1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Common Sense Maritime and Consumer Services Protection Act”.
Common Sense Maritime and Consumer Services Protection Act
A BILL
To amend title 46, United States Code, to provide statutory authority for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services of the Federal Maritime Commission, to increase public awareness and understanding of ocean shipping services agreements and such Office, and for other purposes.
2. Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services of the Federal Maritime Commission; increasing public awareness and understanding
Requirement— Chapter 403 of title 46, United States Code is amended by adding at the end the following:
“40108. Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services of the Federal Maritime Commission
“(a) Authorization of Office—There shall be in the Federal Maritime Commission an Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (in this section referred to as the “Office”).
“(b) Function of Office—To promote better public understanding, the Office shall seek to—
“(1) raise public awareness about ocean shipping agreements between carriers, use of ocean transportation intermediaries, and other shipping services; and
“(2) assist consumers in confidentially resolving disputes and other related matters deemed valuable to the consumer by the Commission.”
Clerical amendment— The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following: