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Freedom of Information Act Requests & Reports
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally provides that any person has right to obtain access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or portions of them) are protected from public disclosure.
The Federal Maritime Commission proactively makes a great deal of information available to the public, reducing the need to file an official FOIA request. This includes, but is not limited to:
- a list of licensed ocean transportation intermediaries;
- agreement filings;
- commonly used forms;
- Commission decisions; final and proposed rules; Commission regulations; and
- news releases.
A complete list of available information can be found at 46 CFR Part 503.
How to File a FOIA Request
When submitting a FOIA request, put the words “FOIA Request” in the subject line. FOIA requests must be directed to the Secretary of the Commission and may be submitted by either:
Email: FOIA@fmc.gov
Mail:
Secretary (FOIA)
Federal Maritime Commission
800 North Capitol Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20573
Fax: 202-217-3170
When submitting a request, provide as much detail as possible and reasonably describe the record(s) sought pursuant to the criteria outlined in 46 CFR Part 503. It is important to include your contact information in the request.
FOIA provides for the charging of fees applicable to the processing of requests. Therefore, please authorize a specific dollar amount that we should not exceed when processing your request. Should the amount you authorize be reached prior to completing the processing of your request, we will contact you prior to proceeding.
Appeals of denials by the Secretary may be filed with the Chairman. Also, the Office of Government Information Services (OIGS) offers mediation services to resolve disputes between FOIA requesters and Federal agencies.
Additional FOIA information is available through the links below.
FOIA Logs