The "Open America's Ports Act" proposes significant changes to maritime law concerning passenger vessels operating in U.S. waters. Its primary action is the repeal of the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 , which currently restricts the transportation of passengers between U.S. ports to vessels built in the U.S., owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens. Beyond repealing the PVSA, the bill also makes crucial adjustments to the Jones Act requirements for passenger vessels. Specifically, it exempts vessels transporting passengers between U.S. ports, whether directly or via a foreign port, from certain ownership, documentation, and crew citizenship obligations outlined in Chapter 121 and Section 8103 of Title 46, United States Code. These changes would effectively allow foreign-flagged and foreign-crewed passenger vessels to operate domestic routes within the United States. Conforming amendments are included to align other sections of Title 46 with these repeals and adjustments. A rule of construction clarifies that these exemptions are specific and do not absolve vessels from other applicable U.S. laws.