80 FR 30759 - Recognition Awards for U.S.-Flag Vessel Usage
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 103 (May 29, 2015)
Maritime Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 103 (May 29, 2015)
| Page Range | 30759-30761 | |
| FR Document | 2015-13019 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 103 (Friday, May 29, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 30759-30761] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-13019] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Recognition Awards for U.S.-Flag Vessel Usage AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: By this notice the Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces the ``U.S. Ships'' program to recognize private commercial entities that reach certain U.S.-flag vessel usage rates for the carriage of goods or private or governmental entities that otherwise make noteworthy contributions to utilization of U.S.-flag vessels. The initial nomination period for awards recognizing support for U.S.-flag carriage in 2015 will open January 4, 2016. MARAD will publish another Federal Register Notice prior to opening the nomination period to provide additional information about this program, including additional information on specific awards eligibility, criteria, and nomination procedures. Consistent with the established policy of the United States to encourage and aid the development and maintenance of a robust maritime industry, and MARAD's mission to ``foster, promote, and develop the merchant maritime industry of the United States,'' MARAD will issue recognition awards to encourage the use of U.S.-flag vessels, whether in domestic or international commerce. This notice informs the public of this awards recognition program in anticipation of nominations and articulates the criteria for U.S. Ships recognition awards. DATES: This policy is effective upon publication in the Federal Register. (See also Paperwork Reduction Act section.) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You may contact Clifford Johnson, Office of Cargo and Commercial Sealift, Maritime Administration, at (202) 366-2105. You may send mail to Mr. Johnson at Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., MAR 620, Washington, DC 20590-0001. You may send electronic mail to [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The promotion of the United States maritime industry is a central mission of MARAD. The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 was enacted to promote a well-equipped and efficient fleet owned and operated by United States citizens and supported by domestic shipbuilding and repair facilities.\1\ MARAD was specifically formed as a maritime promotional entity separate from the Federal Maritime Commission.\2\ The Message of the President transmitting Plan 7 states that the ``basic objective of the plan is to strengthen and revitalize the administration of our Federal programs concerned with the promotion and development of the U.S. merchant marine by concentrating responsibility in separate agencies for the performance of regulatory and promotional functions.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ American Trading Transportation Company, Inc. v. United States, 791 F.2d 942, 944 (D.C. Cir. 1986). \2\ Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961, 75 Stat. 840 (August 12, 1961). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is central to MARAD's promotional mission to encourage and aid the development of the U.S. merchant maritime industry. 49 U.S.C. 109(b). Consistent with the Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904 and the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, as implemented by 46 CFR part 381, MARAD's Office of Cargo and Sealift Support maintains a program to ensure compliance with statutory requirements requiring U.S.-flag vessel carriage of Government-generated cargo. Just as important as encouraging the use of U.S.-flag vessels for the carriage of Government-generated cargo, it is part of MARAD's mission to encourage both private parties and Government agencies to use U.S.-flag vessels to carry their goods. The purpose of the U.S. Ships program is to help to encourage broad, voluntary use of U.S.-flag vessels in a manner complementary to required cargo preference. Components of the U.S. Ships Recognition Program By this notice, MARAD announces the establishment of the U.S. Ships recognition awards program as described below. The purpose of these recognition awards is to encourage the use of U.S.-flag vessels for carriage of exports, imports, cargoes moving in foreign waters, and goods moving within the United States and along its coasts. The awards are also intended to educate and remind the public of the value of a strong U.S. maritime industry for national security and economic stability. U.S. Ships Logo MARAD will develop a U.S. Ships logo. Award recipients will be granted a license to display variations of the logo, as described below, on their premises, equipment, publications, advertising, uniforms, or correspondence within the context of being a U.S. Ships award recipient. Recipients may not use the logo to claim that the Department of Transportation or MARAD promotes or endorses their company, products, and/or services. U.S. Ships awardees will be permitted to display their status using the U.S. Ships logo and the year in which they earned the award. The logo will be released to recipients only in