Information obtained under 46 CFR 515 and through Form FMC-18 is used to determine the qualifications of ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and their compliance with shipping statutes and regulations and to enable the FMC to discharge its duties under the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended, by ensuring that OTIs maintain acceptable evidence of financial responsibility. The types of respondents are persons desiring to obtain a license to act as an OTI; under the Act, OTIs may be either an ocean freight forwarder, a non-vessel-operating common carrier, or both.
The proposed changes to the collection reflect proposed changes to Part 515 in a recent rulemaking, which include: (a) removing optional paper license application process and related reference to fee amounts; (b) clarifying language specifying who can be the Qualifying Individual in a partnership between entities other than individuals; (c) updating description of processes regarding renewals, bonds, and terminations; (d) expanding the types of applications subject to direct Commission review to include applicants employing the same officers, managers, or members of an OTI whose license was revoked or denied within the previous three years; (e) clarifying that sureties provide the organization number of OTIs with claim details for registered NVOCCs; (f) adding the submission of Form FMC-1 prior to being licensed; and (g) deleting reference to availability of the Regulated Personâs Index (RPI) upon request. There has been a 38 percent increase in the number of Federal government person-hours from FY2014 to FY2018 due to a 20 percent increase in the number of licenses issued, a 12.5 percent higher volume of applications, a more thorough analysis of applicants, and the commencement of registration and license renewals in 2016 and 2017.
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 FMC-18 OTI Licensing
Narrative to OMB Reinstatement OTIs Final.docx
OTI Licensing