Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act

This legislation seeks to significantly alter current maritime regulations by allowing passenger vessels not built in the United States to obtain a coastwise endorsement. The bill amends section 12112(a)(2)(B) of title 46, United States Code, to permit such foreign-built vessels to transport passengers between U.S. ports, including routes that pass through a foreign port. This change effectively broadens the eligibility criteria for coastwise trade for specific types of passenger ships within U.S. domestic waters. Additionally, the legislation includes a conforming amendment that repeals section 12121 of title 46. A crucial rule of construction clarifies that these amendments do not exempt affected vessels from any other applicable United States laws, unless explicitly stated within the new provisions.