Foreign Watchdog Boat Wants to Patrol US Coastal Trade
Published Date: 8/5/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built M/V WATCHDOG Under Review
MARAD is reviewing a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V WATCHDOG to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD is asking for public comments, with submissions due by September 4, 2026, to help decide whether allowing this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15892, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V AREAREA
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.
Next: 2026-15894, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V PROVIDENCE
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.