Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Defiant
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Maritime Administration wants to know if letting a boat made in another country, called the M/V Defiant, give rides to a small number of people in the U.S. could hurt American businesses that make or use American-made boats. People can share their thoughts about this until May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on allowing the foreign-built vessel, M/V Defiant, to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. This involves carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. The comments will help decide if this could negatively impact U.S. shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Individuals can submit their comments until May 23, 2025, through the listed methods in the request notice.
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
Summary of the Notice
The Federal Register document pertains to a request for public comments by the Maritime Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The request involves a foreign-built small passenger vessel named M/V Defiant, which seeks permission to operate in the U.S. coastwise trade. Specifically, this vessel plans to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire. The comment period is open until May 23, 2025, and the feedback received will inform whether granting this request could adversely affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A major concern with the notice is the lack of detailed information regarding the business scope or operations of the vessel M/V Defiant. Without a clearer understanding of its intended use, stakeholders may find it challenging to provide meaningful feedback. Additionally, the document lacks a detailed explanation of what constitutes an "undue adverse effect" on U.S. vessel builders. Defining this would help commenters understand the potential implications better.
The process for submitting confidential comments includes references to terms like "commercially confidential information" or "Contains CCI," which might be cumbersome for the general public to interpret and apply. Furthermore, the criteria used to determine confidentiality under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are outlined in a somewhat obscured manner, which could create confusion for those wanting to protect sensitive information.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, particularly those interested in maritime activities or regulations, this notice represents an opportunity to influence decision-making related to foreign-built vessels operating within U.S. waters. However, the complexity of the regulations and legal references involved may pose challenges for citizens who wish to provide input.
For specific stakeholders, such as U.S. shipbuilders and businesses relying on U.S.-built vessels, the potential approval of foreign vessels like M/V Defiant could have a mixed impact. On one hand, it might increase competition and adversely affect businesses that rely on the unique qualities of U.S.-built vessels. On the other hand, allowing foreign-built vessels could potentially lead to increased business opportunities or flexibility in certain situations.
Conclusion
Overall, this notice underscores the importance of participatory decision-making in maritime regulations, yet highlights the challenges inherent in communicating intricate regulatory processes to the public. Ensuring clear, accessible information will be key to fostering meaningful public engagement and feedback on such initiatives. The outcome of this notice could set precedents affecting trade and competition within the U.S. maritime industry.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact nature or business of the vessel M/V Defiant other than it is a foreign-built small passenger vessel, which might lead to a lack of clarity on its intended use or impact.
• There is no detailed explanation of the potential 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders, which could be clarified further for better understanding.
• Language referring to 'information that is ultimately determined to be confidential' could be clearer in outlining the criteria or process for determination under FOIA.
• The process for submitting confidential information could be simplified or explained in simpler terms to ensure better compliance and understanding by the public.
• Some procedural details, such as the specification of the 46 U.S.C. 12121(b) and its implications, might be difficult to understand for readers unfamiliar with maritime regulations.