Federal Maritime Commission

The Federal Maritime Commission regulates the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States. It ensures that U. S. oceanborne trades are open to all on fair and equitable terms and protects against concerted activities and unlawful practices. The Federal Maritime Commission was established by Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961 (46 U. S. C. 301-307), effective August 12, 1961. It is an independent agency that regulates shipping under the following statutes: the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended (46 U. S. C. 40101-41309); Section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U. S. C. 42101-42109); the Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988 (46 U. S. C. 42301-42307); and the act of November 6, 1966 (46 U. S. C. 44101-44106).