Overview
Title
Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel MAYAN STAR (Sailboat); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting a sailboat called MAYAN STAR take people on trips for fun, even though it might not be built the way most U.S. boats are supposed to be. People have until early February to say if they think it's a good idea or a bad idea.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has the authority to grant waivers to allow older vessels to carry up to twelve passengers for hire, even if they don't meet certain U.S. shipbuilding requirements. A request for such a waiver was submitted for the sailboat MAYAN STAR, which is intended for bare boat charters based in Marina Del Rey, California. Public comments on this waiver can be submitted until February 8, 2021, either online or through mail. If the waiver could negatively impact U.S. shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-flagged vessels, it won't be granted.
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.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register outlines an invitation for public comments on a requested waiver from the U.S. coastwise trade laws. This waiver would allow the vessel MAYAN STAR to carry up to twelve passengers for hire, despite not being built in the United States. The vessel, a 51-foot sailboat, is intended for commercial use as a bare boat charter and will operate out of Marina Del Rey, California. The opportunity for public comments on this waiver is open until February 8, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Economic Impact:
One notable issue with the document is the lack of specificity regarding the economic impact of granting such a waiver. Without further details, stakeholders might question how this decision could affect the financial health of U.S. shipbuilders or other businesses relying on U.S.-flagged vessels. This absence of economic analysis could be troubling for individuals and companies concerned with protecting domestic industries.
Implications for U.S. Vessel Builders:
The document mentions that if the waiver could negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-flagged vessels, it will not be granted. However, it does not provide an analysis or data to predict such effects. This could lead to uncertainties for stakeholders in these sectors who may feel the waiver could threaten their competitive edge or market share.
Confidentiality Concerns:
The process for submitting confidential comments is described but lacks detailed information on how confidentiality will be maintained. The lack of transparency might deter individuals or businesses from sharing proprietary information out of fear it won't be adequately protected.
Lack of Clarity:
The document also uses terms like "Bare Boat Charters" without explanation, which could leave some readers, especially those not familiar with nautical terminology, confused about the vessel's intended use.
Document Complexity:
While providing detailed instructions for comment submission, the document might be difficult for some readers to navigate due to its complexity. A more concise summary could improve accessibility and understanding for a wider audience.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
Public Impact:
For the general public, the potential introduction of the MAYAN STAR as a charter option might offer more recreation opportunities, potentially increasing tourism and related local business activity in Marina Del Rey. Consumers could benefit from greater choices for charter services in the area.
Impacts on Specific Stakeholders:
For U.S. shipbuilders and companies operating U.S.-flagged vessels, the waiver could present competitive challenges. These stakeholders might perceive the entry of a foreign-built vessel into the U.S. market as undermining support for domestically built ships and those flying the U.S. flag. On the other hand, vessel operators and entrepreneurs in the local tourism sector might see the introduction of this charter service as an opportunity to expand offerings and attract more visitors.
In summary, while offering potential benefits, the waiver request raises concerns about economic impacts and competitive fairness, underscoring the importance of public comments in shaping the final decision.
Issues
• The document does not specify the cost or any potential financial implications of granting the waiver, which might lead to questions about the economic impact.
• There is no analysis provided regarding the impact of granting the waiver on U.S.-flag vessel businesses or U.S. vessel builders beyond the general criteria noted.
• The process for submitting confidential comments is mentioned but the document does not specify how confidentiality is ensured or handled, which could lead to concerns about privacy or protection of proprietary information.
• It might not be clear to all readers what is meant by 'Bare Boat Charters,' which is mentioned as the intended commercial use of the vessel, and no explanation or definition is provided.
• The document provides lengthy details about the submission of comments, but it might benefit from a more concise summary to enhance clarity and accessibility to a broader audience.