The Maritime Administration (MARAD) deals with the merchant marine and maritime transportation. Its origins lie in the Shipping Board, established in 1916. The Maritime Commission took on the functions of the Shipping Board in 1936. In 1950, the Maritime Administration was created within the Department of Commerce, and in 1981 it was transferred to the Department of Transportation.
We have a partial collection of documents issued by MARAD and its predecessors. Some examples are listed below. We also have copies of laws, regulations, Congressional hearings, and other documents related to shipping, merchant mariners, piracy, and other maritime transportation issues.