This version of
the EMBARC plan and its related information collections represents
a first step on behalf of the agency in ensuring cadet safety
aboard commercial vessels. The agency will continue to work with
stakeholders both in and out of government to develop a long-term
plan that fosters overall improvements in culture and in the safety
of its cadets aboard commercial vessels. The agency will report to
OMB on its progress prior to submitting its request for an
extension of this information request.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2022
6 Months From Approved
428
0
0
1,615
0
0
0
0
0
In accordance with its delegation of
authority at 49 CFR 1.93(a), and pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 50101(a)(4),
the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is charged with ensuring that
the United States Merchant Marine is manned with trained and
efficient citizen personnel. Furthermore, 46 U.S.C. 51322 requires
MARAD to protect cadet mariners from sexual assault onboard vessels
and in so doing, to set sexual assault policy and to conduct random
and targeted unannounced checks of commercial vessels.
In September of 2021, a
student at the USMMA published a disturbing account of sexual
assault occurring while onboard a commercial vessel during her
cadet at sea training. On October 2, 2021, the Deputy Secretary,
Department of Transportation (DOT), issued a statement committing
to "move swiftly and resolutely to address sexual assault and
harassment, protect and support survivors, and fulfill our deep
commitment to the vital work of the USMMA." Shortly thereafter, to
protect the safety of cadet mariners, the DOT, and MARAD, which is
responsible for providing oversight of the USMMA and support to the
nation's State Maritime Academies, paused the use of commercial
vessels in what is called Sea Year training for cadets. From that
time until now, MARAD has been working to develop and establish the
means to protect cadets' personal safety and security in the course
of their training onboard commercial vessels. As a result of these
efforts, MARAD is now prepared to issue interim sexual assault and
sexual harassment prevention measures to be agreed to and
incorporated by commercial vessel operators before resuming cadet
training on commercial vessels. The inability to safely utilize
commercial vessels for mariner training is presently disrupting
cadets' ability to predict when and how they may obtain the
necessary experience required to obtain their U.S. Coast Guard
Merchant Marine Officer license while at the same time adversely
impacting an industry that relies on the cadets as valued crew
members. However, cadet safety being paramount, MARAD cannot resume
training on commercial vessels until it solidifies an understanding
with the vessel operators on how best to protect against sexual
assault and harassment moving forward.
US Code:
46 USC 50101 (a)(4) Name of Law: Shipping Objectives and
Policy
US Code: 46
USC 51322 Name of Law: Protection of Cadets from Sexual Assault
Onboard Vessels
US Code: 49
USC 1.93 Name of Law: Delegations to the Maritime
Administrator
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.