Overview
Title
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number 1625-0031
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep getting some important papers from ships to make sure they're safe and follow rules, and they are asking people to tell them if this is too much work or still helpful. The Coast Guard says it's like asking people to show their homework so they know everything is going right.
Summary AI
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comments on their plan to extend approval for a specific information collection related to electrical engineering regulations for U.S.-flag commercial vessels. This process is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which ensures that paperwork burdens are necessary and reasonable. The Coast Guard invites comments on the utility and burden of this information collection to help determine if it should continue. Comments must be submitted by March 29, 2021, and will help OIRA decide on the request.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR), abstracted below, 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: 1625-0031, Plan Approval and Records for Electrical Engineering Regulations; without change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document at hand is a notice from the U.S. Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, inviting public comments on their intention to renew an Information Collection Request (ICR). This request focuses on ensuring adherence to electrical engineering regulations governing U.S.-flag commercial vessels. This endeavor is in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to ensure that any required paperwork burdens imposed on the public are both necessary and reasonable.
Summary of the Document
In essence, the Coast Guard is seeking a renewal of approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for their current collection of information practice, titled "Plan Approval and Records for Electrical Engineering Regulations—Title 46 CFR Subchapter J." Stakeholders can submit comments on the practicality, accuracy, and burden of this information collection to assist the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in making a decision on whether this practice should be extended. The comment period extends until March 29, 2021.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One notable concern is that an earlier solicitation for comments did not garner any responses. This could indicate a lack of engagement or awareness among potentially affected stakeholders, which may undermine the robust feedback process intended by the Coast Guard. Furthermore, while the document outlines the necessity and purpose of the information collection, it falls short in clearly articulating the practical utility and justification for this specific paperwork burden, which might deter informed public participation.
Additionally, the document notes a slight increase in the estimated annual hour burden from 6,524 to 6,536 hours, a detail that could understandably raise questions. The lack of clarity around the reasons for this increase might lead to skepticism regarding the assessment's accuracy or its impact on those required to respond.
Public Impact
The broader public impact of this document hinges on ensuring safety and compliance within the commercial vessel sector, a critical component of maritime commerce. By adhering to electrical engineering regulations, the Coast Guard aims to safeguard life and property, ultimately benefiting the wider public and maritime environment.
However, the requirement for interested parties to navigate multiple platforms to submit comments could present a barrier to participation. Simplifying the submission process may enhance engagement and improve the quality of feedback received.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders like vessel owners, operators, shipyards, designers, and manufacturers, the document represents a regulatory obligation they need to comply with periodically. While the continuity of such regulations helps maintain safety standards, any additional paperwork can impose logistical and financial burdens.
On a positive note, stakeholders stand to benefit from the opportunity to voice their concerns about the practical implications of these regulations, potentially in favor of adjustments that could minimize the compliance burden. It is crucial for these parties to actively participate in the comment process to ensure their perspectives are considered in decision-making.
Overall, while the initiative underscores a commitment to safety and regulation, stakeholders, particularly those directly affected, may perceive both benefits and challenges inherent in such regulatory processes.
Issues
• The document does not specify any particular organization or individuals that are favored, but the lack of comments from the previous request could indicate a lack of engagement or awareness from potentially affected parties.
• The purpose of the Information Collection Request (ICR) is somewhat clear, but the practical utility and necessity of the collection could be better explained to justify any additional paperwork burden.
• The increase in the estimated hour burden from 6,524 to 6,536 hours is minimal, and it is unclear what specifically contributed to this increase or how it impacts respondents.
• The document's language is generally clear, but the requirement to navigate multiple websites for submissions and finding related information could be streamlined to enhance user experience.
• While anonymity in comments is encouraged, the inclusion of personal information in public postings without explicit warning could be problematic for some respondents.
• The document does not include a breakdown of the potential costs or efforts required by respondents in complying with the collection requirements.