Collection development in the highly specialized area of the United States merchant marine, which includes navigation, marine engineering, shipping, naval architecture and shipbuilding, and seamanship, requires familiarity with the national and international organizations, governmental and other, which regulate and oversee the marine industry. This article discusses sources for core monographs and serials which are required for the study of and employment in the maritime industry. Standard review sources and collection development tools are inadequate as selection tools in the field.