La Bateau: Foreign Vessel Seeks U.S. Passenger Trade Approval
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built S/V LA BATEAU Seeks Coastwise Entry
The Maritime Administration received a request to let the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V LA BATEAU operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD will decide whether that use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
Public Comment Deadline to Influence Decision
Interested parties may submit comments on the request to MARAD; comments must be submitted on or before June 12, 2026. This is your opportunity to state an interest and provide evidence about whether the vessel's coastwise use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
Commenters Must Show Undue Adverse Effect
Comments should identify the vessel, state the commenter's interest, and demonstrate, with supporting documentation, the undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. Submitters may request confidential treatment for commercially sensitive information by following MARAD instructions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09547, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MISS APALACHICOLA
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!
Next: 2026-09549, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V DEVINE SAILING
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V DEVINE SAILING, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels, so they want to hear from the public by June 12, 2026. No money changes hands yet, but your input could shape future rules!