The Secretary of Transportation may defer the service commitment of an individual under (as specified in the agreement under section 51509) for not more than 2 years if the individual is engaged in a graduate course of study approved by the Secretary. However, deferment of service as a commissioned officer on active duty must be approved by the Secretary of the affected military department (or the Secretary of Commerce, for service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
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