For purposes of this subchapter—
(1)
the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation;
(2)
the term “Academy” means the United States Merchant Marine Academy located at Kings Point, New York which is maintained under section
1295b of this Appendix;
(3)
the term “State maritime academy” means any maritime academy or college which is assisted under section
1295c of this Appendix and which is sponsored by any State or territory of the United States or, in the case of a regional maritime academy or college, sponsored by any group of States or territories of the United States, or both;
(4)
the term “merchant marine officer” means any person who holds a license issued by the United States Coast Guard which authorizes service—
(A)
as a master, mate, or pilot on board any vessel of 1,000 gross tons or more as measured under section
14502 of title
46, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of that title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of that title which is documented under the laws of the United States and which operates on the oceans or on the Great Lakes; or
(B)
as an engineer officer on board any vessel propelled by machinery of 4,000 horsepower or more which is documented under the laws of the United States; and
(5)
the term “cost of education provided” means the financial costs incurred by the Federal Government for providing training or financial assistance to students at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the State maritime academies, including direct financial assistance, room, board, classroom academics, and other training activities.