Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Aqua
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know if a foreign-made boat called the M/V Aqua can be used to carry people along the U.S. coast without causing problems for American boat builders and businesses. They want people to say what they think, but it might be hard because some rules can make it tricky to share opinions and keep secrets.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is requesting public comments about the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Aqua, in U.S. coastwise trade. The proposal involves carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD will evaluate if this could negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade companies that use U.S.-built boats. Comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail until May 23, 2025.
Abstract
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It seeks public comments on the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Aqua, in the United States for coastwise trade. This involves the vessel carrying up to twelve passengers for hire. The decision to allow such use could affect U.S. companies engaged in similar trade using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are invited from the public to assess any adverse effects such use might have on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade companies.
Summary of the Document
The document announces MARAD's authority to evaluate requests for using foreign and certain U.S.-built or rebuilt vessels in U.S. coastal waters. Specifically, the notice asks for public input regarding the impact of permitting the M/V Aqua, a foreign-built vessel, to engage in coastwise trade. The comment period is open until May 23, 2025, and submissions can be made online or through mail.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues emerge from the document. Firstly, the concept of "coastwise trade" might be unclear to those unfamiliar with maritime law, leading to potential misunderstandings about what the request entails. Secondly, the process for submitting confidential comments is complicated, involving separate email communications and specific language. This complexity could discourage participation due to privacy concerns or confusion.
The notice implies that any personal information provided will become public, which might deter some individuals from submitting comments. Additionally, the lack of specific information about the vessel and its intended operations could hinder informed feedback, as stakeholders may struggle to evaluate potential impacts without detailed context. Furthermore, the guidelines do not address potential biases of commenters who may have vested interests that align with foreign-built vessel operations, potentially skewing the feedback received.
Impact on the Public
This request for comments affects the public by inviting opinions on an issue that may have broader economic and competitive implications. Allowing foreign-built vessels to engage in U.S. coastwise trade could potentially affect job security and economics in the maritime industry, especially among those operating and constructing U.S.-built vessels. Public participation is crucial in shaping the administration's decisions; however, the anticipated public disclosure of comments might limit engagement due to privacy concerns.
Impact on Stakeholders
For U.S. vessel builders and businesses employing U.S.-built vessels, the decision could either safeguard their interests by preventing competition from foreign-built vessels or hinder competitiveness if the foreign-built vessel is approved. On the other hand, proponents of the foreign-built vessel might argue that its inclusion could introduce economic benefits, such as increased service options for passengers or cost efficiencies.
The complexity of this regulatory process, especially concerning confidentiality concerns and the disclosure of personal information, might deter valuable feedback from stakeholders who otherwise have significant insights or objections based on their business interests or experiences.
Overall, the document seeks to balance competitive business interests with regulatory oversight, reflecting the broader implications of maritime trade policy in the United States.
Issues
• The document makes reference to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and its procedures for determining the coastwise use of vessels, but it could benefit from a clearer explanation of what 'coastwise trade' specifically entails for those not familiar with maritime or legal terminology.
• The process for submitting confidential comments is somewhat complex, requiring a separate email submission with specific instructions. This could discourage individuals from participating if they are concerned about confidentiality.
• There is an implication that personal information submitted in comments will be posted publicly, which may deter public participation due to privacy concerns.
• The document does not provide any specific information about the vessel in question or the nature of the operations proposed, making it difficult for commenters to provide informed feedback on potential effects.
• The request for public comments might be overlooking potential biases or influences if commenters have interests aligned with foreign-built vessel operations. This is not addressed in the guidelines for comment submissions.