S/V Bonita: Foreign Sailboat Seeks U.S. Coastal Passenger Approval
Published Date: 7/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V BONITA, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from people who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels, before making a decision. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run certain passenger boat services along the coast.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built S/V BONITA May Get Coastwise Permission
The Maritime Administration is considering allowing the foreign-built S/V BONITA to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. If MARAD approves the request, it could change who is allowed to run certain passenger boat services along the U.S. coast.
Possible Adverse Effects on U.S. Boat Builders
MARAD is asking whether allowing the S/V BONITA into coastwise trade would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. The agency will use comments to decide if the proposed use harms those U.S. builders or businesses.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13854, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BERSERKER
The government is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V BERSERKER, can be used for U.S. coastal trade without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They’re asking for public comments to help decide. If approved, this could open doors for new boats but might shake up the local boat industry, so keep an eye out for updates soon!
Next: 2025-13856, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V LOVELY DAY
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called S/V LOVELY DAY can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from U.S. boat builders and businesses to see if this would hurt local companies. If approved, this could change who gets to run these kinds of boats along U.S. shores, so keep an eye out and share your thoughts soon!