Administrative Waivers of the Coastwise Trade Laws: New Definition for Eligible Vessel

Riepilogo

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is changing the definition of "eligible vessel" to be considered for a waiver of the coastwise laws 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 eligible vessel be five net tons or more. That requirement is not in the enabling statute and is preventing MARAD from considering waiver requests from small vessels. In addition, the mailing address of the agency needs to be updated to reflect the agency's present address.