Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Mastermind
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government wants to know if using a foreign-made boat, called the M/V Mastermind, to carry a small number of people for money might hurt local boat-makers and businesses, and they're asking people to share their thoughts about it before a deadline.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Mastermind, in U.S. coastwise trade. The vessel would carry no more than 12 passengers for hire. The request raises questions about potential negative impacts on U.S. vessel builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Public comments can be submitted until May 23, 2025, and further details can be found on the regulations.gov website under docket number MARAD-2025-0028.
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 recent notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, seeks to gather public comments regarding the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Mastermind, in U.S. coastwise trade. The vessel in question is designed to transport no more than 12 passengers for hire, and the primary concern is whether its operation could harm U.S. vessel builders or businesses depending on American-made vessels. Stakeholders and the public have until May 23, 2025, to provide their comments on the matter.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the main issues arising from this notice is the potential disadvantage to U.S. shipbuilders and businesses that use American-built vessels in the same manner. By considering a foreign-built vessel for these operations, there is an inherent risk of undermining the competitive position of domestic producers and service providers. The notice, however, does not explicitly present any cost or financial implications that might help in assessing whether allowing the M/V Mastermind into U.S. coastwise trade could lead to biased outcomes.
Additionally, while the document references legislative frameworks such as 46 U.S.C. 12121, it lacks adequate explanations or summaries of these laws for readers unfamiliar with legal jargon, potentially excluding those without specialized knowledge from meaningfully engaging in the comment process. For businesses wishing to submit confidential responses, the notice provides limited guidance beyond pointing out the existence of FOIA exemptions, possibly deterring companies from sharing sensitive information due to concerns over privacy and confidentiality.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, this notice represents a chance to voice concerns or approval regarding the use of foreign-built vessels in domestic waters, which can affect economic dynamics and job opportunities within local shipbuilding and marine service sectors. By taking part in the feedback process, citizens can influence decisions that might impact regional employment and industrial activity.
For specific stakeholders, particularly U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses, the implications are more direct. Should MARAD decide in favor of the M/V Mastermind’s operation in coastwise trade, it could lead to an erosion of market share for American-built vessels, thereby affecting business operations and employment. Conversely, opening coastwise trade to more foreign-built vessels may encourage competition, potentially lowering costs and improving service levels.
Given these dynamics, clarity on the criteria used by MARAD to determine any "undue adverse effect" is crucial for stakeholders. This transparency would contribute to a fair and informed discussion regarding the merits and drawbacks of allowing the M/V Mastermind to operate within U.S. waters.
Overall, the notice generates a mix of concern and opportunity, highlighting the delicate balance between fostering competition and protecting domestic industries. Public and stakeholder engagement in the comment period will be key to shaping the eventual outcome.
Issues
• The notice primarily solicits public comments for a determination regarding a foreign-built vessel, but includes no specific cost or financial implications that could indicate wasteful spending or favoritism toward organizations or individuals.
• There is no clear indication of potential bias or preferential treatment in the notice; however, the outcome of the determination request could inherently favor foreign-built versus U.S.-built vessels, potentially affecting U.S. shipbuilders and associated coastwise trade businesses.
• The document does not provide detailed financial figures or specific competitive impact assessments, which might help evaluate the economic effects on U.S. businesses more transparently.
• Certain sections of the document rely heavily on referencing specific laws and regulations (such as 46 U.S.C. 12121) without providing context or summary for readers unfamiliar with legal frameworks, which could make this document difficult to understand for general public commenters.
• The section on submitting confidential comments lacks explicit guidance on protecting sensitive business information beyond stating the possible exemption under FOIA, which may lead to hesitation for entities wishing to submit such information.
• Additional clarity could be provided regarding the criteria MARAD uses to determine the 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders and trade businesses to ensure stakeholders understand how comments will be assessed.