The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is inviting public comments on its plan to renew an information collection about the availability of Jones Act vessels. This renewal request is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget and is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act process. The collection helps MARAD determine if there are enough U.S. flag vessels available for coastwise transport when requests for waivers of the Jones Act are made. Public comments can be submitted via a government website, and the process is designed to ensure that businesses or individuals affected by these determinations can voice their opinions.
Simple Explanation
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) wants to check if there are enough special U.S. ships, called Jones Act vessels, when they get requests to let foreign ships carry goods between parts of the U.S. They are asking people to share their thoughts about it, as part of their homework to make sure paperwork doesn't become too much of a headache.