Bill Overview
Title: Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
Description: Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 202 This bill revises provisions related to the Maritime Administration (MARAD). Among other things, the bill reauthorizes MARAD programs, including programs associated with maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine; requires MARAD to establish a United States Marine Highway Program to designate marine highway routes as extensions of the surface transportation system and provide grants and enter into contacts or agreements for marine highway services; directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and and deliver to Congress a strategy to assist state maritime academies and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to improve the representation of women and underrepresented communities in the next generation of the mariner workforce; directs DOT to develop a strategy to ensure there is an adequate supply of trained U.S. citizen mariners sufficient to meet the operational requirements of low- and zero-emission vessels; addresses sexual harassment and sexual assault at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and provides for greater diversity and inclusion at the academy and within the maritime transportation system workforce; and authorizes MARAD to award maritime career training grants to eligible institutions (e.g., postsecondary educational institutions or postsecondary vocational institutions) for the purpose of developing, offering, or improving educational or career training programs for workers in the United States related to the maritime workforce.
Sponsors: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or aspiring to join the U.S. maritime industry
Estimated Size: 221200
- The bill impacts those involved in the U.S. Merchant Marine as it reauthorizes relevant programs, affecting their operations and funding.
- The Marine Highway Program aims to integrate marine routes into the surface transportation system, impacting communities and businesses reliant on these programs.
- The strategy to assist maritime academies will impact students and staff in terms of diversity and gender representation, leading to broader changes in educational policies and approaches.
- The push for low- and zero-emission vessel operations will affect mariners who need to be trained on these newer technologies, as well as industries associated with maritime transportation.
- Sexual harassment and assault provisions will impact all attendees and staff at the Merchant Marine Academy, leading to policy and cultural shifts.
- Grants for maritime career training will affect educational institutions and potential workers, improving access to maritime career paths.
Reasoning
- The policy will mainly affect individuals directly connected to the maritime industry, such as members of the U.S. Merchant Marine, mariners, and students in maritime academies. It will also indirectly impact communities reliant on maritime transportation through improved infrastructure and operational efficiency.
- The U.S. Merchant Marine and related educational institutions, especially those focusing on inclusivity and diversity, will see significant direct impacts.
- The training and grant programs suggested by the policy could elevate the skills of current and future maritime workers, potentially improving job satisfaction and economic security.
- Since the policy aims to address sexual harassment and assault within the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, its successful implementation could improve the wellbeing scores of those directly involved by providing a safer, more inclusive environment.
- There's a significant push in the policy towards sustainability (e.g., low and zero-emission vessels), which aligns with global trends towards ecological responsibility, potentially attracting progressive thinkers to the sector and increasing morale.
Simulated Interviews
Second Mate, U.S. Merchant Marine (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The focus on zero-emission vessels is a step forward.
- The inclusion of more diverse individuals will strengthen the industry.
- Current harassment policies are insufficient so changes are needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cadet, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (New York, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased funding is crucial for improving academy resources.
- Promoting diversity could improve my career opportunities.
- Safety improvements are overdue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Maritime Educator (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's fantastic to see grants for educational training.
- The policy opens doors for students from various backgrounds.
- Eco-friendly vessels are a teaching opportunity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Port Operations Manager (Long Beach, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Linking marine highways with surface transport will boost efficiency.
- Training programs ensure a skilled workforce.
- Policy supports operational sustainability initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The focus on emissions aligns with global needs.
- Policy could pivot industry towards a greener future.
- Long-term impacts depend on consistent support and resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Ship Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Emphasizing diversity can reshape the workforce landscape.
- Technological advancements thrive with varied perspectives.
- Harassment policies need enforcement to be effective.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Maritime Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced representation encourages diverse learning environments.
- Career grants are pivotal for future workforce enhancement.
- Policy support aids sector stability amidst global uncertainties.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Maritime Lawyer (Boston, MA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's legal enhancements enforce necessary industry changes.
- Integration of marine highways improves logistical frameworks.
- Compliance with emissions standards is critical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Shipping Company Executive (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Marine highways present new business opportunities.
- The shift to zero-emission aligns with company goals.
- Diversity policies may facilitate a more dynamic workforce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Maritime Equipment Supplier (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Grants for training will nurture a technically sound future workforce.
- Adopting zero-emission vessels may spur equipment innovation.
- Welcomes policy addressing maritime workforce necessities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $225000000, High: $275000000)
Year 2: $240000000 (Low: $215000000, High: $265000000)
Year 3: $245000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $270000000)
Year 5: $235000000 (Low: $210000000, High: $260000000)
Year 10: $250000000 (Low: $225000000, High: $275000000)
Year 100: $260000000 (Low: $235000000, High: $285000000)
Key Considerations
- Federal funding for maritime programs may require reallocation or new appropriation from the budget.
- The effectiveness of training and diversity programs could impact the workforce capabilities and productivity in the maritime sector.
- Coordination between various federal and state agencies is crucial for the success of newly integrated marine highway routes.