The courses were developed in collaboration with Defence Acquisition University (DAU) and are intended to enhance comprehension of and compliance with cargo preference laws by other federal agencies, supporting contractors, and programme participants, such as loan and grant recipients.

"Cargo is king in the shipping business and cargo preference laws help US-flag operators remain competitive and put American workers first," said Maritime Administrator Mark H Buzby.

Cargo preference laws and regulations protect the nation's cargo interest by statutorily mandating the use of US-flag vessels for cargo purchased, furnished or financed with federal funding. US cargo preference laws require that 100 per cent of military and at least 50 per cent of non-military government cargo be carried on US-flag vessels, reports AJOT.

The MARAD/DAU curricula begins with an introduction to maintaining a US-flag merchant fleet. Additional courses provide further information regarding US-flag vessel requirements pertaining to government cargo. 

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