(a) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation may appoint each year without competition as cadets at the United States Merchant Marine Academy not more than 50 qualified individuals with qualities the Secretary considers to be of special value to the Academy. In making these appointments, the Secretary shall try to achieve a national demographic balance at the Academy.
(b) Appointment of Candidates Selected for Preparatory School Sponsorship.—The Secretary of Transportation may appoint each year as cadets at the United States Merchant Marine Academy not more than 40 qualified individuals sponsored by the Academy to attend preparatory school during the academic year prior to entrance in the Academy, and who have successfully met the terms and conditions of sponsorship set by the Academy.
Structure US Code
Part B— Merchant Marine Service
CHAPTER 513— UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
§ 51301. Maintenance of the Academy
§ 51302. Nomination and competitive appointment of cadets
§ 51303. Non-competitive appointments
§ 51304. Additional appointments from particular areas
§ 51305. Prohibited basis for appointment
§ 51306. Cadet commitment agreements
§ 51308. Uniforms, textbooks, and transportation allowances
§ 51310. Deferment of service obligation under cadet commitment agreements
§ 51311. Midshipman status in the Navy Reserve
§ 51314. Limitation on charges and fees for attendance
§ 51315. Gifts to the Merchant Marine Academy
§ 51316. Temporary appointments to the Academy
§ 51319. Sexual assault response coordinators and sexual assault victim advocates
§ 51320. Acceptance of guarantees with gifts for major projects
§ 51321. Grants for scientific and educational research
§ 51322. Protection of cadets from sexual assault onboard vessels
§ 51323. United States Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Council
§ 51325. Sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention information management system
§ 51326. Student advisory board at the United States Merchant Marine Academy