Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Star Fisher
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government is asking people to share their thoughts on whether a foreign-made boat called M/V Star Fisher should be allowed to help with carrying people around the U.S., but they're worried it might hurt American boat makers.
Summary AI
The Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a notice about a request regarding the use of a foreign-built vessel, named M/V Star Fisher, in U.S. coastwise trade. They invite public comments on whether the proposed use of this vessel might negatively affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments can be submitted until May 23, 2025, through various methods mentioned in the notice. MARAD ensures all comments will be publicly available unless they include confidential information, which must be marked as such.
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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AnalysisAI
General Summary
The document is a notice issued by the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) regarding a request for the use of a foreign-built vessel, the M/V Star Fisher, in U.S. coastwise trade. It invites public comments to determine if this usage might adversely affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels. The comment period is open until May 23, 2025, and submissions can be made via mail, hand delivery, or the online federal eRulemaking portal. The notice emphasizes that all comments will be publicly accessible unless marked as confidential.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One primary concern is the lack of specific details about the M/V Star Fisher request. The document does not provide information about the foreign origins of the vessel or the type of service it proposes to offer. This ambiguity can make it challenging for commenters to assess any potential impacts accurately.
Moreover, the document does not outline criteria for what constitutes an "undue adverse effect" on U.S. shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. This omission could lead to inconsistent evaluations of the vessel's impact.
There are also concerns regarding how MARAD will handle confidential submissions. The procedures and assurances for protecting such information are not clearly stated, potentially raising questions about confidentiality and transparency.
Impact on the Public
The document seeks public input to guide regulatory decisions, which aligns with broader democratic processes by involving citizens in governance. Nonetheless, the absence of detailed guidelines and criteria for the assessment might discourage public participation or lead to less informed commentary.
Impact on Stakeholders
For U.S. shipbuilders and businesses reliant on U.S.-built vessels, the approval of a foreign-built vessel like the M/V Star Fisher for coastwise trade could represent a potential competitive threat. Conversely, the requestor may view this flexibility as economically beneficial, potentially lowering costs or offering novel services.
The document also lacks clarity on the benefits that might result from approving the vessel's use, making it difficult for the public and stakeholders to perform a cost-benefit analysis. Additionally, the consequences of a negative determination by MARAD and any potential appeal process are not discussed, which could leave stakeholders uncertain about their options and future actions.
Consequently, while the notice invites engagement in regulatory processes, its gaps in specificity and procedural clarity might limit effective public and stakeholder participation.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact details of the request for determination regarding the vessel M/V Star Fisher, such as the specific foreign-built origins or the type of service proposed. This ambiguity could make it difficult for commenters to assess potential impacts accurately.
• While the document provides channels for submitting comments, it does not specify any criteria or guidelines on what constitutes an 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, which could lead to inconsistent assessments.
• The notice provides an email address for confidential submissions but does not clearly elaborate on the procedures that MARAD will follow in assessing and handling these confidential submissions, which might lead to concerns about confidentiality and transparency.
• There is no mention of what specific benefits the requestor or the public might gain from allowing the use of the foreign-built vessel in the U.S. coastwise trade, which might be useful for effective public evaluation.
• The consequences of a negative determination by MARAD and the process for appeal or reconsideration by the requestor are not specified, which could affect stakeholders’ understanding of their options.