A state maritime academy and training program for merchant marine officers is established as a department of northwestern Michigan college. The board of trustees of northwestern Michigan college shall operate the program under the authority granted by Act No. 331 of the Public Acts of 1966, as amended, being sections 389.1 to 389.195 of the Compiled Laws of 1948 to conduct vocational-technical education programs.

     The board of trustees of northwestern Michigan college is the designated legal state entity to qualify the academy and training program in all phases required to qualify for federal assistance and to receive and expend funds for this purpose under provisions of the maritime academy act of 1958, being Public Law 85-672, any rules issued thereto and such other related statutes and rules as may be applicable.

     It is the intent of the legislature that this program will not exceed the scope of the community college program as defined in section 1 of this act.