Maritime Small Vessel Waiver Application

Use this form to access the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Small Vessel Waiver application, which allows eligible entities to request an exemption from certain vessel documentation requirements.

Key Details:

  • Eligibility: U.S.-flagged small vessel operators meeting specific criteria under maritime regulations.
  • Benefits of This Form:
    • Streamlines compliance with federal laws.
    • Facilitates smoother operations for qualified small vessels.
  • National Documentation Portal Benefits:
    • Secure, centralized submission of waiver requests.

REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATIVE WAIVER OF THE JONES ACT 46 U.S.C. 12121, 46 C.FR 388

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 2

THERE ARE SOME BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A VESSEL TO QUALIFY FOR A WAIVER UNDER THIS PROGRAM

A) THE VESSEL MUST BE AT LEAST THREE YEARS OLD.
B) THE VESSEL, WHEN IN SERVICE, CANNOT CARRY MORE THAN 12 PASSENGERS
C) THE INTENDED USE MUST BE TO CARRY PASSENGERS ONLY. ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CARRIAGE OF CARGO, COMMERCIAL FISHING, TOWING, DREDGING AND SALVAGE DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS PROGRAM. SPORT FISHING IS PERMITTED AS LONG AS THE FISH CAUGHT ARE NOT SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
D) THE VESSEL MUST BE OWNED BY A U.S.-CITIZEN.

THIS IS NOT A WAIVER OF ANY VESSEL DOCUMENTATION, VESSEL MANNING OR VESSEL INSPECTION REQUIREMENT. ONCE A WAIVER IS RECEIVED, THE APPLICANT SHOULD FILE FOR A COAST-WISE TRADE ENDORSEMENT AS A PASSENGER VESSEL WITH THE U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG) IF THE VESSEL IS GREATER THAN 5 NET TONS.

This collection of information is required to obtain a waiver of the U.S.-build and other requirements of the Passenger Services Act (46 U.S.C. 55103) and will be used by the Maritime Administration to determine if the applicant is entitled to a waiver.

Homeport

B. OWNER INFORMATION*

Address*
E-MAIL*

(ex. sail, catamaran, hovercraft, motor, etc.)

F. SIZE, NET TONNAGE AND CAPACITY OF THE VESSEL