Merchant Marine training: Service obligations, deferments, and waivers; compliance determinations; appeal procedures,
[Federal Register: April 10, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 69)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 18957-18960]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10ap00-28]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
46 CFR Part 310
[Docket No. MARAD-2000-7147]
RIN 2133-AB41
Appeal Procedures for Determinations Concerning Compliance With Service Obligations, Deferments, and Waivers
AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Transportation.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is soliciting public comment on proposed revisions to the procedures for reviewing: Determinations that a student or graduate of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) or a State maritime academy that receives student incentive payments has breached the service obligation; denials of requests for deferment of the service obligation; and denials of requests for waivers of the service obligation contract. Currently, the regulations call for review by a panel composed of a representative of MARAD and representatives from the Department of the Navy, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Coast Guard. The proposed revisions provide for an appeal to the Maritime Administrator, the head of the agency, rather than review by the panel. The intended effect of this regulation is to streamline the process of reaching a final agency decision and allow for timely action on requests for review.
Dates: You should submit your comments early enough to ensure that Docket Management receives them not later than May 10, 2000. Comments filedlate will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD-2000-7147. Written comments may be submitted by hand or mail to the Docket Management Facility, 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., E.T., 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: Jay Gordon of the Office of Chief Counsel at (202) 366-5191. You may send mail to Jay Gordon, Maritime Administration, Office of Chief Counsel, Room 7228, MAR-226, 400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC, 20590-0001, or you may send e-mail to jay.gordon@marad.dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Who May File Comments?
Anyone may file written comments about proposals made in any rulemaking document that requests public comments, including, but not limited to, any state government agency, any political subdivision of a State, or any person.
How Do I Prepare and Submit Comments?
To ensure that your comments are correctly filedin the Docket, please include the docket number of this NPRM in your comments. In addition, your comments must be written in English.
We encourage you to write your primary comments in a concise fashion. You may, however, attach necessary additional documents to your comments. There is no limit on the length of the attachments. Please submit two copies of your comments, including the attachments, to the Docket Management Facility at the address given above under ADDRESSES. If possible, one copy should be in an unbound format to facilitate copying and electronic filing.
How Can I Be Sure That My Comments Were Received?
If you want Docket Management to notify you upon its receipt of your comments, enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard in the envelope containing your comments. Upon receiving your comments, Docket Management will return the postcard by mail. If you send comments by e- mail, you will receive a message by e-mail confirming receipt of your comments. Your e-mail address should be noted with your comments.
Is Information That I Submit to MARAD Made Available to the Public?
When you submit information to us as part of this NPRM, during any rulemaking proceeding, or for any other reason, we may make that information publicly available unless you ask that we keep the information confidential. If you wish to submit any information under a claim of confidentiality, you should submit three copies of your complete submission, including the information you claim to be confidential business information, to the Chief Counsel, Maritime Administration, at the address given above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT You should mark ``CONFIDENTIAL'' on each page of the original document that you would like to keep confidential.
In addition, you should submit two copies, from which you have deleted the claimed confidential business information, to the Docket Management Facility at the address given above under ADDRESSES. When you send comments containing information claimed to be confidential business information, you should also include a cover letter setting forth with specificity the basis for any such claim (for example, it is exempt from mandatory public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552).
We will decide whether or not to treat your information as confidential. You will be notified in writing of our decision to grant or deny confidentiality before the information is publicly disclosed and you will be given an opportunity to respond.
How Can I Read the Comments Submitted by Other People?
You may read the comments received by the Docket Management Facility at the address and during the hours provided above under ADDRESSES.
Comments may also be viewed on the Internet. To read the comments on the Internet, take the following steps: Go to the Docket Management System (``DMS'') Web page of the Department of Transportation (http:// dms.dot.gov). On that page, click on ``search.'' On the next page (http://dms.dot.gov/search), type in the four-digit docket number shown on the first page of this document. The docket number for this NPRM is 7147. After typing the docket number, click on ``search.'' On the next page, which contains docket summary information for the docket you selected, click on the desired comments. You may download the comments.
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Please note that even after the comment closing date, we will continue to file relevant information in the Docket as it becomes available. Accordingly, we recommend that you periodically check the Docket for new material.
Background
Since 1980, each individual U.S. citizen who enters the USMMA and each student at a State maritime academy who receives Federal student incentive payments is required pursuant to statute (46 U.S.C. App. 1295b(e) and 1295c(g)) to sign an agreement committing: (A) To complete the course of instruction at the relevant academy, unless the individual is separated by such institution; (B) to fulfill the requirements for a license as an officer in the merchant marine of the United States on or before the date of graduation from the USMMA or, if a student incentive payment recipient, to take the examination for a license as an officer in the merchant marine of the United States on or before the date of graduation and to fulfill the requirements for such a license not later than 3 months after the date of graduation from a State maritime academy; (C) to maintain a license as an officer in the merchant marine of the United States for at least 6 years following the date of graduation from the relevant academy; (D) to apply for an appointment as, to accept if tendered an appointment as, and to serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Naval Reserve (including the Merchant Marine Reserve, United States Naval Reserve), the United States Coast Guard Reserve, or any other Reserve unit of an armed force of the United States, for at least 6 years following the date of graduation from the relevant academy; (E) to serve the foreign and domestic commerce and the national defense of the United States for at least 5 years following the date of graduation from the USMMA or for at least 3 years following the date of graduation from a State maritime academy; and (F) to report to the Maritime Administrator on the compliance by the individual. If the official designated by the Maritime Administrator determines that the individual has breached the service obligation contract, denies a request for a deferment of the service obligation, or denies a request for a waiver of the service obligation contract, the individual may seek review of that determination(s).
