Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA")
The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. app § 552) generally provides that any person has a right to obtain access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records are protected from public disclosure by one of nine exemptions or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions.
FOIA requests must be directed in writing to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol St, Washington, D.C. 20573, and must reasonably describe the record or records sought. E-mail requests may be directed to the Secretary at secretary@fmc.gov. Requests will be processed by the Secretary, within the timeframes and pursuant to the criteria outlined in 46 CFR §§ 503.32 and 503.33. If the FOIA request is granted, the requester may be responsible for searching and copying charges. Appeals of denials by the Secretary may be filed with the Chairman pursuant to 46 CFR § 503.32(a)(3). The Commission's annual reports on FOIA activity are available through the link shown below. Frequently asked questions regarding FOIA may be found here.
The following records are generally available for inspection and copying upon written request to the Office of the Secretary: tariffs, agreements in effect and newly filed agreements which have been noticed in the Federal Register, list of passenger vessel certifications of financial responsibility, and list of licensed ocean transportation intermediaries. Also, to the extent not otherwise exempt from disclosure, the following materials will be made available and can also be accessed through the Commission's Electronic Reading Room or with the Commission's rules; final opinions and orders, statements of policy and interpretation adopted by the Commission, and administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect any member of the public.