non-editable electronic format. [[Page 30760]] MARAD will have the right, at all reasonable times, to examine an award recipient's goods, services, and promotional activities employing a U.S. Ships logo to ensure that such use is reasonable, of proper quality, and is otherwise consistent with the license, and may terminate the license should it determine that the use is inconsistent. The license is not assignable. Award recipients may not share the use of the U.S. Ships logo with any other person, organization, or company, nor may it transfer or assign its license to use the logo if its company is sold, merged, or reconfigured. An award recipient who hires subcontractors to perform manufacturing or distribution activities will be allowed to use the logo without risk of jeopardizing its license to use the logo. Nomination and Review Process Entities may apply, self-nominate, or be nominated for recognition by third-parties including Government agencies. MARAD reserves the right to request additional information to support nominations and to verify those nominations and supporting information. Individuals that make nominations will be required to certify that, to the best of their knowledge, the entity they are nominating is eligible for the specified U.S. Ships award. MARAD will provide information on how to submit nominations in a future Federal Register Notice. MARAD will consider the information contained in a nomination or application to be business confidential and will treat it as such to the extent permitted by law. MARAD will determine whether nominated entities have any business before or are under investigation by regulatory agencies. If MARAD determines that adverse information exists that would likely be adverse to the U.S. Government should the U.S. Ships award be granted, the nomination will be rejected without further consideration. Awards for Fixing Cargo on U.S.-flag Vessels These awards will recognize non-Governmental shipper entities that achieve specified U.S.-flag vessel usage rates for a calendar year as determined by gross revenue tons. Entities eligible to receive awards include any U.S. or foreign entity that achieved at least the applicable percentage threshold for U.S.-flag carriage during the applicable calendar year of their domestic movements of goods or international shipments other than Government-generated cargo. Covered carriage includes imports, exports, water carriage outside the United States, and freight and cargo shipments between points in the United States, including goods that might otherwise move over land. Recipients will be permitted to display the U.S. Ships logo for achievements at the following percentage levels of shipper freight or cargo carriage aboard U.S.-flag vessels: a. Gold--50%-plus b. Silver--40-49% c. Bronze--30-39% Percentage brackets may be adjusted in later years. Awards will authorize the licensed use of the appropriate level of U.S. Ships logo; award notices will be transmitted soon as possible after administrative approval, normally by the end of the first calendar quarter of each year. Cargo Preference Ship Management and Resource Training (SMART) Awards These awards will recognize private and Governmental entities which have at least 50% of their staffs involved in booking or cargo- preference-related processes successfully complete the Office of Cargo and Commercial Sealift online cargo preference training courses. These courses are currently under development and the first awards would be made for activities undertaken in 2016. Recipients would qualify to display the blue U.S. Ships logo for a period up to three years, subject to subsequent recertification. This award is intended to distinguish shippers, freight-forwarders, and brokers which have facilitated U.S.-flag usage through staff education on cargo preference requirements. Awards will authorize the licensed use of the blue U.S. Ships logo; award notices will be transmitted at any time during the year as soon as possible after administrative approval. The Extra Ton-Mile Awards MARAD will accept nominations for noteworthy, non-numerical contributions to the utilization of U.S.-flag vessels through an annual nomination process. Up to six private or Governmental entities or individuals may receive this award annually. Eligible recipients include any individual or entity that engaged in activities other than the marketing of products that assisted or facilitated the usage of U.S.-flag carriage by providing financing, transportation, promotion, or other export or import assistance or facilitation service during the applicable calendar year. Recipients would receive official recognition from MARAD and would be permitted to use a special, red-white-and-blue U.S. Ships logo for a period of three years following receipt. MARAD will announce recipients of these awards at its annual Maritime Day observance. The following is a non-exclusive list of actions that might qualify for this award:Exclusive use of U.S.-flag carriage to the extent available. Significantly increased usage of U.S.-flag carriage through voluntary action. Exceptional advocacy encouraging the use of U.S.-flag vessels or compliance with MARAD's cargo preference requirements. Exceptional facilitation of U.S.-flag vessel usage. Development of technical advances or commercial practices that facilitate or enhance U.S.-flag vessel usage. Employment of high-performance business processes to ensure U.S.