46 CFR § 315.5 - Appointment of agents.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s315.5"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 315.5 - Appointment of agents."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "315.5"
section_name: "Appointment of agents."
chapter_name: "MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
subchapter_number: "I-A"
subchapter_name: "A—NATIONAL SHIPPING AUTHORITY"
part_number: "315"
part_name: "AGENCY AGREEMENTS AND APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 57100  49 U.S.C. 322(a), 49 U.S.C. 109, 40 U.S.C. 113(e)(15), 49 CFR 1.93, 49 CFR 1.81(a)(3) and (a)(10)."
regulatory_source: "90 FR 28026, July 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "315"
---


# 315.5 Appointment of agents.

(a) *Eligibility.* The appointment as Agent is restricted to qualified applicants. Each applicant must establish eligibility according to MARAD procedures and meet the following criteria:

(1) Be a Citizen of the United States, as defined in section 315.3(b) of this part;

(2) Demonstrate the necessary ability, experience, and resources as an operator of vessels or ports, or shoreside husbander of vessels; and

(3) Continue to meet all such requirements throughout the term of the appointment.

(b) *Procedures.* Information about general agency agreements for appointment as General Agent, Berth Agent*,* or Ship Manager Contracts may be obtained from, along with inquiries and other written communications submitted to, the Maritime Administration, Attn: Sealift Operations, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, (202) 366-1943.

(c) *Approval.* After final approval of an Agent, the contracting office will transmit the applicable General Agency Agreement or Ship Manager Contract to the applicant for execution and return to MARAD.