Feds Weigh Foreign Bucket List Yacht for US Coastal Passenger Runs

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.

2026-19367, Capital Construction Fund Revision

The Maritime Administration wants to update the Capital Construction Fund rules to include all U.S.-built ships in domestic and foreign trade, remove location limits, and clarify project timelines. They’ll also allow funds for certain purchases and close inactive accounts after 10 years. These changes affect ship owners and operators, with comments open until November 23, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!

2026-18737, Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Information To Determine Seamen's Reemployment Rights-National Emergency

The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info to check if U.S. civilian mariners can get their jobs back during national emergencies. They’re asking for your thoughts on this by November 13, 2026. This helps make sure mariners’ rights stay protected without adding extra paperwork or costs.

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.

2026-18078, 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: 2026-15894, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V PROVIDENCE

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.

Next: 2026-15896, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MALIA

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.