Administrative Waivers of the Coastwise Trade Laws: New Definition of Eligible Vessels

Resumen

The Maritime Administration (MARAD, or we, our, or us) is publishing this proposed rule to change the definition of vessels eligible for a waiver of the coastwise laws under special provisions of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998. Under this measure, and taking into account several factors, MARAD may waive the U.S.-build requirement allowing vessels to operate as small passenger vessels or uninspected passenger vessels authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire. The new definition of "eligible vessel" deletes the requirement that the vessel be five net tons or more. That requirement is not in the enabling statute and, therefore, does not need to be in the regulations.