Feds Drop SSN Requirement for Fishing Boat Renewals
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 4, 2026, owners of U.S.-flag fishing vessels 100 feet or longer will enjoy a simpler, faster way to prove their U.S. citizenship when renewing their American Fisheries Act paperwork. The new rules cut out extra personal info like social security numbers and update how companies show citizenship, saving time and hassle. This means less paperwork stress and a smoother process for fishing industry folks!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Optional Annual Certification Available
If you own a U.S.-flag fishing vessel 100 feet or longer, starting June 4, 2026 you may file an optional annual certification instead of submitting a full Affidavit of U.S. Citizenship when the ownership information has not changed. MARAD will provide the certification form with each annual fishery endorsement eligibility approval letter. The agency expects the information-collection burden per response to fall from 11 hours to 8.5 hours (a 23% reduction) and estimates a net program-wide annual cost saving of $22,086.40 across 500 respondents.
New Options for Publicly Traded Owners
MARAD adds flexibility for publicly traded corporations that own vessels to measure and monitor U.S. citizen share ownership (for example, using the Depository Trust Company SEG-100, SEC filings, NOBO lists, geographic address surveys, dual certificates, or other approved methods). For the fair inference method, at least 95% of stock (each class) must be held by persons with a U.S. address to infer 75% U.S. citizen ownership.
Removed Requirement to Supply Personal IDs
Starting June 4, 2026, Affidavits of AFA citizenship no longer must include Social Security numbers or dates and places of birth for corporate officers and directors. MARAD retains the authority to request that information if there is doubt about citizenship.
30-Day Change-Notification Requirement Stays
Owners remain required to notify the Citizenship Approval Officer in writing within 30 calendar days of any changes to officers, directors, or stockholders (including any 5%+ stockholders) and their citizenship status. MARAD decided not to change this 30-day notification rule.
Deadlines to File Evidence of Citizenship
The revised affidavit text requires that evidence of continuing U.S. citizenship status (including amendments) be filed within 45 days of the annual documentation renewal date for vessel owners. Other parties required to provide evidence must file within 30 days after the annual meeting of stockholders, or annually within 30 days after the original affidavit if there was no prior meeting.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
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Previous: 2026-11249, Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast; 2026 Catch Sharing Plan; Inseason Action
Good news for West Coast anglers! The Pacific halibut recreational fishery is getting extra fishing days in June 2026 around the Columbia River to help fishermen catch their full share without going over limits. These new dates start June 8 and aim to keep the fishery fun and fair while making sure the catch limits are met.
Next: 2026-11269, Establishing United States Citizenship for MARAD Program Participation; Simplifying the Application Process
Starting June 4, 2026, MARAD is making it easier for companies to prove they’re U.S. citizens to join its programs. They’re cutting out tricky paperwork, like birth details and notarizations, and simplifying recertification. This means less hassle and faster approvals for businesses, with no extra costs or delays.