2018-02191. 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Advance Notification Form; Tourist and Other Non-Governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to April 6, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2018-0006” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.
• Email: [e-mail].
• Regular Mail: Send written comments to: Peter Ganser, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, Room 2665, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520.

You must include the DS form number, DS-4131; information collection title, ADVANCE NOTIFICATION FORM: Tourist and Other Non-Governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area; and the OMB control number, 1405-0181, in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, may be submitted to Peter Ganser, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, Room 2665, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520. He may be reached on 202-647-0237.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: ADVANCE NOTIFICATION FORM: Tourist and Other Non-Governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0181.
• Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES/OPA).
• Form Number: DS-4131.
• Respondents: Operators of Antarctic expeditions organized in or proceeding from the United States.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 25.
• Average Time per Response: 10.5 hours.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 260 hours.
• Frequency: On occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

Information solicited on the Advance Notification Form (DS-4131) provides the U.S. Government with information on tourist and other non-governmental expeditions to the Antarctic Treaty area. The U.S. Government needs this information to comply with Article VII(5)(a) of the Antarctic Treaty and associated documents.

Methodology

Information will be submitted by organizers of tourist and other non-governmental expeditions to Antarctica. Copies should be submitted via email, although signed originals are also valid.

Evan T. Bloom,

Director, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State.