Government Eases 'American' Proof for Giant Fishing Boats
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own a U.S.-flag fishing vessel 100 feet or longer, good news! MARAD is making it easier and faster to prove your American citizenship each year by cutting out extra paperwork and protecting your personal info. These changes aim to save you time and money, and they’re open for public feedback now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Simpler Annual AFA Renewals
If you own a U.S.-flag fishing vessel 100 feet or longer, MARAD proposes an easier annual renewal if your citizenship information has not changed since your AFA Affidavit filing. The change would streamline the yearly filing process under the American Fisheries Act and reduce paperwork and administrative burden for vessel owners.
Remove PII From AFA Affidavits
MARAD proposes eliminating the requirement to include personally identifiable information—specifically social security numbers and dates and places of birth for corporate officers and directors—in AFA affidavits for owners of U.S.-flag fishing vessels 100 feet or longer. The change would protect personal information and reduce sensitive data submission in annual citizenship filings.
New Proof Options for Public Firms
MARAD proposes updating acceptable methods for proving U.S. citizenship for publicly traded entities that own U.S.-flag fishing vessels 100 feet or longer. This change would alter how publicly traded companies demonstrate citizenship for AFA compliance.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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