The Open America's Waters Act repeals the Jones Act's restrictions on coastwise trade, which currently limit domestic water shipping to vessels that meet strict U.S.-ownership and construction requirements. Under this bill, any vessel that qualifies under U.S. law would be eligible to engage in coastwise trade, significantly opening up competition in domestic maritime shipping. The U.S. Coast Guard must issue safety and security regulations within 90 days to ensure all vessels permitted to operate in coastwise trade meet appropriate standards. The bill affects shipping companies and maritime operators by allowing foreign-built or foreign-owned vessels to compete in domestic water commerce, potentially lowering shipping costs for American consumers and businesses while reshaping the domestic shipping industry.
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