Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SUMMER SUNSET
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is asking people to share their thoughts about a small foreign-built boat, called M/V SUMMER SUNSET, that wants to work in American waters. They want to know if this might hurt American companies that make or use boats made in the U.S.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, is inviting public comments on a request concerning the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel named M/V SUMMER SUNSET in the U.S. coastwise trade. The agency is determining whether this vessel's operation might negatively impact American shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments can be submitted through a government portal or by mail until May 23, 2025. All comments will be available to the public, though confidential submissions can be made under specific conditions.
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 Maritime Administration (MARAD), operating under the U.S. Department of Transportation, has proposed a notice seeking public comments concerning a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V SUMMER SUNSET, and its potential use in U.S. coastwise trade. Coastwise trade refers to the transportation of goods or passengers between U.S. ports. This notice is part of the process to evaluate whether using such a vessel might unduly affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses that rely on American-built vessels.
General Summary of the Document
This document announces that MARAD is considering a request related to the M/V SUMMER SUNSET—a foreign-built vessel—to operate in U.S. waters for hire, carrying no more than twelve passengers. The administration is soliciting public feedback on whether this operation would negatively impact U.S. industry, specifically shipbuilders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are being accepted until May 23, 2025, and can be submitted online or via mail.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One major issue with the document is its lack of detail regarding the proposed use case for the vessel. Without this information, stakeholders may find it challenging to adequately assess and comment on the potential impacts of allowing the M/V SUMMER SUNSET to operate on U.S. waters. Furthermore, the language addressing confidential submissions is somewhat ambiguous. It remains unclear if distinctions exist between commercially sensitive and personally sensitive information. This could lead to confusion about how to submit certain types of confidential comments.
Additionally, the document does not clarify the criteria MARAD will use to evaluate public comments or how decisions will be made. This lack of transparency in the decision-making process might create uncertainty for those affected. A logistical concern also arises from the requirement that comments submitted by hand can only be delivered during weekday business hours. This constraint could hinder some individuals' ability to participate.
Moreover, the document's heavy reliance on legal and regulatory references without plain explanations could make it difficult for a general audience to grasp the intricacies of the regulatory framework involved.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, especially those residing in coastal areas, the decision could affect local tourism businesses which rely on domestic vessels. If foreign-built vessels are permitted to operate more freely, it could introduce competition, potentially affecting the market dynamics.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Shipbuilders and Coastwise Trade Businesses: These groups might experience negative impacts if the granting of coastwise trade permissions to foreign-built vessels undermines competitive conditions. Domestic builders and businesses using their vessels might find themselves at a disadvantage if cost structures differ significantly between foreign and U.S.-built vessels.
Regulatory and Legal Communities: Professionals in these fields may be required to navigate and interpret these regulations and their implications for clients. Therefore, clearer documentation would be invaluable for these stakeholders.
In summary, while the notice is a routine part of the regulatory process for determining the suitability of foreign-built vessels for U.S. operations, the current document may be challenged by a lack of transparency and comprehensibility which could hinder effective public participation and informed decision-making.
Issues
• The document does not provide sufficient detailed information on the proposed use of the vessel M/V SUMMER SUNSET, making it difficult for stakeholders to assess the potential impact on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses.
• The language regarding the submission of confidential comments could be clearer. It does not specify if there is a distinction between commercially confidential information and personal confidential information, which may confuse commenters.
• The process for how MARAD will evaluate the comments received and what criteria will be used for determining adverse effects is not detailed in the document, leading to potential ambiguity about decision-making processes.
• Instructions for submitting comments via hand delivery might create inconvenience as it can only be done during specific weekday hours, potentially limiting accessibility for some individuals.
• The document might be perceived as overly complex due to heavy use of regulatory references (such as 46 U.S.C. 12121(b) and 49 CFR 1.93(a)) without providing simple explanations or context for a general audience.