Frequently Asked Questions

Following my graduation, when do I need to submit my first annual report?

All graduates are required to submit their first annual report between January 1 and March 1 of the year immediately following graduation. See 46 CFR § 301-58(d)(1) and 310.7(b)(6). For example, if you graduated in June 2012, your first Compliance Report was due between January 1 and March 1, 2013.

How many years do I need to report following graduation?

You are required to submit a minimum of seven (7) annual reports, with the first report due between January 1 and March 1 of the year immediately following graduation. If for any reason your obligation is extended, you will be required to submit additional annual reports until your obligation is fulfilled.

If I am commissioned on active duty following graduation, do I still need to report?

Yes. All graduates, including those on active duty, file annual compliance reports. Without these reports, MARAD has no way of knowing if you are in compliance.

If I serve on active duty for five (5) years following graduation, how many years do I need to report?

All graduates, including those on active duty, are required to submit seven (7) annual reports.

Employment Determination Request (EDR) - An Employment Determination Request (EDR) is the form submitted to MARAD, for approval, of employment other than employed in the maritime industry or the armed services. If approved, that employment will count towards a service obligation. The EDR submitted to MARAD lists the type of employment sought and/or seeking and is used, by the graduate, for reporting in MSCS for fulfillment of their service obligation.

When do I report each year?

Per 46 CFR § 301-58(d)(1), annual compliance reports are due between January 1 and March 1 each year. If for any reason the reporting period changes, MARAD will notify you of the new dates.

When I submit my annual report between January 1 and March 1 each year, what dates does the report cover

Each report covers the preceding calendar year. For example, you would submit your 2012 report, which covers January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012, in the reporting period January 1 - March 1, 2013.

I graduated in December. Am I still required to report between January 1 and March 1 of the next year?

Yes, you are required to submit an annual report. Your report would encompass the date of graduation to the end of the calendar year.

What is an Employment Determination Request (EDR)?

An Employment Determination Request (EDR) is the form submitted to MARAD, for approval, of employment other than employed in the maritime industry or the armed services. If approved, that employment will count towards a service obligation. The EDR submitted to MARAD lists the type of employment sought and/or seeking and is used, by the graduate, for reporting in MSCS for fulfillment of their service obligation.

This form can be found when once logged into the Maritime Service Compliance System (MSCS).

What is a Waiver Request ?

A waiver request is a form submitted by a service obligated graduate to waive all or a portion of the service obligation due to undue hardship or if it is impossible to perform the service obligation. This form can be found when once logged into the Maritime Service Compliance System (MSCS).