Dama Lindo: Pretty Foreign Sailboat Wants U.S. Trade Waiver
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V DAMA LINDO, 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 hear from the public by June 12, 2026. If approved, this might open doors for more foreign boats but also raise questions about supporting local shipbuilders.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign Boat Seeks U.S. Coastwise Access
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built S/V DAMA LINDO to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 paying passengers. MARAD is asking for public comments by June 12, 2026 on whether allowing this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. If approved, the decision could increase use of foreign-built small passenger vessels and raise concerns for U.S. boat builders and businesses that rely on American-made vessels.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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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!
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