Government Seeks Input on 'Bodacious' Foreign Boat Cruising U.S. Coasts
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 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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Foreign-built 12-passenger boat request
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V BODACIOUS to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. The agency will determine whether that use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses; the public may submit comments by April 3, 2026.
Potential adverse effect on U.S. boat builders
MARAD is asking whether permitting S/V BODACIOUS to engage in coastwise trade would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders. Interested parties may submit evidence showing adverse effects, and MARAD will use those comments to decide whether to approve coastwise use.
Potential impact on coastwise passenger operators
The request concerns allowing a foreign-built small passenger vessel to carry up to 12 paying passengers in U.S. coastal trade, which could affect U.S. businesses that run small passenger trips along the coast. MARAD will consider public comments—submit by April 3, 2026—to assess any undue adverse effect on those businesses.
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
2026-11754 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V GHOST CRAB
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V GHOST CRAB operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until July 13, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
2026-11758 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V AVANGA
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V AVANGA, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal waters. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. Comments are open until July 13, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts!
2026-11755 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LIVE BAIT III
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V LIVE BAIT III, can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share them. This could open doors for new boats but also affects local shipbuilders and operators.
2026-11756 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V KELMAR
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V KELMAR, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to hear from the public by July 13, 2026. If approved, it might shake up the small passenger vessel scene without costing taxpayers a dime.
2026-11759 — Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Capital Construction Fund and Exhibits
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info from U.S. ship owners who use the Capital Construction Fund, a special savings plan that helps them build or upgrade vessels by delaying some taxes. Fewer people are responding now, but the rules and forms won’t change. If you’re involved, you’ve got 30 days to share your thoughts—no extra costs or new paperwork coming your way!
2026-11753 — Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Capital Construction Fund and Exhibits
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info from U.S. ship owners who use the Capital Construction Fund, a special savings plan that helps them build or upgrade vessels by delaying some taxes. Fewer people are responding now, so the paperwork is lighter, but they’re asking for your thoughts within 30 days. This renewal won’t change the rules or costs, just keeps the program running smoothly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04257 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V BLUE STAR
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!
Next: 2026-04259 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V REELAXIN
The government is thinking about allowing a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V REELAXIN to operate in U.S. coastal waters. They want to hear from people by April 3, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If approved, this could open new waters for the vessel without costing taxpayers extra money.