Overview
Title
Coastwise Endorsement Eligibility Determination for a Foreign-Built Vessel: Regenero (Sail); Invitation for Public Comments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government is thinking about letting a foreign-built boat called "Regenero" take people on rides in certain U.S. waters, and they want to know if this might be a problem for American boat makers or people using American boats. They're inviting everyone to share their thoughts by February 5, 2025, either online or by mail.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation is considering whether a foreign-built vessel named "Regenero" can receive an endorsement to carry up to twelve passengers for hire in certain U.S. waters. This notice invites public comments on how granting such an endorsement might affect American shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-flag vessels. The proposed service area includes parts of the U.S. East Coast, such as Rhode Island and Florida, excluding areas like the Gulf Coast. Comments must be submitted by February 5, 2025, and may be done through various methods such as online or mail.
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 outlines a notice issued by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This notice is seeking public comments regarding a request to grant a coastwise endorsement to a foreign-built vessel named "Regenero." A coastwise endorsement allows a vessel to carry passengers for hire in U.S. waters. The Regenero intends to offer passenger cruises on parts of the East Coast, such as Rhode Island and Florida, while the application specifically excludes the Gulf Coast. The primary purpose of gathering public comments is to understand how this approval might affect domestic shipbuilders and businesses operating U.S.-flag vessels.
General Summary
The document serves as an invitation for public comments on whether MARAD should grant a coastwise endorsement to the Regenero, a foreign-built catamaran. The endorsement sought allows the vessel to carry up to twelve passengers for hire in certain U.S. waters. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments online or by mail before the outlined deadline.
Significant Issues or Concerns
A key issue with the document is its lack of clarity regarding what constitutes eligibility for coastwise endorsements. Criteria set forth under specific U.S. laws and regulations (46 U.S.C. 12121 and 46 CFR part 388) are referenced but not explained, potentially rendering the notice difficult for general readers to understand. Furthermore, there is a noted inadequacy in discussing the potential impacts on U.S. shipbuilders and businesses, leaving interested parties without a clear understanding of what factors may be discussed in their comments. Yet another issue lies in the document's handling of privacy; while it mentions that comments will be publicly available, it does not explicitly lay out how personal data will be protected. Lastly, the lack of information regarding how MARAD will utilize public feedback may leave stakeholders uncertain about the influence their comments might bear on the decision-making process.
Public Impact
Broadly, this document invites public participation, which empowers citizens to voice concerns or support for regulatory decisions that might affect their communities or industries. By providing a platform for feedback, the notice reflects transparency and responsiveness on the government's part. However, the complexity and technical nature of the regulations mentioned may hinder effective public engagement, particularly for those outside the maritime industry with pertinent perspectives or interests.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. vessel builders and businesses using U.S.-flag vessels, the outcome of this deliberation could have tangible effects. Granting a foreign-built vessel such as the Regenero a coastwise endorsement might introduce competition, potentially affecting the business dynamics for domestic builders and operators in the marked geographic areas. This could be viewed negatively by these stakeholders. Conversely, for those advocating for more diversity in available passenger services, an endorsement might be seen as a positive development that offers increased options for regional tourism and economic growth. It would be essential for MARAD to balance these varied interests when coming to a decision.
In conclusion, while the document facilitates an important discussion on maritime regulations, it could be improved by clarifying key aspects of the procedure and potential implications for both the industry and the commenting public.
Issues
• The document could benefit from clearer language regarding the criteria for coastwise endorsement eligibility, as it might be difficult for non-experts to fully understand the implications of 46 U.S.C. 12121 and 46 CFR part 388.
• There is no specific information about the possible impact on U.S. vessel builders or businesses, which could cause uncertainty or raise concerns.
• The process for submitting confidential comments is mentioned but could be made more explicit with clearer instructions on what constitutes confidential commercial information.
• The inclusion of personal information in comments being made publicly available could raise privacy concerns for individuals unaware of this policy.
• The request for comments does not specify the potential outcomes or actions MARAD might take based on the comments received, which could lead to ambiguity about the purpose and use of public feedback.