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.

2026-14521 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V PORTS-NORTH

The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V PORTS-NORTH, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until August 19, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good or bad move.

2026-14483 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V PIRATE CAT

The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on a request to let the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V PIRATE CAT operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, and the agency wants to make sure it won’t hurt them. Comments are due by August 17, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!

2026-14486 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V THUNDERBOLT

The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V THUNDERBOLT, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. If you have opinions, make sure to share them by August 17, 2026—your voice matters!

2026-14484 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V RUSH HOUR

The government is thinking about allowing a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V RUSH HOUR to operate in U.S. coastal waters. They want to hear from people by August 17, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run small passenger boats here, so it’s a big deal for the boating community and local businesses.

2026-14485 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V TEXAS CORSAIR

The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V TEXAS CORSAIR should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by August 17, 2026. It’s a chance to weigh in on protecting American jobs while welcoming new vessels.

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.