Government Asks: Should Foreign Yacht Get American Water Privileges?
Published Date: 12/12/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V PURESCAPE, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to make sure it won’t hurt them. You have until January 12, 2026, to share your opinion—no cost changes yet, just a chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built 12‑passenger boat may compete
The Maritime Administration is considering allowing the foreign-built S/V PURESCAPE to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. MARAD is asking for comments on whether this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. You can submit comments to docket MARAD-2025-0927 by January 12, 2026.
Path for foreign vessel owners to seek coastwise use
Owners of foreign-built small passenger vessels can request a coastwise trade determination to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD will decide whether to allow coastwise use after public notice and comment under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b); if MARAD finds no undue adverse effect, the vessel may be eligible for a coastwise endorsement.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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