JG wrote:
"Jeff" wrote in message
...

JG wrote:

After a read of this... The Jones Act and related statutes require that
vessels used to transport cargo and passengers between U.S. ports be
owned by U.S. citizens, built in U.S. shipyards, and manned by U.S.
citizen crews... it seems like this doesn't really apply to the various
clubs that rent boats. Many, if not most, of the boats that are in
charter fleets in the US are foreign made (Bene's and such), although I'm
pretty sure they're owned and operated by US citizens. I'm wondering if
there is some distinction between "between U.S ports" and returning to
the same port, but even that seems like it wouldn't hold for several
clubs that have multiple facilities.


Bene's aren't made in the US?

The Jones act doesn't apply to uncrewed charters. It does, however, apply
to 6-Pak type charters, if they travel between US ports. A daysail, or
"cruise to nowhere" is probably exempt, but an overnight to a nearby US
port is not. You should probably consult with the local CG to find out
their interpretation or if they care.

IIRC, Jaxie used this to claim that a US citizen must always be on board a
documented vessel.

Small documented vessels can receive an exemption to the "foreign built"
law for the modest extortion of $300 - I forget exactly what conditions
have to be satisfied, but I know that my boat is eligible. It travels with
the vessel when sold, so sometimes you see a "for sale" add that says
"comes with Jones Act Exemption."


Maybe they are... don't know. I suppose some of them are.

Besides the 6-pak situation, do you know if this is for documented vs.
non-documented vessels or doesn't it matter?

I thought it applied equally to doc'd and non-doc'd vessels.
Otherwise I wouldn't have doc'd my foreign-built vessel. The
exemption can only be had for doc'd vessels.

BTW, have you ever seen a club launch or watertaxi that was not built
in the US?



I'll have to give the CG a call at some point.


A wise move.