Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Sun Dancer
Agencies
ELI5 AI
MARAD wants to know if using a foreign-built boat called the M/V Sun Dancer to carry people around in the U.S. might cause problems for American boat makers, and they are asking people to tell them what they think by May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel named M/V Sun Dancer for coastwise trade in the U.S. coastwise trade. This vessel is proposed to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire, and comments are needed by May 23, 2025, to determine if this would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses. Individuals can submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail, and all submissions will be publicly accessible, although they can request confidential treatment.
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 asks for public comments about the possibility of using a foreign-built small passenger vessel named M/V Sun Dancer for U.S. coastwise trade. This type of trade involves transporting passengers between U.S. ports, and in this case, the vessel would carry no more than twelve passengers at a time.
Summary of the Document
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation has the authority to approve or deny such requests. The goal is to determine if the use of this foreign-built vessel could harm U.S. businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels. Public comments are invited until May 23, 2025, to weigh in on whether approving the M/V Sun Dancer's operational request would negatively impact these domestic stakeholders.
Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document. Firstly, it lacks specificity on which U.S. coastwise trade businesses might be affected, potentially leaving relevant parties uncertain about their need to respond. Instructions for submitting confidential comments also use terms that could be confusing for those not familiar with legal or regulatory language. Furthermore, there's a lack of clarity on how MARAD will evaluate the potential negative impacts on U.S. vessel builders, raising transparency issues.
Additionally, the document fails to provide historical examples that explain how similar requests have been managed, which could offer insight into the decision process. This lack of information might leave stakeholders unsure of how their input will influence outcomes. While office hours for mail submission are stated, there's ambiguity about whether submissions can be made outside these hours. Finally, the document does not describe any potential follow-up actions nor how MARAD plans to use the feedback received, which could leave participants wondering about the effectiveness and impact of their contributions.
Public Impact
For the general public, this document underscores an opportunity to participate in governmental decisions that could impact local businesses and economies. Providing public comments is a way for individuals to voice concerns about foreign competition that might disadvantage U.S.-based companies, potentially affecting job markets connected to shipbuilding and maritime services.
Stakeholder Impact
Specific stakeholders, particularly U.S. vessel builders and businesses reliant on U.S.-built vessels, could be directly impacted. A decision to allow the M/V Sun Dancer's operation might create economic challenges for these industries due to increased competition. On the other hand, if the MARAD finds no adverse effects, approval could introduce more options in passenger transport, possibly lowering costs for consumers and expanding service opportunities.
In conclusion, stakeholder engagement through public comments is crucial for ensuring that decisions reflect a balance between economic opportunity and protection of U.S. maritime industries. Greater clarity and transparency in the process could enable more informed and effective participation.
Issues
• The document does not specify which U.S. coastwise trade businesses might be impacted by the foreign-built vessel, potentially leading to ambiguity about which stakeholders should be concerned or involved.
• The language detailing the procedure for submitting comments confidentially could be complex for individuals unfamiliar with regulatory or legal jargon.
• There is no information on how MARAD will assess comments regarding the undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders, possibly making the process opaque.
• The document does not provide specific examples or scenarios where MARAD previously determined that a foreign-built vessel had an adverse effect on U.S. trade, which could help stakeholders understand the implications.
• Instructions for submitting comments via mail or hand delivery list the office hours, but do not clarify whether submissions can be accepted outside of these hours through a drop-off or other mechanism.
• While the document invites public participation, there is no mention of potential follow-up actions after comment submission or how feedback will be used in the decision-making process.