The Safeguarding American Tourism Act exempts large cruise ships with 800 or more passenger berths from certain federal maritime requirements that normally apply to passenger vessels operating in U.S. waters. Specifically, the bill removes requirements under the Passenger Vessel Services Act and Jones Act that mandate U.S. citizenship for officers and crew, U.S. construction and ownership of vessels, and coastwise trade restrictions that typically require ships to be U.S.-flagged when traveling between American ports. The legislation also modifies immigration rules to allow foreign crew members greater flexibility in landing temporarily and departing from vessels. The bill affects cruise ship companies and their foreign employees, potentially allowing them to operate larger cruise ships in American waters with fewer regulatory restrictions. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are specified in the bill text.
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