The Maritime Administration is seeking public comments on a request to use a foreign-built vessel, S/V Cocoa Bella, in the United States coastwise trade. This involves determining if such use would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. People can submit comments until May 23, 2025, and these will be publicly available unless marked as confidential. The full request and instructions for commenting can be found in the DOT docket MARAD-2025-0045 at regulations.gov.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to know what people think about using a boat made in another country to take people on trips in the U.S., and they are asking for opinions by May 23, 2025. They want to make sure it won't hurt American boat makers or businesses using American boats.