Seafarer Vessel from Abroad Targets US Coastal Trade Waiver
Published Date: 5/28/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V SEAFARER, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If you have thoughts, now’s the time to speak up before a final decision is made!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built vessel could compete with U.S. builders
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V SEAFARER to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD will decide whether allowing this use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Stakeholders invited to comment now
MARAD is soliciting public comments to help decide whether the M/V SEAFARER may be used in U.S. coastwise trade. If you are a U.S. vessel builder or a business that operates U.S.-built passenger vessels, you can submit views before MARAD issues a final determination.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09541, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MANAWA OHANA
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V MANAWA OHANA, can be used for U.S. coastal trips. They want to hear from people who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run these passenger trips, so speak up before the deadline!
Next: 2025-09543, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V JODIE MAE
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V JODIE MAE, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from folks who think this might hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If you care about local boat jobs or coastal tours, now’s the time to speak up!