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[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 20 (Thursday, January 30, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4567-4568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2342]

[[Page 4567]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[CGD 95-003]

Prevention Through People

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of meetings with request for comments.

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SUMMARY: On January 13, 1995, the Coast Guard published a notice (60 FR 
3288) concerning the formation of a Quality Action Team (QAT) to 
address the human element in marine accidents. From the report issued 
by this QAT, the docket, [additional comments through public contacts], 
workshops, and the Coast Guard advisory committees, a strategic plan 
for Prevention Through People (PTP) has been developed. The Coast Guard 
will hold four public meetings to discuss the PTP Strategic Plan. The 
Coast Guard would also like to solicit comments on specific topics as 
listed below. The meetings will be held on the dates and at the 
locations listed below.

DATES: See Supplementary Information section for details on the meeting 
dates and comment deadlines.

ADDRESSES: See Supplementary Information section for meeting addresses 
and the address for mailing public comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
CDR Mark G. VanHaverbeke, Human Element and Ship Design Division (G-
MSE-1), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20593-0001, telephone 202-267-2997, fax 202-267-4816, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background Information

    Over the years several studies have determined that the human 
element contributes to between 60 and 95 percent of marine casualties. 
The QAT issued its report in July 1995. They recommended the Coast 
Guard develop a long-term strategy to refocus accident prevention 
efforts from technical measures to the human element. PTP recognizes 
the critical role the human element plays in maritime safety. The PTP 
concept asserts that safe and profitable operations require a 
systematic approach toward the constant and balanced interaction 
between the elements of management, the work environment, individual 
behavior, and appropriate technology. A systematic approach compels us 
to consider the interaction between these elements based on a solid 
foundation of rules, regulations, and standards. PTP strives to bring 
together government and industry in making this cultural change. It 
relies upon cooperation, innovation, and most importantly--people.
    The Coast Guard developed the PTP Strategic Plan based on input 
from the marine industry and the findings of the PTP QAT. Supporting 
the PTP Strategic Plan is a Coast Guard focused implementing plan. Both 
plans are available by contracting the person listed above under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The PTP Strategic Plan outlines the 
framework that an organization can use to build its own PTP program and 
develop its own implementation plan. The three major elements of the 
PTP Strategic Plan are the PTP vision, principles, and goals.
    First, the vision is an idealized view of the future state of where 
the entire maritime industry would like to be in the future. It reads, 
``We will achieve the world's safest, most environmentally sound and 
cost-effective marine operations by emphasizing the role of people in 
preventing casualties and pollution.'' The vision is ambitious, yet 
achievable if we work together. It also inspires action by the Coast 
Guard, other government agencies, maritime unions, and industry.
    Second, the principles establish the values and philosophy that 
will guide the actions of us all as we each implement PTP. The 
principles are:
    1. Honor the Mariner--Seek and respect the opinion of those who 
``do the work,'' afloat and ashore.
    2. Take a Quality Approach--Engage all elements of the marine 
transportation system to drive continuous improvements.
    3. Seek Non-Regulatory Solutions--Emphasize incentives and 
innovation.
    4. Share Commitment--Recognize and act upon the responsibility of 
government, management and workers to foster a safe and environmentally 
sound marine transportation system.
    5. Manage Risk--Apply cost-effective solutions to marine safety and 
environmental issues, consistent with our shared public stewardship 
responsibilities.
    Third, the goals describe the changes required to achieve the PTP 
vision. The goals are to:
    1. Know More--Significantly expand our knowledge and understanding 
of the human element and its role in maritime operations and accidents.
    2. Train More--Give members of the marine community the necessary 
skills and knowledge to improve safety and prevent pollution.
    3. Do More--Improve professional performance through a practical 
application and open communication of human element knowledge within 
the marine community including Coast Guard and maritime personnel.
    4. Offer More--Provide incentives for improvement in safety 
management systems.
    5. Cooperate More--Work together to address the human element in 
transportation safety and pollution prevention.
    Our PTP Implementation Plan is an internal, working document that 
contains the objectives and activities required to meet the PTP goals. 
Other organizations, such as marine companies and maritime unions, can 
use the Coast Guard's Implementation Plan as a guide to create their 
own.
    A synopsis of the ongoing projects include:
    1. Demonstrating the financial benefits of implementing PTP.
    2. Redirecting Coast Guard education, training, and job recruitment 
to focus on understanding human error.
    3. Creating avenues to share analyses, best practices, and lessons-
learned.
    4. Establishing a Streamlined Inspection Program.
    5. Executing partnerships with maritime organizations including the 
American Waterways Operators (AWO), the Passenger Vessel Association 
(PVA), the United States Chamber of Shipping (USCS), and the American 
Petroleum Institute (API).
    6. Developing ways to identify and test practical solutions to 
fatigue related issues.
    7. Implementing the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and 
changes to the Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping 
Convention (STCW).
    8. Providing guidance on the use of risk assessment and risk 
reduction procedures.
    These and other projects will bring us closer to the vision of PTP.

