[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 67 (Tuesday, April 8, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 17003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-8611]


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FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

46 CFR Part 540

[Docket No. 02-15]


Passenger Vessel Financial Responsibility

AGENCY: Federal Maritime Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of time; submission of 
oral comments; public hearing.

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SUMMARY: The Commission has determined to extend the comment period in 
this matter, and to provide interested persons with the opportunity to 
make oral presentations to individual Commissioners and at a public 
hearing before the full Commission.

DATES: Comments are now due on May 30, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Address all comments and inquiries concerning this proposed 
rule to: Bryant L. VanBrakle, Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW., Room 1046, Washington, DC 20573-0001. 
(202) 523-5725. E-mail: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy W. Larson, Acting General Counsel, 
Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Room 1018, 
Washington, DC 20573-0001. (202) 523-5740. E-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to rule 53(a) of the Commission's 
rules of practice and procedure, 46 CFR 502.53(a)(2002), in notice-and-
comment rulemakings the Commission may permit interested persons to 
make oral presentations in addition to filing written comments. The 
Commission has determined to permit interested persons to make such 
presentations to individual Commissioners in this proceeding, and 
additionally to hold a public hearing before the full Commission.
    At the discretion of individual Commissionaries, interested persons 
request one-on-one meetings at which they may make presentations 
describing their views on the proposed rule. Any meeting or meetings 
shall be completed before the close of the comment period. The summary 
or transcript of oral presentations will be included in the record and 
must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commission within 5 days of 
the meeting. Interested persons wishing to make an oral presentation 
should contact the Office of the Secretary to secure contact names and 
numbers for individual Commissioners.
    The Commission has also determined to hold a public hearing, at 
which interested parties may make presentations and field questions 
from the Commissioners. The date and time of the hearing will be set 
forth in a subsequent order.
    Finally, the deadline for filing comments is extended to May 30, 
2003.

    By the Commission. *
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    * Commissioner Brennan, concurring in part and disenting in 
part: A public hearing is far better public policy, in my view, than 
closed-door meetings with interested parties, when one is 
considering a substantial rule change. While I support the decision 
to extend the comment period and to hold a public hearing, I dissent 
as to the matter of one-on-one presentations, the need for which is 
obviated by a public hearing.
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Bryant L. VanBrakle,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-8611 Filed 4-4-03; 9:29 am]
BILLING CODE 6730-01-M