Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SERENITY
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Maritime Administration wants to know what people think about a new plan to use a small boat from another country to carry a few passengers in the U.S. They are asking for comments to decide if this will hurt people who make or use boats built in the U.S., and everyone can share their thoughts until May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is requesting public comments on the use of foreign-built small passenger vessels in U.S. coastwise trade. They have received a request to determine if such usage would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments must be submitted by May 23, 2025, and can be made online or via mail. The public is encouraged to provide concise comments, and submissions will be available for public view.
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.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
Commentary
General Summary
This document issued by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is a request for public comments regarding the use of foreign-built small passenger vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade. A submitted request seeks to determine if such usage would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. The public, particularly those concerned with vessel construction and coastwise trade, are invited to provide comments by May 23, 2025. Comments can be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.
Significant Issues and Concerns
There are several notable issues and concerns within the document. First, it does not specify details about the vessel in question or its proposed operations, making it challenging for stakeholders to assess the potential impact on domestic industries accurately. This lack of transparency could hinder effective public participation.
Additionally, the instructions for submitting comments are scattered throughout the document. This fragmentation could confuse readers unfamiliar with government processes, potentially deterring them from contributing their views. The document assumes that the public is already knowledgeable about accessing the Federal eRulemaking Portal, as it lacks direct guidance or hyperlinks, which could pose a barrier for some users.
Moreover, while there is mention of supporting documents in the Department of Transportation (DOT) docket, the document provides no information about how to access them directly, leaving interested parties to navigate the system on their own. Lastly, the process for submitting confidential comments is complex and might be misunderstood or overlooked, as it requires specific steps and labeling when submitting information that is to remain confidential.
Impact on the Public
The document's call for public participation is an attempt to ensure that any decisions made will take into account the concerns and perspectives of those potentially affected. This openness can empower members of the public to voice opinions and contribute to decisions that might influence the domestic vessel trade industry. However, due to the complexities and possible accessibility issues with the comment submission processes, there is a risk that only those with prior experience or a vested interest will engage, limiting the diversity of input.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, such as U.S. vessel builders and businesses involved in coastwise trade, could be significantly impacted by the outcome of this determination request. If foreign-built vessels are permitted more freely in U.S. waters, U.S. builders might face increased competition, potentially threatening jobs and reducing demand for domestically built vessels. Conversely, businesses dependent on coastwise trade might benefit from broader options and possibly reduced costs if foreign-built vessels are allowed to operate, which could translate into economic advantages for consumers or operators who do not have a vested interest in domestic production.
In conclusion, while the document offers a formal mechanism for public engagement, the effective participation of the public and stakeholders might be limited by the complexity and lack of detailed information. Ensuring accessible and clear guidance could enhance public contributions and lead to a more thorough examination of the potential implications on the U.S. maritime industry.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific information about the requestor's vessel and the proposed operations, which makes it difficult to evaluate the potential impact on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
• The instructions for submitting comments are somewhat scattered throughout the document, which might confuse readers who are less familiar with the process.
• There is an assumption that interested parties will know how to find and use the Federal eRulemaking Portal without direct guidance or a hyperlink.
• The document references supporting documents located in the DOT docket, but there is no information provided about the contents or how to access those documents directly from the text.
• The process for submitting confidential comments may be unclear to some readers, as it involves multiple steps and specific labeling that could be easily misunderstood or overlooked.