Overview
Title
Coastwise Endorsement Eligibility Determination for a Foreign-Built Vessel: VALKYRIE (Sail); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
A big boat named VALKYRIE, made in another country, wants to take people on fun trips in Hawaii. The people in charge want to know if letting this boat work there will be a problem for boats made in the U.S., so they are asking others what they think.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation is considering a request to allow a foreign-built vessel named VALKYRIE, intended for passenger sailing charters, to operate in the coastwise trade near Honolulu, Hawaii. The vessel would carry no more than twelve passengers, and MARAD is seeking public comments on whether this would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or companies that operate U.S.-flag vessels. Interested parties can submit their comments until January 6, 2025, through various methods, including online at regulations.gov. MARAD will only approve the request if it determines there is no adverse effect on U.S. businesses as per relevant regulations.
Abstract
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to issue coastwise endorsement eligibility determinations for foreign-built vessels which will carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. A request for such a determination has been received by MARAD. By this notice, MARAD seeks comments from interested parties as to any effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register discusses a request reviewed by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This request pertains to a foreign-built vessel named VALKYRIE, which is intended to conduct passenger sailing charters around Honolulu, Hawaii. MARAD is considering whether this vessel should receive a coastwise endorsement, which would allow it to carry no more than twelve passengers in U.S. waters. The administration is soliciting public comments to assess the potential impact of this approval on U.S. vessel builders or businesses that utilize U.S.-flag vessels. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their viewpoints by January 6, 2025, through multiple submission channels, including an online portal.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The document poses several issues for consideration. One primary concern is the technical nature of maritime language and references to specific U.S. Codes and CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) parts. This could render the document challenging for individuals without a background in maritime law or regulation.
Another notable concern is the lack of explicit naming of U.S. vessel builders or businesses that might be affected by the issuance of this coastwise endorsement. This omission may make it difficult for readers to grasp the potential ramifications of this decision.
Furthermore, while there are guidelines for submitting confidential comments, the process might not be entirely clear to those who are unaccustomed to federal confidentiality claims. Similarly, the brief mention of Privacy Act compliance lacks detailed guidance on measures to protect personal information, which could discourage some individuals from participating.
Lastly, the document presumes users know how to access and navigate regulations.gov, which can be confusing for someone unfamiliar with online regulatory platforms.
Impacts on the Public and Stakeholders
The document could impact the public broadly by potentially altering competitive dynamics in the passenger sailing charter industry, particularly around Honolulu. The approval of VALKYRIE may introduce more options for consumers but could also affect the market share of U.S.-operated vessels in the region.
For U.S. vessel builders and businesses operating U.S.-flag vessels, the implications are more direct. Should MARAD grant the coastwise endorsement, it could open the door for increased competition from foreign-built vessels, potentially undermining the domestic maritime industry. Conversely, if the endorsement is denied, it might be seen as a protectionist measure that bolsters local businesses at the expense of international participants.
Ultimately, the document seeks input to ensure a balanced evaluation of these economic and regulatory factors, reflecting the interests of diverse stakeholders within the maritime sector.
Issues
• The document contains technical maritime language and references to specific U.S. Codes and CFR parts, which could be complex and difficult to understand for individuals without a background in maritime law or regulation.
• There is no explicit mention of any specific U.S. vessel builders or businesses that might be affected by the issuance of the coastwise endorsement, which may leave readers needing more context to understand the potential impact.
• The procedure for submitting confidential comments could be more clearly outlined, especially for users who may not be familiar with confidentiality claims under federal guidelines.
• Privacy concerns are addressed, but there is no detailed guidance on how personal information will be protected within public comments, which may deter comments from some individuals.
• The document relies on readers knowing how to access and navigate the regulations.gov website. Instructions could be confusing for those unfamiliar with the portal.