The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is issuing this procedural rule to implement provisions of the Maritime Security Act of 1996. These provisions amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to grant reemployment rights and other benefits to certain merchant seamen serving on vessels used by the United States for a war, armed conflict, national emergency or maritime mobilization need. This rule establishes the procedure for obtaining the necessary MARAD certification for reemployment rights and other benefits conferred by statute and its assistance in pursuing these statutory rights and benefits.