OMB Approves MARAD Tanker Security Program

Yesterday, the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) announced that it had approved an interim final rule for the DOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) on the “Tanker Security Program”. The program is being established under authority of §3511 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (PL 116-283) codified at 46 USC Chapter 534. The rule was submitted to OIRA on September 26^th, 2022 

The rule will support DOT requirements under Chapter 534 to establish a ‘Tanker Security Fleet’ somewhat akin to the air reserve fleet that DOD can call upon in the event of a national emergency for airlift support. The TSP would provide for a fleet of tanker vessels that DOD could call upon for emergency fuel transport. It will be interesting to see if MARAD includes any vessel cybersecurity requirements in the regulations.

Because of the holiday this week, this rule will likely be published during the first week in December.