Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Barroness
Agencies
ELI5 AI
MARAD, which is part of the government, wants to know what people think about letting a small boat from another country carry passengers along U.S. shores. They are checking to see if this would make things difficult for American boat makers or businesses that use American boats.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is considering a request to allow a foreign-built small passenger vessel to operate in the U.S. coastwise trade. They are seeking public comments to assess whether this would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses operating with U.S.-built vessels. Interested parties can submit comments by May 23, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail. MARAD ensures all comments are publicly available, but confidential submissions can be made under specified procedures.
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
Overview
The document from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a branch of the Department of Transportation, introduces a proposal that could allow a foreign-built small passenger vessel to operate within U.S. coastal waters. The administration is actively seeking public comments to understand whether this action could negatively impact domestic vessel manufacturers or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. The public has been invited to express their views on this matter until May 23, 2025, either through an online portal or via mail.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the primary concerns with this document is the lack of explicit criteria defining what constitutes an "adverse effect" on U.S. shipbuilders and related businesses. Without clear guidelines, the assessment of potential impacts becomes subjective, leaving room for varied and possibly inconsistent interpretations. Consequently, this ambiguity could lead to misunderstandings among stakeholders about the severity and nature of potential impacts.
Another notable concern is the procedure for submitting confidential comments. While the document allows for such submissions, it does not clearly articulate how MARAD will evaluate and secure the confidentiality of the information. This lack of clarity may discourage stakeholders from providing sensitive feedback for fear of unintended public disclosure.
Impact on the Public
This document invites the general public to participate in the decision-making process regarding the integration of foreign-built vessels into U.S. coastal trade. By contributing comments, the public can help shape policies that might affect local economies and job markets. However, the complexity of the submission process—including multiple methods and procedural steps—may hinder participation, particularly if individuals find these processes cumbersome or confusing.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. shipbuilders and businesses operating with domestic vessels, this proposal holds significant implications. Allowing foreign-built vessels to engage in U.S. coastwise trade could potentially threaten their business if perceived to offer advantages over U.S.-built ships. This could lead to increased competition and possibly lower demand for domestically manufactured vessels.
Conversely, companies that prioritize cost over domestic production might view this proposal favorably, as foreign-built vessels could offer financial advantages. For such stakeholders, an influx of foreign-built vessels might present opportunities to reduce operational expenses, albeit at the potential cost of domestic job opportunities and industry growth.
Conclusion
Overall, the document presents an opportunity for public engagement on a notable shift in maritime policy. However, it also underscores the need for clarity in how adverse effects are assessed and how the confidentiality of comments is maintained. As stakeholders weigh in, the insights gathered could greatly influence the balance between encouraging competition and supporting domestic industries.
Issues
• The document requests comments on the potential adverse effects of a foreign-built small passenger vessel on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses, but it does not provide specific criteria or examples of what constitutes an 'adverse effect.' This could lead to ambiguity and varied interpretations.
• The document mentions the ability to submit comments confidentially, but does not clearly outline the process MARAD will use to review and determine the confidentiality status, which could create uncertainty for commenters.
• There might be confusion about where to find more details about the vessel in question as the document references a supplementary section without clear in-text details or a direct link.
• The process to submit and review comments seems complex, given the multiple steps and options for submission (e.g., electronic, mail), which may deter participation or lead to submission errors.