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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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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.