standards organizations, and research and demonstration projects, the office end to promote sustainable maritime safety, security and environmental compliance and protection that fosters solutions to the many regulatory challenges facing the industry.
Through the work of the Offices of Environment, Security, and Safety, MARAD contributes to the Department of Transportation’s Strategic Goals, including, “Safety,” “Economic Competitiveness,” and “Environmental Sustainability.”