Diplomacy Boat Navigates Foreign-Build Trade Rules
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-Built Boat May Enter Coastwise Trade
MARAD is asking whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V DIPLOMCY should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 paying passengers. Interested parties may submit comments about whether this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses; comments are due by June 22, 2026.
How to Comment and Protect Confidential Information
Comments on the request must be submitted to DOT Docket Number MARAD-2026-0761 and will be posted publicly; you may request confidential commercial treatment by emailing MARAD with the subject line 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information' and explaining why specific parts should be withheld. All comments must be in English and be submitted by June 22, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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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!
Next: 2026-10331, Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V FELIX FELICIS
The government is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V FELIX FELICIS, can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They want your thoughts by June 22, 2026, before making a final call. This could open doors for new boats on U.S. waters while protecting local jobs and companies.