The Safeguarding American Tourism Act exempts large cruise ships with 800 or more passenger berths from certain federal maritime regulations, including requirements under the Passenger Vessel Services Act and Jones Act that traditionally mandate U.S. citizenship for crew members and vessel ownership. The bill also streamlines immigration requirements for foreign crew members by allowing them to remain in the United States for the duration of their valid visa rather than a fixed time period. These changes primarily affect the cruise ship industry and foreign workers employed in the industry, making it easier for large cruise operators to hire international crews and potentially use foreign-built or foreign-owned vessels in U.S. domestic routes. The bill includes a provision clarifying that these exemptions apply only as explicitly stated and do not waive other U.S. maritime and labor laws. No specific funding or implementation timeline is included in the legislation.
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