Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V TYCHE
Agencies
ELI5 AI
A group wants to use a foreign-made boat called S/V TYCHE to take people for fun trips in the U.S., and the U.S. Transportation Department wants to know if this would be unfair to local boat makers. They're asking people to share their thoughts online or by mail before May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is evaluating a request to use a foreign-built vessel, S/V TYCHE, in U.S. coastwise trade, where it will carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. They are seeking public comments to help decide if this would negatively impact American vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments should be submitted by May 23, 2025, and can be made via mail or the federal website www.regulations.gov using docket number MARAD-2025-0050. All comments will be publicly available.
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 in question is a notice from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), which falls under the Department of Transportation. It announces the intention to evaluate a request regarding the use of a foreign-built vessel named the S/V TYCHE in U.S. coastwise trade. This vessel is intended to carry up to twelve passengers for hire. The administration is soliciting public comments to determine if allowing the use of this vessel would negatively affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels.
General Overview
The notice is part of MARAD's responsibilities to oversee and ensure that activities within the coastwise trade do not harm U.S. maritime industry stakeholders. The evaluation of the S/V TYCHE's request is an exercise of MARAD's authority to allow foreign-built vessels in certain situations while considering the broader impact on domestic industries. The public's involvement through comments is crucial in the decision-making process, and MARAD is collecting these comments until May 23, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable concern is the lengthy and potentially complex procedure for submitting comments, which might discourage public participation. While the notice provides instructions, it lacks clarity on what comprises an "undue adverse effect," leaving ambiguity for those looking to provide input on the matter.
The document does not offer detailed information about the S/V TYCHE beyond its name, which may raise questions about the transparency of the process and inhibit informed commentary from the public. Additionally, the inclusion of legal references without proper explanation could confuse individuals who may not be familiar with these codes.
The document also raises privacy concerns. Comments, including personal information, will be made public, which might deter individuals from participating. The option to submit confidential comments exists but seems cumbersome, potentially limiting input from entities concerned with commercial sensitivity.
Impact on the Public and Specific Stakeholders
For the general public, the document's implications are somewhat indirect unless they have an interest in maritime activities, vessel building, or coastwise trade. However, it highlights an aspect of government policy that requires public engagement, offering an opportunity for citizens to have their voices heard on industry regulations.
For specific stakeholders like U.S. vessel builders and businesses utilizing American-built vessels in coastwise trade, this evaluation could have significant economic implications. If the request is approved without adequate protection for domestic interests, these entities might face increased competition from foreign-built vessels, potentially impacting their businesses adversely.
On the positive side, the request might benefit consumers and certain sectors of the tourism industry by allowing more varied transportation options. It could also encourage a broader discussion about the balance between supporting domestic industries and embracing global economic practices.
In summary, while the notice is a routine procedural document, it carries important implications for various stakeholders. Greater clarity and accessibility in the process could enhance the public's ability to engage meaningfully with the matter and increase the transparency and efficacy of the decision-making process.
Issues
• The procedure for submitting comments is lengthy and complex, potentially deterring public participation.
• The notice does not detail the specific criteria used by MARAD to determine an 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. shipbuilders or coastwise trade businesses.
• No information is provided on the identity or details of the requestor's vessel, aside from its name, S/V TYCHE.
• The document includes numerous references to legal codes (49 CFR 1.93(a), 46 U.S.C. 12121) without providing clear explanations, which could confuse readers unfamiliar with these references.
• There is potential for privacy concerns as entire comments, including personal identifying information, will be made publicly available.
• The process for submitting confidential comments is not user-friendly, potentially limiting submissions from parties with commercially sensitive information.