The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has finalized a rule, effective June 4, that simplifies how vessel owners and maritime businesses document U.S. citizenship for federal programs, including the Capital Construction Fund, Construction Reserve Fund, and Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program. The changes let company officers certify citizenship status without disclosing executives’ birth dates and places, eliminate notarization requirements, and offer a shorter annual recertification option. A companion rule streamlines citizenship filings for U.S.-flag fishing vessel owners. Underlying citizenship standards and foreign-ownership restrictions remain unchanged.

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