Currently, review of said determination(s) is by a panel composed of a representative of MARAD and representatives from the Department of the Navy, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Coast Guard. There is no standing panel and, when requested in writing by the individual, the panel must be convened on an ad hoc basis. These revisions would remove the panel as the reviewing authority and provide for direct appeal to the Maritime Administrator, the head of MARAD. These revisions are designed to streamline the process of reaching a final agency decision and allow for timely review of the decisions of the designated official. It also recognizes that the fundamental concerns involved in breach determinations and waiver and deferment decisions are central to the statutory purposes of the authority and responsibility of MARAD to operate the USMMA and administer the program for incentive payments to students at State maritime academies. These programmatic concerns do not necessarily involve areas of concern to organizations, such as NOAA and the United States Coast Guard, currently designated to sit on the panel.
This NPRM is being published with an abbreviated comment period of 30 days because the proposed amendments are limited to procedural changes, affect a relatively small segment of the public, and are not technical or complex.
Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
This rulemaking has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866, and it has been determined that this is not a significant regulatory action. The rule is not likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. Also, it has been determined to be a nonsignificant rule under the Department's Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979). Because the economic impact, if any, should be minimal, further regulatory evaluation is not necessary. These amendments are intended only to simplify and clarify the procedural requirements for appeals of determinations concerning breaches of service obligations, deferments, and waivers.
Federalism
We analyzed this rulemaking in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in E.O. 13132 (``Federalism'') and have determined that it does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. The regulations have no substantial effects on the States, or on the current Federal- State relationship, or on the current distribution of power and responsibilities among the various local officials. Therefore, consultation with State and local officials was not necessary.
Executive Order 13084
The Maritime Administration does not believe that the revised regulations evolving from this NPRM will significantly or uniquely affect the communities of Indian tribal governments when analyzed under the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13084 (``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments''). Therefore, the funding and consultation requirements of this Executive Order would not apply. Nevertheless, this NPRM specifically requests comments from affected persons, including Indian tribal governments, as to its potential impact.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Maritime Administration certifies that this rulemaking will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This NPRM only proposes new procedural rules for students and graduates of the USMMA or State maritime academies to appeal determinations regarding breaches of service obligations, deferments, and waivers.
Environmental Impact Statement
We have analyzed this NPRM for purposes of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and have concluded that under the categorical exclusions provision in section 4.05 of Maritime Administrative Order (``MAO'') 600-1, ``Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,'' 50 FR 11606 (March 22, 1985), the preparation of an Environmental Assessment, and an Environmental Impact Statement, or a Finding of No Significant Impact for this rulemaking is not required. This rulemaking involves administrative and procedural regulations that have no environmental impact.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rulemaking contains no reporting requirement that is subject to OMB approval under 5 CFR part 1320, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
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Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier number (RIN) to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. You may use the RIN contained in the heading of this document to cross- reference this action with the Unified Agenda.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This proposed rule would not impose an unfunded mandate under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. It would not result in costs of $100 million or more, in the aggregate, to any of the following: State, local, or Native American tribal governments, or the private sector. This proposed rule is the least burdensome alternative that achieves the objective of the rule.
List of Subjects 46 CFR Part 310
Grant programs--education, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Schools, Seamen.
Accordingly, MARAD proposes to amend 46 CFR Part 310 as follows:
PART 310--MERCHANT MARINE TRAINING
-
The authority citation for Part 310 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 App. U.S.C. 1295; 49 CFR 1.66.
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Section 310.7 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(10) heading paragraph (b)(10)(ii), paragraph (b)(10)(iii) and adding a new paragraph (b)(10)(iv) to read as follows:
Sec. 310.7 Federal student subsistence allowances and student incentive payments.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(10) Determination of compliance with service obligation contract; deferment; waiver; and appeal procedures. * * * * *
(ii)(A) If a student or graduate disagrees with the decision of the designated official, the student or graduate may appeal that decision to the Maritime Administrator. The appeal shall set forth all the legal and factual grounds on which the student or graduate bases the appeal. Any grounds not set forth in the appeal are waived.
(B) Appeals must be filedwith the Maritime Administrator within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt by such student or graduate of the written decision of the designated official. Appeals must be filedat the Office of the Secretary, Maritime Administration, Room 7210, 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Each decision will include a notice of appeal rights.
