Another foreign 'Caroline' boat eyes U.S. coastwise trade waiver.
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 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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built M/V Caroline under review
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Caroline should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The review focuses on whether allowing M/V Caroline would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Comments are due by May 23, 2025, and should be submitted to docket MARAD-2025-0015.
Eligibility rule for small passenger vessels (≤12)
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire may receive a Coast Guard certificate of documentation with a coastwise trade endorsement if MARAD determines the vessel's coastwise use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses. MARAD is accepting comments to inform that determination and notes the statute and review process in the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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