Overview
Title
Coastwise Endorsement Eligibility Determination for a Foreign-Built Vessel: ENVISION (MOTOR); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting a foreign-made boat called ENVISION carry people on trips along the U.S. coast, and they want to know if this will be bad for American boat makers. People can say what they think about this until January 21, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is considering authorizing a foreign-built vessel named ENVISION to carry up to 12 passengers for hire along the U.S. coast. They are seeking public comments on whether this approval could negatively impact U.S. boat builders or businesses that operate U.S.-flagged vessels. The vessel, a 52.9′ motor yacht, intends to offer day charters and cruises along the east coast of Florida and Long Island, New York, with its base in Delray Beach, Florida. Interested parties can submit their opinions and concerns by January 21, 2025.
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 brings attention to a proposal by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The proposal seeks public commentary on granting a coastwise endorsement to a foreign-built vessel called ENVISION. If approved, this endorsement would allow the vessel to carry up to 12 passengers for hire. The ENVISION is a motor yacht intended for use in day charters and cruises on the east coast of Florida and Long Island, New York, with its operations based in Delray Beach, Florida. The public is invited to submit their comments until January 21, 2025.
Summary of the Document
The notice aims to gather public input on the potential impact that the approval of the ENVISION's endorsement may have on U.S. businesses, specifically those involved in vessel building and operations of U.S.-flagged vessels. By determining if the foreign-built ENVISION could adversely affect these sectors, MARAD ensures that the economic interests of domestic players are considered. The document outlines the procedures for submitting comments, provides ways to ensure confidentiality if needed, and mentions related legal statutes and regulations guiding this process.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One primary concern with the document is the lack of specific information about who the requestor is, which may raise transparency issues. Stakeholders may find it necessary to know more about the entities proposing the vessel's use to adequately weigh in on potential impacts.
Additionally, the instructions for submitting confidential comments are embedded in fairly dense legal language, potentially complicating the process for individuals not accustomed to regulatory texts. This complexity may hinder comprehensive public participation.
Furthermore, there’s no mention of potential costs linked to applying for such endorsements, an omission that might lead to undervalued evaluations by stakeholders assessing the broader economic impact.
The methodology by which MARAD will evaluate the comments in determining the potential effects on U.S. industries is not thoroughly explained, leaving ambiguity around how decisions will be made based on public feedback.
The document also lacks a broader context regarding its implications on the U.S. vessel construction industry at large, which might help stakeholders understand the ripple effects of such coastwise endorsements beyond just the case at hand.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
Broadly, this proposal engages public participation, giving individuals and businesses an opportunity to voice concerns or support regarding foreign-built vessels operating in U.S. waters, which could lead to a more informed decision-making process that aligns with public interest.
Positive Impacts:
For businesses relying on foreign-built vessels, a favorable endorsement may present new opportunities to expand or enhance service offerings, potentially leading to economic growth and increased competition within the charter sector.
Consumers might benefit from increased options and competitive pricing should the endorsement be granted, fostering a more diverse marketplace.
Negative Impacts:
U.S. vessel builders and businesses utilizing U.S.-flagged vessels could face challenges if foreign-built vessels like ENVISION are endorsed without sufficient safeguards, potentially losing market share to foreign entities offering similar services.
There might be broader economic implications concerning job security within domestic shipbuilding and related industries, affecting workers dependent on this sector.
Overall, while the document serves as a crucial touchpoint for public input on maritime industry regulations, it would benefit from greater clarity and transparency to more effectively guide public and stakeholder engagement.
Issues
• The document doesn't provide specific information about the requestor's identity, which might lead to concerns regarding transparency.
• The language used in detailing the submission process for confidential comments might be considered complex for individuals unfamiliar with legal and regulatory terminology.
• The document does not mention any potential costs associated with applying for coastwise endorsement eligibility, which may be relevant for stakeholders evaluating impacts on U.S. businesses.
• The document could benefit from a clearer explanation of how MARAD evaluates comments to determine if the foreign-built vessel negatively impacts U.S. vessel builders or businesses that use U.S.-flag vessels.
• There is no discussion or explanation of the broader implications for U.S. vessel construction industry beyond the specific case of the ENVISION vessel, which might be useful for industry stakeholders.