§50102 Survey of Merchant Marine

Summary

The Secretary of Transportation must check the U.S. merchant fleet to see if ships need to be replaced or added. The Secretary must make a long-term plan so the fleet meets certain goals as soon as possible. The goals are an adequate, well-balanced fleet of all ship types that keeps foreign trade moving and can be quickly converted into transport and supply ships in a national emergency; ownership and operation by U.S. citizens when practical; ships built to give strong protection for passengers and crew from fire and other sea dangers; and a U.S. shipbuilding and repair capacity with enough skilled workers to support mobilization. The Secretary must work closely with the Secretary of the Navy about national defense needs.