The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced during February 2026 that it is inviting more schools to apply for its Maritime Centers of Excellence program for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE).
Centers of Excellence designations serve to assist the maritime industry in obtaining and maintaining the highest quality workforce.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) developed the CoE Program to support maritime workforce training and education at designated CoEs, which play a vital role in supporting the maritime industry by providing workforce development, research, collaboration, promotion, and policy support. Through their individual and comprehensive efforts, these centers contribute to the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of the maritime sector in the United States.
MARAD developed a policy to provide interested parties with comprehensive agency guidance on how best to apply for CoE designation. During application acceptance periods, MARAD will review and consider all applications it receives and may contact applicants with questions to assist in reviewing their applications. The CoE Program is a voluntary program and, therefore, any eligible and qualified training entity is free to decide whether it wishes to participate in the program and apply for a CoE designation.
To read more detailed information on how schools can apply for the CoE designation, click HERE.
“Our Centers of Excellence provide the critical infrastructure to train the next generation of maritime workers and enhance our shipbuilding capabilities,” said MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel. “This designation empowers our partners to recruit top talent and restore America’s maritime dominance.”
The CoE network spans 32 institutions across 44 cities in 17 states. These programs are laser-focused on training the next generation of mariners for vital careers at sea and on shore, ensuring the U.S. maritime industry remains skilled and strong. A CoE designation is awarded for a five-year term.
To get a list of current Maritime Centers of Excellence, click HERE or look at this interactive map.
The approved entities include: postsecondary educational and vocational institutions, non-profit structured experiential training programs, registered apprenticeship sponsors, previously designated maritime training centers, and groups consisting of a combination of the above-mentioned entities.
There are many paths to becoming a mariner. For some, it begins at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, one of the five service academies. For others, it starts at one of the six State Maritime Academies. For those already serving in the military, the Military to Mariner (M2M) program offers a valuable resource. Additionally, trade unions sponsor schools focused on maritime studies, and many two-year community colleges provide maritime certificate programs. MARAD also connects with K-12 schools, especially at the high school level, to inspire students to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
Furthermore, MARAD supports maritime education through its Centers of Excellence (CoE) Program, which networks maritime education and training entities from across the country.
Additional Information for Schools Seeking a Maritime Centers of Excellence Designation
CoEs play a vital role in supporting the maritime industry by providing workforce development, research, collaboration, promotion, and policy support. Through their individual and comprehensive efforts, these centers contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the maritime sector in the United States.
Application Details: Qualified institutions can submit applications and supporting documents to CoEDMWTE@dot.gov.
- Deadline: Applications are due by 8:00 p.m. EST on April 13, 2026.
- Guidance: Information on selection criteria and application guidance is available in the Federal Register.
Information for Maritime Job Seekers
In addition to selecting a Maritime Centers of Excellence school, if you are interested in embarking on a career in maritime there are a number of federal resources, including financial assistance, that are available to help guide and fund your training:
– U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Employment Services: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/
– Workforce Pell Grant Program (starting July 2026), U.S. Dept. Education Grants and Programs: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-
– U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, VA Education and Training Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/