-flag vessel usage. The Maritime Administrator will appoint a panel of Federal officials to consider all nominations and recommend recipients to the Maritime Administrator, who will make final award determinations. Policy Analysis and Notices Consistent with the Administrative Procedures Act and Department of Transportation rulemaking policy, MARAD is publishing this notice in the Federal Register to indicate how it plans to exercise the discretionary authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 109. Nothing in this notice or in the policy itself requires MARAD to exercise its discretionary authority under the law. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and, is, therefore, not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Paperwork Reduction Act: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), a Federal agency must obtain approval from the OMB for each collection of information it conducts, sponsors, or requires. The U.S. Ships recognition awards program may impose new collection requirements when MARAD opens the nomination period. MARAD will conduct a full PRA analysis and include it in the Federal Register Notice released at that time and obtain an information collection number if required. (Authority: 49 U.S.C. 109) Dated: May 26, 2015. [[Page 30761]] By Order of the Maritime Administrator. Thomas M. Hudson, Jr., Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. 2015-13019 Filed 5-28-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 103 / Friday, May 29, 2015 / Notices 30759
information is necessary for FAA’s SUMMARY: By this notice the Maritime the plan is to strengthen and revitalize
performance; (b) the accuracy of the Administration (MARAD) announces the administration of our Federal
estimated burden; (c) ways for FAA to the ‘‘U.S. Ships’’ program to recognize programs concerned with the promotion
enhance the quality, utility and clarity private commercial entities that reach and development of the U.S. merchant
of the information collection; and (d) certain U.S.-flag vessel usage rates for marine by concentrating responsibility
ways that the burden could be the carriage of goods or private or in separate agencies for the performance
minimized without reducing the quality governmental entities that otherwise of regulatory and promotional
of the collected information. The agency make noteworthy contributions to functions.’’
will summarize and/or include your utilization of U.S.-flag vessels. The It is central to MARAD’s promotional
comments in the request for OMB’s initial nomination period for awards mission to encourage and aid the
clearance of this information collection. recognizing support for U.S.-flag development of the U.S. merchant
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: carriage in 2015 will open January 4, maritime industry. 49 U.S.C. 109(b).
Ronda Thompson at (202) 267–1416, or 2016. MARAD will publish another Consistent with the Military Cargo
by email at: Ronda.Thompson@faa.gov. Federal Register Notice prior to opening Preference Act of 1904 and the Cargo
the nomination period to provide Preference Act of 1954, as implemented
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
additional information about this by 46 CFR part 381, MARAD’s Office of
OMB Control Number: 2120–0682.
program, including additional Cargo and Sealift Support maintains a
Title: Certification of Repair Stations.
information on specific awards program to ensure compliance with
Form Numbers: FAA Form 8310–3.
eligibility, criteria, and nomination statutory requirements requiring U.S.-
Type of Review: Renewal of an
procedures. Consistent with the flag vessel carriage of Government-
information collection.
established policy of the United States generated cargo. Just as important as
Background: Part 145 of Title 14,
to encourage and aid the development encouraging the use of U.S.-flag vessels
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
and maintenance of a robust maritime for the carriage of Government-
prescribes the requirements for the
industry, and MARAD’s mission to generated cargo, it is part of MARAD’s
issuance of repair station certificates
‘‘foster, promote, and develop the mission to encourage both private
and associated ratings to maintenance
merchant maritime industry of the parties and Government agencies to use
and alteration organizations. The
United States,’’ MARAD will issue U.S.-flag vessels to carry their goods.
information requested is required from
recognition awards to encourage the use The purpose of the U.S. Ships program
applicants who wish repair station
of U.S.-flag vessels, whether in domestic is to help to encourage broad, voluntary
certification. Applicants must submit use of U.S.-flag vessels in a manner
the required data to the appropriate or international commerce. This notice
informs the public of this awards complementary to required cargo
FAA district office for review and preference.
acceptance/approval. If the information recognition program in anticipation of
is satisfactory, an onsite inspection is nominations and articulates the criteria Components of the U.S. Ships
conducted. When all the FAR Part 145 for U.S. Ships recognition awards. Recognition Program
requirements have been met an air DATES: This policy is effective upon
By this notice, MARAD announces
agency certificate and repair station publication in the Federal Register. (See
the establishment of the U.S. Ships
operations specifications with also Paperwork Reduction Act section.)
