05-15862. Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements; Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review

AGENCY:

Maritime Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The nature of the information collection is described as well as its expected burden. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on May 5, 2005, and comments were due by July 5, 2005. One comment was received by MARAD opposing and objecting to any waivers of any kind being extended due to terrorist concerns. While MARAD appreciates public input regarding the small vessel waiver program, this notice is concerned only with the information collection under review. MARAD is required to and requested comments specifically about whether this information collection is necessary for proper performance of the functions of the agency and will have practical utility, accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to minimize this burden, and ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. Because this comment does not address this information collection, MARAD will not address the respondent's comments in this action.

DATES:

Comments must be submitted on or before September 12, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sharon Cassidy, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: [phone]; FAX: [phone]; or e-mail: [e-mail]. Copies of this collection also can be obtained from that office.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Maritime Administration (MARAD).

Title: Application for Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for Small Passenger Vessels.

OMB Control Number: 2133-0529.

Type of Request: Extension of currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Small passenger vessel owners who desire to operate in the coastwise trade.

Forms: None.

Abstract: Owners of small passenger vessels desiring waiver of the coastwise trade laws affecting small passenger vessels will be required to file a written application and justification for waiver to the Maritime Administration (MARAD). The agency will review the application and make a determination whether to grant the requested waiver.

Annual Estimated Burden Hours: 100 hours.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention MARAD Desk Officer.

Comments are invited on: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.

Authority: 49 CFR 1.66.

Issued in Washington, DC, on August 3, 2005.

Joel C. Richard,

Secretary, Maritime Administration.