Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V RETAINED EARNINGS
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government wants to know what people think about a small boat from another country, called M/V RETAINED EARNINGS, using American waters to carry passengers. They want to make sure this won't hurt the people who make or use American boats, and they are asking for opinions by May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a request concerning the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel named M/V RETAINED EARNINGS in the U.S. coastwise trade. The concern is whether allowing such a vessel to operate will negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Stakeholders can submit comments by May 23, 2025, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail. The aim is to assess any undue adverse effects on domestic industries, and all comments will be made public.
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 Federal Register highlights a request made to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) regarding the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, named M/V RETAINED EARNINGS, in the United States coastwise trade. The central concern is whether this vessel's operation in U.S. waters could negatively affect American shipbuilders or businesses that rely on vessels built in the U.S. The agency invites the public to submit comments on this matter by May 23, 2025, and outlines the methods for making these submissions.
General Summary
The Maritime Administration is tasked with assessing whether allowing the foreign-built vessel, M/V RETAINED EARNINGS, to operate within U.S. coastal trade will harm U.S. industries. This process includes seeking public input on potential impacts through a notice and comment period. MARAD is particularly focused on evaluating the potential adverse effects on domestic vessel builders and businesses that utilize U.S.-built vessels.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One of the key issues noted is the lack of detailed criteria outlined by MARAD for deciding what constitutes an adverse effect on U.S. industries. Without clear guidelines, there may be ambiguity and inconsistency in the decision-making process. Additionally, the notice provides little information about the specific operations of the M/V RETAINED EARNINGS, leaving stakeholders potentially uninformed when providing their comments.
Privacy concerns are another significant matter. Public comments will be posted online without alterations, which could lead to the unintentional exposure of personal information submitted alongside comments. Although there is an option to submit confidential comments, the document lacks precise instructions on what qualifies as confidential, which could confuse stakeholders trying to protect sensitive business information.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this process underscores an opportunity to influence regulatory decisions that might affect economic sectors such as shipbuilding and coastal trade. By participating, individuals and businesses can voice their support or concerns based on their perspectives or experiences within the maritime industry.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. vessel builders and businesses relying on domestically built vessels, this determination could have significant implications. If the use of foreign-built vessels like M/V RETAINED EARNINGS is allowed without appropriate safeguards, domestic industries may face increased competition, potentially affecting their livelihood and economic well-being.
Conversely, stakeholders in favor of the request might see benefits in terms of operational flexibility and cost savings associated with using foreign-built vessels. However, these potential advantages must be balanced against any detrimental impact on U.S. industries.
In summary, while the document opens a pathway for public engagement in maritime regulatory processes, it also raises concerns regarding clarity and privacy that MARAD could address to ensure a fair and informed evaluation.
Issues
• The document does not specify the criteria MARAD will use to determine if the vessel's use will adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses, which might lead to ambiguity in the decision-making process.
• There is a lack of detailed information on the proposed operations of the vessel M/V RETAINED EARNINGS, which makes it difficult for commenters to provide a fully informed opinion on potential impacts.
• The instructions for submitting comments suggest that comments will be posted without change on the docket at regulations.gov. There may be privacy concerns if personal information is included in a comment and made publicly available.
• While it's mentioned that confidential comments can be submitted, there is no clear guidance on what can be considered confidential, possibly leading to uncertainty about the protection of sensitive business information.