Overview
Title
Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel BALAM (Sailing Catamaran); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government is thinking about letting a special sailboat called BALAM take people out for fun sailing trips, even though it wasn't built in the U.S. They want people to say what they think about this idea before they decide.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has received a request for a waiver of the U.S.-build requirements of the coastwise trade laws for the vessel BALAM, a 50-foot sailing catamaran based in San Diego, California. This waiver would allow the vessel to carry up to twelve passengers for hire for activities such as sailing lessons and charters. Public comments on the waiver request can be submitted until February 8, 2021, and must include the agency name and specific docket number MARAD-2020-0172. MARAD will consider the impact of the waiver on U.S. vessel builders and businesses before making a decision.
Abstract
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirements of the coastwise trade laws to allow the carriage of no more than twelve passengers for hire on vessels, which are three years old or more. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary
The document pertains to a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, regarding a request for a waiver of the U.S.-build requirements of the coastwise trade laws for a vessel named BALAM. This vessel is a 50-foot sailing catamaran based in San Diego, California, intended for commercial use primarily for sailing lessons and charters. The waiver would allow the vessel to carry up to twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has invited public comments on this waiver request, which must be submitted by February 8, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One primary issue is the lack of specific evaluation criteria for public comments on the waiver request. Without clear standards, the decision-making process could be perceived as subjective or arbitrary. Additionally, the document does not outline how the decision will be communicated to the public or detail the timeline for completing the waiver process. This absence of transparency could lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
The document also references a DOT Docket number, where more information can be found, but it does not explain what the docket includes or how it can be accessed, potentially leaving stakeholders in the dark. Furthermore, while there are instructions for submitting sensitive or confidential comments, the document does not describe how such information will be protected, potentially raising privacy concerns.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this document provides an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process regarding the waiver for the vessel BALAM. Public involvement is encouraged, allowing individuals to express concerns or support based on how the waiver might affect businesses or vessel builders within the United States. However, navigating the comments submission process might present challenges, particularly due to the complex language and procedures outlined in the notice.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impact: The waiver could benefit the operators of the vessel BALAM, enabling them to conduct business more freely, including offering sailing lessons and charters, which could stimulate local tourism and economic activity in San Diego.
Negative Impact: On the flip side, U.S. vessel builders might view this waiver negatively, as it permits a foreign-built vessel to operate commercially in the U.S., potentially reducing their competitive advantage. Businesses that rely on U.S.-flagged vessels could also be impacted if the waiver undermines the domestic market by allowing foreign-built vessels to participate.
In conclusion, while the document serves as an important notice for public engagement in maritime regulations, it does have certain gaps in clarity and transparency that could hinder effective participation and understanding. Addressing these issues could improve the document's utility and ensure a fair evaluation process for all stakeholders involved.
Issues
• The document does not specify criteria for evaluating public comments, which might lead to subjective decision-making.
• There is no detailed explanation of how the waiver decision will be communicated to the public or how long the process will take.
• The document refers to the DOT Docket number but does not explain what information can be found in the docket, which could be unclear to someone unfamiliar with the process.
• The instructions for submitting confidential comments are mentioned separately from general comments, but the procedure for handling such comments internally is not detailed, potentially leading to privacy concerns.
• The language surrounding the Public Participation section could be simplified to enhance understanding, especially regarding how comments will be processed and where additional information can be found.