COVID-19 Impact on Cruise Industry; Order, 26978-26979 [2020-09623]

Download as PDF 26978 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 88 / Wednesday, May 6, 2020 / Notices an application procedure to authorize such access, including rules governing DVC entities and entry of information in the TRS Numbering Directory and the TRS–URD. On August 2, 2019, the Commission released Implementing Kari’s Law and Section 506 of RAY BAUM’s Act; Inquiry Concerning 911 Access, Routing, and Location in Enterprise Communications Systems; Amending the Definition of Interconnected VoIP Service in Section 9.3 of the Commission’s Rules, FCC 19–76, published at 84 FR 66716, December 5, 2019 (MLTS 911 and Dispatchable Location Order). The Commission amended its rules to ensure that the dispatchable location is conveyed to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with a 911 call, regardless of the technological platform used. Based on the directive in section 506 of RAY BAUM’S Act, the Commission adopted dispatchable location requirements that in effect modified the existing information collection requirements applicable to VRS, IP Relay and covered IP CTS by improving the options for providing accurate location information to PSAPs as part of 911 calls. Fixed internet-based TRS devices must provide automated dispatchable location. For non-fixed devices, when dispatchable location is not technically feasible, internet-based TRS providers may fall back to Registered Location or provide alternative location information. As a last resort, internetbased providers may route calls to Emergency Relay Calling Centers. after making a good faith effort to obtain location data from all available alternative location sources. Dispatchable location means a location delivered to the PSAP with a 911 call that consists of the validated street address of the calling party, plus additional information such as suite, apartment or similar information necessary to adequately identify the location of the calling party. Automated dispatchable location means automatic generation of dispatchable location. Alternative location information is location information (which may be coordinate-based) sufficient to identify the caller’s civic address and approximate in-building location, including floor level, in large buildings. On January 31, 2020, the Commission released Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, FCC 20–7 (VRS At-Home Call Handling Order). The Commission amended its rules to convert the VRS at- VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 May 05, 2020 Jkt 250001 home call handling pilot program into a permanent one, thereby allowing CAs to work from home. To ensure user privacy and call confidentiality and to help prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, the modified information collections include requirements for VRS providers to apply for certification to allow their communications assistants to handle calls while working at home; monitoring and oversight requirements; and reporting requirements. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–09621 Filed 5–5–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Notice of Agreements Filed The Commission hereby gives notice of the filing of the following agreements under the Shipping Act of 1984. Interested parties may submit comments, relevant information, or documents regarding the agreements to the Secretary by email at Secretary@ fmc.gov, or by mail, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Comments will be most helpful to the Commission if received within 12 days of the date this notice appears in the Federal Register. Copies of agreements are available through the Commission’s website (www.fmc.gov) or by contacting the Office of Agreements at (202)–523– 5793 or tradeanalysis@fmc.gov. Agreement No.: 010099–068. Agreement Name: International Council of Containership Operators. Parties: CMA CGM S.A.; COSCO SHIPPING Co., Ltd.; Crowley Liner Services, Inc.; Evergreen Line Joint Service Agreement; Hapag-Lloyd AG; Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd.; Maersk A/S; Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.; Orient Overseas Container Line Limited; Wan Hai Lines Ltd.; Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation; and Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. Filing Party: John Longstreth; K&L Gates. Synopsis: The amendment removes Pacific International Lines (PTE) LTD as a party to the Agreement. Proposed Effective Date: 4/27/2020. Location: https://www2.fmc.gov/ FMC.Agreements.Web/Public/ AgreementHistory/1032. Agreement No.: 201341. Agreement Name: King Ocean/ Seaboard Trinidad Space Charter Agreement. Parties: King Ocean Services Limited and Seaboard Marine Ltd. PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Filing Party: Wayne Rohde; Cozen O’Connor. Synopsis: The Agreement authorizes Seaboard to charter space to King Ocean in the trade between Miami and Trinidad. Proposed Effective Date: 6/12/2020. Location: https://www2.fmc.gov/ FMC.Agreements.Web/Public/ AgreementHistory/1032. Agreement No.: 201342. Agreement Name: MSC/Maersk SAEC Space Charter. Parties: Maersk A/S and Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. Filing Party: Wayne Rohde; Cozen O’Connor. Synopsis: The Agreement authorizes MSC to charter space to Maersk in the trade between ports on the U.S. Gulf Coast and ports in Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Proposed Effective Date: 6/14/2020. Location: https://www2.fmc.gov/ FMC.Agreements.Web/Public/ AgreementHistory/29496. Agreement No.: 201343. Agreement Name: Maersk/MSC UCLA Space Charter Agreement. Parties: Maersk A/S and Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. Filing Party: Wayne Rohde; Cozen O’Connor. Synopsis: The Agreement authorizes Maersk to charter space to MSC on Maersk’s UCLA service in the trade between ports on the U.S. Gulf Coast and ports in Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Proposed Effective Date: 6/14/2020. Location: https://www2.fmc.gov/ FMC.Agreements.Web/Public/ AgreementHistory/29497. Dated: May 1, 2020. Rachel Dickon, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–09659 Filed 5–5–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730–02–P FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION [Fact Finding No. 30] COVID–19 Impact on Cruise Industry; Order Congress tasked the Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) with administering the Shipping Act of 1984 (Shipping Act), 46 U.S.C. 40101 et seq. The Commission also administers Public Law 89–777, 46 U.S.C. 44101 et seq., to ensure that passenger vessel operators (PVOs) satisfy the financial responsibility requirements related to nonperformance of transportation and death or injury to passengers. The purposes of the Shipping Act include the provision of ‘‘an efficient E:\FR\FM\06MYN1.SGM 06MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 88 / Wednesday, May 6, 2020 / Notices and economic transportation system in the ocean commerce of the United States that is, insofar as possible, in harmony with, and responsive to, international shipping practices.’’ 