Public Comments Sought for Blue Star Boat in U.S. Coastal Trade
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V BLUE STAR, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. Comments are open until April 3, 2026, so jump in and share your views before then!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible Adverse Effect on U.S. Boat Builders
If you are a U.S. vessel builder or run a coastwise trade business that uses U.S.-built vessels, MARAD is asking whether allowing the foreign-built S/V BLUE STAR to operate in U.S. coastal trade (carrying up to 12 paying passengers) would have an adverse effect on your business. MARAD specifically solicits comments and supporting documentation by April 3, 2026 (DOT Docket Number MARAD-2026-0331).
Request Could Allow Foreign Vessel to Operate
If you own or operate the S/V BLUE STAR (a foreign-built small passenger vessel), MARAD has received a request that could lead to a coastwise trade endorsement allowing the vessel to carry up to 12 passengers for hire in U.S. coastal waters, subject to MARAD's determination. Interested parties may submit comments on this potential approval by April 3, 2026 (DOT Docket Number MARAD-2026-0331).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11313 — Seamen's Claims; Administrative Action and Litigation
If you’re a seaman working on ships owned or run by MARAD, this new rule update is for you! It cleans up old rules, fixes confusing references, and makes it easier to file claims if something goes wrong. Starting June 5, 2026, you’ll see clearer instructions and updated contact info—no extra costs, just smoother sailing for your claims.
2026-11267 — American Fisheries Act Program Update; Simplifying the Application Process
Starting June 4, 2026, owners of U.S.-flag fishing vessels 100 feet or longer will enjoy a simpler, faster way to prove their U.S. citizenship when renewing their American Fisheries Act paperwork. The new rules cut out extra personal info like social security numbers and update how companies show citizenship, saving time and hassle. This means less paperwork stress and a smoother process for fishing industry folks!
2026-11269 — Establishing United States Citizenship for MARAD Program Participation; Simplifying the Application Process
Starting June 4, 2026, MARAD is making it easier for companies to prove they’re U.S. citizens to join its programs. They’re cutting out tricky paperwork, like birth details and notarizations, and simplifying recertification. This means less hassle and faster approvals for businesses, with no extra costs or delays.
2026-10717 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NO RESERVATIONS
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V NO RESERVATIONS, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until June 29, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
2026-10608 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V ANDIAMO
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V ANDIAMO, 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 anyone interested by June 29, 2026. If approved, it might shake up who gets to run these small passenger trips along the coast.
2026-10607 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V JANA C
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V JANA C, 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 have until June 29, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04255 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SAPPHIRE
The Maritime Administration is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V SAPPHIRE can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American shipbuilders or businesses. They want your thoughts by April 3, 2026, before making a decision. This affects companies using small passenger vessels and could impact the market for U.S.-built boats.
Next: 2026-04258 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V BODACIOUS
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V BODACIOUS, 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 hear from the public by April 3, 2026. If approved, it might shake up who gets to run these small passenger trips along the coast.