ADMINISTRATIVE WAIVER OF COASTWISE TRADE LAWS.

SEC. 502. ADMINISTRATIVE WAIVER OF COASTWISE TRADE LAWS. Notwithstanding sections 12106 and 12108 of title 46, United States Code, section 8 of the Act of June 19, 1886 (46 U.S.C. App. 289), and section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 112 STAT. 3446U.S.C. App. 883), the Secretary of Transportation may issue a certificate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade as a small passenger vessel or an uninspected passenger vessel for an eligible vessel authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire if the Secretary, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, determines that the employment of the vessel in the coastwise trade will not adversely affect— (1) United States vessel builders; or (2) the coastwise trade business of any person who employs vessels built in the United States in that business.