Open America's Waters Act

This bill seeks to repeal the existing restrictions on coastwise trade, often referred to as the Jones Act, by amending federal law to allow any vessel qualifying under U.S. laws to engage in domestic shipping. This significant change would eliminate the current requirements that vessels operating in coastwise trade must be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens.

To ensure continued oversight, the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard is mandated to issue regulations within 90 days of enactment. These regulations will require all vessels participating in coastwise trade to meet appropriate safety and security requirements. The bill also includes numerous conforming amendments to other sections of title 46, United States Code, to fully implement the repeal of these trade limitations.