The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, M/V Busch Whacker, in U.S. coastwise trade. The vessel can carry up to twelve passengers for hire, and MARAD wants to determine if its use would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses relying on U.S.-built vessels. Comments, which will be publicly available, can be submitted online or by mail until May 23, 2025. Anyone submitting comments should follow the specified guidelines, including the option to request confidentiality for commercially sensitive information.
Simple Explanation
The Maritime Administration is asking people to share their thoughts about using a foreign-built boat, called the M/V Busch Whacker, to take up to twelve passengers on trips along U.S. waters. They want to make sure using this boat won't hurt American boat makers or businesses that use boats built in America.