Overview
Title
Coastwise Endorsement Eligibility Determination for a Foreign-Built Vessel: Open Seas (Motor); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know if a big, foreign-built boat called Open Seas can be used in the U.S. to take people on fun trips. They're asking people in the U.S. who make or use American boats if this might hurt their business, and they'd like to hear what everyone thinks by February 5, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is looking to determine if a foreign-built vessel, named Open Seas, can be eligible for coastwise trade endorsement. This endorsement would allow the vessel to carry up to 12 passengers for hire. The administration is seeking public comments on how this might impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-flagged vessels. Comments, which can be submitted by February 5, 2025, should focus on whether approving this request could negatively affect domestic industry.
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 Federal Register notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation concerns a foreign-built vessel named Open Seas. This administration is considering whether this vessel should be eligible for a special coastwise trade endorsement. Such an endorsement would allow the vessel to carry up to 12 passengers for hire, even though it was not built in the United States. The purpose of the notice is to seek public comments on how allowing this vessel to operate could affect U.S. vessel builders or other businesses that use vessels flying the U.S. flag. The public is invited to submit their comments until February 5, 2025.
General Issues and Concerns
One of the significant issues with this document is the lack of clarity about the specific criteria MARAD will use to determine whether the foreign-built vessel will adversely impact U.S. businesses. The notice mentions applicable sections of the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations, yet it does not explain their relevance or content in a way that would be easily understood by the general public. This could lead to confusion about the criteria for granting or denying the endorsement.
The document's guidelines for submitting confidential comments are detailed, yet it falls short of describing how confidentiality will be maintained throughout the submission and review process. This could lead to concerns regarding the protection of sensitive or personal information.
Additionally, the instructions for how the public can submit comments are scattered throughout the document, which might make it difficult for the reader to follow. Consolidating these instructions into one section could potentially enhance clarity and accessibility for those wishing to participate in the public commentary process.
Impact on the General Public
The potential impact on the public revolves primarily around the broader consequences that foreign-built vessels might have on domestic industries. For the general public, this notice is a call to pay attention to policies that may affect local business landscapes and, by extension, local economies and employment opportunities.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
U.S. vessel builders and businesses that operate U.S.-flag vessels are the primary stakeholders who could be affected by this decision. If granted, this endorsement could potentially result in competition that some argue might be unfair due to differing regulatory or cost structures faced by domestic producers compared to foreign-built alternatives. Conversely, others might argue that increased competition could drive innovation and lower costs for consumers.
There is a lack of specific examples or elaboration on what kind of “unduly adverse effect” might occur. Providing stakeholders with concrete scenarios or potential impacts could have allowed for more informed and targeted feedback.
In conclusion, while the invitation for public comment demonstrates MARAD's intention to consider various perspectives, the document could benefit from greater clarity regarding submission processes and impact assessments. Understanding these elements will enable more meaningful public and stakeholder engagement, ultimately enriching the decision-making process.
Issues
• The document does not specify the criteria clearly under which MARAD will determine if the foreign-built vessel will have an 'unduly adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders or businesses; clarity on these criteria could be improved.
• The document mentions sections of the U.S. Code and Code of Federal Regulations without explaining their relevance or content, which may be unclear to a general audience.
• The procedure for submitting confidential comments is detailed but does not explain how confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process, which could lead to privacy concerns.
• The instructions for submitting comments are scattered throughout the document, which might make it difficult for a reader to follow the process clearly. It could be beneficial to consolidate submission instructions into one section.
• The potential impact on U.S. businesses or vessel builders is mentioned but not elaborated upon, lacking specific examples or explanations of possible adverse effects, which could aid in understanding the stakes involved.