National Maritime Workforce Alliance

Strengthening the Maritime Workforce

Who We Are

The National Maritime Workforce Alliance (NMWA) is a nationwide network of state, community, and technical colleges, universities, and maritime training centers dedicated to developing a highly skilled, future-ready maritime workforce.

Established in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (P.L. 115-91), which authorized the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to designate Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education, and amended by the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (P.L. 117-263), the Alliance represents institutions strategically located in key maritime regions, including:

Mississippi River System

Long Island Sound

Atlantic Ocean

Gulf of America

Great Lakes

Arctic Region

Pacific Ocean

Gulf of Alaska

2024 CoE Interactive Map

Captain Willie Barrere, President, American Maritime Officers, speaking to a convening of the Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education, April 8 & 9, 2025 at the STAR Center, Dania Beach, FL

Vision

We are a diverse network of state, community and technical colleges, and maritime training centers united in our commitment to the maritime industry, strategically positioned across the nation, and synergized through our ability to produce, expand, and strengthen the maritime workforce.

Mission

Our mission is to coordinate efforts with peer colleges across the nation, identify how to comprehensively serve the maritime industry through our individual programs, strengthen our collective impact by sharing resources, best practices, industry standards, trends, and innovative program delivery methods.

Strategic Priorities

To fulfill our mission, the NMWA is guided by the following strategic objectives:

  • Expand the National Maritime Talent Pipeline: Deliver cutting edge, industry-aligned training to prepare workers for careers at sea and ashore, addressing both current and emerging workforce demands.

  • Advance Innovation and Resiliency in Maritime Education: Leverage modern technologies, simulation, and instructional models to deliver high-quality, adaptable training that meets the evolving needs of global shipping, logistics, shipbuilding, ship repair, and port operations.

  • Foster Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with maritime employers, including public and private shipyards, unions, and government stakeholders to ensure training aligns with real-world workforce needs and standards.

  • Build Career Awareness: Promote a positive and dynamic image of the maritime industry to attract and retain a strong, competitive workforce.

  • Support MARAD’s mission of fostering, promoting, and developing the maritime industry of the United States to meet the nation’s economic and security needs.