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 Department of Defense Department of the Navy 32 CFR Part 706
 AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.
 ACTION: Final rule.
 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 CHARLESTON (LCS 18) 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 June 6, 2018 and is applicable beginning May 24, 2018.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Commander Kyle Fralick, 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 CHARLESTON (LCS 18) 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 height of the forward masthead light above the hull; Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i), pertaining to the 
                    ( print page 26211)
                    placement of the masthead light or lights above and clear of all other lights and obstructions; Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(ii), pertaining to the vertical placement of task lights; 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; Rule 27(b)(i) and Annex I, paragraph 9(b)(i), pertaining to the visibility of the middle task 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)
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
 1.The authority citation for part 706 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                        33 U.S.C. 1605. 2.Section 706.2 is amended by: a.In Table One, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS CHARLESTON (LCS 18); b.In Table Four: i.Under paragraph 15, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS CHARLESTON (LCS 18); ii. Under paragraph 16, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS CHARLESTON (LCS 18); and iii. Under paragraph 27, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS CHARLESTON (LCS 18); and c.In Table Five, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS CHARLESTON (LCS 18). The additions read as follows: § 706.2
 Executive Order 11964 33 U.S.C. 1605
 
 Table One
Vessel
Number
Distance in meters of forward masthead light below minimum required height
                                     § 2(a)(i) Annex I*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS CHARLESTON
LCS 18
4.2*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 
 Table Four
 
 15. * * * Vessel
Number
Horizontal distances from the fore and aft centerline of the
                                     vessel in the 
                                     athwartship direction*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS CHARLESTON
LCS 18
Upper-0.20 meters.
                                     Middle-1.3 meters. 
                                     Lower-1.3 meters.
 
 16. * * * Vessel
Number
Obstruction angle
                                     relative ship's 
                                     headings( print page 26212)
*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS CHARLESTON
LCS 18
72° thru 74°.
                                     286° thru 288°.*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 
 27. * * * Vessel
Number
Obstruction angle
                                     relative ship heading*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS CHARLESTON
LCS 18
47° thru 59°.
                                     301° thru 313°.
 Table Five
Vessel
Number
Masthead
                                     lights not over all other lights and obstructions. annex I, 
                                     sec. 2(f)
Forward
                                     masthead 
                                     light not in forward 
                                     quarter of ship. 
                                     annex I, sec. 3(a)
After
                                     mast-head 
                                     light less 
                                     
                                        than 
                                        1/2
                                         ship's
                                     
                                     length aft of 
                                     forward 
                                     masthead 
                                     light. annex I, 
                                     sec. 3(a)
Percentage
                                     horizontal 
                                     separation 
                                     attained*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS CHARLESTON
LCS 18

X
X
15.2*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 Approved: May 24, 2018. Christopher J. Spain, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (Admiralty and Maritime Law), Acting. Dated: May 31, 2018. E.K. Baldini, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register  Liaison Officer.


[FR Doc. 2018-12136 Filed 6-5-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P