Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Cocoa Bella
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know what people think about using a boat made in another country to take people on trips in the U.S., and they are asking for opinions by May 23, 2025. They want to make sure it won't hurt American boat makers or businesses using American boats.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration is seeking public comments on a request to use a foreign-built vessel, S/V Cocoa Bella, in the United States coastwise trade. This involves determining if such use would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. People can submit comments until May 23, 2025, and these will be publicly available unless marked as confidential. The full request and instructions for commenting can be found in the DOT docket MARAD-2025-0045 at regulations.gov.
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 recent notice by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, invites public comments on the proposed coastwise use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V Cocoa Bella. The decision to potentially allow this vessel to operate in U.S. coastwise trade requires an examination of whether such use might negatively impact American vessel builders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels.
Summary of the Document
The document outlines the procedure for the public to submit comments regarding the use of foreign-built vessels like the S/V Cocoa Bella in the United States coastwise trade. This involves determining if such a practice would adversely affect American shipbuilders or businesses using domestically-built vessels. The opportunity to comment is open until May 23, 2025, with submissions being welcomed via mail or through an online portal.
Significant Issues or Concerns
A key concern expressed in the document is the potential adverse effects that foreign-built vessels may have on domestic industries. However, the document does not clearly specify what these adverse effects might be, which may create challenges for stakeholders trying to provide informed comments.
Additionally, the language used, such as "coastwise trade endorsement" and "Confidential Commercial Information," could be complex for the general public, possibly discouraging participation from those not familiar with maritime or legal terminology.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this notice emphasizes public participation in governmental decisions that can impact domestic industries. Engaging the public allows for transparency and inclusivity in matters that affect economic activities within the U.S. However, the complexity of submission instructions and legal jargon might limit the engagement of individuals who are not familiar with such processes.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
American vessel builders are the primary stakeholders potentially affected by this decision. If foreign-built vessels like the S/V Cocoa Bella are permitted coastwise trade operation, it could affect the demand for domestically-built vessels, which may lead to economic repercussions for American shipyards.
On the other hand, businesses looking to increase flexibility by utilizing various types of vessels might view this move as an opportunity to diversify their operations with potentially lower costs or better availability from foreign-built vessels.
In conclusion, while the notice represents a move towards an inclusive decision-making process, the document's complexity might deter effective public contribution, requiring efforts to make such processes more accessible to all American citizens concerned with domestic economic impacts.
Issues
• The document contains some complex bureaucratic language that may be difficult for the general public to understand, such as 'coastwise trade endorsement' and 'contains Confidential Commercial Information'.
• The document does not clearly explain the specific adverse effects that the use of foreign-built vessels could have on U.S. vessel builders, making it hard for the reader to understand the potential impacts.
• The instructions for submitting comments may be too detailed and prescriptive, possibly discouraging public participation.
• The process for submitting confidential comments, including how they are handled under FOIA, could be simplified and clarified for better public understanding.