§55103 Transportation of Passengers

Summary

Vessels may not carry passengers between U.S. ports where the coastwise rules apply, either directly or by going through a foreign port, unless two things are true. The vessel must be wholly owned by U.S. citizens for coastwise trade, and it must have a U.S. certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 (or be exempt from documentation but would otherwise qualify for that certificate and endorsement). If the rule is broken, the penalty is $300 for each passenger transported and landed.