MARAD Final Rule on Maritime Security Fleet Program

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued an interim final rule establishing the Maritime Security Fleet Program, which was authorized by Congress last year to renew and expand the Maritime Security Program. The program provides for a fleet of active, commercially viable, privately owned vessels available to meet national defense and other security requirements and to maintain a United States presence in international commercial shipping. The new rule also establishes application procedures and deadlines for enrolling vessels. The rule comes into effect on October 1, 2004. Comments on the interim rule should be submitted by August 19, 2004. 69 Fed. Reg. 433 Source: HK Law