Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Daydreams
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting a special boat from another country give rides to only a few people in America. They want to know if this is a good idea or if it might hurt the people who build and use boats made in America, so they are asking everyone to share their thoughts.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is evaluating a request to use a foreign-built vessel called S/V Daydreams for commercial transport of up to twelve passengers in the U.S. coastwise trade. Public comments are being solicited to determine if this use could negatively affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses that rely on American-built vessels. The public can submit their comments through various channels until May 23, 2025. All comments, unless marked as confidential, will be made publicly available and included in the processing of this request.
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 published by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation announces a request to utilize a foreign-built vessel, known as S/V Daydreams, for coastwise trade in the United States, specifically to carry up to twelve passengers. This request prompts a legal and public inquiry into whether allowing this foreign-built vessel could harm U.S. shipbuilders or American businesses using domestically built vessels for similar operations. Public comments are invited until May 23, 2025, to assess these potential impacts.
General Summary
The notice serves as both an announcement and an invitation for public participation in the decision-making process regarding the use of the foreign-built vessel in U.S. waters. The focus is to evaluate possible adverse effects on the domestic shipbuilding industry and businesses operating with U.S.-built vessels. Individuals and organizations interested in expressing their views or providing evidence regarding this proposal can submit comments through several methods, including online submissions or direct delivery to a physical location.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One of the primary concerns highlighted in the document is the lack of specific details about the vessel S/V Daydreams and the nature of its proposed activities. This vagueness may hinder stakeholders from fully comprehending the potential ramifications on U.S. shipbuilders or the coastwise trade sector. Moreover, the process to submit comments appears somewhat cumbersome, requiring access to online resources or physical locations, which might not be convenient for all participants.
Another issue is the complexity surrounding the submission of confidential comments. The document mentions the possibility yet provides limited clarity on how individuals can effectively summarize and disclose parts of their comments without breaching confidentiality. Lastly, the document incorporates legal references that might be challenging for the general public to understand, potentially reducing meaningful engagement from those without legal expertise.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this document represents an open call to participate in a regulatory decision that may affect the competition and economics of U.S. maritime operations. The decision could set a precedent for how foreign-built vessels are treated moving forward, potentially influencing travel options and economic activity related to passenger vessels.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. vessel builders and businesses reliant on American-built vessels, this process holds significant implications. Approving the foreign-built vessel could potentially lead to competitive disadvantages, lowering demand for domestically constructed vessels and impacting jobs within the shipbuilding sector. Conversely, allowing foreign vessels might provide new opportunities for passenger transport services, possibly leading to lower costs and enhanced offerings for consumers.
Overall, the document sets the stage for a careful and inclusive evaluation of the potential impacts on domestic industry and commerce. Public participation is crucial in ensuring that a comprehensive range of perspectives and evidence is considered before any final decision is made.
Issues
• The document lacks specific information about the vessel in question and the nature of its proposed use, which makes it difficult for stakeholders to fully understand the potential impact on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
• The process for commenting involves several steps and requires accessing online resources or physical locations, which may not be feasible for all interested parties, potentially limiting public participation.
• Instructions for submitting comments that are confidential in nature are not very clear, particularly on how one could effectively summarize such submissions for public disclosure without revealing confidential information.
• The document includes legal references and codes that may not be easily understood by the general public without legal expertise, potentially limiting the ability of individuals to engage with the material effectively.