U.S. Maritime Administration

United States Maritime Administration

Seal of the U.S. Maritime Administration
Flag of the U.S. Maritime Administration
Agency overview
Formed	May 24, 1950
Preceding agency	Maritime Commission
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Agency executives	Paul Jaenichen, Administrator Michael J. Rodriguez, Deputy Administrator
Parent agency	Department of Transportation
Website	www.marad.dot.gov

The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation.

Its programs promote the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the viability of the U.S. merchant marine. The Maritime Administration works in many areas involving ships and shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. The Maritime Administration is also charged with maintaining the health of the merchant marine, since commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities are vital for supporting national security, and so the agency provides support and information for current mariners, extensive support for educating future mariners, and programs to educate America’s young people about the vital role the maritime industry plays in the lives of all Americans.

MARAD also maintains the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) as a ready source of ships for use during national emergencies, and assists the NDRF in fulfilling its role as the nation's fourth arm of defense, logistically supporting the military when needed.

On June 4, Deputy Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen was named Acting Maritime Administrator. He will serve in this role until the appointment and confirmation of a new Maritime Administrator. Acting Maritime Administrator Jaenichen has been with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration since July 2012 when he was appointed Deputy Maritime Administrator by President Obama.

When the United States Maritime Commission was abolished on May 24, 1950, its functions were split between the Federal Maritime Board which was responsible for regulating shipping and awarding subsidies for construction and operation of merchant vessels, and Maritime Administration, which was responsible for administering subsidy programs, maintaining the national defense reserve merchant fleet, and operating the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

In 1961, the Federal Maritime Board regulatory functions were assumed by the newly created Federal Maritime Commission, while the subsidy functions were assigned to the Maritime Subsidy Board of the Maritime Administration.