Federal Maritime Commission

Plain Writing Act of 2010 Compliance Report

April 13, 2012

Senior Agency Official for Plain Writing:

Karen V. Gregory, Secretary, secretary@fmc.gov, 202-523-5725

Plain Language Website address: www.fmc.gov/about/plainlanguage 

Contact us : secretary@fmc.gov

Status of Agency Communications to be Made Available in a Format that is 

Consistent with the OMB Plain Writing Guidelines

Type of Communication, 

Document or Posting, and 

How it is Made Available to 

the Public

Intended User and Approximate 

Number of Potential Users

Status

Information describing 

regulatory responsibilities and 

requirements for regulated 

entities, e.g., rulemaking 

preambles, website content and 

FAQs, and printed brochures.

• Entities regulated by the FMC - 6,000 

users.

• Members of the public impacted by 

the regulatory requirements –

unknown number of users.

80% of website 

content and 100% 

of brochures have 

been rewritten 

using plain 

writing. Revision 

of FAQs is in 

progress.

Information describing 

complaint resolution resources 

available to members of the 

public, including informal 

dispute resolution services, 

ADR, small claims and formal 

docketed proceedings –

available via the FMC website 

or printed materials.

• Members of the public engaged in 

shipment of goods in need of FMC 

complaint resolution services –

unknown number of users.

• Legal counsel representing members

of the public or shipping industry –

approximately 50 regular users per 

fiscal year.

This content has 

been completely 

rewritten and is 

reflected in 

brochures and 

website content.
Instructions for applying for an 

FMC license for ocean 

transportation intermediaries.

• New entrants to the ocean 

transportation intermediary business 

– approximately 400 per fiscal year.

Instructions on 

the website have 

been rewritten 

and made more 

accessible.

Instructions for applying to 

practice before the Commission 

as a non-attorney.

• Non-attorneys wishing to represent 

clients in matters before the 

Commission such as legal 

proceedings and license applications 

– approximately 15 per fiscal year.

This content is 

now being 

reviewed and 

revised.

2012 FMC Website Redesign

On Tuesday, April 2, the Commission launched a redesigned website, www.fmc.gov. 

The redesign followed a process of gathering valuable input from representatives of the 

shipping industry, intermediaries, the public, and the media, in an effort to improve the 

quality, clarity, and accessibility of information that the Commission provides to the 

shipping public. The process also included input from each of the Commission’s offices 

and bureaus.

In addition to a new overall graphical layout and look, the new site incorporates

recommendations for a more user-friendly structure and improved navigation pathways. 

It is also designed to better inform and educate the public on such issues as how to 

locate a licensed, bonded international household-goods mover, or the services the 

Commission offers if problems arise with international ocean shipments.

Highlights of the new features and resources include:

• Revolving Homepage slide show featuring important topics and FMC services

• Homepage layout providing better use of space, giving visitors ability to quickly scan 

and find what they are looking for

• Audience pages providing one location where each of our regulated entities,

attorneys & litigants, and the public can quickly browse and locate information and 

services they need

• A “Resources” Tab where visitors can find information that includes improved "How 

To" pages on topics such as how to file an agreement, or how to file a Shipping Act 

complaint