Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Busch Whacker
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Maritime Administration is asking people to share their thoughts about using a foreign-built boat, called the M/V Busch Whacker, to take up to twelve passengers on trips along U.S. waters. They want to make sure using this boat won't hurt American boat makers or businesses that use boats built in America.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, M/V Busch Whacker, in U.S. coastwise trade. The vessel can carry up to twelve passengers for hire, and MARAD wants to determine if its use would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses relying on U.S.-built vessels. Comments, which will be publicly available, can be submitted online or by mail until May 23, 2025. Anyone submitting comments should follow the specified guidelines, including the option to request confidentiality for commercially sensitive information.
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 from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation, announces a request for public comments regarding the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Busch Whacker, in United States coastwise trade. This vessel is capable of carrying up to twelve passengers for hire. The focus of MARAD's inquiry is to determine if allowing this vessel to operate in U.S. waters could negatively affect domestic vessel builders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels.
Summary of the Document
The aim of the document is to solicit feedback from the public to assist MARAD in evaluating whether the foreign-built vessel in question should be permitted to operate within the U.S. coastwise trade without adversely affecting domestic industry stakeholders. MARAD provides instructions on how individuals can submit comments via an online portal or by mail before the deadline of May 23, 2025. Additionally, it outlines procedures for submitting comments that may contain commercially sensitive information, offering a path to request confidential treatment.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise in the examination of the document:
Lack of Specificity: There is an absence of detailed information in the document about the specific nature of "undue adverse effect" on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. This vagueness may lead to varying interpretations and difficulties in evaluating potential impacts.
Request for Additional Documents: The document references further details about the requester's vessel or operation found in other documents, which requires additional research effort from readers.
Confidential Comment Procedure: While the procedure for submitting confidential comments is mentioned, there is little explanation regarding how confidentiality will be maintained, which could deter individuals from submitting sensitive information.
Lack of Clarity on Submission Methods: Although multiple methods for submitting comments are provided, the document does not indicate a preferred method or which might be most efficient, possibly leading to confusion.
Legal References: The footnote contains legal citations without simplifying their implications for a general audience, potentially limiting its accessibility.
Impact on the Public
The solicitation for comments offers the public a chance to influence MARAD's decision on whether to allow a foreign-built vessel to compete in the U.S. coastwise trade. This could impact the maritime transportation options available to U.S. consumers, possibly affecting service availability or pricing.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
U.S. Vessel Builders and Coastwise Trade Businesses: These stakeholders might perceive the introduction of a foreign-built vessel as a threat to their operations, fearing increased competition and potential losses in business. The opportunity for public comment allows these groups to present their views and influence regulatory decisions that protect their interests.
Foreign Vessel Owners and Operators: On the other hand, businesses owning or operating foreign-built vessels could see potential for growth in the U.S. market. However, they also face uncertainty due to potential restrictions if MARAD determines their operation would adversely impact domestic entities.
In conclusion, while this document is a routine regulatory notice, its implication extends into broader economic and industry-specific considerations. Stakeholders across the spectrum have implications at stake, from competitive dynamics to regulatory compliance, underscoring the importance of clear communication and inclusive feedback mechanisms.
Issues
• The document lacks clarity about the specific nature of the 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, leaving room for subjective interpretation.
• There is no detailed information about the requestor's vessel or the proposed service in the main text, requiring readers to look up additional documents.
• Instructions for submitting confidential comments do not explicitly explain how the confidentiality will be protected, which may cause concern for potential commenters regarding sensitive information.
• While the document provides multiple methods for submitting comments, it does not clarify the preferred or most efficient method.
• The document refers to a footnote which contains legal references but doesn't provide a layperson's explanation of these legal contexts, which might be complex for the general public to understand.