recognition awards program as
appropriate ratings and limitations are FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You described below. The purpose of these
issued. may contact Clifford Johnson, Office of recognition awards is to encourage the
Respondents: Approximately 4,625 Cargo and Commercial Sealift, Maritime use of U.S.-flag vessels for carriage of
maintenance and alteration Administration, at (202) 366–2105. You exports, imports, cargoes moving in
organizations. may send mail to Mr. Johnson at foreign waters, and goods moving
Frequency: Information is collected Maritime Administration, 1200 New within the United States and along its
on occasion. Jersey Avenue SE., MAR 620, coasts. The awards are also intended to
Estimated Average Burden per Washington, DC 20590–0001. You may educate and remind the public of the
Response: 8 hours. send electronic mail to value of a strong U.S. maritime industry
Estimated Total Annual Burden: Clifford.Johnson@dot.gov. for national security and economic
37,000 hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: stability.
Issued in Washington, DC on May 21, Background
2015.
U.S. Ships Logo
Ronda Thompson,
The promotion of the United States MARAD will develop a U.S. Ships
maritime industry is a central mission of logo. Award recipients will be granted
FAA Information Collection Clearance
Officer, IT Enterprises Business Services
MARAD. The Merchant Marine Act of a license to display variations of the
Division, ASP–110. 1936 was enacted to promote a well- logo, as described below, on their
[FR Doc. 2015–12980 Filed 5–28–15; 8:45 am]
equipped and efficient fleet owned and premises, equipment, publications,
operated by United States citizens and advertising, uniforms, or
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
supported by domestic shipbuilding and correspondence within the context of
repair facilities.1 MARAD was being a U.S. Ships award recipient.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION specifically formed as a maritime Recipients may not use the logo to claim
promotional entity separate from the that the Department of Transportation or
Maritime Administration Federal Maritime Commission.2 The MARAD promotes or endorses their
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Message of the President transmitting company, products, and/or services.
Recognition Awards for U.S.-Flag Plan 7 states that the ‘‘basic objective of U.S. Ships awardees will be permitted
Vessel Usage to display their status using the U.S.
1 American Trading Transportation Company,
AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Ships logo and the year in which they
Inc. v. United States, 791 F.2d 942, 944 (D.C. Cir.
Department of Transportation. 1986). earned the award. The logo will be
2 Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961, 75 Stat. 840 released to recipients only in non-
ACTION: Notice.
(August 12, 1961). editable electronic format.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 103 / Friday, May 29, 2015 / Notices 30761
By Order of the Maritime Administrator. 15 pages in length, although there is no for importation. The agency then
Thomas M. Hudson, Jr., limit to the length of necessary publishes this decision in the Federal
Secretary, Maritime Administration. attachments to the comments. If Register.
[FR Doc. 2015–13019 Filed 5–28–15; 8:45 am] comments are submitted in hard copy G&K Automotive Conversion, Inc. of
BILLING CODE 4910–81–P
form, please ensure that two copies are Santa Ana, CA (Registered Importer
provided. If you wish to receive R90–007) has petitioned NHTSA to
confirmation that your comments were decide whether nonconforming MY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received, please enclose a stamped, self- 1991 BMW M3 convertible passenger
addressed postcard with the comments. cars are eligible for importation into the
National Highway Traffic Safety Note that all comments received will be United States.
Administration posted without change to http:// G&K noted in its petition that
www.regulations.gov, including any although conforming MY 1991 BMW
[Docket No. NHTSA–2014–0097; Notice 1]
personal information provided. M3 vehicles were not sold in the U.S.,
Notice of Receipt of Petition for Documents submitted to a docket may NHTSA has determined that
Decision that Nonconforming Model be viewed by anyone at the address and nonconforming MY 1989 BMW M3
Year 1991 BMW M3 Convertible times give above. The documents may vehicles are eligible for importation.
Passenger Cars Are Eligible for also be viewed on the Internet at G&K compared the nonconforming MY
Importation http://www.regulations.gov by following 1991 BMW M3 vehicles to the
the online instructions for accessing the nonconforming MY 1989 BMW M3
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic dockets DOT’s complete Privacy Act vehicles that have been determined
Safety Administration, DOT. Statement is available for review in the eligible for importation, and based its
ACTION: Receipt of petition. Federal Register published on April 11, arguments that the 1991 BMW M3
2000, (65 FR 19477–78) vehicles conform to many applicable
SUMMARY: This document announces The petition, supporting materials, FMVSS, and are capable of being altered
receipt by the National Highway Traffic and all comments received before the to meet the remainder of the applicable
Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a close of business on the closing date FMVSS, in part, on the similarities
petition for a decision that indicated below will be filed and will be between the MY 1989 and MY 1991
nonconforming model year (MY) 1991 considered. All comments and vehicles.
