Action
Final rule.
Summary
The Maritime Administration (MARAD, we, our, or us) is publishing this final rule to implement Title V of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998. This final rule implements regulations that, under certain circumstances, will waive the U.S.-build and other requirements of the Passenger Services Act and section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, for eligible vessels to be documented with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade as small passenger vessels or uninspected passenger vessels authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire. This administrative process will improve the responsiveness of the Federal Government in meeting the needs of many vessel-operating small businesses.