(C) A decision is deemed to be received by a student or graduate five (5) working days after the date it is mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the address for such student or graduate listed with the Office of Maritime Labor, Training, and Safety. It is the responsibility of such student or graduate to insure that their current mailing address is on file with the Office of Maritime Labor, Training, and Safety, Room 7302, 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20590.
(D) If the appeal is sent by conventional mail (through the United States Postal Service), the date of filing is determined by the postmark date. If no legible postmark date appears on the mailing, the appeal is deemed to be filedfive (5) working days before the date of its receipt in the Office of the Secretary. If delivered by other than the United States Postal Service, an appeal is filedwith the Maritime Administrator on the date it is physically delivered to the Office of the Secretary at the address referenced in paragraph (b)(10)(ii)(B) of this section. The date of filing by commercial delivery (not United States Postal Service) is the date it is received at the address for the Office of the Secretary set forth in paragraph (b)(10)(ii)(B) of this section. Appeals may not be submitted by facsimile or by electronic mail. Requests for extension of the time to file an appeal may be submitted by facsimile or electronic mail to the Office of the Secretary. Requests for extension of time do not stop or toll the running of the time for filing an appeal. Appeals may only be filed after the deadline if the Maritime Administrator or his designee, in their sole discretion, grants an extension.
(E) In computing the number of days, the first day counted is the day after the event from which the time period begins to run. If the date that ordinarily would be the last day for filing falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the filing period will include the first workday after that date.
Example to paragraph (b) (10) (ii)(E): If a graduate receives a decision on July 1, the 30-day period for filing an appeal starts to run on July 2. The appeal would ordinarily be timely only if postmarked on or physically delivered by July 31. If July 31 is a Saturday, however, the last day for obtaining a postmark by mailing or physical delivery would be Monday, August 2.
(iii) The Maritime Administrator shall issue a written decision for each timely appeal. This decision constitutes final agency action.
(iv) If a student or graduate fails to appeal within the time set forth in paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section, the decision of the designated official shall be final and constitute final agency action.
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Section 310.58 is amended by revising paragraph (h) heading, paragraphs (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) to read as follows:
Sec. 310.58 Service obligation for students enrolled after April 1, 1982.
* * * * *
(h) Determination of compliance with service obligation contract; deferment; waiver; and appeal procedures. * * * * *
(2)(i) If a student or graduate disagrees with the decision of the designated official, the student or graduate may appeal that decision to the Maritime Administrator. The appeal shall set forth all the legal and factual grounds on which the student or graduate bases the appeal. Any grounds not set forth in the appeal are waived.
(ii) Appeals must be filedwith the Maritime Administrator within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt by such student or graduate of the written decision of the designated official. Appeals must be filed at the Office of the Secretary, Maritime Administration, Room 7210, 400 7th St. SW., Washington, DC 20590. Each decision will include a notice of appeal rights.
(iii) A decision is deemed to be received by a student or graduate five (5) working days after the date it is mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the address for such student or graduate listed with the Office of Maritime Labor, Training, and Safety. It is the responsibility of such student or graduate to insure that their current mailing address is on file with the Office of Maritime Labor, Training, and Safety, Room 7302, 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20590.
(iv) If the appeal is sent by conventional mail (through the United States Postal Service), the date of filing is determined by the postmark date. If no legible postmark date appears on the mailing, the appeal is deemed to be filedfive (5) working days before the date of its receipt in the Office of the Secretary. If delivered by other than the United States Postal Service, an appeal is filedwith the Maritime Administrator on the date it is physically delivered to the Office of the Secretary at the address referenced in paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section. The date of filing by commercial delivery (not United States Postal Service) is the date it is received
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at the address for the Office of the Secretary set forth in paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section. Appeals may not be submitted by facsimile or by electronic mail. Requests for extension of the time to file an appeal may be submitted by facsimile or electronic mail to the Office of the Secretary. Requests for extension of time do not stop or toll the running of the time for filing an appeal. Appeals may only be filed after the deadline if the Maritime Administrator or his designee, in their sole discretion, grants an extension.
(v) In computing the number of days, the first day counted is the day after the event from which the time period begins to run. If the date that ordinarily would be the last day for filing falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the filing period will include the first workday after that date.
Example to paragraph (b)(10)(v): If a graduate receives a decision on July 1, the 30-day period for filing an appeal starts to run on July 2. The appeal would ordinarily be timely only if postmarked on or physically delivered by July 31. If July 31 is a Saturday, however, the last day for obtaining a postmark by mailing or physical delivery would be Monday, August 2.
(3) The Maritime Administrator shall issue a written decision for each timely appeal. This decision constitutes final agency action.
(4) If a student or graduate fails to appeal within the time set forth in paragraph (h)(2) of this section, the decision of the designated official shall be final and constitute final agency action.
Dated: April 3, 2000.
By Order of the Maritime Administrator. Joel C. Richard, Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 00-8614Filed4-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-81-P
