Foreign Transfer (U.S. flag vessels)

Providing required approval for all U.S. Documented Vessels over 1,000 gross tons switching to foreign ownership and/or registry and flag

Under 46 U.S.C. § 56101, U.S. documented vessels 1,000 gross tons and over require approval of the Maritime Administration to be transferred to foreign ownership, flag and/or registry. Vessels 3,000 gross tons and over are subject to additional financial terms and conditions contained in 46 CFR Part 221. The Maritime Administration requires a formal application with supporting (U.S. Coast Guard Form 1330) documentation including an original Coast Guard issued certificate of ownership. The Maritime Administration charges the following fees for processing applications.

MA-29 application fees schedule:

Vessels 3,000 gross tons                    $325.00
Vessels less than 3,000 gross tons    $170.00
Amendments to existing contract        $260.00

Payment shall be made by Cashier’s Check, Certified Check or Money Order Payable to “Maritime Administration”

Completed applications and payments should be mailed to:

Department of Transportation
Maritime Administration MAR-630
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
2nd Floor, West Building
Washington, DC 20590