Washington, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) began accepting Centers of Excellence (CoE) designation applications from qualified post-secondary educational and vocational institutions and other public or nonprofit training entities that prepare Americans for careers in the maritime industry. This effort expands equitable opportunities for good paying jobs and prepares trainees for successful careers in the maritime industry.

The CoE Program is a voluntary and collaborative program administered by MARAD. It focuses on existing training facilities across communities and assists the maritime industry in gaining and sustaining a well-trained workforce. The program also supports the Administration’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for students, faculty, and staff in the maritime workforce.

Section 51706 of title 46 United States Code authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to designate a domestic maritime workforce training and education entity as a “center of excellence” if such entity, among other things, is demonstrably successful in maritime workforce training and education.

Additional information on selection criteria and application guidance is available in the Federal Register. Qualified organizations can submit applications and supporting documents via electronic mail to CoEDMWTE@dot.gov.  Applications are due by 8:00 p.m. EST on November 12, 2024. MARAD will host two informational webinars about the opportunity. Additional information about the webinars can be found on the Centers of Excellence homepage.

For information regarding selection criteria and application guidance, click here or contact Gerard Wall, Centers of Excellence Program Manager, at gerard.wall@dot.gov or (202) 366-7273.

###