Bureau of Enforcement (Federal Maritime Commission)
Stored: Bureau of Enforcement (Federal Maritime Commission)
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Bureau of Enforcement (BE) is a division of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), located in Washington, D.C. It focuses on enforcing the Shipping Act to ensure that maritime practices are fair, transparent, and compliant with U.S. law.
Mission
The mission of the Bureau of Enforcement is to safeguard the integrity of the U.S. international ocean transportation system by enforcing compliance with maritime regulations. This involves investigating and taking legal action against violations like unreasonable practices, unfair charges, and anticompetitive agreements.[1]
Parent organization
The Bureau of Enforcement is part of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which falls under the Department of Transportation. The FMC regulates international ocean transportation for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and consumers.
Legislation
The operations of the BE are underpinned by the Shipping Act of 1984 and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, which set the legal framework for maritime regulation in the U.S.
Partners
- Shipping companies and intermediaries for regulatory compliance
- Other government agencies for enforcement coordination
- International maritime regulatory bodies for global compliance
Number of employees
The specific number of employees is not publicly specified, but the Bureau includes investigators, attorneys, and support staff.
Organization structure
The structure of the Bureau of Enforcement includes:
Leader
The head of the Bureau is the Director of the Bureau of Enforcement.
Divisions
- Office of Enforcement for prosecutorial efforts
- Office of Investigations for examining potential violations
- Office of Compliance for ensuring ongoing adherence to regulations
List of programs
- Investigation of Shipping Act Violations
- Civil Penalty Assessments
- Compliance Audits
- Settlement Negotiations[2]
Last total enacted budget
Specific budget details for the Bureau of Enforcement are not publicly disclosed, as they are part of the FMC's overall budget.
Staff
Staff includes legal professionals, investigators, and compliance officers, supported by administrative personnel.
Funding
Funding for the Bureau comes from the Federal Maritime Commission's budget, which is part of the Department of Transportation's appropriations.
Services provided
The Bureau provides enforcement services through investigations, prosecutions, and compliance monitoring. It ensures that shipping practices are fair, transparent, and in line with legal standards, offering a mechanism for redress when violations occur.[3]
Headquarters address
800 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20573
History
The Bureau of Enforcement was established to consolidate and enhance the FMC's enforcement capabilities, particularly after the reorganization in 2022. It has since played a critical role in maintaining the integrity of U.S. ocean commerce by addressing violations and promoting regulatory compliance.
External links
- Official Website
- wikipedia:Federal Maritime Commission
- U.S. Department of Transportation Official Website
References
- ↑ Federal Maritime Commission (2025). "Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance". Federal Maritime Commission.
- ↑ Federal Maritime Commission (2025). "Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance". Federal Maritime Commission.
- ↑ Federal Maritime Commission (2025). "Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance". Federal Maritime Commission.