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.
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.
2026-16215, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SILENT RUNNING
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-16217, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V HAIDA EXPLORER
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-16218, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V MYSTIC PEARL
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-16220, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NOMAD
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-15891, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V THE BRASS RING
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V THE BRASS RING can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They want your thoughts by September 4, 2026, before making a decision. This could open doors for new boats on U.S. waters but might affect local shipbuilders.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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!
Next: 2026-09551, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CALAIS
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V CALAIS, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 12, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.