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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, as amended (72 COLREGS), to reflect that the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (DAJAG)(Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined that USS JOHN WARNER (SSN 785) 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 March 23, 2015 and is applicable beginning January 28, 2015.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commander Theron R. Korsak, (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 JOHN WARNER (SSN 785) 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, 
                    ( print page 15166)
                    paragraph 2(a)(i), pertaining to the vertical placement of the masthead light; Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i), pertaining to Virginia class submarine masthead light location below the submarine identification lights; Annex I, paragraph 2(k), pertaining to the vertical separation of the anchor lights and vertical placement of the forward anchor light above the hull; Rule 30(a) and Rule 21(e), pertaining to arc of visibility of the forward and after anchor lights; 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 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 JOHN WARNER (SSN 785); b.In Table Three, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS JOHN WARNER (SSN 785); c.In Table Four, under paragraph 25, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS JOHN WARNER (SSN 785); and d.In Table Four, paragraph 26, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS JOHN WARNER (SSN 785). 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 JOHN WARNER*
SSN 785
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 relation-ship of aft light to forward light in meters 2(K) annex 1*         *         *         *         *         *         **USS JOHN WARNER*
SSN 785


206.4°
4.37
11.05
2.8
0.30 below.*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 
 25. * * * 
 
 Table Four
Vessel
Number
Distance in meters of masthead light below the submarine 
                                     identification lights*         *         *         *         *         *         **USS JOHN WARNER*
SSN 785
0.81
 26. * * * Obstruction angle relative to
                                     ship's headingVessel
Number
Forward Anchor Light
Aft Anchor Light*         *         *         *         *         *         **USS JOHN WARNER*
SSN 785
172° to 188°
359° to 1°
 Approved: January 28, 2015. A.B. Fischer, Captain, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General (Admiralty and Maritime Law). Dated: March 11, 2015. N.A. Hagerty-Ford, Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer.


[FR Doc. 2015-06298 Filed 3-20-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P