The US Flag Merchant Marine: A National Asset?

This study investigates the need for a U.S. flag merchant marine. Parameters used are those functions of a merchant marine enunciated by President Roosevelt in 1935: (1) protection of U.S. commerce from unfair foreign trade practices; (2) uninterrupted foreign trade in event of foreign war; and (3) a source of naval auxiliaries. Historically, the U.S. merchant fleet has suffered due to high costs, inefficiencies, and counterproductive legislation. These have significantly reduced the fleet's ability to compete in the international marketplace. Today's U.S. flag fleet contains 348 active ships. If deterioration of the industry remains unchecked, it is estimated there will be only about 217 by the year 2000. This study concludes that the U.S. flag merchant fleet is adequate only to fulfill its role in support of national defense, and principally as a source of manpower not shipping. Projections indicate a shortfall of mariners by the year 2000. The Military Sealift Command is dependent upon that pool of trained mariners for manning its reserve shipping in time of emergency. It is in the national interest therefore to support a vital U.S. flag merchant marine.