National PolicyAgencies

• In the US, maritime policy is set by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation. Other agencies with some influence in this area include the Department of State, the Coast Guard, and the U. S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.

• The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) is a joint government/industry effort formed to address and promote commercial operations through the identification, development, and application of new methods, procedures, and technologies.

• The maritime policy of the United Kingdom is set through the Department for Transport (DfT). For decades, the foreign trade of the UK was under the cognizance of the Ministry of Trade. "Department for Transport" sounds like it belongs on the western side of the pond. The shipping agency of the DfT is here.

• I am acutely aware that I've merely scratched the surface of this area. Anyone with English language references for the -- for example -- Norwegian or Japanese maritime agencies, please feel free to forward!

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