Feds Mull Letting Foreign Sailboat AISLING Cruise U.S. Coasts
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V AISLING, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. If you want to share your opinion, make sure to comment by April 17, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built boat could affect U.S. builders
The Maritime Administration is asking whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V AISLING should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD specifically wants comment on whether that use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or on coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. Submit comments by April 17, 2026.
Foreign vessel may get coastwise endorsement
If MARAD determines there is no undue adverse effect, the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement allowing the foreign-built S/V AISLING to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire in U.S. coastal trade. That outcome would let the vessel operate commercially in U.S. waters if approved.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12547, Tanker Security Program
The Tanker Security Program (TSP) helps keep a fleet of U.S.-flagged tankers ready for national defense and security needs. This final rule updates the program based on feedback and sets new rules for which tankers qualify, including limits on government charters. Starting July 23, 2026, eligible tanker owners can receive payments to support their operations, boosting America’s maritime strength and economy.
2026-19799, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V MY OFFICE
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel called S/V MY OFFICE should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects businesses using U.S.-built vessels and could impact the local shipbuilding industry. Comments are due by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-19794, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NAIAD
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V NAIAD, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If you have opinions, send them in by October 28, 2026!
2026-19786, Capital Construction Fund Revision; Correction
The Maritime Administration fixed a small mistake in its recent Capital Construction Fund (CCF) update notice. This correction clarifies the paperwork rules and confirms the $2,160 yearly cost for applicants using the CCF program. If you’re involved in maritime construction funding, this update keeps things clear and on track starting September 28, 2026.
2026-19800, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V KUDU
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V KUDU, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could impact U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until October 28, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!
2026-19797, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LADY J
The U.S. Department of Transportation is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V LADY J, can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They want your thoughts by October 28, 2026, before making a decision. This could open doors for new boat services while keeping U.S. jobs safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05301, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region, Denver, CO
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Denver has finished checking and identifying human remains and old belongings found in Montana. These remains belong to Native American tribes, and starting April 17, 2026, they can be returned to their rightful communities. This important step respects Native heritage and follows the law, with no costs or delays expected.
Next: 2026-05303, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, HI
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has finished checking and listing human remains and special burial items found during old digs before lava covered the area. These remains and objects belong to Native Hawaiian groups and can be returned starting April 17, 2026. If you’re part of these groups, you can ask for the items back by contacting the park soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care.