Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Esprit de Mer
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government wants to know what people think about using a foreign boat, the S/V Esprit de Mer, to carry a small number of passengers around the U.S. since it might affect American boat makers and businesses. People can share their thoughts by May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a request to allow a foreign-built small passenger vessel, named S/V Esprit de Mer, to be used in U.S. coastwise trade. This is a process where MARAD determines if the operation of the vessel would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Comments can be submitted until May 23, 2025, via various methods, including the Federal eRulemaking Portal, mail, or hand delivery. All comments will be made public, and confidential submissions require specific procedures as detailed in the 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
The document in question is a notice and request for comments from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), regarding the proposed use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, S/V Esprit de Mer, in U.S. coastwise trade. Coastwise trade involves the transportation of goods or passengers between U.S. ports, and typically, this is restricted to vessels built in the United States. This specific notice seeks public input to determine whether allowing this foreign-built vessel to operate would harm U.S. vessel builders or businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Summary and Purpose
The main purpose of the notice is to solicit public comments on whether the foreign-built vessel's operations might adversely affect U.S. industries. The Maritime Administration is examining the impact not only on the economic interests of domestic shipbuilders but also on businesses that rely heavily on U.S.-built vessels for their operations. Public feedback is being sought to ensure that the introduction of foreign-built vessels does not unfairly disadvantage U.S. stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One key issue is the lack of detailed information about the vessel's characteristics and its proposed operations. This absence makes it challenging for stakeholders and the general public to fully evaluate and comment on the potential impacts on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. Without comprehensive details, interested parties may struggle to provide informed feedback based on economic, operational, and strategic considerations.
Additionally, the document outlines the process for submitting confidential comments but lacks clarity on what specifically qualifies as confidential information. This could create uncertainty for potential commenters who wish to protect sensitive business information while still participating in the process.
There are references to specific legal codes and regulations, yet the document does not explain these references in detail. This might pose a barrier to understanding for those without a background in maritime law or policy, potentially limiting public engagement.
Broader Public Impact
For the general public, the implications are somewhat indirect unless individuals have direct connections to affected industries such as tourism or small passenger transportation. However, the process does highlight the government's interest in balancing international competitiveness with the protection of domestic industries, which is a common public policy concern.
Impact on Stakeholders
Positive Impact:
For the requestor, and potentially other operators of foreign-built vessels, approval would mean a broadening of opportunities to engage in the U.S. market. This could lead to increased competition, potentially driving innovation and improvements in service offerings.
Negative Impact:
U.S. vessel builders and operators might face increased competition from foreign-built vessels, which could undercut prices and demand for U.S.-built options. This could be particularly concerning for smaller shipyards or companies that are not able to compete on the same economies of scale.
In conclusion, while the notice primarily serves a regulatory purpose by seeking public input, it also opens up broader questions about the desired balance between protectionism and global competition in the maritime industry. Feedback from stakeholders will be instrumental in shaping the decision on whether to allow the S/V Esprit de Mer to operate in U.S. waters, reflecting the ongoing negotiation of interests between domestic economic protection and international trade growth.
Issues
• The document lacks detailed information on the requestor's vessel and its proposed service, which makes it difficult to fully assess potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
• The language related to the process for confidential comments could be clearer. The steps for requesting confidential treatment are mentioned, but there is no explicit guidance on what qualifies as confidential or how such determinations are made.
• The document includes references to specific U.S. Code and CFR sections without providing a summary or explanation of what those sections entail, which may hinder understanding for those not familiar with legal references.
• There is no information provided about the potential economic impact or benefits of granting the request, which would be useful for assessing both positive and negative consequences.