Plain 'Francis' Boat Joins Foreign Waiver Queue
Published Date: 9/3/2026
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
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential Harm to U.S. Vessel Builders
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V FRANCIS to engage in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD is asking for public comments on whether that proposed use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Comments are due October 5, 2026 and should be submitted to DOT Docket Number MARAD-2026-1393 via https://www.regulations.gov or by mail.
Opportunity to Seek Coastwise Approval
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), owners of small passenger vessels that carry no more than twelve passengers for hire may request a MARAD determination to allow coastwise trade use. MARAD published this notice about the request for the vessel M/V FRANCIS and is accepting public comment (Docket MARAD-2026-1393) through October 5, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Next: 2026-18075, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LAGERTHA
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.