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.
Form MA-1084 Safety Management System Checklist SMS Authority Approval
Letter Requesting Emergency Approval.pdf
20211221 EMBARC Standards Policy.docx
SASH Compliance Quarterly Meeting