Overview
Title
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number 1625-0013
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep track of how much stuff ships can carry so they don't sink, and they're asking people to say if this is important or too much work. They're making sure to check if it's needed and how it can be better by April 9, 2025.
Summary AI
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for public comments on its plan to continue collecting information about load lines for certain vessels, a process that makes sure ships are not overloaded. This request is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act, and the Coast Guard wants feedback on how necessary and burdensome this data collection is. Comments must be submitted by April 9, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mailing them to the Coast Guard and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Coast Guard emphasizes that these comments will help determine whether this information collection should be approved and if there are ways to improve its effectiveness or reduce its burden.
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: 1625-0013, Plan Approval and Records for Load Lines; 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 under review is a notice from the U.S. Coast Guard, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, about a request for public comments on its plan to continue collecting information on load lines for certain vessels under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection aims to ensure that vessels are not overloaded, which is crucial for safety at sea. By seeking public feedback, the Coast Guard hopes to gauge the necessity of this information collection and explore ways to enhance its effectiveness or reduce its burden on respondents.
General Summary
The notice issued by the Coast Guard outlines a request for an extension of approval for a specific information collection identified as "Plan Approval and Records for Load Lines." This measure is designed to prevent vessels from being overloaded by ensuring compliance with regulations based on the International Load Line Convention of 1966. The current request is a part of maintaining the regulatory framework and is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for evaluation. Public comments are solicited to assess the usefulness, accuracy, and burden of this information collection, and are instrumental in deciding whether the OMB should grant the extension.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the document that requires attention:
Complexity and Clarity: The document contains complex legal references and jargon, such as "44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., chapter 35," which may not be easily understood by the general public. Simplifying these terms could enhance comprehension and engagement.
Specificity of Information: The document lacks clear detail on what specific information is sought from the public. Without this clarity, respondents may find it challenging to provide meaningful feedback.
Increased Burden: The text mentions an increase in the estimated burden from 687 hours to 782 hours annually due to a rise in respondents. However, it does not provide detailed reasons for this increase, which could be beneficial for stakeholders to understand fully.
Confidentiality and Security Concerns: There is an absence of information on how the Coast Guard ensures the confidentiality and security of information collected. Given that individuals and businesses may provide sensitive data, addressing these concerns could foster trust and encourage participation.
Impact on the Public
Broadly speaking, this document seeks to maintain safety and compliance standards in maritime operations through updated and accurate data collection. For the general public, especially those involved in maritime commerce, such regulations help ensure safer seas and potentially prevent maritime accidents. However, the process imposes additional paperwork burdens, especially on smaller vessel owners, which may be seen as a bureaucratic obstacle.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Vessel Owners and Operators: These stakeholders are directly impacted by this measure as they are responsible for complying with load line regulations. While this extends administrative requirements, ensuring vessel safety aligns with their operational interests.
Regulatory Bodies and Enforcement Agencies: For these groups, continuing information collections allows for better compliance monitoring and accident prevention. This necessitates a balance between thorough oversight and minimizing unnecessary burdens on shipping businesses.
In conclusion, while the Coast Guard's request aligns with its mission to maintain maritime safety, it highlights areas where communication and understanding could be improved for better stakeholder engagement and public response.
Issues
• The document could benefit from clearer language to explain the practical utility and importance of the information collection to the public.
• The text mentions an estimated increase in the burden from 687 hours to 782 hours annually, but does not provide specific details or reasons behind the increase in respondents.
• Clarification on what specific information is sought from the public would improve understanding of the document's purpose.
• There is no mention of how the Coast Guard ensures the confidentiality and security of the information collected, which may be a concern for respondents.
• The use of legal references (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., chapter 35) might be complex for a general audience without further explanation or context.