[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54385-54386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27706]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 187

[CGD 89-050]
RIN 2115-AD35


Vessel Identification System

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Interim final rule; re-opening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is re-opening the comment period for its 
interim final rule establishing a system to identify vessels numbered 
or titled under the laws of a State. This action is necessary to 
respond to questions raised by States, banking interests, and legal 
associations.

DATES: Comments must reach the Coast Guard on or before December 4, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: You may mail comments to the Executive Secretary, Marine 
Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 89-050), U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, or 
deliver them to room 3406 at the same address between 9:30 a.m. and 2 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-267-1477.
    The Executive Secretary maintains the public docket for this 
rulemaking. Comments will become part of this docket and will be 
available for inspection or copying at room 3406, U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters, between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LT James Whitehead, Marine Safety and 
Environmental Protection, Office of Information Resources (G-MRI), 202-
267-0385.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
this rulemaking by submitting written views, arguments, or data. 
Persons submitting comments should include their names and addresses, 
identity this rulemaking (CGD 89-050) and the specific section of this 
rule to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each 
comment. Please submit two copies of all comments and attachments in an

[[Page 54386]]

unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for 
copying and electronic filing. Persons wanting acknowledgment of 
receipt of comments should enclose stamped, self-addressed postcards or 
envelopes.
    The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during this 
comment period. It may change this rule in view of the comments.

Background

    The Coast Guard published an Interim Final Rule in the Federal 
Register (60 FR 20310; April 25, 1995). The rule established a vessel 
identification system (VIS) for vessels numbered or titled by a State 
that elects to participate in the system, The rule was to go into 
effect on April 24, 1996. However, on February 23, 1996 (61 FR 6943), 
the Coast Guard suspended the effective date of subpart D of the rule 
(33 CFR part 187, subpart D, Guidelines for State Vessel Titling 
Systems) through April 23, 1998. The suspension was intended to allow 
the Coast Guard, States, and public more time to review the 
complexities of the guidelines relating to State titling. Since the 
suspension began, representatives of the States, marine banks, and 
legal associations have met several time to discuss issues involving 
the State titling guidelines. Notes from these meetings have been 
included in the docket.

Questions

    We are reopening the comment period to gather further information 
on all aspects of this rulemaking. We particularly need your help in 
answering the following questions:
    (a) Should the regulations be revised to respond to ownership 
concerns, rather than just law enforcement concerns? Both concerns are 
addressed in the VIS statute (46 U.S.C. 12501). Such a revision may 
allow members of the marine industry to get ownership information from 
the VIS, such as an individual owner's name and address in order to 
match that owner with a particular vessel.
    (b) Should the information used to identify vessels in 33 CFR 
187.103 be the same as that used for a certificate of number in 33 CFR 
174.19?
    (c) What changes, if any, to 33 CFR part 187, subpart D, are needed 
to address the complexities of State titling?
    Your comments need not be limited to these questions.

    Dated: October 14, 1997.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Acting Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 97-27706 Filed 10-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M