The Maritime Administration (MARAD) published two companion final rules in the Federal Register on June 4, 2026, that together modernize and streamline the process by which corporations and other business entities must evidence United States citizenship to participate in MARAD programs and obtain fishery endorsements for U.S.-flag fishing vessels. The first rule, amending 46 CFR Part 355, applies broadly to entities participating in MARAD’s promotional programs, including the Capital Construction Fund, the Maritime Security Program, and federally guaranteed vessel financing (Title XI), and governs the standard affidavit of U.S. citizenship required under 46 U.S.C. 50501.
The second rule, amending 46 CFR Part 356, addresses specifically the American Fisheries Act (AFA) program, which imposes heightened citizenship requirements on owners of U.S.-flag fishing industry vessels of 100 feet or greater in registered length. Both rules became effective on June 4, 2026, and were classified
