Overview
Title
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number 1625-0033
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Coast Guard wants to know what people think about some paperwork rules for ships to help firefighters in emergencies. They're asking if the rules need changing and if they take too much time or money, and anyone can tell them their thoughts by April 9, 2025.
Summary AI
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public feedback on extending the approval for an information collection about displaying fire control plans on commercial vessels. This information helps firefighters and damage control efforts during emergencies. The Coast Guard invites the public to comment on the necessity, utility, accuracy, and potential burden of this data collection. Comments must be submitted by April 9, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) website.
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: 1625-0033, Display of Fire Control Plans for Vessel; 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.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the U.S. Coast Guard, published in the Federal Register, that seeks public input on the renewal of an information collection requirement. This requirement involves the display of fire control plans on certain commercial vessels. The Coast Guard is complying with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to ensure that paperwork burdens are appropriate for the tasks they are meant to support. The public can submit comments by April 9, 2025.
General Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently requesting the renewal of an information collection, specifically regarding fire control plans on commercial vessels. These plans are crucial for firefighter and damage control efforts during emergencies, as they help ensure the safety and effectiveness of these operations. The notice calls for public feedback, asking for comments on the necessity, practical utility, and accuracy of the reported burden that this data collection imposes on vessel owners and operators. This feedback will assist in determining whether the approval for this collection should be extended.
Significant Issues or Concerns
There are several notable issues within the document:
Lack of Cost Information: The document does not specify the financial costs to vessel owners and operators associated with complying with this requirement. Without detailed cost information, there is a risk of underestimating the financial burden, potentially leading to inefficient or wasteful spending.
Unexplained Increase in Respondents: The document mentions an increase in the estimated number of respondents, which has raised the burden estimate from 472 to 493 hours per year. However, it does not provide detailed data or justifications for this increase, which could aid in understanding why the burden has changed.
Vague Language: Some language used in the document is vague, particularly regarding the "practical utility of the Collection" and the "accuracy of the estimated burden." More precise language could provide clearer guidance and expectations for those submitting comments.
Unclear Frequency of Compliance: The frequency of the collection is described as "on occasion," which lacks specificity. This could cause confusion among vessel owners and operators regarding how often they must comply with the requirement.
Complex Legal References: The document contains legal references to specific sections of the U.S. Code and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These references may be too complex for some readers, and simpler explanations could help a broader audience understand the legal context.
Broad Public Impact
For the general public, the document underscores the importance of transparency and safety regulations for commercial vessels, particularly in emergencies. Effective fire control plans are essential for protecting both property and lives during onboard emergencies. Ensuring that these plans are up-to-date and readily available is a public safety priority.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For vessel owners and operators, complying with this information collection may involve administrative burdens. They are directly affected by any changes in compliance requirements and should be attentive to potential changes in the burden estimate. Feedback from this group is especially valuable to ensure the regulations are practical and economically feasible.
For emergency responders, particularly firefighters, effective fire control plans are crucial tools during crisis situations. Consistent and reliable access to these plans enhances their ability to manage emergencies efficiently, directly affecting the efficacy of their response efforts.
In conclusion, while the renewal and potential changes to this information collection might impose some burden on vessel stakeholders, the ultimate goal of these efforts is enhancing maritime safety and ensuring preparedness for emergencies. Public comments can play a vital role in shaping a balanced and effective approach to these maritime regulations.
Issues
• The document does not specify the costs associated with compliance for vessel owners and operators, which could indicate potential for wasteful spending if the burden is underestimated.
• The document mentions an increase in the estimated annual number of respondents, but does not provide specific data or justifications for this increase, which could help in understanding the changes in burden estimates.
• The language regarding the 'practical utility of the Collection' and 'accuracy of the estimated burden' is somewhat vague and could be clarified to provide more concrete expectations for commenters.
• The term 'on occasion' for the frequency of collection is not clearly defined, which may lead to confusion about how often vessel owners and operators need to comply.
• The document contains several legal references that may be overly complex for some readers, such as specific sections of U.S. Code and CFR regulations, without providing summaries or explanations in simpler terms.