Should a Foreign Sailboat Ferry U.S. Passengers? Comment Now!
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V SASA, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until May 18, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-Built Vessel Could Hurt Builders
MARAD is considering allowing the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V SASA to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 paying passengers. MARAD asked for comments on whether that use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses; comments are due by May 18, 2026.
Foreign Small Passenger Vessel Eligibility
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), a small passenger vessel that carries no more than 12 passengers for hire may receive a U.S. coastwise trade endorsement if MARAD determines the vessel's use will not adversely affect U.S. builders or coastwise businesses. The current request concerns the S/V SASA and will be decided after public comment, which must be submitted by May 18, 2026.
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