Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LIBERTY
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government wants to hear what people think about a plan to use a foreign-made boat called M/V LIBERTY for taking a few passengers around coastal areas, and they are asking if this might hurt companies that build or use American boats.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has received a request regarding the coastwise use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel named M/V LIBERTY and is seeking public comments. This notice invites people to share their thoughts on whether using this vessel could negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses involved in coastwise trade with U.S.-built vessels. Interested parties must submit their comments by May 23, 2025, following the instructions outlined in the notice for submission through mail or the online portal. The comments will be publicly available unless confidentiality is specifically requested and justified.
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 formal notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a part of the United States Department of Transportation. It invites comments from the public regarding the intended use of the foreign-built passenger vessel, M/V LIBERTY, in coastwise trade—meaning trade within the United States along its coastlines. This vessel is of interest because MARAD needs to determine if its operations could negatively impact U.S. businesses that traditionally rely on domestically built vessels.
General Summary
The key objective of this notice is to allow the public to voice their opinions on whether employing a foreign-built vessel in U.S. trade circuits might undermine domestic vessel builders or businesses typically reliant on American-built vessels. MARAD is seeking insights to assess any potential adverse effects on this sector. The notice provides details on how to submit comments either via mail or online by the stated deadline, with provisions for keeping some submissions confidential.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One of the main issues with the document is its lack of specific information about the vessel M/V LIBERTY and the requester. This omission may hinder the public’s ability to provide fully informed feedback. Without details on the vessel’s operations, determining its potential impact on U.S. businesses is challenging. Additionally, while the document does touch on how to submit confidential comments, the instructions might not be entirely clear to all individuals, potentially causing hesitation or confusion especially among those concerned about privacy and confidentiality.
Moreover, technical jargon and references like “46 U.S.C. 12121(b)” and “49 CFR 1.93(a)” could create barriers for readers unfamiliar with legal statutes and regulations, thus limiting the effectiveness of public participation.
Broader Public Impact
For the general public, this notice offers an opportunity to engage in regulatory processes that may affect national business interests and the maritime sector. However, the lack of clarity and specific details might discourage broad and meaningful participation. This reduces the diversity of voices in the decision-making process, potentially leading to outcomes that may not fully reflect public sentiment.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impacts: For stakeholders like foreign vessel owners or operators seeking to enter U.S. markets, this process could pave the way for smoother integration into U.S. coastwise trade operations. If permitted, it could lead to increased market access and financial opportunities.
Negative Impacts: For U.S. vessel builders and businesses, the use of foreign-built vessels might pose competitive threats, potentially leading to financial losses or diminished market share. If MARAD greenlights the M/V LIBERTY without adequate safeguards or consideration of local impacts, this could adversely affect American industries reliant on domestic vessels.
In conclusion, while the document sets a process in motion for assessing the coastwise use of a foreign vessel, several issues in communication and detail may hinder public input, possibly affecting decision outcomes in critical ways. For stakeholders, both the opportunity and challenge lie in effectively navigating these parameters to influence the maritime regulatory landscape.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific information about the requester or their vessel, which could limit the ability of the public to adequately assess and comment on the potential adverse effects mentioned.
• While the document mentions that personal information will be available to the public, it does not elaborate on how confidentiality is precisely maintained, which could be of concern to some commenters.
• The notice uses technical terminology and legal references (such as 46 U.S.C. 12121(b) and 49 CFR 1.93(a)) that may not be easily accessible to a general audience without further explanation or context.
• The document mentions that comments can be submitted through multiple channels, but the process for submitting confidential comments might not be clear to all readers.
• There is no detailed discussion on what constitutes an 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, which could lead to ambiguous interpretations by stakeholders.