The Jones Act: A Legislation that Prohibits Foreign-Flagged Ships from Transporting Passengers Directly Between US Ports
The Jones Act is a federal statute dating back to 1886 and is also known as the Merchant Marine Act, Section 27. The act was passed to promote the growth of the US merchant marine industry and regulate shipping practices that operate between US ports. One of the main regulations of the Jones Act is the prohibition of foreign-flagged ships from transporting passengers directly between US ports without stopping at any foreign ports in-between. This means that only American-built, owned and crewed vessels are allowed to operate such routes. The act helps to protect US shipping companies, preserve jobs for US workers and maintain national security. The Jones Act has been amended several times since its creation, but the prohibition on foreign-flagged ships remains a significant provision.
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