As used in this section, the term “civilian nautical school” means any school operated and conducted in the United States (except the Academy maintained under section 1295b of this Appendix, any State maritime academy assisted under section 1295c of this Appendix, and any other school operated by the United States or any agency of the United States) which offers instruction to individuals quartered on board any vessel for the primary purpose of training them for service in the merchant marine.

Each civilian nautical school shall be subject to examination and inspection by the Secretary, and the Secretary may (under such rules and regulations as the Secretary may prescribe) provide for the rating and certification of such schools as to the adequacy of the course of instruction, the competency of the instructors, and the suitability of the equipment used by, or in connection with, such school.

Whoever—