46 U.S.C. § 55103 — Transportation of passengers

(a) In General. — Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or chapter 121 of this title, a vessel^* cannot transport passengers between ports or places in the United States to which the coastwise laws apply, either directly or via a foreign port, unless the vessel — (1) is wholly owned by citizens of the United States for engaging in the coastwise trade; and (2) has been issued a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 or is exempt from documentation but would otherwise be eligible for such a certificate and endorsement. (b) Penalty. — The penalty for violating subsection (a) is $300 for each passenger transported and landed.