[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 196 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52673-52674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26697]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 183

[CGD 97-060]


Standards for Navigation Lights Used on Recreational Boats

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document solicits comments concerning the desirability of 
requiring manufacturers and importers of navigation lights used on 
recreational boats to construct and label their lights in accordance 
with a recognized industry standard. A request for public input was the 
recommendation of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 7, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Marine 
Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 97-060), U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, or may 
be delivered to room 3406 at the above address between 8 a.m. and 3 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is (202) 267-1477.
    The Executive Secretary maintains the public docket for this 
notice. Comments will become a part of this docket and will be 
available for inspection or copying at room 3406, U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Randolph Doubt, Project Manager, Recreational Boating Product 
Assurance Division, (202) 267-0984.
    You may obtain a copy of this notice by calling the U.S. Coast 
Guard Infoline at 1-800-368-5647, or read it on the Internet at the Web 
Site for the Office of Boating Safety at URL address 
www.uscgboating.org/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages you to submit comments about this 
document. Please include your name and address, identify this notice 
(CGD 97-060) and the specific section of this document to which each 
comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit 
two copies of all comments and attachments in an unbound format, no 
larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, to assist us with copying and 
electronic filing. If you want us to acknowledge receiving your 
comments, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or 
envelope.

Background Information

    Prior to April 1997, manufacturers of navigation lights for 
recreational vessels could voluntarily apply for a Coast Guard ``letter 
of acceptance'' for each light fixture placed on the market, and if 
granted, the manufacturer could state that the light was ``USCG 
Accepted'' on the package. The letter of acceptance was an indication 
that the Coast Guard had reviewed a laboratory report submitted by the 
light manufacturer and that based on a comparison of the report with 
the navigation rules, the Coast Guard did not object to the item being 
offered for sale to the boating public. Since letters of acceptance 
were never a requirement, were not equivalent to ``USCG Approval'' and 
were therefore a source of confusion, as of April 1997, letters of 
acceptance are no longer issued. Currently there is no way for boat 
manufacturers and the boating public to determine whether navigation 
light fixtures they purchase comply with applicable requirements in the 
Navigation Rules, except for light manufacturers' statements in that 
regard.
    In contrast to Coast Guard practice with regard to recreational 
vessels, existing regulations applicable to commercial vessels in 46 
CFR 111.75-17 require each navigation light to meet the technical 
details of the applicable navigation rules and to be certified by an 
independent laboratory to the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories 
Standard UL 1104 or an equivalent standard. The commercial vessel 
regulations further require that navigation lights be labeled to 
indicate: (1) The name or number of the standard to which the light was 
type-tested; (2) the name or registered certification mark of the 
independent laboratory that tested the fixture; (3) the fixture 
manufacturer's name; (4) the model number of the fixture; (5) the 
visibility of the light in nautical miles; (6) the date on which the 
fixture was type-tested; and (7) the identification of the bulb used in 
the compliance test. The independent laboratory must be accepted by the 
Commandant for the testing and listing or certification of electrical 
equipment.
    The National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC) is a Federal 
advisory committee which provides advice and makes recommendations to 
the Coast Guard regarding regulations and other boating safety matters. 
At its April 1997 meeting several National Boating Safety Advisory 
Council members noted that while Annex I to the Navigation Rules in 33 
CFR Part 84 specifies technical details for proper cutoff angles, color 
specifications, and the intensity of navigation lights and Coast Guard 
regulations require certification of navigation lights installed on 
commercial vessels, there are no similar regulations for lights offered 
for sale to recreational boat manufacturers and the boating public.
    The NBSAC therefore recommend that the Coast Guard solicit comments 
on the benefits of, and objections to, requiring navigation light 
manufacturers and importers to demonstrate that lights offered for sale 
to boat manufacturers and the boating public comply with applicable 
requirements in the Navigation Rules. Under 46 USC 4302, 4303, and 33 
USC 2071, the Coast Guard has the authority to establish requirements 
for the installation, carrying, or use of associated equipment on 
recreational vessels. All comments received during the comment period 
will be placed in the public docket for review by NBSAC and the Coast 
Guard in considering the formulation of any

[[Page 52674]]

regulatory and nonregulatory measures that may follow from this notice.

Pertinent Questions

    In view of the discussion above, please respond to the following 
questions:
    (1) Should the Coast Guard require third party certification, 
similar to that required for commercial vessel navigation lights, so 
that boat builders, boat owners, marine surveyors and officials 
conducting law enforcement boarding would have a means for determining 
whether navigation lights sold for use or installed on recreational 
boats complied with applicable requirements in the Navigation Rules?
    (2) What are the expected costs and benefits of regulations 
requiring manufacturers and importers of navigation lights used on 
recreational boats to construct and label their lights in accordance 
with a recognized industry standard?
    (3) Is it appropriate for the Coast Guard to impose a third party 
certification requirement for navigation lights sold for installation 
on recreational boats?

    Dated: October 1, 1997.
Ernest R. Riutta,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Operations.
[FR Doc. 97-26697 Filed 10-8-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M