Overview
Title
Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel SHARED ADVENTURE II (Power Catamaran); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting a boat named SHARED ADVENTURE II take people for trips in the U.S., even though it wasn't built here. They want people to say what they think about this idea by February 8, 2021, because it might change how people and businesses that use American boats feel.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is considering a request for a waiver of the U.S.-build requirements under coastwise trade laws for the vessel SHARED ADVENTURE II. This waiver would allow the vessel to transport up to twelve passengers for hire in various U.S. coastal regions, with Fort Lauderdale, FL, as its base. MARAD solicits public comments on the potential impact of granting the waiver on U.S. vessel builders and businesses using U.S.-flag vessels. Comments are due by February 8, 2021, and may be submitted through specified online or mail methods.
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 notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) highlights a request to waive the U.S.-build requirements for a vessel named SHARED ADVENTURE II. This waiver could permit the vessel to carry up to twelve passengers for hire along various coastal states in the U.S., centering its base of operations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The document invites public feedback on the implications of this waiver by February 8, 2021, and outlines methods for submitting comments.
Summary of the Document
The Maritime Administration is considering allowing a non-U.S.-built vessel to transport a limited number of passengers, a move that typically requires adherence to specific trade laws. The waiver in question would enable operations across several U.S. states with potential implications for local businesses and U.S. vessel builders. The notice details the process through which interested parties can convey their thoughts and concerns, emphasizing transparency and public engagement.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document. Primarily, it does not delve into the financial impacts or potential costs associated with granting this waiver. Without these insights, stakeholders may miss how such a decision could influence economic factors like pricing or competitiveness within the industry.
Moreover, the waiver’s language, such as the requirement for a determination of "unduly adverse effect," remains vague. This subjective terminology poses a challenge to ensuring fair evaluation and decision-making, potentially leading to inconsistent outcomes.
The document also lacks clarity on whether the waiver might disproportionately benefit certain entities. This absence raises transparency issues concerning who stands to gain from the waiver, a matter of potential public interest.
Public Impact
Granting the waiver could set a precedent for easing restrictions under coastwise trading laws, impacting various public segments. For general consumers, this could mean enhanced service offerings and possibly more competitive prices in marine tourism or transport sectors.
On the downside, the move could discourage American shipbuilding if non-U.S. vessels are more frequently allowed to operate coastwise. This possibility could affect jobs and market stability in the U.S. maritime industry.
Impact on Stakeholders
For stakeholders, the document presents a mixed bag. On the one hand, businesses looking to expand their operations using non-U.S.-built vessels might view this waiver as a positive development, facilitating greater flexibility and reduced costs.
Conversely, U.S. vessel builders and businesses utilizing U.S.-flagged vessels might view this proposal with concern. The waiver could introduce competition from non-domestic vessels, potentially undermining market advantage or diminishing the traditional benefits of U.S.-build requirements.
Conclusion
The call for public comments allows for a comprehensive evaluation from various perspectives, emphasizing the importance of participation in shaping maritime regulations. However, the complexity and potential implications of the waiver request highlight the need for careful consideration from all involved parties to balance innovation with preserving domestic interests.
Issues
• The document does not contain specific details on the financial implications or costs related to granting the waiver, which could lead to undetected wasteful spending.
• There is no mention of how the waiver might favor particular organizations or individuals over others, which could indicate a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
• The language in the document is relatively clear, but the terms such as 'unduly adverse effect' could be subjective and may need further clarification to ensure consistency in evaluation.
• The document may not fully address the impact of the waiver on U.S.-vessel builders or businesses that use U.S.-flag vessels, which could lead to potential oversights.
• The instructions for submitting confidential comments are complex and could discourage stakeholders from participating due to perceived difficulties.