Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Reset
Agencies
ELI5 AI
Imagine there's a boat built in another country that wants to pick up a few people and sail them around in the USA. The people in charge are asking everyone if it's okay to let this boat do that, or if it might be a problem for the businesses in the USA that build and use their own boats.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel in U.S. coastwise trade. The request concerns whether the proposed use of the vessel, which carries a maximum of 12 passengers, would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Details of the vessel's intended operations and instructions for submitting comments are provided. Comments are accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail, and will be made publicly available unless specifically 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 (MARAD), an agency within the Department of Transportation, seeks public comments on the potential approval of a foreign-built small passenger vessel for use in the United States coastwise trade. The key inquiry is whether this vessel's use could adversely affect American businesses, particularly those involved in vessel building and coastwise trade using U.S.-built ships. This document signifies an open period for public participation, inviting individuals to submit comments by May 23, 2025, via an online portal or by mail.
General Summary
The notice primarily aims to solicit feedback about the potential impact a foreign-built vessel operating in the U.S. domestic maritime trade might have on American industry. This vessel carries a maximum of twelve passengers for hire, which places it under specific scrutiny regarding its compliance with coastwise trade laws. MARAD has laid out the necessary procedures for submitting comments, emphasizing transparency by stating that all comments will be publicly available unless marked confidential.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several concerns emerge from the document:
Lack of Specific Vessel Information: The document lacks detailed information about the specific foreign-built vessel under consideration. Without this critical information, stakeholders may find it challenging to provide informed comments.
Confidential Comment Submission: While the document adequately explains how to submit confidential comments, there is potential for confusion among commenters about what constitutes commercially confidential information and the correct submission process.
Understanding 'Undue Adverse Effect': The term "undue adverse effect" on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise businesses is subjective and might have varying interpretations. Clearer definitions or examples could enhance the understanding for commentators and facilitate more focused feedback.
No Limit on Attachment Length: The absence of a length restriction for comment attachments could lead to submissions that are excessively lengthy, complicating the review process.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the document provides the public with an opportunity to voice opinions on maritime policies that may affect economic and industry dynamics. Public comments can help balance interests between fostering fair competition and protecting national industries. The open comment period contributes to governmental transparency and accountability by engaging citizens directly in the regulatory process.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
U.S. Vessel Builders and Trade Businesses: These stakeholders might express concerns over the competition introduced by foreign-built vessels, which could undercut domestic business opportunities. The potential for undue negative effects on these industries is a central consideration for MARAD's decision.
Foreign Vessel Owners: On the flip side, owners of foreign-built vessels would benefit from regulatory decisions favoring their inclusion in U.S. trade, broadening their operational scope and potentially increasing profits.
Regulatory Authorities: Agencies like MARAD and the U.S. Coast Guard must carefully consider public input and industry data to ensure fairness and adherence to trade laws, balancing innovation with consumer and industrial protection.
In summary, this document represents a call for public participation in regulatory matters concerning foreign-built vessels in U.S. waters. It seeks to balance differing interests by inviting comments and setting the stage for potential regulatory outcomes that could either bolster or challenge certain domestic industries.
Issues
• The document contains no specific information about any spending. There is no mention of financial implications, therefore, it is not possible to evaluate potential wasteful spending or favoritism.
• The language regarding how to submit confidential comments appears clear, but it may benefit from clarification to ensure that all commenters understand how to properly submit confidential information and what qualifies as commercially confidential information.
• The document might benefit from clearer definitions regarding what constitutes an 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, as this could be ambiguous to different stakeholders.
• The section on Public Participation instructions mentions 'no limit on the length of attachments', which could potentially lead to overly lengthy submissions that may be difficult to process or review efficiently.
• There is no detailed information about the specific vessel or service in question within the document text itself, which might hinder stakeholders from making fully informed comments without additional research or access to external documents.