Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Kingfisher
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government wants to know if using a boat called M/V Kingfisher, which was built in another country, would hurt American boat builders or businesses. They are asking people to share what they think, and the government will show everyone's thoughts, unless they are private and kept secret.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration, part of the Department of Transportation, has published a notice asking for public comments on the coastwise use of a foreign-built vessel named M/V Kingfisher. This request involves determining if using the vessel will negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use American-built vessels. Comments can be submitted until May 23, 2025, through various methods such as the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail. The submitted comments, including personal information, will be made publicly available 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 from the Maritime Administration, part of the Department of Transportation, seeks public comments on the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Kingfisher, along the U.S. coast. This notice, as published in the Federal Register, is part of a process to determine if such use would have a negative impact on American vessel builders or businesses engaged in the coastwise trade using U.S.-built vessels. Members of the public have until May 23, 2025, to submit their comments, either through an online portal or via mail. Importantly, all submitted comments will be publicly accessible unless designated as confidential.
General Summary
This notice invites public input on whether allowing the M/V Kingfisher, a foreign-built vessel, to engage in coastwise trade could potentially harm U.S. interests. Under the law, the Maritime Administration has the authority to determine if such an allowance could adversely affect industries dependent on domestically built vessels in U.S. waters. The administration's decision-making process involves gathering public perspectives and reviewing these comments to assess potential impacts on U.S. businesses.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One primary concern is the lack of detailed information within the document about the vessel and its proposed operations. Without specifics, interested parties might find it challenging to provide substantive feedback on potential impacts. Furthermore, the process for submitting confidential comments is not straightforward, requiring specific labeling and explanation, which may deter some stakeholders from fully participating.
The document also includes references to legal statutes and regulations that may not be clear to readers unfamiliar with maritime law, potentially limiting informed participation. Additionally, the policy of making comments, including personal identifying information, fully public could deter individuals from contributing due to privacy worries, despite the mention of Privacy Act compliance.
Public Impact
For the general public, this notice represents an opportunity to engage in regulatory processes that affect national industry and trade practices. However, the complexity of submission requirements and the potential exposure of personal information may inhibit broader participation from the public, particularly those not well-versed in navigating federal regulations.
Stakeholder Impact
Domestic vessel builders and businesses operating with U.S.-built vessels may view this notice as crucial. There is concern that allowing the use of foreign vessels like the M/V Kingfisher might lead to competitive disadvantages and impact their businesses negatively. Conversely, others in the maritime industry, including companies seeking to introduce foreign-built vessels into the U.S. market, might view this process as a chance to expand their operations by showcasing the benefits of their services.
Overall, the broader implications of the notice relate to striking a balance between facilitating maritime business operations and protecting domestic industry interests, a balance that relies heavily on the input and engagement of public and private stakeholders alike.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details about the vessel 'M/V Kingfisher' or the nature of the proposed operations, which may make it difficult for stakeholders to provide informed comments.
• The process to submit confidential comments may not be clear to all readers, as it requires specific labeling and justification, which might be complex for some stakeholders.
• The document uses legal citations and references (such as 46 U.S.C. 12121(b) and 49 CFR 7.29) that may not be readily understood by individuals unfamiliar with U.S. maritime law or regulations without additional context or explanation.
• The process of publicly sharing comments in their entirety, including personal information, could discourage participation due to privacy concerns despite the mention of Privacy Act compliance.
• While the notice requests public comments, it does not provide specific examples of potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, which could guide commenters.