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.
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.
2026-19800, 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!
2026-19794, 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!
2026-19793, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V SUZIE MANUELA
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V SUZIE MANUELA, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are due by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
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.
2026-19799, 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!
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!