'Fun-Seas' Foreign Vessel Crashes U.S. Coastwise Party?
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V FUN-SEAS, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until November 9, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts before then!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built vessel may affect U.S. builders
MARAD is considering whether the foreign-built M/V FUN-SEAS may be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The notice explicitly says this decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses that use U.S.-built vessels and asks whether the vessel’s use would have an undue adverse effect on them; the statutory rule applies to small passenger vessels carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire.
Foreign-built small passenger vessels could gain coastwise access
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), if MARAD determines the use would not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise businesses, the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement for a foreign-built small passenger vessel that carries no more than 12 passengers for hire. If approved, operators of small passenger services could be allowed to use the M/V FUN-SEAS in U.S. coastwise trade.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V TICLUNA, 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 an opinion, send your comments by November 9, 2026!
Next: 2026-20587, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BEAR PAW
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