Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Harvester 1
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is asking people if it's okay for a foreign-built boat named S/V Harvester 1 to carry a small number of passengers for fun in the U.S. They are checking to make sure this won't hurt businesses that use American-made boats.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation is considering a request regarding the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel called S/V Harvester 1 in U.S. coastwise trade, which involves carrying a small number of passengers for hire. The administration is evaluating whether this could negatively impact U.S. businesses that use American-made vessels. They are inviting the public to submit comments and share their views on this matter by May 27, 2025, through an official docket. Further details and instructions for submitting comments can be found 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 in question is a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This notice concerns a request to allow the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, known as S/V Harvester 1, in U.S. coastwise trade. This means using the vessel to carry a limited number of passengers for hire along the United States coastlines. MARAD is seeking public input on whether such authorization could negatively affect U.S. companies that use American-made vessels in their operations. Comments from the public are accepted until May 27, 2025, and can be submitted via the regulations.gov website or through other specified methods.
General Summary
The notice aims to gather public comments to assess the potential impact of allowing the foreign-built vessel S/V Harvester 1 to participate in U.S. coastwise trade. Essentially, the document is a formal announcement seeking stakeholders’ opinions on whether this decision might harm U.S. businesses that rely on domestically built vessels. MARAD is responsible for making these assessments according to the authorities granted by various U.S. laws and regulations.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One major issue with the document is the lack of detailed information about the requester and the specifics of the vessel and its proposed operations. This omission might challenge interested parties who wish to assess the potential impacts thoroughly. Additionally, the document refers to potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses but does not provide clear examples or define criteria for what constitutes an "undue adverse effect." This lack of clarity might hinder effective public engagement or lead to varied interpretations by stakeholders.
Furthermore, while the document outlines a process for submitting confidential comments, it could be seen as somewhat daunting due to the need for specific headings and email submissions, possibly discouraging potential commenters. The notice also heavily references legal statutes and processes without simplification or explanation, which could be confusing for those unfamiliar with these laws or the federal rulemaking process.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, this document represents an opportunity to engage in the governmental process by submitting comments on an issue that could influence local economies and industries. However, given the technical nature of the notice, it may not be immediately accessible to everyone without a legal or maritime background.
For specific stakeholders, particularly U.S. vessel builders and businesses engaged in coastwise trade with American-built vessels, the outcome of this request could have tangible effects. Allowing the foreign-built vessel into the trade could introduce competition that might impact their market share or economic viability. On the other hand, proponents of increasing market competition might see this as a step toward greater efficiency or consumer choice.
Conclusion
Overall, while the notice fulfills its purpose of soliciting public feedback, it could benefit from greater clarity and user-friendliness to encourage more widespread and effective participation. The inclusion of more detailed information about the impacts on current stakeholders and simpler guidance for participation could improve the quality and quantity of feedback received, ultimately leading to a more informed decision-making process.
Issues
• The notice does not provide specific information about the requester or details about the vessel named 'S/V Harvester 1,' which makes it difficult for interested parties to assess the potential impacts.
• The document refers to potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses without providing examples or criteria to assess what constitutes 'undue adverse effect.'
• The process for submitting confidential comments is somewhat cumbersome, requiring email submission with specific headings, which might discourage commenters.
• The document relies heavily on legal references and statutes (46 U.S.C. 12121(b), 49 CFR 1.93(a)) without elaborating on their implications or how they interact with the current request, which could be confusing for readers unfamiliar with these laws.
• The notice assumes familiarity with federal rulemaking processes, such as using the eRulemaking portal or the Docket Management Facility, without offering introductory guidance for first-time users.