Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

Federal Register, Volume 79 Issue 220 (Friday, November 14, 2014)

Federal Register Volume 79, Number 220 (Friday, November 14, 2014)

Rules and Regulations

Pages 68118-68119

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2014-26979

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy

32 CFR Part 706

Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy (DoN) is amending its certifications and exemptions under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), to reflect that the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (DAJAG) (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined that USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval ship. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.

DATES: This rule is effective November 14, 2014, and is applicable beginning October 31, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commander Theron R. Korsak, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Admiralty Attorney, (Admiralty and Maritime Law), Office of the Judge Advocate General, Department of the Navy, 1322 Patterson Ave. SE., Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066, telephone number: 202-685-5040.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the authority granted in 33 U.S.C. 1605, the DoN amends 32 CFR Part 706.

This amendment provides notice that the DAJAG (Admiralty and Maritime Law), under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval ship: Annex I paragraph 2 (a)(i), pertaining to the location of the forward masthead light at a height not less than 12 meters above the hull; Annex I, paragraph 3(a), pertaining to the location of the forward masthead light in the forward quarter of the ship, and the horizontal distance between the forward and after masthead light. The DAJAG (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has also certified that the lights involved are located in closest possible compliance with the applicable 72 COLREGS requirements.

Moreover, it has been determined, in accordance with 32 CFR Parts 296 and 701, that publication of this amendment for public comment prior to adoption is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to public interest since it is based on technical findings that the placement of lights on this vessel in a manner differently from that prescribed herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its military functions.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706

Marine safety, Navigation (water), and Vessels.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the DoN amends part 706 of title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 706--CERTIFICATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972

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1. The authority citation for part 706 continues to read as follows:

   Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.

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2. Section 706.2 is amended:

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   1. In Table One, by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5);

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   2. In Table Five, by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5).

      Sec. 706.2 Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under Executive Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.

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      Table One

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      Distance in meters of

      forward masthead light

      Vessel Number below minimum required

      height. Sec. 2(a)(i)

      Annex I

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      USS MILWAUKEE ............... LCS 5.......... 6.75

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      Table Five

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      After masthead

      Masthead lights Forward light less than

      not over all masthead light \1/2\ ship's Percentage

      other lights not in forward length aft of horizontal

      Vessel Number and quarter of forward separation

      obstructions. ship. annex I, masthead light. attained

      annex I, sec. sec. 3(a) annex I, sec.

      2(f) 3(a)

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      USS MILWAUKEE............... LCS 5......... ............... X X 22.3

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      Page 68119

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      Approved: October 31, 2014.

      A. B. Fischer,

      Captain, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General (Admiralty and Maritime Law).

      Dated: November 7, 2014.

      N. A. Hagerty-Ford,

      Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer.

      FR Doc. 2014-26979 Filed 11-13-14; 8:45 am

      BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P