A bill to promote increased ocean transportation of bulk commodities in the foreign commerce of the United States in United States-flag ships, to strengthen the defense industrial base, and for other purposes.

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Title I: Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding - Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1984 - Requires that five percent of all bulk cargoes imported into or exported from the United States by water be carried on U.S.-flag ships. Requires yearly one percent increases until the percentage of bulk cargoes carried on U.S.-flag ships reaches 20 percent. Prohibits importers or exporters from avoiding such requirements by the terms of sale of such cargoes. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide relief from the requirements of this Act upon a finding that U.S.-flag ships are not available within guideline rates. Sets forth factors which the Secretary shall consider in determining the extent of relief granted. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guideline rates for the carriage of bulk cargoes subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to assure that such rates take into account certain objectives. Requires the Secretary, in order to establish guideline rates, to estimate the current cost of operating U.S.-flag ships in the foreign bulk trades of the United States and of constructing such ships. Requires such cost estimates to be published within six mont…