BMW M3 convertible passenger cars supporting materials received after the Specifically, the petitioner claims that
that were not originally manufactured to closing date will also be filed and will non-U.S. certified MY 1991 BMW M3
comply with all applicable Federal be considered to the extent possible. convertible passenger cars, as originally
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards When the petition is granted or denied, manufactured, conform to: Standard
(FMVSS), are eligible for importation notice of the decision will be published Nos. 102 Transmission Shift Lever
into the United States because they have in the Federal Register pursuant to the Sequence, Starter Interlock, and
safety features that comply with, or are authority indicated below. Transmission Braking Effect; 103
capable of being altered to comply with, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Windshield Defrosting and Defogging
all such standards. George Stevens, Office of Vehicle Safety Systems; 104 Windshield Wiping and
DATES: June 29, 2015. Compliance, NHTSA (202–366–5308). Washing Systems; 105 Hydraulic Brake
ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Systems; 106 Brake Hoses; 107
the docket and notice numbers above Reflective Surfaces; 109 New Pneumatic
and submitted by any of the following Background Tires; 113 Hood Latch System; 115
methods: Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(B), a Vehicle Identification Number—Basic
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to motor vehicle that was not originally Requirements; 116 Motor Vehicle Brake
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the manufactured to conform to all Fluids; 118 Power-Operated Window
online instructions for submitting applicable FMVSS, and has no Systems; 124 Accelerator Control
comments. substantially similar U.S.-certified Systems; 201 Occupant Protection in
• Mail: Send comments by mail counterpart, shall be refused admission Interior Impact; 202 Head Restraints;
addressed to: U.S. Department of into the United States unless NHTSA 204 Steering Control Rearward
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey has decided that the motor vehicle has Displacement; 205 Glazing Materials;
Avenue SE., West Building Ground safety features that comply with, or are 206 Door Locks and Door Retention
Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC capable of being altered to comply with, Components; 207 Seating Systems; 209
20590–0001. all applicable FMVSS based on Seat Belt Assemblies; 210 Seat Belt
• Hand Delivery: Deliver comments destructive test data or such other Assembly Anchorages; 211 Wheel Nuts,
by hand to: West Building Ground evidence as NHTSA decides to be Wheel Disks, and Hub Caps; 212
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey adequate. Windshield Mounting; 214 Side Impact
Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Petitions for eligibility decisions may Protection; 216 Roof Crush Resistance;
ET, Monday through Friday, except be submitted by either manufacturers or 219 Windshield Zone Intrusion; 301
Federal holidays. importers who have registered with Fuel System Integrity; and 302
• Electronically: Submit comments NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR part 592. As Flammability of Interior Materials.
electronically by: Logging onto the specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA The petitioner also contends that the
Federal Docket Management System publishes notice in the Federal Register vehicles are capable of being altered to
Lhorne on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
(FDMS) Web site at http:// of each petition that it receives, and meet the following standards, in the
www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online affords interested persons an manner indicated:
instructions for submitting comments. opportunity to comment on the petition. Standard No. 101 Controls and
Comments may also be faxed to (202) At the close of the comment period, Displays: addition of the word
493–2251. NHTSA decides, on the basis of the ‘‘BRAKE’’ to the brake system warning
Comments must be written in the petition and any comments that it has indicator lamp located on the
English language, and be no greater than received, whether the vehicle is eligible instrument cluster.
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:31:38
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:31:38
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | This policy is effective upon publication in the Federal Register. (See also Paperwork Reduction Act section.) | |
| Contact | You may contact Clifford Johnson, Office of Cargo and Commercial Sealift, Maritime Administration, at (202) 366-2105. You may send mail to Mr. Johnson at Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., MAR 620, Washington, DC 20590-0001. You may send electronic mail to [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 30759 |
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