Maritime Administration

Type: Government Agency
On the web: http://www.marad.dot.gov

Making sure the US marine transportation system is shipshape is job No. 1 for the Maritime Administration (MARAD). MARAD programs help develop and maintain the country's merchant marine and also oversee shipbuilding and repair services, ports, intermodal water and land transportations systems, and reserve shipping capacity in time of war or national emergency. A division of the Department of Transportation, MARAD additionally monitors compliance with cargo preference laws and works on bilateral maritime transport agreements with foreign nations.

Officers:
Maritime Administrator: Sean Connaughton
Deputy Administrator: Julie A. Nelson
CFO: David (Dave) Rivait

Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. One of its functions is to encourage overseas trade.