The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the U.S. Department of Transportation is inviting public comments on a request concerning the coastwise endorsement eligibility of the SEA CZAR, a foreign-built vessel intended to offer passenger charters in the Pacific Northwest. The vessel will operate from Tacoma to the Canadian border, including the San Juan Islands and Lake Washington. MARAD seeks feedback on how this could impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-flag vessels, and comments can be submitted via various methods until January 6, 2025. If adverse effects are determined, MARAD may deny the endorsement.
Simple Explanation
MARAD wants to know if people think a new foreign-made boat, the SEA CZAR, should be allowed to take paying passengers around certain areas in the U.S. If people think this might be bad for American boat builders or those using American boats, they can say so before January 6, 2025.