Frikki Tiki Boat: Can This Foreign Vessel Party Along U.S. Coasts?
Published Date: 9/8/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V FRIKKI TIKI can be used for U.S. coastwise trade, which means carrying up to 12 passengers for hire along U.S. coasts. They want to hear from people who think this might hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to operate these boats and when, so keep an eye out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built vessel up for approval
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V FRIKKI TIKI to engage in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD is asking whether allowing this use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders.
Possible harm to coastwise businesses
MARAD is soliciting comments on whether use of the M/V FRIKKI TIKI for coastwise trade would adversely affect U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. The question is specifically about boats that carry up to twelve passengers for hire.
Approval could change who operates
The notice states that if MARAD approves the request, it could change who is allowed to operate these small passenger vessels and when they may operate in coastwise trade. The vessel at issue is the M/V FRIKKI TIKI and the authorization being considered covers vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12547, Tanker Security Program
The Tanker Security Program (TSP) helps keep a fleet of U.S.-flagged tankers ready for national defense and security needs. This final rule updates the program based on feedback and sets new rules for which tankers qualify, including limits on government charters. Starting July 23, 2026, eligible tanker owners can receive payments to support their operations, boosting America’s maritime strength and economy.
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
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V THE BRASS RING can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They want your thoughts by September 4, 2026, before making a decision. This could open doors for new boats on U.S. waters but might affect local shipbuilders.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17126, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SHADES OF BLUE
The government is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V SHADES OF BLUE, can be used for U.S. coastal trips. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses that use U.S.-made boats. People can share their thoughts before a final decision is made, so keep an eye out if you’re involved in the boat trade!
Next: 2025-17128, Heavy Walled Rectangular Welded Carbon Steel Pipes and Tubes From Mexico: Amended Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce updated the review of heavy-walled rectangular steel pipes from Mexico, changing the cash deposit rate for the company Maquilacero. This affects imports from September 2022 to August 2023 and could impact how much money Maquilacero needs to pay upfront. If you’re involved in this trade, keep an eye on these new rules and rates!