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
2026-11269 — 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.
2026-10717 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NO RESERVATIONS
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V NO RESERVATIONS, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until June 29, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
2026-10607 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V JANA C
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V JANA C, 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 June 29, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.
2026-10608 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V ANDIAMO
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V ANDIAMO, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to hear from anyone interested by June 29, 2026. If approved, it might shake up who gets to run these small passenger trips along the coast.
2026-10338 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V SONG OF DAVID
The U.S. government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V SONG OF DAVID, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. You have until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move.
2026-10333 — Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V LEARNING CURVES
The Maritime Administration is considering allowing the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V LEARNING CURVES to operate in U.S. coastal trade, carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. They want to hear from the public by June 22, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If approved, this could open new opportunities for small passenger boat services along the coast.
Previous / Next Documents
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.