[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 31, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68349-68350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-34090]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard


Cargo Securing Manual Requirements

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of policy.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces interim criteria for the approval of 
qualified organizations desiring authorization to serve as designated 
U.S. Cargo Securing Manual Approval Authorities for U.S. vessels. The 
Coast Guard also announces the availability of guidance on the contents 
of Cargo Securing Manuals required by 1994 amendments to the 
International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74). 
This criteria and guidance are available to the public in Navigational 
and Vessel Inspection Circular 10-97.

DATES: U.S. flag vessels must have on board a Cargo Security Manual by 
December 31, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LCDR Richard Booth (Navigation and Inspection Circular 10-97), 
Commandant (G-MOC), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, telephone 202-267-6700. Mr. Robert 
Gauvin (Future CSM Regulation), Commandant (G-MSO) U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, 
telephone 202-267-1053.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    U.S. cargo vessels 500 gross tons or greater that carry other than 
solid or liquid bulk cargoes, and are engaged on international voyages 
as described in 46 CFR 90.05-10, must have on board an approved Cargo 
Securing Manual (CSM) to maintain compliance with their Cargo Ship 
Safety Equipment Certificates (CG-3347). Voluntary compliance is 
encouraged for owners of U.S. flag cargo vessels less than 500 gross 
tons engaged on international voyages. A CSM assists the vessel's 
master and crew with the proper use of onboard equipment designed to 
adequately stow and secure the vessel's cargo.
    The 1994 amendments to Chapters VI/5.6 and VII/6.6 of the 
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74) 
mandated Administration approved CSM's. The International Maritime 
Organization's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Circular 745 of June 13, 
1996, provided CSM preparation guidance. MSC Circular 745 encouraged 
member governments to bring the guidelines to the attention of all 
parties concerned, with the aim of having CSM's carried on board ships 
prepared appropriately and in a consistent manner, and to implement 
them as soon as possible but not later than December 31, 1997. The 
Coast Guard has publicized the SOLAS 74 requirements and the 
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines for CSM's in 
various marine safety newsletters. This notice further announces the 
availability of that guidance for those U.S. cargo ships required to 
have CSM's and those cargo vessels seeking voluntary compliance under 
the IMO guidelines. The notice also announces the availability of 
criteria for the approval of organizations seeking authorization to 
approve CSM's.
    Under E.O. 12234 and 46 U.S.C. 3103, in October 1996, the Coast 
Guard delegated CSM approval authority to the American Bureau of 
Shipping (ABS) and the National Cargo Bureau, Inc. (NCB), respectively, 
for U.S. flagged cargo vessels. Other organizations that desire CSM 
approval authority, should review the approval criteria and make 
application for authorization under Navigation and Vessel Inspection 
Circular (NVIC) 10-97 entitled ``Guidelines for CSM Approval.'' This 
NVIC also provides interim guidance for CSM submittal, review, 
approval, and appeal procedures for U.S. flagged cargo vessel owners 
and operators. The Coast Guard is initiating a project to put the NVIC 
10-97 criteria into regulation. Until regulations on the authorization 
of organizations to approve Cargo Securing Manuals and the criteria for 
CSM content are issued, inspectors will explain to owners and operators 
of U.S. vessels that the U.S. Coast Guard will be looking for 
compliance with the SOLAS requirements for CSM's as set forth in NVIC 
10-97, in order to ensure

[[Page 68350]]

compliance with 46 CFR 91.60-10 (Cargo Ship Safety Equipment 
Certificate). Until regulations are issued, ABS, NCB, and any other 
organization designated by the Coast Guard, will follow the procedures 
in NVIC 10-97. NVIC 10-97 is available on the World Wide Web at: http:/
/www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/hq/g-m/gmhome.htm in ``Publications, Reports 
and Forms.'' Paper or CD-ROM copies will soon be available for a free 
through the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal 
Road, Springfield, VA 22161, telephone 703-605-6000, or fax 703-321-
8547.

    Dated: December 23, 1997.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Director of Standards, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 97-34090 Filed 12-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M