C. JAMES PATTI, PRESIDENT
1025 Connecticut Ave, NW- Suite 507
Washington, DC 20036-5412
Phone: 202-463-6505; Fax: 202-223-9093
Email: jpatti@miraid.org

The Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID) is a Washington DC based non-profit corporation formed in September 1978. MIRAID represents U.S.-flag shipping companies engaged in all aspects of America's foreign and domestic shipping trades which have collective bargaining relationships with the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots.

Since its inception, MIRAID has provided a forum for maritime labor and management to discuss and debate issues affecting the operation of U.S.-flag commercial vessels and to reach a consensus on proposed solutions which will strengthen the economic viability and competitiveness of the U.S.-flag merchant marine.

The Maritime Institute was organized to engage in all lawful and proper activities within the scope of legislative and regulatory affairs. A registered lobbying organization, it:

• drafts and analyzes legislative and regulatory proposals;
• advocates positions on behalf of its membership;
• disseminates information and communicates with elected and appointed government officials;
• represents its members at government proceedings and in other public and private forums;
• engages in all other lobbying and other activities incidental to and in conjunction with its primary mission of promoting the use of U.S.-flag commercial vessels.

MIRAID believes a strong American maritime industry, comprised of U.S.-flag commercial vessels manned by United States citizen civilian merchant mariners, is critical to the economic, political and military security of our nation. The U.S.-flag merchant marine preserves and creates jobs for American maritime workers, contributes positively to the U.S. balance of trade, and generates individual and corporate tax revenues for United States taxing authorities. The U.S.-flag merchant marine helps ensure fair treatment of American exporters, importers, shippers and consumers, and provides a secure means of meeting a significant part of the military's sealift needs in a way that is less expensive than through the acquisition and maintenance of vessels by the government.

The Maritime Institute works closely with other U.S.-flag shipping organizations, companies and labor organizations, as well as with those concerned about enhancing the economic and military security of the United States. It will continue to be active in all activities important to the United States-flag merchant marine.

Click here to learn about Current Legislative Issues and regulatory issues of concern to MIRAID and to the Masters, Mates & Pilots.