MARAD Reviews 'Blue Star' for Small Passenger Coastwise Operations
Published Date: 9/26/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V BLUE STAR, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from people who think this might hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses before making a decision. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run these kinds of passenger trips along the coast.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-Built S/V BLUE STAR May Get Coastwise Permission
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built vessel S/V BLUE STAR to carry for-hire coastwise trips in the United States with up to 12 passengers. If MARAD approves that request, the vessel’s owner could operate those passenger trips along the U.S. coast.
Potential Harm to U.S. Builders and Coastwise Businesses
MARAD is asking whether allowing the foreign-built S/V BLUE STAR to operate coastwise with up to 12 passengers would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Stakeholders can submit comments to say if they believe this approval would hurt those U.S. businesses.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-18714, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NAUTI BUOY'S II
MARAD is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V NAUTI BUOY'S II 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 folks who think this might hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If approved, this could open new doors for the vessel owner but might shake up the local boat scene soon.
Next: 2025-18716, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V RUMAWAY
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V RUMAWAY, 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!