Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Chichochu
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is asking if it's okay for a foreign-made boat to carry up to 12 people for pay in the U.S., and they want people to say if they think this is fair to American boat makers and businesses.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel for U.S. coastwise trade. This vessel, which can carry up to 12 passengers for hire, needs approval to ensure it won't negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments can be submitted by May 23, 2025, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail. All comments will be publicly accessible, though confidential commercial information can be submitted under specific guidelines.
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 is a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), requesting public comments on a proposal. The proposal involves the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel in U.S. coastwise trade. This type of vessel can carry up to twelve passengers for hire. The purpose of the notice is to determine whether allowing the vessel's operation would negatively impact shipbuilders and businesses in the U.S. that rely on American-built vessels. The public can submit comments until May 23, 2025, and all comments will be available to the public, although there are provisions for submitting confidential comments.
General Summary
The notice informs the public about a request to use a foreign-built vessel for transporting passengers along the U.S. coastline. To decide on this request, MARAD seeks inputs concerning any adverse effects the approval may have on U.S. industries. Comments can be made through multiple channels, including an online portal and mail. The outcome could influence how foreign-built small passenger vessels are regulated in U.S. coastal trades.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One major issue highlighted is the lack of detailed information about the vessel in question and its proposed activities. This omission makes it difficult for potential commenters to evaluate the potential impacts fully. There could also be a lack of transparency since commenting parties can submit certain information confidentially, preventing others from considering a complete body of relevant data during the comment period.
The document also raises privacy concerns. Commenters must provide personal information that will become publicly available, which may deter some individuals from participating due to privacy concerns.
Moreover, although guidelines are available for submitting confidential comments, the process by which MARAD will determine the confidentiality of these submissions is not clearly outlined. This could lead to confusion regarding what qualifies as confidential and how it will be handled.
Finally, the document briefly mentions shared authority with the U.S. Coast Guard under a specific legal framework but does not elaborate further. This might cause confusion among those not well-versed in these regulations.
Impact on the Public
The notice invites input from the general public, which could affect the regulatory environment surrounding foreign-built vessels in U.S. coastwise trade. Public participation is encouraged to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the proposal’s potential impacts, benefiting from diverse viewpoints and expert opinions.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses, the decision could significantly impact their market. If foreign-built vessels are allowed for coastwise trade without stringent restrictions, American industries might experience reduced demand and stiffer competition.
For small passenger vessel operators, the decision could either open pathways for more diverse operations using foreign-built vessels or continue to prioritize U.S.-built vessels, thereby affecting operational costs and fleet expansion strategies.
This notice stands at the intersection of regulatory policy, industry protection, and fair competition, and its outcomes will have direct implications for numerous stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Issues
• The document refers to a determination request for a foreign-built small passenger vessel, but does not provide specific details about the vessel or the nature of its proposed operations, making it difficult for commenters to fully assess potential impacts.
• There could be a lack of transparency due to allowing confidential comments, as other stakeholders will not have access to all the information considered in the determination process.
• The requirement to submit comments with personal identifying information to have them publicly available might discourage public participation from individuals concerned about privacy.
• The document references procedures for submitting confidential comments but does not clarify how MARAD will determine whether the information is indeed confidential, which might cause confusion or inconsistency.
• The document mentions a related footnote about authority but does not clearly explain the implications of this authority, which could be unclear for readers not familiar with these regulations.