Federal Register #2026-11267

Regulatory Update: Simplified Citizenship Process for Fishing Vessels and Extended Emergency Relief Waivers

This update summarizes recent regulatory changes by the U.S. Department of Transportation affecting the American Fisheries Act (AFA) and the Federal Transit Administration's Emergency Relief Program. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Transportation - Maritime Administration (MARAD) - Federal Transit Administration (FTA) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory update, not a procurement. - Products/Services Requested: - No products or part numbers are requested. - Services (regulatory changes): - Streamlining the AFA citizenship application process for owners of U.S.-flag fishing vessels 100 feet or longer. - Simplified annual renewal certification when ownership information is unchanged. - Updated methods for evidencing citizenship for publicly traded entities. - Removal of requirements to provide personally identifiable information (e.g., social security numbers, birth dates) in affidavits. - Extension of the Emergency Relief Program's baseline waiver period from 45 to 90 days for grant recipients during emergencies. - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Optional annual certification for vessel owners if citizenship information is unchanged. - Notification to MARAD within 30 days of any changes in relevant citizenship data. - Reduced administrative burden for both vessel owners and grant recipients. - No procurement of goods or services; these are process and regulatory amendments.

Description

This final rule updates the process for evidencing U.S. citizenship for owners of U.S.-flag fishing industry vessels of 100 feet or greater in registered length. It simplifies and streamlines annual renewal filing for vessel owners whose citizenship information has not changed since their affidavit of U.S. citizenship filing. The rule updates acceptable methods for evidencing citizenship of publicly traded entities and eliminates requirements to provide personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and dates and places of birth for corporate officers and directors in affidavits of citizenship. The amendments aim to reduce the burden on vessel owners while maintaining compliance with citizenship requirements.

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