Foreign Boat 'Busch Whacker' Seeks U.S. Coastal Party Pass
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Busch Whacker, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, so speak up if you have thoughts on this!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built 12‑passenger vessel may affect U.S. shipbuilders
If you are a U.S. vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-built small passenger vessels, MARAD is deciding whether the foreign-built M/V Busch Whacker (a vessel authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) may operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD will determine whether that use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
Opportunity to contest vessel eligibility by May 23, 2025
If you believe the M/V Busch Whacker would unduly harm U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, you can submit comments and supporting documentation to docket MARAD-2025-0033 by May 23, 2025. Comments will be posted publicly unless you specifically request confidential commercial treatment (email with subject 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information' or 'Contains CCI').
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12547, Tanker Security Program
The Tanker Security Program (TSP) helps keep a fleet of U.S.-flagged tankers ready for national defense and security needs. This final rule updates the program based on feedback and sets new rules for which tankers qualify, including limits on government charters. Starting July 23, 2026, eligible tanker owners can receive payments to support their operations, boosting America’s maritime strength and economy.
2026-20761, Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: War Risk Insurance, Applications, and Related Information
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info for war risk insurance, which helps ship owners get coverage when commercial options aren’t available. This insurance protects U.S. trade and ship owners from war-related losses. If you have thoughts, share them by December 8, 2026, to help improve the process without adding extra hassle or cost.
2026-20760, Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Application and Reporting Elements for Participation in the Tanker Security Program
The Maritime Administration wants to renew and update the paperwork for companies running U.S.-registered tankers in the Tanker Security Program. They’re making small changes to the application form and asking for public feedback within 30 days. This keeps the program running smoothly to support national defense without adding big costs or delays.
2026-20584, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BACK OFF
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel called M/V BACK OFF should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, and your input can help decide if this move is fair. Comments are due by November 9, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-20587, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BEAR PAW
The U.S. Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V BEAR PAW, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are due by November 9, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts on protecting U.S. maritime jobs and trade!
2026-20588, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BACK OFF
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel called M/V BACK OFF should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by November 9, 2026. It’s all about making sure this new vessel won’t hurt American jobs or trade.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06976, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BLACKJACK
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V BLACKJACK, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by May 23, 2025. The goal is to make sure this won’t hurt American shipbuilders or coastal businesses before giving the green light.
Next: 2025-06978, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Caroline
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Caroline, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by May 23, 2025. The goal is to make sure this won’t hurt American shipbuilders or coastal businesses before giving the green light.