Echo Echo: Another Foreign Boat Demands US Coastal Trading Rights
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V Echo, 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, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Possible coastwise endorsement under federal law
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise trade endorsement for a small passenger vessel carrying no more than 12 passengers if MARAD determines that the vessel's coastwise use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. MARAD is considering such a determination for the S/V Echo as part of this notice.
Public comment window for S/V Echo
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V Echo (authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. Comments must be submitted by May 23, 2025, to docket MARAD-2025-0029 at https://www.regulations.gov or by mail/hand delivery; submitted comments will be posted publicly.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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