Rush Hour Boat Seeks Coastwise Trade Permission
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is thinking about allowing a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V RUSH HOUR to operate in U.S. coastal waters. They want to hear from people by August 17, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run small passenger boats here, so it’s a big deal for the boating community and local businesses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Review of foreign-built M/V RUSH HOUR
MARAD is reviewing a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V RUSH HOUR to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The vessel would carry no more than 12 passengers for hire, and MARAD is asking for public comments by August 17, 2026, to determine whether allowing this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Eligibility rule for coastwise endorsement
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise trade endorsement for eligible small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire only if MARAD, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, determines the vessel's coastwise use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. MARAD's notice-and-comment step is part of deciding whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel can be documented for coastwise service.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-14483 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V PIRATE CAT
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on a request to let the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V PIRATE CAT operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, and the agency wants to make sure it won’t hurt them. Comments are due by August 17, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Next: 2026-14485 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V TEXAS CORSAIR
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V TEXAS CORSAIR should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by August 17, 2026. It’s a chance to weigh in on protecting American jobs while welcoming new vessels.