The recent announcement by the Department of Transportation that it will not offer a maritime plan this year disappoints all of us who are concerned about the future of the U.S. merchant marine.

As with most issues in Washington today, the problem in adopting maritime reform is budgetary. The Office of Management and Budget, despite compelling evidence that America’s merchant fleet is critical to national security, objects to a continuation of operating subsidies to U.S. shipping companies.

Without subsidies, American ship operators can’t hope to compete against foreign lines which benefit from substantially lower crew costs, taxes, and regulatory burdens. Subsidies to U.S. ship operators and shipbuilders are essential if we are to maintain a level playing field.

Some press reports have overdramatized DOT’s announcement. Predictions of gloom and doom have colored reporting about the maritime industry for at least 25 years, but U.S. ships are still in business and, given a reasonable degree of support, they will continue to sail the oceans of the world. Regardless of DOT’s inaction, congressional leaders, the Defense Department, shipping companies and unions, and the maritime colleges are working together to bring about a sensible national maritime policy.

Surely, it is unthinkable that our island nation, the world’s only remaining superpower, should have to rely on foreign ships to transport our vital imports, exports, and military cargoes. These should be carried on U.S.-owned, U.S.-built, and U.S.-citizen crewed vessels. John A. Staples Director of communications Maine Maritime Academy Castine