Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act for Fiscal Year 2018

This bill addresses several aspects of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), including

• eliminating the limitation on the number of contractors that can provide services as adjunct professors in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;
• authorizing MARAD to accept a qualified guarantee from a donor or donors for the completion of a major project for the benefit of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;
• authorizing MARAD to pay all necessary expenses in connection with the conveyance or transfer of a gift, devise, or bequest to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;
• requiring MARAD to ensure that each cadet from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy who is participating in the Sea Year program is provided a functional satellite communication device; and
• authorizing MARAD to provide assistance to small shipyards for capital improvements and for maritime training programs to foster technical skills and operational productivity relating to shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries.