Open America's Waters Act

S 3662, the Open America's Waters Act, repeals the requirement that vessels engaged in U.S. coastwise trade (shipping between U.S. ports) must be built in the United States. This change directly affects shipping companies and vessel operators, allowing foreign-built vessels to legally operate on domestic coastal routes if they meet U.S. safety and security standards. The bill requires the Coast Guard to issue implementing regulations within 90 days, mandating that all coastwise vessels comply with applicable safety and security rules. Several related provisions are updated to remove references to repealed sections of law, streamlining the regulatory framework.