Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V ROCKETSHIP
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know if letting a foreign boat carry a few people in the U.S. would hurt American businesses that make or use boats. They are asking people to say what they think before making a decision.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation is reviewing a request to allow a foreign-built, small passenger vessel to operate in U.S. coastwise trade, which involves carrying no more than twelve passengers. They're seeking public comments to determine if this use would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels. Interested parties can submit comments until May 23, 2025, via the federal website or by mail, and all comments will be made public. Additionally, there are provisions for submitting comments confidentially if they contain sensitive commercial 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 under review is a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) within the Department of Transportation, soliciting public comments on a request to allow a foreign-built small passenger vessel to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. Specifically, this involves the vessel carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. The document seeks to ensure that this use does not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels.
General Summary
The notice initiates a public comment period, ending on May 23, 2025, during which interested parties can express their views on the potential impacts of the proposed use of the foreign-built vessel. Submissions can be made via an online federal portal or through direct mail, with all entries made publicly accessible.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several significant issues arise from this document:
Transparency of Requestor Information: The identity of the requestor is not disclosed, raising questions about transparency and who stands to benefit from the approval of this request.
Definition Clarity: There is a lack of clarity regarding what constitutes an "undue adverse effect" on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses. This vagueness might result in varying interpretations and applications of the guidelines.
Comment Process Timing: While the document invites public comments, it indicates potential delays in those comments being reflected in the docket. This delay could affect the timeliness and perceived efficacy of public participation.
Confidentiality Procedures: The document lacks detailed procedures for handling confidential comments, possibly leading to concerns about the standards and criteria used to protect sensitive information.
Decision-Making Transparency: There is no detailed process for how the final decision will be made or the criteria and timelines involved, which could create uncertainty among stakeholders.
Broader Public Impact
Broadly, the document highlights a public participation process in reviewing foreign-built vessels' involvement in U.S. coastwise trade. While the opportunity for public input is crucial in democratic processes, the potential delays and lack of clarity in procedures may undermine public trust and active engagement.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
U.S. Vessel Builders: The outcome of this notice may significantly impact U.S. vessel builders. If the use of the foreign-built vessel is approved without adequate assessment of its adverse effects, U.S. builders may face economic harm due to increased competition.
Coastwise Trade Businesses: Businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels might experience increased competition and potential losses if foreign-built vessels are allowed to operate under the same conditions.
Consumers and Passengers: On a positive end, consumers might benefit from increased service options if the foreign-built vessel operates, potentially reducing prices and improving service availability.
Requestor: While unidentified, the requestor stands to gain from increased market access, expanding their business opportunities within U.S. waters if the vessel is approved for coastwise trade activities.
Overall, while the document seeks public input and participation, the lack of details concerning processes and definitions suggests a need for more transparency and specificity to ensure fair and informed decision-making.
Issues
• The document does not specify who the requestor is, which could lead to a lack of transparency about potential beneficiaries of the determination request.
• The language regarding what may qualify as an 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses is not explicitly defined, which might lead to varying interpretations.
• Public comments are invited, but the instructions mention that there may be delays in comments being reflected in the docket, which could limit the perceived immediacy and impact of public participation.
• The procedures for handling confidential comments and the criteria for determining confidentiality are not fully detailed, potentially leading to concerns about confidentiality standards.
• The process for determining the outcome of the request (such as timelines, criteria for decision-making, etc.) is not detailed in the document, which might lead to uncertainty for stakeholders involved.