The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has received a request for a waiver of the U.S.-build requirements of the coastwise trade laws for the vessel BALAM, a 50-foot sailing catamaran based in San Diego, California. This waiver would allow the vessel to carry up to twelve passengers for hire for activities such as sailing lessons and charters. Public comments on the waiver request can be submitted until February 8, 2021, and must include the agency name and specific docket number MARAD-2020-0172. MARAD will consider the impact of the waiver on U.S. vessel builders and businesses before making a decision.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. government is thinking about letting a special sailboat called BALAM take people out for fun sailing trips, even though it wasn't built in the U.S. They want people to say what they think about this idea before they decide.