This report describes the development and current status of the U.S. Merchant Marine with special emphasis on the influences of government, management, labor, and users. The report describes a wide spectrum of maritime activities, including the roles of various government agencies, the organization and effectiveness of U.S. Merchant Marine management, the structure and impact of labor-management relations, and the reaction of current and potential users. The recommendations are listed in priority order and range from major research on the effects of bilateral trade policies to less comprehensive studies on the ways and means of encouraging the study of ocean transportation in major colleges of business administration. Recommendations are also made for studies in marketing, labor relations, and government activities. (Author)