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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 certain vessels of the VIRGINIA SSN Class are vessels of the Navy which, due to their special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with their special function as a naval ships. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.
 DATES: This rule is effective June 19, 2018 and is applicable beginning May 29, 2018.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Commander Kyle Fralick, (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 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 certain vessels of the Virginia SSN Class are vessels of the Navy which, due to their special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with their special function as a naval ship: Rule 23(a) and Annex I, paragraph 2(a)(i), pertaining to the vertical placement of the masthead, light and Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i), pertaining to the masthead light being above and clear of all other lights and obstructions; Rule 30 (a), Rule 21(e), and Annex I, paragraph 2(k), pertaining to the vertical separation of the anchor lights, vertical placement of the forward anchor light above the hull, and the arc of visibility of all around lights; Rule 23 (a) and Annex I, paragraph 3(b), pertaining to the location of the sidelights; and Rule 21(c), pertaining to the location and arc of visibility of the sternlight. 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 these vessels in a manner differently from that prescribed herein will adversely affect these vessel's ability to perform their 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 SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790); b.In Table Three, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790); and c.In Table Four: i.In paragraph 25, by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790); and ii. In paragraph 26, by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790). *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 SOUTH DAKOTA
SSN 790
2.76*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 
 
 
 Table Three
Vessel
Number
Masthead lights arc of visibility; rule 21(a)
Side lights arc of 
                                     visibility; rule 21(b)
Stern light arc of 
                                     visibility; rule 21(c)
Side lights, distance 
                                     inboard of ship's sides in meters 3(b) annex 1
Stern light, distance forward of stern in meters; rule 21(c)
Forward 
                                     anchor light, height above hull in  
                                     meters; 2(K) annex 1
Anchor lights relationship 
                                     of aft light to forward light in meters 2(K) annex 1*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS SOUTH DAKOTA
SSN 790


206.0°
4.37
11.05
2.8
0.30*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 
 
 25. * * * Table Four
Vessel
Number
Distance in meters
                                     of masthead light 
                                     below the submarine 
                                     identification lights*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS SOUTH DAKOTA
SSN 790
0.81
 26. * * * Vessel
Number
Obstruction angle relative to ship's headingsForward anchor light
Aft anchor light*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS SOUTH DAKOTA
SSN 790
172° to 188°
359° to 1°.
 Approved: May 29, 2018. A.S. Janin, Captain, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General (Admiralty and Maritime Law Division). Dated: June 13, 2018. E.K. Baldini, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer.


[FR Doc. 2018-13124 Filed 6-18-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P