The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently announced it is accepting applications for the Centers of Excellence (CoE) designation from eligible post-secondary educational institutions, vocational schools, and nonprofit training organizations. This initiative is designed to prepare Americans for careers in the maritime industry by creating equitable pathways to high-paying jobs.

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The CoE Program is a voluntary initiative that partners with existing training facilities across the country, supporting the maritime industry by helping to build and maintain a skilled workforce. It also aligns with the Administration’s goals of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the maritime sector, both for students and professionals.

Under Section 51706 of Title 46 of the United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation can designate an institution as a “center of excellence” if it demonstrates success in maritime workforce training and education.

This program aims to expand opportunities within the maritime industry while ensuring that trainees have access to the resources needed for long-term career success.