Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel (M/V SCOUT) in U.S. Coastwise Trade
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), acting on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation, has received a formal request to authorize the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel — identified as M/V SCOUT — in United States coastwise trade. Under U.S. law, the coastwise trade (also known as the Jones Act trade) is generally restricted to U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, and U.S.-crewed vessels, but MARAD holds statutory authority to grant exceptions for vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. This notice is being published to invite public comments from stakeholders who may be affected by the proposed authorization. The central question MARAD must evaluate is whether permitting M/V SCOUT to operate in coastwise trade would have an adverse effect on domestic vessel builders or U.S. businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels for coastwise operations. The notice includes supplementary information detailing the vessel's specifications and the nature of the proposed service. Interested parties — particularly domestic shipbuilders, competing vessel operators, and maritime trade organizations — are encouraged to submit comments to inform MARAD's determination. This is a procedural public notice and does not itself grant any authorization. A formal determination by MARAD will follow after the comment period closes and the agency reviews all submitted input.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- MARAD has received a formal waiver request to allow M/V SCOUT, a foreign-built vessel, to operate in U.S. coastwise trade
- The vessel is limited to carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire — the statutory threshold for this waiver category
- A public comment period has been opened to assess potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses
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Obligations
What this law requires
MARAD must evaluate whether permitting M/V SCOUT to operate in U.S. coastwise trade would have an adverse effect on domestic vessel builders or U.S. businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels
MARAD must publish a notice inviting public comments from stakeholders affected by the proposed authorization of M/V SCOUT for coastwise trade
MARAD must review all submitted public comments before making a formal determination regarding the foreign-built vessel authorization request
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to grant or deny authorization for foreign-built small passenger vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire to operate in U.S. coastwise trade
Interested parties, including domestic shipbuilders, competing vessel operators, and maritime trade organizations, must submit comments during the designated comment period to inform MARAD's determination