Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws

AGENCY:

Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.

ACTION:

Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel ARCTIC TRAVELLER.

SUMMARY:

As authorized by Pub. L. 105-383 and Pub. L. 107-295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket 2006-23614 at http://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Pub. L. 105-383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter's interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR part 388.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before February 21, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Comments should refer to docket number MARAD-2006-23614. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at http://dmses.dot.gov/submit/. All comments will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, MAR-830 Room 7201, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202-366-5979.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel ARCTIC TRAVELLER is:

Intended Use: “We intend to provide hands-on Trawler operation training emphasizing active participation in all aspects of offshore and inshore passage making. Our emphasis will be on full participation and skill development at all levels including trip planning, docking, navigation, provisioning, anchoring, watch standing, engine room maintenance and troubleshooting, weather forecasting, basic safety procedures, etc. Trips will not focus on fishing, sight seeing, hunting, kayaking, whale watching, wildlife viewing or other full service cruise experiences. Clients will be expected to participate in all aspects of voyaging including provisioning, food preparation and storage, housekeeping, etc.”

Geographic Region: The coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington and the Inside Passage to Alaska.