Foreign 'Guppy' boat seeks U.S. coastwise trade waiver—comment now!
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 Guppy, 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 a focus on protecting local industry. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, so speak up if you have thoughts or concerns!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
MARAD Seeks Comment on S/V Guppy Use
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel named S/V Guppy should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD will consider whether allowing the vessel would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or on U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels; comments are due by May 23, 2025.
Eligibility Rule: Small Passenger Vessels (≤12)
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 publishes notice and determines the vessel's use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. This is the legal standard MARAD is applying to the S/V Guppy request.
Deadline to Submit Comments
If you want to comment on the S/V Guppy request, submit your comments to docket MARAD-2025-0012 by May 23, 2025. Comments will be posted publicly to regulations.gov unless you follow MARAD's process to request confidential commercial treatment.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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