The Ship Operations Cooperative Program.

Founded in 1993, with five members, and now standing at over 40 , the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) was created to improve the "competitiveness, productivity, efficiency, safety, and environmental responsiveness of U.S. vessel operations" through-out the world through the joint venture between the United States government such as Maritime Administration (MarAd) and those industries which are related to the maritime business. Those industries include not only many of the U. S. flagged shipping companies, but also …

…future projects and policies. The SOCP also works bringing together organizations with like interests for projects of mutual benefit so as to better utilize resources of those companies participating. In doing so, the SOCP can also assist in differences that surface during such projects. The SOCP can assist in keeping members up-to-date with changes in maritime regulations and can get easier access for members to regulatory agencies, both internationals and domestic who make those decisions.