Section 51324 - Unfilled vacancies(a) IN GENERAL.-In the event of an unfilled vacancy for any critical position at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the Secretary of Transportation may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate for the purposes of filling up to 20 of such positions.(b) CRITICAL POSITION DEFINED.-In this section, the term "critical position" means a position that contributes to the improvement of-(1) the culture or infrastructure of the Academy;(2) student health and well being;(3) Academy governance; or(4) any other priority areas identified by the Council.Added Pub. L. 117-81, div. C, title XXXV, §3501(c)(1), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2238.