Comments

    The Coast Guard is soliciting feedback on the following areas. 
Please provide specific examples whenever possible. Please submit two 
copies of all comments and attachments in an unbound format, no larger 
than 8\1/2\  x  11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. 
Please identify the docket by the docket number at the top of this 
notice. Comments should be sent to Public Docket, Room 3406, U.S. Coast 
Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001. 
The deadline for comments is May 30, 1997. Comments will not be taken 
over the phone.
    1. Lessons Learned and Near-Accidents. How do companies and 
mariners gather information on near-

[[Page 4568]]

accidents and the resulting lessons learned? What methods have proven 
successful? What methods have failed? Why? How is this information 
disseminated either aboard ship or throughout the company? How have the 
issues of liability and fear of retribution been addressed?
    2. Partnerships. Please share company experiences with intra-
industry, inter-industry, and industry/government partnerships. What 
has been your company's experience working with a shared VTS system 
and/or a port safety committee?
    3. Management. Recognizing that the International Safety Management 
Code is voluntary for the domestic fleet, are you aware of any specific 
management-driven initiatives designed to foster focus on human element 
issues? What have been the results of these initiatives?
    4. Cost of Safety. How is safety cost-effective in your company? 
What is the value of safety? What factors were used to measure the 
value of safety? How do these costs compare with the benefits you are 
realizing?
    5. Fatigue. Please share company experience with fatigue. What 
countermeasures have proven successful against fatigue?
    6. Information sharing. How is information shared between 
industries (i.e. between tankers and cargo ships)? How is it shared 
between companies within an industry?
    7. Waterway Management. Please identify low cost/no cost safety 
solutions that can be applied to increase overall confidence in 
America's ports and waterways.

Public Meeting

    Attendance is open to the public. With advance notice, and as time 
permits, members of the public may make oral presentations during the 
meetings. Persons wishing to make oral presentations should notify the 
person listed above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT no later than 
the day before the meetings. Written material may be submitted prior 
to, during, or after the meetings. The Coast Guard is not required to 
address the comments at the public meetings.
    The meetings will be held:
    1. New Orleans--February 25, 1997, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the 
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Loyola Ave. & Poydras Plaza, New Orleans, LA 
70140-1012.
    2. Oakland--February 28, 1997, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the 
Oakland Federal Building, Third Floor Conference Center, 1301 Clay 
Street, Oakland, CA 94612.
    3. St. Louis--March 26, 1997, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Robert 
A. Young Federal Building, Second Floor Auditorium, 1222 Spruce St., 
St. Louis, MO 63103.
    4. Providence, RI--April 18, 1997, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Because 
the meeting site is not yet determined, persons wishing to attend this 
meeting should contact the person listed above under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT for information about the meeting location.

Information on Services for the Handicapped

    Contact CDR VanHaverbeke for information on facilities or services 
for the handicapped or to request special assistance at the meetings as 
soon as possible.

    Dated: January 24, 1997.
J.C. Card,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety 
and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 97-2342 Filed 1-29-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
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