Rocketship Boat Blasts into U.S. Waters: Foreign Vessel Waiver Sparks Debate
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called S/V ROCKETSHIP can be used for trips along the U.S. coast. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses that use U.S.-made boats. People have a chance to share their thoughts before a final decision is made, so keep an eye out if you’re involved in coastal boat trips or building boats!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use Foreign-Built S/V ROCKETSHIP
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V ROCKETSHIP to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The agency is asking whether that proposed use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Determination Covers ≤12-Passenger Vessels
The Secretary of Transportation (MARAD) is authorized to make coastwise-use determinations for vessels that carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. If you operate or own a small passenger-for-hire boat (12 passengers or fewer), that vessel type is subject to this MARAD determination process.
Public Comment Opportunity for Stakeholders
MARAD published this notice to solicit comments from the public to help decide if allowing S/V ROCKETSHIP in coastwise trade would harm U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. If you are involved in coastal passenger trips or boat building, you can submit comments before a final decision is made.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-16215, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SILENT RUNNING
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-16217, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V HAIDA EXPLORER
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-16218, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V MYSTIC PEARL
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-16220, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NOMAD
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-15891, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V THE BRASS RING
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07003, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V RETAINED EARNINGS
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V RETAINED EARNINGS, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If you have thoughts, now’s the time to speak up before a final decision is made!
Next: 2025-07005, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SARITA
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V SARITA, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from folks who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels, before making a decision. If you have thoughts, now’s the time to speak up—this could impact local jobs and coastal travel options soon!