Support the Maritime Industry Merit Badge

Why this matters

The U.S. faces a shortage of credentialed merchant mariners and skilled maritime professionals. A Scouting America badge modeled on Aviation and Railroading will expose tens of thousands of youth to seamanship, safety, navigation, shipbuilding, and port logistics—and the service mission of the U.S. Merchant Marine. This initiative also creates a bridge to higher education and training: from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) to the six State Maritime Academies, these institutions are essential to producing the officers and engineers who keep America’s ships sailing. By sparking early interest through Scouting, we can strengthen the pipeline of students into these academies and ensure the nation has the skilled workforce needed for commerce and defense.

“Sea power depends on people. A Scouting Badge that raises awareness of maritime careers helps build the workforce our nation needs—strengthening commerce, fueling opportunity, and securing our future.”

How endorsements work

Organizations add their endorsement (individual supporters welcome).
Quotes may be featured on this page and in the packet to Scouting America.
Anchor letters (MARAD, academies, unions, major operators) will also be collected offline.

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Recent Endorsements

A rotating sample of supporters. Add yours above.

Other Industry Merit Badges in Scouting

Scouting America already recognizes the importance of connecting youth with industries that drive our nation’s economy and infrastructure. Examples include:

Aviation — teaching the science of flight and pathways to aerospace careers.
Railroading — introducing Scouts to trains, safety, and the history of U.S. rail transport.
Mining in Society — exploring geology, engineering, and mineral resources essential to modern life.
Energy — studying renewable and traditional energy sources that power our nation.
Public Health — understanding medicine, disease prevention, and service to communities.

The Maritime Industry Merit Badge is a natural addition to this group. Like aviation and railroading, maritime careers are essential to America’s commerce and security. By introducing Scouts to seamanship, shipbuilding, navigation, and the U.S. Merchant Marine, this badge will prepare youth for critical roles in sustaining the nation’s supply chains and strategic sealift capacity.

Education & Workforce Pipeline

Scouting America has a long track record of connecting youth with real careers in STEM and the skilled trades. The Maritime Industry Merit Badge aligns with that mission and gives Scouts clear next steps into the maritime workforce.

Hands-on learning: seamanship knots, navigation basics, safety drills, and port logistics concepts.
Service orientation: connects to cleanup projects, museum volunteering, and Sea Scouts activities.
Career pathways: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), State Maritime Academies, union apprenticeships (MM&P, MEBA, SIU), and community college programs.
Growth sectors: offshore wind support vessels, green fuels, and modern shipbuilding/repair.

Download the one-page advocacy brief for background and talking points: Advocacy brief (PDF).

Founding Supporters

We’re seeking a small cohort of founding supporters to help shape launch materials and serve as public endorsers. Add your endorsement above to be listed, then email your logo.

MARAD

USMMA & State Academies

Unions (MM&P, MEBA, SIU)

Operators (Matson, Crowley, TOTE)

Port Authorities

Pilotage Associations

Shipyards & Repair

Military Sealift Command (MSC)

Logo submission: send SVG/PNG to logos@maritimebadge.org with a one-sentence description for the site.

In the News

National media and government reports have documented the growing shortage of U.S. merchant mariners and its impact on commerce and national security:

About

John Smolenski is a Midshipman (Class of 2026) at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. From an early age, he was active in youth and maritime programs, earning Eagle Scout and Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Through the BSA Patriots’ Path Council, he then joined Sea Scout Ship 228 and the Liberty Nautical Education Center (LINE), where he deepened his maritime knowledge and was inspired to pursue a Maritime Industry career — ultimately leading to his appointment to USMMA and desire to contribute to the development of the next generation of mariners.