'VINDICATED' Boat Seeks US Waters: Foreign Vessel Drama Unfolds
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is thinking about letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V VINDICATED, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. They want to hear from people by March 20, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If you care about local shipbuilding or coastal tours, now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built 12-passenger boat seeks U.S. entry
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V VINDICATED to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 paying passengers. MARAD is asking for public comments by March 20, 2026, on whether this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
Eligibility test for coastwise endorsement
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement for small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire only after MARAD, following notice and comment, determines the vessel's use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. The current notice pertains to that statutory eligibility review for the M/V VINDICATED.
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