(a) Assistance to State Maritime Academies.—The Secretary of Transportation shall cooperate with and assist State maritime academies in providing instruction to individuals to prepare them for service in the merchant marine of the United States.
(b) Course Development.—The Secretary shall provide to each State maritime academy guidance and assistance in developing courses on the operation and maintenance of new vessels, on equipment, and on innovations being introduced to the merchant marine of the United States.
(c) American Maritime Centers of Excellence.—The Secretary shall designate each State maritime academy as an American Maritime Center of Excellence.
Structure US Code
Part B— Merchant Marine Service
CHAPTER 515— STATE MARITIME ACADEMY SUPPORT PROGRAM
§ 51501. General support program
§ 51502. Detailing of personnel
§ 51503. Regional maritime academies
§ 51504. Use of training vessels
§ 51505. Annual payments for maintenance and support
§ 51506. Conditions to receiving payments and use of vessels
§ 51508. Allowances for students
§ 51509. Student incentive payment agreements
§ 51510. Deferment of service obligation under student incentive payment agreements