The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation has published a notice seeking public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel, "M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER," in U.S. coastwise trade. This type of trade typically involves domestic shipping routes. The vessel would carry up to 12 passengers, and MARAD aims to determine if its proposed use would negatively affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, and details on how to submit them are available on the regulations website or by mail.
Simple Explanation
The government is asking people what they think about letting a special kind of boat from another country, called "M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER," give rides to people along the U.S. coast. They want to know if this could be bad for boat makers in the U.S. or those who use U.S.-made boats to do the same thing.