[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 25, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24612-24613]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9928]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy

32 CFR Part 706


Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations 
for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Final rule.

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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 ASHLAND (LSD 48) 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 April 25, 2012 and is applicable 
beginning April 16, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Jaewon Choi, 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 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 ASHLAND (LSD 48) 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

[[Page 24613]]

interfering with its special function as a naval ship: Annex I, 
paragraph 3(a), pertaining to the horizontal distance between the 
forward and after masthead lights; and Annex I, paragraph 2(k) as 
described in Rule 30 (a)(i), pertaining to the vertical separation 
between anchor lights. 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), and Vessels.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, amend part 706 of title 
32 of the CFR as follows:

PART 706--CERTIFICATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL 
REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972

0
1. The authority citation for part 706 continues to read:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1605.


0
2. Section 706.2 is amended as follows:
0
A. In Table Three by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel 
number, an entry for USS ASHLAND (LSD 48); and
0
B. In Table Five by revising the entry for USS ASHLAND (LSD 48).


Sec.  706.2  Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under 
Executive Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.

* * * * *

                                                                                           Table Three
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                                                                                                                                                                                  Anchor lights
                                                                                                                        Side lights        Stern light,       Forward anchor    relation-ship of
                                                       Masthead lights arc  Side lights arc of  Stern light arc of   distance inboard    distance forward      light, height      aft light to
             Vessel                      Number        of visibility; rule   visibility; rule    visibility; rule   of ship's sides in      of stern in        above hull in    forward light in
                                                              21(a)                21(b)               21(c)         meters 3(b) Annex  meters; Rule 21(c)  meters; 2(k) Annex     meters 2(k)
                                                                                                                             1                                       1               Annex 1
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                                                                                          * * * * * * *
USS ASHLAND.....................  LSD 48.............  ...................  ..................  ..................  ..................  ..................  ..................  2.60 below.
 
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                                                                       Table Five
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                                                               Masthead lights not      Forward masthead    After mast- head light  less    Percentage
                                                              over all other lights   light not in forward  than  1/2 ship's  length aft    horizontal
               Vessel                        Number             and obstructions.       quarter of ship.         of forward  masthead       separation
                                                                Annex I,sec. 2(f)      Annex I, sec. 3(a)    light. Annex  I, sec. 3(a)      attained
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                                                                      * * * * * * *
USS ASHLAND........................  LSD 48................  ......................  .....................                            X             63.6
 
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     Approved: April 16, 2012.
C.J. Spain,
Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General (Admiralty and Maritime Law), 
Acting.
    Dated: April 18, 2012.
J.M. Beal,
Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-9928 Filed 4-24-12; 8:45 am]
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