Miss Apalachicola: Can This Foreign Boat Cruise U.S. Shores?
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V MISS APALACHICOLA, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If you have thoughts, send your comments by June 12, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built 12-passenger review
MARAD is reviewing a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V MISS APALACHICOLA to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD may decide, under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), whether such foreign-built small passenger vessels can receive coastwise documentation; comments are being accepted through June 12, 2026.
Potential harm to U.S. builders
MARAD is asking whether allowing the M/V MISS APALACHICOLA (a foreign-built small passenger vessel carrying up to 12 passengers for hire) to operate in coastwise trade would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. If you represent a U.S. vessel builder or a coastwise business, you may submit comments and supporting documentation by June 12, 2026 to DOT Docket MARAD-2026-0696.
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: 2026-09546, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V TAXI DIVER
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V TAXI DIVER, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until June 12, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
Next: 2026-09548, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V LA BATEAU
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, S/V LA BATEAU, 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, so they want to make sure it won’t hurt local jobs or trade. You’ve got until June 12, 2026, to share your opinion—no cost to comment, just your voice!