Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Eeya
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know if using a special boat called S/V Eeya, built in another country, in the U.S. would be bad for American boat builders or other businesses that use U.S. boats. They are asking people to share their thoughts and help them decide.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a request regarding the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel named S/V Eeya in U.S. waters. They want to know if using this vessel would negatively impact U.S. businesses that build or use U.S.-built vessels. The public can share their thoughts until May 23, 2025, and these comments will be open for public view, except those marked as confidential. MARAD will review these comments to decide if the vessel's use is allowable under U.S. coastwise trade regulations.
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 under review is a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation. It seeks public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel, named S/V Eeya, in U.S. waters. This notice forms part of the legal framework that regulates the operation of such vessels within the United States. The MARAD must determine if allowing this vessel to operate will negatively affect U.S. businesses that build or use American vessels.
General Summary
The MARAD notice outlines that the Secretary of Transportation has the authority to allow certain foreign, U.S., and rebuilt vessels to operate in the U.S. coastwise trade. The public has until May 23, 2025, to submit comments regarding this vessel's potential operation. The request specifically relates to vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire, as stipulated by U.S. law. Submissions are open to anyone, but must include certain identifying details, and all comments will be publicly accessible unless marked confidential.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The document raises several concerns. Notably, it lacks detailed information about the requestor's vessel and its intended operations. This omission could hinder stakeholders in evaluating the potential adverse impacts effectively. Additionally, there is ambiguity regarding the procedures for submitting commercially confidential information, which might confuse some commenters. The document does not clarify how MARAD will determine whether the proposed use of the vessel adversely impacts U.S. vessel builders. This absence of clear guidelines may lead to uncertainty among those who wish to comment.
Public Impact
This notice provides an opportunity for the public to engage with maritime regulatory processes actively. However, due to the limited information available, some individuals may find it challenging to participate meaningfully. Those familiar with the maritime industry or with interests in American shipbuilding might particularly be motivated to comment if they perceive potential negative effects on U.S. interests.
Stakeholder Impact
Specific stakeholders, such as U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses relying on U.S.-built vessels, could be directly affected by the decision to allow or deny the S/V Eeya's operation. A positive impact may arise if stakeholders submit persuasive evidence showing the request's adverse effects, which might lead MARAD to deny the request. Conversely, allowing the foreign vessel could incentivize cost competition, challenging American builders and operators. Individuals or businesses that favor or disfavor increased competition in this sector are likely to have strong opinions regarding this request, given the possible economic implications.
In summary, the MARAD notice aims to gauge public and industry perspectives on a specific question of commercial fairness and legal compliance in U.S. waters. It serves as a vital part of regulatory oversight, though it may benefit from clearer guidelines and details to enhance meaningful participation.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information about the requestor's vessel or the proposed service. This lack of detail can make it difficult for stakeholders to assess potential adverse effects accurately.
• The language related to the submission of confidential information may be unclear to some readers, as it involves understanding procedures for confidentiality under FOIA and the department's regulations.
• There is no information provided on how MARAD will determine if the use of the vessel adversely affects U.S. vessel builders. This could be seen as ambiguous without clear criteria or guidelines.
• The document briefly mentions a request for comments but does not clarify how these comments will be used in the decision-making process by MARAD.
• Mention of 'commercially confidential' information might not be fully understood by the public, requiring clearer guidelines or examples of what constitutes confidential information.
• The document encourages the submission of supporting documentation to demonstrate adverse effects, yet does not specify the type of documentation required or provide examples.