Sea Cadets' Safety Nets: Assault Policies Under Review
Published Date: 1/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) wants to keep collecting info from commercial ship operators about mariner cadet training, agreements, and safety checks, including sexual assault policies. This helps make sure cadets get proper training and stay safe at sea. If you’re involved with U.S. merchant ships, your feedback is welcome by February 26, 2026, with no new costs or big changes planned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Protections for Mariner Cadet Safety
MARAD will use the collected information to confirm commercial vessel operators accept sexual assault policies and to monitor compliance, including random and targeted unannounced checks of vessels, under 46 U.S.C. 51322. This oversight applies during initial enrollment and subsequent Sea Years and is intended to protect cadet mariners from sexual assault onboard.
Reporting and Audit Burden on Ship Operators
If you operate a commercial vessel that carries U.S. Merchant Marine cadets, MARAD requires you to provide information for cadet training, agreements, compliance reporting, and audits under OMB Control No. 2133-0553. The collection affects an estimated 75 respondents, with 1 response each, taking between 0.25 and 6 hours per response and totaling 108.75 annual burden hours; responses are due once annually and/or following an incident of sexual assault or harassment.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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