Above Average Boat: Foreign Vessel Grades US Coastal Trade
Published Date: 5/9/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V Above Average can be used for U.S. coastwise trade, which means carrying up to 12 passengers for hire along U.S. waters. They want to hear from people who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, before making a decision. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to operate these boats and when.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible Harm to U.S. Boat Builders
MARAD is asking whether allowing the foreign-built M/V Above Average to operate in coastwise trade would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. The agency will use comments to help determine if approval would negatively affect those U.S. builders or coastwise trade businesses.
Potential Approval for Foreign-Built Vessel
The Maritime Administration is considering whether the foreign-built boat M/V Above Average can be used in U.S. coastwise trade to carry up to 12 passengers for hire. If MARAD approves this request, it could change who is allowed to operate such passenger-for-hire boats and when they may operate them. MARAD is asking for comments from people who might be affected before making a decision.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V Goodnight Moon, 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. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run these kinds of passenger trips along the coast, so keep an eye out and share your thoughts soon!
Next: 2025-08173, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Almeda
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Almeda, can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American shipbuilders or businesses. They’re asking for public comments to help decide. This could affect companies that rely on U.S.-built boats and might change who can operate these passenger vessels.