Maritime Agency Seeks to Renew Mariner Survey

2026-12547, Tanker Security Program

The Tanker Security Program (TSP) helps keep a fleet of U.S.-flagged tankers ready for national defense and security needs. This final rule updates the program based on feedback and sets new rules for which tankers qualify, including limits on government charters. Starting July 23, 2026, eligible tanker owners can receive payments to support their operations, boosting America’s maritime strength and economy.

2026-18438, Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Application To Participate in the Voluntary Tanker Agreement

MARAD invites public comments on its intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0505 (Application to Participate in the Voluntary Tanker Agreement) is used to determine capacity commitments by participants in the event the Agreement is activated to meet the essential need for the transportation of petroleum and petroleum products in bulk by sea. Minor changes are being made to the form for this collection to improve clarity and ensure consistency with program operations. MARAD is required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

2026-18077, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MIDLIFE CRISIS

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

2026-18075, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LAGERTHA

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

2026-18074, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V FRANCIS

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

2026-18078, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V American Honey

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

Previous: 2026-11098, Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) Pilot Program

The USPTO is launching the SPARK Pilot Program to speed up patent reviews and appeals for U.S. small and medium businesses, universities, and nonprofits that actively join standards groups. If you qualify, your patent application or appeal gets bumped to the front of the line, saving you time and rewarding your teamwork. The program runs from June 3, 2026, until it hits 200 petitions or June 3, 2027—whichever comes first.

Next: 2026-11100, Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Bank companies want to grow by forming new groups, buying other banks, or merging with them. If you’re involved with these companies, you can share your thoughts by July 3, 2026. These moves could change who controls local banks and might affect money and services in your community.