Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Island Love
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The rules people in charge are thinking about letting a foreign boat called M/V Island Love carry some people (not more than 12) around certain places in the U.S. They want to hear what people think about whether this could be bad for American boat makers and businesses that use American-made boats.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has received a request regarding the use of a foreign-built vessel, M/V Island Love, in the U.S. coastwise trade, which involves carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. The administration is seeking public comments to assess whether this proposal could negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments must be submitted by May 27, 2025, and can be sent via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail to the Department of Transportation. Full details and instructions for submitting comments are available in the MARAD-2025-0059 docket on the regulations.gov website.
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 issued by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, seeks public comments on a proposal involving the M/V Island Love, a foreign-built small passenger vessel intended for use in U.S. coastwise trade. Specifically, the vessel will carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. The request's goal is to determine if this use might negatively affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Public comments are invited to assist with this evaluation and should be submitted by May 27, 2025.
Summary of the Document
The notice is an official request for public feedback on whether allowing a foreign-built vessel to participate in U.S. coastwise trade could harm domestic shipbuilders and related businesses. The process for submitting comments is outlined, including online and mail options, with the comments being publicly accessible. The document also explains some of the underlying legislation, albeit in technical terms, and invites industry stakeholders and the public to express their viewpoints.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several significant issues and concerns arise from this notice. First, the document does not specify the exact criteria MARAD will use in deciding if the vessel's proposed use adversely affects U.S. interests. Absent clear criteria, stakeholders might face ambiguity and potential biases in understanding how decisions are made.
Furthermore, the notice lacks detailed information about the M/V Island Love's proposed operations and services. This omission could hinder interested parties from providing informed feedback.
Environmental impacts are not addressed in the document. Given the increasing focus on environmental considerations, this could be an oversight, as public and environmental groups might have concerns related to sustainability and compliance.
The document frequently references U.S. laws and regulations, assuming the reader's familiarity with them. This could present a barrier to laypeople who wish to understand the implications without needing to conduct additional research.
Public Impact
For the public, especially those involved in maritime trade and supporting industries, the document has implications related to economic interests and competitive fairness. If foreign-built vessels can engage in coastwise trade without proper consideration of their impact, it might lead to reduced demand for U.S.-built vessels, potentially affecting jobs and economic activities connected to domestic shipbuilding.
For the general public, the document highlights the balance between international competition and domestic industry protection. Some may see the allowance of foreign-built vessels in U.S. trade as a move towards more open markets, while others might view it as undermining local industries.
Stakeholder Impact
For U.S. vessel builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, the proposal could pose a negative impact. If foreign-built vessels are allowed to operate coastwise without restrictions, it might lead to a competitive disadvantage for domestic players who face higher build costs and compliance with stringent U.S. regulations.
On the other hand, proponents of the proposal might argue that inclusion of foreign-built vessels could increase competition, drive down costs, and potentially improve service standards and options for passengers. However, this potential benefit must be weighed against the risk of destabilizing the domestic shipbuilding industry.
In summary, while the document invites necessary public discourse on a significant policy issue, the lack of specific guidance and detailed information could limit the effectiveness of this discourse. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate actively, armed with their assessments and documentation, to influence the decision-making process effectively.
Issues
• The document does not specify the specific criteria MARAD will use to determine whether the proposed use of the foreign-built vessel would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, which could lead to ambiguity and potential bias in decision-making.
• The notice does not provide specific information about the proposed service of the vessel M/V Island Love, which could lead to a lack of transparency and limit informed public comment.
• There is no mention of potential environmental impacts or considerations related to the use of foreign-built vessels in U.S. coastwise trade, which may be relevant for stakeholders.
• The language in sections such as 'SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION' and 'Public Participation' assumes familiarity with the U.S. Code (e.g., 46 U.S.C. 12121(b)) and regulations (e.g., 49 CFR 7.29), which may be difficult for laypeople to understand without additional context.