46 U.S.C. 40101. Pursuant to the Shipping Act, the Commission regulates ocean common carriage of the United States. When they are engaged in transportation of passengers between the U.S. and a foreign country, PVOs are common carriers under the Shipping Act. See 46 U.S.C. 40102(7)(A). PVOs are also subject to the requirements of 46 U.S.C. chap. 441 and regulations promulgated thereunder in 46 CFR part 540. The purpose of that statute is, among other things, ‘‘to prevent financial loss and hardship to the American traveling public, who, after payment of cruise passage money, are stranded by the abandonment or cancellation of a cruise.’’ Terry Marler and James Beasley dba Titanic Steamship Line, 22 S.R.R. 359, 369 (ALJ 1983), aff’d, 22 S.R.R. 798 (FMC 1984). The Commission understands that the current pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID–19) has severely impacted the cruise industry. On March 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation causing PVOs to cease all operations. Due to the unpredictable nature of this disease, the CDC has extended the term of the order demonstrating the uncertainty associated with this pandemic. Consequently, questions concerning future travel and passengers’ ability to obtain refunds of monies remitted for transportation disrupted by COVID–19 are legion. The cruise industry plays a unique and important role in the U.S. economy. Given the Commission’s mandate to: (1) Ensure an efficient and economic transportation system for ocean commerce for both goods and passengers under the Shipping Act; and (2) ensure that PVOs maintain adequate financial responsibility to indemnify passengers for nonperformance and meet any liability which may be incurred for death or injury to passengers or other persons under 46 U.S.C. chap. 441, the Commission has a clear and compelling responsibility to actively investigate and respond to the current challenges impacting the cruise industry and the U.S. ports that rely on it.1 Therefore it is ordered, That, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 40104, 41101–41109, 41301–41309, 44104–44106 and 46 CFR 502.281 et seq., Commissioner Louis E. Sola engage cruise industry stakeholders, including PVOs, passengers, and marine terminal operators, in public or non-public discussions to identify commercial solutions to COVID–19-related issues that interfere with the operation of the cruise industry; It is further ordered, That, the Commissioner form one or more teams, composed of leaders from the cruise industry and other stakeholders, to develop commercial solutions to the challenges created by the COVID–19 pandemic; It is further ordered, That the Commissioner interact with any or all maritime related COVID–19 task forces of which this Commission is affiliated or monitors for the purpose of collecting data related to COVID–19 and its impact on the cruise industry; It is further ordered, That, the Commissioner provide a preliminary report and periodic updates to the Commission on the results of efforts undertaken by this Order; It is further ordered, That, the Commissioner have full authority under 46 CFR 502.281–291 to perform such duties as may be necessary in accordance with U.S. law and Commission regulations. The Commissioner will be assisted by staff members as may be assigned by the Chairman; It is further ordered, That, this Proceeding be discontinued upon the acceptance of a final report and possible recommendations by the Commissioner, unless otherwise ordered by the Commission; and It is finally ordered, That, notice of this Order be published in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Rachel Dickon, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–09623 Filed 5–5–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730–02–P 1 The provisions of the Shipping Act govern proceedings under 46 U.S.C. chap. 441. See 46 U.S.C. 44106. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 May 05, 2020 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26979 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Docket No. CDC–2020–0050] Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health (ABRWH or the Advisory Board), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Notice of Meeting and Request for Comment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the CDC announces the following meeting of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health (ABRWH). This meeting is open to the public, but without a public comment period. The public is welcome to listen to the meeting by joining the audio conference (information below). The audio conference line has 150 ports for callers. DATES: The meeting will be held on June 24, 2020, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., EDT. Written comments must be received on or before June 18, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC–2020– 0050 by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH Docket Office, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, MS C–34, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226–1998. Instructions: All information received in response to this notice must include the agency name and docket number [CDC–2020–0050]. All relevant comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Instructions: All submissions received must include the Agency name and Docket Number. All relevant comments received in conformance with the https://www.regulations.gov suitability policy will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov. Meeting Information: Audio Conference Call via FTS Conferencing. The USA toll-free dial-in number is 1– 866–659–0537; the pass code is 9933701. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06MYN1.SGM 06MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 6, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26978-26979]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09623]


