Federal Maritime Commission September 20, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Maritime Commission proposes to amend its rules regarding the establishment of passenger vessel financial responsibility for nonperformance of transportation. Currently the amount of coverage required for performance shall not exceed $15 million. The amendments would modify the current cap on required performance coverage from $15 million to $30 million over a two year period; adjust the amount of coverage required for smaller passenger vessel operators by providing for consideration of alternative forms of protection; revise the application form; add an expiration date to the Certificate (Performance); and make some technical adjustments to the regulations. Comments and suggestions are particularly sought regarding consideration of duplicative forms of protection without creating gaps that could leave consumers vulnerable.