# Jones Act Shipbuilding Standards

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> Jones Act Shipbuilding Standards are the technical and legal construction requirements that the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 imposes on vessels engaged in U.S.

Jones Act Shipbuilding Standards are the technical and legal construction requirements that the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 imposes on vessels engaged in U.S. domestic waterborne trade. A vessel qualifies only if it is built in the United States, owned wholly or predominantly by U.S. citizens or corporations, registered under the U.S. flag, and crewed exclusively by U.S. citizens. All four conditions must be satisfied simultaneously; failing any single one disqualifies the vessel from carrying cargo between U.S. ports. The U.S. Coast Guard enforces these standards through regular inspections and vessel certification. For shipowners, compliance translates into capital and operating costs that far exceed those typical of internationally sourced tonnage.

**Source:** [https://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/coastwise-shipping-provisions-coastwise-requirements](https://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/coastwise-shipping-provisions-coastwise-requirements)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Jones Act Shipbuilding Standards |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 110 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/coastwise-shipping-provisions-coastwise-requirements |

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