Small Boats Seek Trade Law Waivers: MARAD Wants Comments
Published Date: 6/9/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD wants to keep collecting info from small passenger vessel owners who ask to skip certain U.S. trade rules. This helps protect American boat builders and businesses. More people are applying now, so they’re checking in with the public before renewing the paperwork—no new fees, just a heads-up and a chance to share thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Data Used to Protect U.S. Boat Builders
MARAD uses the application (OMB 2133-0529) to identify how potential foreign-built small passenger vessel coastwise operations would affect U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses. That information is intended to support protections for American boat builders and coastwise businesses.
Paperwork Renewal Raises Respondent Burden
If you own a small passenger vessel and apply for a coastwise trade waiver, you must continue to fill out the OMB form (2133-0529). The agency says there has been an increase since the last renewal in total respondents, responses, burden hours, and cost to respondents.
Public Comment Opportunity; No New Fees
MARAD is publishing this notice to get public comments before renewing the information collection for OMB 2133-0529, and states there will be no new fees associated with the renewal. This gives applicants and other stakeholders a chance to comment on the paperwork renewal.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-05308 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BROADWAY GIRL
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V BROADWAY GIRL, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. If you want to share your opinion, make sure to comment by April 17, 2026!
2026-05307 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V CAT 5
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V CAT 5, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until April 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up if you care about local shipbuilding and coastal business!
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