Which organization assesses the health of the United States Merchant Marine?

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is the organization responsible for assessing the health of the United States Merchant Marine. MARAD’s mission encompasses a wide array of activities related to the maritime sector, including promoting the American merchant marine and ensuring its viability and sustainability. This involves evaluating the fleet's readiness, capabilities, and contributions to national security and domestic commerce.

MARAD conducts various studies and analyses to monitor the health of the Merchant Marine, addressing issues such as fleet size, age, and replacement needs, as well as examining the economic and operational challenges that might affect maritime commerce. By providing data and insights on these topics, MARAD plays a critical role in supporting the strategic planning and policy-making necessary for the continued viability of the Merchant Marine both in peacetime and during emergencies.

Other organizations mentioned, like the Maritime Security Program (MSP), focus on specific aspects of merchant marine security and fleet viability, while the United States Coast Guard (USCG) primarily handles safety, security, and environmental protection in maritime operations rather than directly assessing the health of the Merchant Marine. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) deals with international shipping regulations and standards but does not assess the health of individual countries’ merchant marines.