Overview
Title
Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0085
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Coast Guard wants to keep getting information from people about a program that makes it easier to check if boats are safe without all the usual steps, and they are asking people to say if this is helpful or could be made better.
Summary AI
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comments on extending the approval for its Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP), under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The SIP offers an alternative method for inspecting vessels, which may help simplify compliance with inspection requirements. The Coast Guard is requesting feedback on the necessity and practicality of the information collected, as well as suggestions for improving efficiency. Comments must be submitted by April 19, 2021, via the designated eRulemaking Portal.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0085, Streamlined Inspection Program; without change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the U.S. Coast Guard requesting public comments on the extension of an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP). This initiative is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the paperwork burden on individuals and businesses.
General Summary
The Coast Guard intends to maintain its Streamlined Inspection Program, which offers vessel owners and operators an alternative compliance method to traditional inspections. This program is meant to ensure that vessel inspections are conducted efficiently while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. The document invites public input on the necessity and effectiveness of the SIP. Comments are encouraged and should be submitted by April 19, 2021, through an online portal.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable issue is the lack of explanation for the significant increase in the estimated hours required, from 8,254 to 13,298 hours annually. This increase suggests a growing demand for the program or a need for more intensive data collection, but the document does not provide clarity on this point. Additional context could enhance transparency.
Further, the notice uses regulatory references and legal codes, such as those from the United States Code (U.S.C.) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), without offering explanations or guides on where to find more information on these codes. This could be cryptic to audience members who are not familiar with these legal references.
Impact on the Public
From a general public perspective, the ability to comment on government processes can positively increase transparency and improve governance. However, the technical language and unexplained codes might be a barrier to broader public engagement, limiting participation to those familiar with maritime regulations or administrative law.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For vessel owners and operators, the SIP could provide a more efficient and potentially less burdensome way to comply with Coast Guard inspection requirements. This could save time and resources, making it an attractive option for stakeholders directly involved in maritime operations. However, uncertain details regarding increased administrative hours and unclear program benefits could lead to hesitation in adopting the program without further clarification.
Conclusion
The Coast Guard's notice aims to streamline inspection compliance but also raises questions regarding transparency and public accessibility to participate meaningfully. Stakeholders directly involved, such as vessel owners, stand to benefit from an efficient system but may require more detailed information to fully leverage the program's advantages. Public comments could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the SIP, underscoring the importance of clear communication and transparency in the regulatory process.
Issues
• The document primarily involves an extension request of an information collection and does not appear to detail any specific spending or contracts, thus limiting the assessment of wasteful spending.
• The document mentions the increase in estimated burden hours from 8,254 to 13,298, but does not provide a detailed explanation or justification for this significant increase. Additional information on what contributes to this increase could improve transparency.
• The document could use clearer language to explain the specific benefits of the Streamlined Inspection Program over traditional inspection methods, which would help owners and operators of vessels understand its practical advantages.
• The use of the term 'necessary for the proper performance of Departmental functions' is slightly vague and could be clarified with specific examples of how the information collection supports these functions.
• The document consistently refers to sections of U.S.C. (United States Code) which may not be immediately clear to those unfamiliar with these codes, suggesting a need for brief explanations or references to where these can be accessed.
• The document specifies a need due to SIP regulations under '46 CFR part 8, subpart E' without explaining what these regulations entail, limiting the ability of the general public to understand the full context.