'VINDICATED' Boat Seeks US Waters: Foreign Vessel Drama Unfolds
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is thinking about letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V VINDICATED, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. They want to hear from people by March 20, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If you care about local shipbuilding or coastal tours, now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built 12-passenger boat seeks U.S. entry
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V VINDICATED to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 paying passengers. MARAD is asking for public comments by March 20, 2026, on whether this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
Eligibility test for coastwise endorsement
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement for small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire only after MARAD, following notice and comment, determines the vessel's use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. The current notice pertains to that statutory eligibility review for the M/V VINDICATED.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10334 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MADIGALE
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V MADIGALE, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until June 22, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts or concerns!
2026-10326 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BLACK PAPAYA
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V BLACK PAPAYA, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.
2026-10337 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SEA TRACK
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V SEA TRACK, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.
2026-10338 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V SONG OF DAVID
The U.S. government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V SONG OF DAVID, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. You have until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move.
2026-10328 — Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CARPE DIEM
The government is considering letting the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V CARPE DIEM operate in U.S. coastal trade, which usually requires U.S.-built ships. This affects businesses that use U.S.-built vessels and could change who gets to run these passenger services. People have until June 22, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
2026-10324 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V 6 LINES
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel called S/V 6 LINES should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. Comments are due by June 22, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03189 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V TAGGED AND RELEASED
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V TAGGED AND RELEASED, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to hear from the public by March 20, 2026. If approved, it might shake up the small passenger vessel scene, but no costs or dates beyond the comment deadline are set yet.
Next: 2026-03191 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V ZELEE
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V ZELEE, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until March 20, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.