Overview
Title
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number 1625-0078
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Coast Guard wants people to tell them what they think about some rules for making sure that only the right people drive big boats called towing vessels. They're checking if the way they collect information for this is still okay and not too much work.
Summary AI
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) concerning the Credentialing and Manning Requirements for Officers of Towing Vessels, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request, which is identified with the OMB Control Number 1625-0078, is forwarding to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. Interested parties can submit their comments by January 13, 2025, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of these credentials in ensuring that only qualified individuals operate towing vessels on U.S. navigable waters.
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: 1625-0078, Credentialing and Manning Requirements for Officers of Towing Vessels; 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.
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AnalysisAI
The document is a notice from the U.S. Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, seeking public comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to the Credentialing and Manning Requirements for Officers of Towing Vessels. This request aims to extend approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), ensuring that only qualified officers operate towing vessels on U.S. navigable waters. It highlights the necessity of maintaining strict credentialing protocols to ensure safety and compliance with federal regulations. The public is invited to submit comments by January 13, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the significant concerns is the complex language used in the document, which includes bureaucratic terms like “Information Collection Request (ICR)” and “Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).” For individuals who do not regularly interact with federal processes or regulations, these terms might be challenging to understand, potentially limiting the effective participation of the general public in the comment process.
The document mentions an increase in the estimated burden hours from 24,152 to 25,006 annually, due to an increase in the number of respondents. This rise could suggest inefficiencies or a greater paperwork burden on respondents, raising questions about whether resources are being used effectively and if there are ways to streamline the process.
Additionally, the lack of detail on how the estimated burden was calculated may lead to concerns about transparency and accuracy. Without a clear explanation of the data or methodology used, stakeholders might find it difficult to evaluate the fairness and validity of the burden estimates.
Broad Public Impact
The document may impact the public by potentially influencing the safety and operational standards of towing vessels on navigable waters in the United States. Ensuring that officers are properly credentialed is vital for maintaining a safe maritime environment, which in turn affects public safety and the protection of natural waterways.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For owners and operators of towing vessels, the ICR represents an ongoing regulatory requirement that must be fulfilled to comply with federal standards. While these measures are designed to enhance safety, they also imply a continuous administrative task, potentially leading to increased operational costs or resource allocation challenges.
Mariners, too, are directly affected, as their credentials relate to their qualifications and employability. The accurate and efficient handling of their credentials is crucial for their professional standing and ability to work in the industry.
In summary, while the Coast Guard’s efforts to uphold high standards for credentialing officers on towing vessels are commendable, the procedural aspects and burdens outlined in the document call for careful consideration. Balancing the rigorous safety standards with an efficient and transparent process will be key to ensuring ongoing compliance and support from those affected. Public engagement, facilitated through comments, will play an important role in shaping the final outcome.
Issues
• The document includes bureaucratic language that may be complex and difficult for the general public to understand, such as 'Information Collection Request (ICR)' and 'Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)'.
• The increase in estimated burden hours from 24,152 to 25,006 could indicate inefficiencies or an increased paperwork burden on respondents, which might merit further review to ensure resources are being used effectively.
• The document does not provide specific details on how the estimated burden was calculated, which could lead to concerns about transparency and accuracy.
• There is no mention of alternative approaches or the exploration of methods to reduce the burden on respondents, aside from a general invitation for comments.
• The purpose and benefit of the information collection are not explained in detail, potentially making it difficult for stakeholders to assess its value or necessity.