Overview
Title
Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel JAGUAR SHARK (Motor Yacht); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people in charge of boats in the U.S. might let a boat called JAGUAR SHARK take passengers for trips in Alaska, even though it wasn't made in the U.S. Normally, boats have to be made in the U.S. to do this, but they want to make an exception and are asking people what they think about this idea until February 8, 2021.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, has received a request for a waiver to allow the vessel JAGUAR SHARK, a 41-foot motor yacht, to carry up to twelve passengers for hire. This waiver, if granted, would exempt the vessel from certain U.S. coastwise trade laws, which typically require vessels to be U.S.-built. The intended use for the JAGUAR SHARK is as a "live aboard charter boat" operating in Alaska, excluding Southeastern waters, with Homer, Alaska as its base of operations. Public comments on this waiver request are invited and can be submitted through the specified channels by February 8, 2021.
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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Sources
AnalysisAI
General Summary
The document is a notice from the Maritime Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, regarding a request for a waiver. This waiver pertains to the vessel JAGUAR SHARK, a 41-foot motor yacht, seeking permission to carry up to twelve passengers for hire. This request involves an exemption from U.S. coastwise trade laws that usually mandate such vessels to be constructed in the United States. The JAGUAR SHARK aims to operate as a live-aboard charter boat based out of Homer, Alaska, but will exclude operations in Southeastern Alaskan waters. The public has been invited to provide comments on this waiver request until February 8, 2021.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise from this notice. Notably, the financial implications of granting this waiver are not explicitly mentioned, which could be significant for evaluating potential waste or economic effects. Furthermore, while there is a process for submitting confidential comments, the criteria for what counts as "confidential business information" are not clearly defined. This lack of clarity might discourage businesses from submitting sensitive information they deem confidential.
Additionally, the notice briefly mentions assessing the impact on U.S. vessel builders and businesses, but it lacks a detailed framework for how such assessments will be conducted. This could leave stakeholders uncertain about the decision-making process. The document also includes legal and regulatory references that may be too technical for a lay audience, potentially limiting public understanding and engagement.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
Generally, the public's role in this process is mainly about providing comments. For public participation to be effective, the notice encourages submission of comments on potential impacts. However, the complexity of the submission process and reliance on external links for guidance could hinder participation, especially if these links are not maintained or accessible.
For stakeholders, such as U.S. vessel builders and businesses using U.S.-flag vessels, the waiver could have significant implications. If the waiver leads to greater foreign-built vessel operations, it might reduce demand for U.S.-built vessels, potentially impacting domestic shipbuilding industries negatively. However, if the waiver supports growing the charter boat business in Alaska, it could bolster local tourism sectors and benefit communities relying on such economic activities.
In summary, while the waiver for the vessel JAGUAR SHARK presents opportunities in terms of expanded business operations and tourism, it raises concerns about regulatory transparency and potential economic impacts on domestic industries. Enhanced clarity and accessibility in the notice could improve public engagement and ensure all stakeholders can adequately assess and respond to the potential changes.
Issues
• The document does not specify details about the financial implications of granting the waiver, which may be important to evaluate potential wasteful spending.
• The process for submitting confidential comments is outlined, but the criteria for what constitutes 'confidential business information' is not clearly defined.
• The potential impact of granting the waiver on U.S. vessel builders or U.S.-flag vessel businesses is mentioned, but more information on how this impact will be assessed is needed.
• The document includes references to various legal codes and federal regulations without providing a summary or explanation of these references, which may be difficult for laypersons to understand.
• The process for public participation and submitting comments is complex and might be simplified to encourage wider participation.
• The document relies on external links for additional information. If these links are outdated or inaccessible, it might prevent stakeholders from fully understanding the implications of the waiver.