Foreign Sailboat TYCHE: Can It Sail U.S. Coasts Without Sinking Local Jobs?
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 TYCHE, 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 deadline to share opinions by May 23, 2025. No direct costs are mentioned, but the outcome could impact local maritime businesses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Public comment on S/V TYCHE coastwise use
MARAD is asking for public comments—identified by docket MARAD-2025-0050—on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V TYCHE should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. You may submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov or by mail, and comments must be received on or before May 23, 2025. MARAD is specifically seeking input on whether allowing the vessel would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Eligibility rule for small passenger vessels
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire may be eligible for a U.S. Coast Guard certificate of documentation with a coastwise trade endorsement if MARAD determines that the vessel's coastwise use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. If you own or operate a small passenger vessel with up to 12 paying passengers, this statute describes the path for your vessel to obtain coastwise trade authorization, subject to MARAD's determination.
Public comment disclosure and confidentiality process
Comments submitted to docket MARAD-2025-0050 (by May 23, 2025) will be posted publicly on Regulations.gov, including any personal information you include. If you want portions treated as confidential commercial information (CCI), you must email [email protected] with the subject line "Contains Confidential Commercial Information" and explain the basis for confidentiality; FOIA procedures at 49 CFR 7.29 will be followed for any FOIA requests.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07016, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V TY ONE ON
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V TY ONE ON, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could impact U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, so anyone interested should speak up soon!
Next: 2025-07018, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V VELA VIA
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V VELA VIA, 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.-made vessels. If you have thoughts, now’s the time to speak up before a decision is made!