Our reader’s preliminary research is accurate. Federal law requires a vessel to obtain a “Coastwise endorsement” on its Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation if it will be carrying passengers or cargo for hire within the United States. But a boat is generally not eligible for a Coastwise endorsement unless it was built and registered in this country.This type of restriction is fairly common around the world. The United States is one of many nations that protects its domestic transportation industries through “cabotage” laws. These laws require the transportation of passengers or cargo between U.S. ports to be performed aboard “U.S. flagged” vessels (vessels registered under the laws of the United States), that are also constructed in this country. Under the scenario described above, the boat would seem to be eligible for charter since it was U.S. built and it will be U.S. flagged before it is placed into charter service.