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FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

[Fact Finding No. 30]


COVID-19 Impact on Cruise Industry; Order

    Congress tasked the Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) with 
administering the Shipping Act of 1984 (Shipping Act), 46 U.S.C. 40101 
et seq. The Commission also administers Public Law 89-777, 46 U.S.C. 
44101 et seq., to ensure that passenger vessel operators (PVOs) satisfy 
the financial responsibility requirements related to nonperformance of 
transportation and death or injury to passengers.
    The purposes of the Shipping Act include the provision of ``an 
efficient

[[Page 26979]]

and economic transportation system in the ocean commerce of the United 
States that is, insofar as possible, in harmony with, and responsive 
to, international shipping practices.'' 46 U.S.C. 40101. Pursuant to 
the Shipping Act, the Commission regulates ocean common carriage of the 
United States. When they are engaged in transportation of passengers 
between the U.S. and a foreign country, PVOs are common carriers under 
the Shipping Act. See 46 U.S.C. 40102(7)(A).
    PVOs are also subject to the requirements of 46 U.S.C. chap. 441 
and regulations promulgated thereunder in 46 CFR part 540. The purpose 
of that statute is, among other things, ``to prevent financial loss and 
hardship to the American traveling public, who, after payment of cruise 
passage money, are stranded by the abandonment or cancellation of a 
cruise.'' Terry Marler and James Beasley dba Titanic Steamship Line, 22 
S.R.R. 359, 369 (ALJ 1983), aff'd, 22 S.R.R. 798 (FMC 1984).
    The Commission understands that the current pandemic caused by the 
novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has severely impacted the cruise industry. 
On March 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
issued a No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation causing 
PVOs to cease all operations. Due to the unpredictable nature of this 
disease, the CDC has extended the term of the order demonstrating the 
uncertainty associated with this pandemic. Consequently, questions 
concerning future travel and passengers' ability to obtain refunds of 
monies remitted for transportation disrupted by COVID-19 are legion.
    The cruise industry plays a unique and important role in the U.S. 
economy. Given the Commission's mandate to: (1) Ensure an efficient and 
economic transportation system for ocean commerce for both goods and 
passengers under the Shipping Act; and (2) ensure that PVOs maintain 
adequate financial responsibility to indemnify passengers for 
nonperformance and meet any liability which may be incurred for death 
or injury to passengers or other persons under 46 U.S.C. chap. 441, the 
Commission has a clear and compelling responsibility to actively 
investigate and respond to the current challenges impacting the cruise 
industry and the U.S. ports that rely on it.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The provisions of the Shipping Act govern proceedings under 
46 U.S.C. chap. 441. See 46 U.S.C. 44106.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore it is ordered, That, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 40104, 41101-
41109, 41301-41309, 44104-44106 and 46 CFR 502.281 et seq., 
Commissioner Louis E. Sola engage cruise industry stakeholders, 
including PVOs, passengers, and marine terminal operators, in public or 
non-public discussions to identify commercial solutions to COVID-19-
related issues that interfere with the operation of the cruise 
industry;
    It is further ordered, That, the Commissioner form one or more 
teams, composed of leaders from the cruise industry and other 
stakeholders, to develop commercial solutions to the challenges created 
by the COVID-19 pandemic;
    It is further ordered, That the Commissioner interact with any or 
all maritime related COVID-19 task forces of which this Commission is 
affiliated or monitors for the purpose of collecting data related to 
COVID-19 and its impact on the cruise industry;
    It is further ordered, That, the Commissioner provide a preliminary 
report and periodic updates to the Commission on the results of efforts 
undertaken by this Order;
    It is further ordered, That, the Commissioner have full authority 
under 46 CFR 502.281-291 to perform such duties as may be necessary in 
accordance with U.S. law and Commission regulations. The Commissioner 
will be assisted by staff members as may be assigned by the Chairman;
    It is further ordered, That, this Proceeding be discontinued upon 
the acceptance of a final report and possible recommendations by the 
Commissioner, unless otherwise ordered by the Commission; and
    It is finally ordered, That, notice of this Order be published in 
the Federal Register.

    By the Commission.
Rachel Dickon,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-09623 Filed 5-5-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6730-02-P
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