Maritime Agency Renews Fishing Vessel Ownership Survey
Published Date: 6/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info to check if big U.S.-flagged fishing boats (100 feet or longer) are really owned and controlled by Americans. This helps decide if these boats can get a special fishery endorsement. If you own or work with these vessels, you can share your thoughts within 30 days—no new fees or changes, just a renewal of the current process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork for 100+ ft Fishing Vessels
If you own, operate, or finance a U.S.-flag vessel 100 feet or greater, MARAD will continue requiring you to submit an Affidavit of United States Citizenship and supporting documents to get a fishery endorsement. The renewal (OMB Control No. 2133-0530) affects about 500 respondents, takes an estimated 5–6 hours per response, and totals 2,950 annual burden hours with responses required annually.
Data Used to Check Harvesting Caps
MARAD may use the collected information to determine whether a vessel owner, charterer, processor, or other entity violated harvesting and processing caps under Section 210(e)(1) and (2) of the American Fisheries Act. If you are a party involved in long-term contracts for sale of a vessel's catch, MARAD could review your submitted documents for these compliance checks.
Possible Treaty-Based Exemptions Review
MARAD may use the submitted information to determine whether an international treaty or agreement creates a conflict that would allow a particular vessel owner or mortgagee to be exempt from the rule. If you are a vessel owner or mortgagee, your documents could be reviewed for potential treaty-based exemptions.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-22617, Deepwater Port Application Processing and Licensing
The government is switching who handles deepwater port license applications from the Coast Guard to the Maritime Administration (MARAD). This change means MARAD will lead the environmental review process, while the Coast Guard keeps managing port safety and operations. If you’re involved in deepwater ports, get ready to send your comments by January 4, 2027, and watch for new rules that could affect how licenses are processed.
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.
2026-22703, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V ISLAND VIBEZ
The Maritime Administration is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V ISLAND VIBEZ can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They want your thoughts by December 7, 2026, before making a decision. This affects companies using small passenger boats and could impact local jobs and trade rules.
2026-22699, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V JULIANA
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V JULIANA 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 December 7, 2026. It’s a chance to weigh in on protecting American jobs while considering new vessel use.
2026-22702, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NIUHI 2
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V NIUHI 2, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until December 7, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!
2026-21638, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V GT PRINCESS
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V GT PRINCESS, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by November 23, 2026. The goal is to make sure this won’t hurt American jobs or businesses while considering new vessel use.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12310, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LUCY
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V LUCY, 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, so they want to make sure it won’t hurt local jobs or trade. You have until July 20, 2026, to share your opinion—no cost changes yet, just a chance to weigh in!
Next: 2026-12312, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers; American Pyrotechnics Association (APA); Request To Include an Additional Member Company to Current APA HOS Exemptions
The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) wants to add North Star Fireworks LLC to its special group that’s exempt from certain driver hours-of-service rules. This means drivers for North Star could have more flexible work hours, helping them deliver fireworks safely and on time. The public can share their thoughts by July 20, 2026, before the government decides.