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Maritime Service Compliance

MARAD uses The Maritime Service Compliance System (MSCS) to assist graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and State Maritime Academies (who received Student Incentive Payments) with completing the required annual compliance reports for the period of their service obligation after graduation. MSCS is the preferred method of reporting and is available at https://mscs.marad.dot.gov. Graduates who are unable to report via the web-based MSCS can submit annual reports via email to mail to: maritime.graduate@marad.dot.gov or mail to:

U.S. Maritime Administration Office of Maritime Labor & Training Service Compliance Obligation
1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E. (MAR 650) Washington, DC 20590

New MSCS Users          Please refer to the MSCS User Guide found here

Existing MSCS Users    If you have previously accessed this system, your previous username and password will no longer work for this reporting cycle. Please refer to MSCS User Guide. 

Important Information for Graduates

Details of the various types of Federal assistance offered through MARAD, including service obligation compliance requirements, promotional materials, forms and FAQs, mariner workforce development, and career services information, are available as follows:

State Maritime Academy SIP Compliance & Reporting

Thank you for participating in the Student Incentive Payments Program (SIP) and your commitment as a Strategic Sealift Officer graduate and licensed officer in the U.S Merchant Marine. SIP's success is primarily based on adherence to all aspects and processes of the Program, particularly the Obligation and Compliance sections. Students are advised to review these processes before and after graduation to ensure they understand their service obligation commitment.

The materials located at MSCS are provided to assist in understanding the Program's compliance requirements upon graduation and provide information for those interested in enrolling in SIP. Students are encouraged to talk to their academy's SIP coordinator to learn more about the Program's entrance requirements and the process on how to apply. 

USMMA Service Obligation Compliance & Reporting

Congratulations on your recent graduation. At USMMA, you received an excellent education and the skills necessary for a successful career. Since the Federal Government has a substantial investment in your education, you will be required to fulfill the terms of a service obligation after graduation. Graduates are advised to review the service obligation, compliance & reporting material either before (when pre-registering in MSCS) and upon graduation. Please click here to view MARAD's service obligation flyer, orientation and compliance briefings, FAQs, or to access MSCS.

Questions regarding the Service Obligation can be directed to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) by email at maritime.graduate@dot.gov or by phone (202) 366-7618. 

Career Services Support

MARAD provides career related services to USMMA and SIP cadets in an effort to further support fulfillment of their service obligation. Career services are offered as an additional resource to each academy's career advisors and is subject to annual funding. For further information please contact your respective academy, MARAD, or register here to access the service.