Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Monikeke
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know if a boat from another country can be used to give rides to people in the U.S. without making it too tough for boat builders here. They are asking people to tell them what they think by next month.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has received a request for the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel named S/V Monikeke in coastwise trade in the United States. MARAD is seeking public comments to determine if this use would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that utilize U.S.-built vessels. Comments are due by May 23, 2025, and can be submitted online or via mail. All submitted comments will be publicly available, but commenters can request confidential treatment for commercially sensitive information.
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 titled "Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Monikeke," issued by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), announces a solicitation for public comments regarding the use of the foreign-built vessel, S/V Monikeke, in U.S. coastwise trade. This is a process where MARAD evaluates whether allowing a foreign-built vessel to participate in such trade could harm U.S. shipbuilders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels. Comments on this matter are open until May 23, 2025.
General Summary
The notice informs the public about a request to determine the eligibility of the S/V Monikeke to operate in U.S. waters, specifically in a trade capacity that involves carrying passengers. The objective is to gather public input on whether this move would have negative repercussions for U.S.-based vessel builders or businesses that operate with domestically built vessels.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues are evident in this document. Firstly, it lacks detailed information about the requestor or specifics about S/V Monikeke, which can hinder the public's ability to provide well-informed comments. Without such information, participants may find it challenging to assess the potential impact truly.
Additionally, the instructions for submitting confidential comments are not distinctly laid out compared to regular comments, which might confuse those wanting to protect sensitive business information. Also, the document uses industry-specific terminology like "coastwise trade" and "CCI" (Confidential Commercial Information) without providing definitions, potentially limiting understanding among those not familiar with legal or maritime terms.
Public Impact
Broadly, this document invites participation from the public, thereby fostering transparency and ensuring various perspectives are considered before finalizing a decision. However, the complexity and jargon present a barrier for those without a background in maritime law or industry-specific knowledge, possibly discouraging broader public engagement. This could result in a lack of diverse input, especially from local communities or smaller stakeholders who could be affected by such determinations.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. vessel builders and businesses that engage in coastwise trade, the introduction of a foreign-built vessel like S/V Monikeke into this market could present increased competition, potentially at their expense. If the vessel is permitted, it might set a precedent for other foreign-built vessels to enter the trade, impacting businesses reliant on the exclusivity of U.S.-built vessels.
Conversely, stakeholders in favor of utilizing foreign-built vessels might view this as an opportunity to integrate more cost-effective or efficient options into the coastwise trade, potentially benefiting consumers through a more diverse offering of services.
Overall, the process outlined in the document underscores a need for rigorous public engagement and nuanced consideration of the potential impacts, both beneficial and adverse, on domestic economic interests and competitive market dynamics.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details about the requester or the vessel, S/V Monikeke, which may limit the public's ability to make informed comments.
• Instructions for submitting confidential comments are not as clearly separated and detailed as general submissions, which might lead to confusion for those seeking confidentiality.
• The document provides a general process for commenting but lacks direct encouragement or a plain language summary that might help more laypeople understand the importance of the notice and the impact of their participation.
• The specific adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses are not defined, which could result in unfocused comments from the public.
• The document assumes familiarity with terms like 'coastwise trade' and 'CCI' without providing definitions, potentially limiting comprehension for readers unfamiliar with maritime regulations or legal jargon.