Chachi Joins the Fleet Seeking U.S. Coastwise Rights
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V CHACHI, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. If you want to weigh in, make sure to send your comments by June 22, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built Vessel May Compete with U.S. Builders
The Maritime Administration is considering a request to let the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V CHACHI operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying up to 12 paying passengers. MARAD is asking whether allowing this vessel would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
MARAD Review Before Coastwise Endorsement
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), the Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement for small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers only after MARAD determines that the vessel's use will not unduly harm U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses. MARAD is soliciting public comments to inform that determination and set a comment deadline of June 22, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10334 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MADIGALE
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V MADIGALE, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until June 22, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts or concerns!
2026-10326 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BLACK PAPAYA
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V BLACK PAPAYA, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.
2026-10337 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SEA TRACK
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V SEA TRACK, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.
2026-10338 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V SONG OF DAVID
The U.S. government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V SONG OF DAVID, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. You have until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move.
2026-10328 — Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CARPE DIEM
The government is considering letting the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V CARPE DIEM operate in U.S. coastal trade, which usually requires U.S.-built ships. This affects businesses that use U.S.-built vessels and could change who gets to run these passenger services. People have until June 22, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
2026-10324 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V 6 LINES
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel called S/V 6 LINES should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. Comments are due by June 22, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10328 — Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CARPE DIEM
The government is considering letting the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V CARPE DIEM operate in U.S. coastal trade, which usually requires U.S.-built ships. This affects businesses that use U.S.-built vessels and could change who gets to run these passenger services. People have until June 22, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
Next: 2026-10330 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V DIPLOMCY
The U.S. government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V DIPLOMCY, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to make sure it won’t hurt American jobs or trade. You have until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion—no cost changes yet, just a chance to weigh in!