Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Guppy
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting a boat built in another country, called the S/V Guppy, give rides to up to 12 people in the U.S., and they want people to tell them if they think this would be bad for American boat makers or businesses.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation is considering a request related to the coastwise use of a foreign-built vessel named S/V Guppy. This notice invites public comments on whether using this vessel to carry up to twelve passengers might negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses that use American-built vessels. Individuals can submit comments online, by mail, or hand delivery by May 23, 2025. MARAD emphasizes that all comments, including those containing personal information, will be publicly accessible unless marked as confidential.
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), part of the Department of Transportation, seeks public commentary on a request to use a foreign-built vessel, the S/V Guppy, in U.S. coastwise trade. This vessel is intended to carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. Public comments are solicited to ensure that the use of this vessel does not negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels.
Summary and Context
The request under review involves allowing a foreign-built small passenger vessel to operate in U.S. coastwise trade routes, which ordinarily prioritize American-built ships under federal law. The document sets a deadline of May 23, 2025, for public comments, allowing interested parties to provide feedback on the potential implications of granting permission for this vessel's operations.
Significant Issues
One key issue with the document is the lack of clarity regarding the criteria used for determining whether the use of the foreign-built vessel will have an adverse effect on U.S. industry. This ambiguity could lead to inconsistent assessments and decisions. Further, the document does not specify standards or guidelines for defining an "undue adverse effect," which further adds to potential uncertainties.
Additionally, while the document explains how to submit confidential comments, it does not provide detailed assurances or methods for securing these submissions’ confidentiality. This could raise concerns about the protection of sensitive information which may discourage parties from submitting potentially crucial data or opinions. Also, while it mentions that all comments will be publicly available, the document does not clarify if there is a process for screening inappropriate content before publication.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this document impacts the public by potentially influencing how small passenger vessels, especially those built abroad, can operate within U.S. coastal waters. The possibility of utilizing foreign-built vessels might affect pricing, availability, and diversity of maritime services for consumers. The process allows anyone interested, including members of the public, to voice concerns or support, impacting the final decision.
Impact on Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders include U.S. vessel builders and businesses involved in coastwise trade, as allowing foreign-built ships into the market could present competitive challenges. U.S. vessel builders may worry about reduced demand for their products if such waivers become commonplace. Conversely, the operators of the S/V Guppy and others in similar situations stand to benefit from gaining access to potentially lucrative U.S. markets that were previously inaccessible due to regulatory constraints.
In conclusion, this document opens a channel for public and stakeholder engagement on the competitive dynamics of U.S. coastwise trade. While it provides a platform to align diverse interests, clearer guidelines and protections could enhance the process’s effectiveness, ensuring that all views are fairly heard and considered.
Issues
• The document does not specify the criteria used by MARAD to determine whether the use of the foreign-built vessel will adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, which may lead to ambiguity in decision-making.
• There is no mention of specific standards or guidelines for assessing the 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. coastwise trade businesses or vessel builders, potentially resulting in inconsistent evaluations.
• The document provides instructions for submitting confidential comments but does not specify the measures in place to ensure the confidentiality of such submissions, which may lead to concerns regarding the protection of sensitive information.
• The public participation section mentions that comments will be available to the public but does not clarify if there are any restrictions or moderation processes in place for inappropriate content.