Apply to Train America's Next Maritime Workforce Stars
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is inviting maritime training groups (not including federal or state academies) to apply to become Centers of Excellence, helping build America’s maritime workforce. These designations last five years and support national readiness. Applications for the 2026 cycle are due by April 13, 2026, with updated rules reflecting new government policies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
2026 CoE Application Window and Exclusion
MARAD is inviting eligible maritime training and education entities (excluding Federal and State maritime academies) to apply for Center of Excellence (CoE) designation for the 2026 cycle. Applications must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. E.T. on April 13, 2026.
Five-Year CoE Designation Term
A Center of Excellence (CoE) designation issued by MARAD is valid for a period of five years. MARAD will conduct annual program reviews during the five-year designation to assess continued compliance and performance.
Policy Update and 2024 Cycle Termination
MARAD updated CoE program policy to align with Executive Order 14151 (Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing) and has terminated action on the 2024 application cycle because it was not in compliance with current Administration policy. Entities that applied in 2024 are encouraged to submit updated applications for the 2026 cycle.
Eligibility Geography and Entity Types
To be eligible, an applicant must be in a State that borders one of these bodies of water: the Gulf of America, Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, Pacific Ocean, Great Lakes, or the Mississippi River System. Eligible entity types include postsecondary educational institutions, postsecondary vocational institutions, public or private nonprofit experiential training programs, sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs, maritime training centers designated before the FY 2023 NDAA, or a legally organized group of such entities.
Performance, Legal, and Accreditation Requirements
Applicants must have a demonstrated record of success in maritime workforce training and must not have disciplinary or unresolved audit nonconformities or adverse criminal actions. Accreditation, Coast Guard approvals (if applicable), apprenticeship approvals, and supporting data on enrollment, completion, and job placement must be submitted with the application.
Publication and Public Visibility of Designees
MARAD will publish approved CoE designees' names, contact information, a one-page overview, and geolocation on its CoE Interactive Map on the MARAD website. Information submitted in certain application sections will be used for public-facing content about each designee.
Information Collection and OMB Approval
The CoE application process operates under OMB information collection control number 2133-0549, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. Applicants are required to submit the requested information under that OMB-approved collection.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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