S.2043

The Open America's Waters Act repeals Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade.

The Open America's Waters Act repeals certain Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade, allowing a coastwise endorsement for any vessel that qualifies under U.S. laws. It removes specific requirements for tank vessels, liquefied gas tankers, and small passenger vessels. The Act also repeals the loss of coastwise trade privileges, amends oil spill response vessel regulations, modifies optional regulatory measurement, and changes court sales of undocumented vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard must issue new regulations within 90 days to ensure safety and security for vessels in coastwise trade.