[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 59 (Monday, March 28, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17241-17246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06416]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 164

46 CFR Parts 25, 26, 28, 32, 35, 77, 78, 96, 97, 108, 109, 121, 
130, 140, 167, 169, 184, 195, and 196

[Docket No. USCG-2021-0291]
RIN 1625-AC74


Electronic Chart and Navigational Equipment Carriage Requirements

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard seeks public input regarding the modification 
of the chart and navigational equipment carriage requirements in the 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This advance notice of proposed 
rulemaking (ANPRM) outlines the Coast Guard's broad strategy to revise 
its CFR chart and navigational equipment carriage requirements to 
implement statutory electronic-chart-use provisions for commercial 
U.S.-flagged vessels and certain foreign-flagged vessels operating in 
the waters of the United States. This ANPRM is necessary to obtain 
additional information from the public before issuing a notice of 
proposed rulemaking. It will allow us to verify the extent of the 
requirements for the rule, such as how widely electronic charts 
currently are used, which types of vessels are using them, the 
appropriate equipment requirements for different vessel classes, and 
where the vessels operate, and will thereby allow us to tailor 
electronic chart requirements to vessel class and location.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before June 27, 2022.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2021-0291 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document, 
call or email John Stone, Office of Navigation Systems (CG-NAV-2), 
Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-1093, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eba1848385c5a6c5b89f84858ed9ab9e98888cc5868287"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3f9dcdbdd9dfe9de0c7dcddd681f3c6c0d0d49ddedadf">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
II. Abbreviations
III. Basis and Purpose
    A. Purpose of the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)
    B. Statutory Authority
IV. Background
    A. ``Sunsetting'' of Raster Navigational Charts
    B. Transition to Electronic Navigational Charts, and Electronic 
Chart Display and Information Systems
    C. Existing Chart Carriage and Associated Navigational Equipment 
Carriage Regulations
    D. Current Electronic Chart Systems Carriage and Equivalency 
Guidance
V. ANPRM Discussion
VI. Information Requested

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard views public participation as essential to 
effective rulemaking, and will consider all comments and material 
received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the 
outcome of this rulemaking. If you submit a comment, please include the 
docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of 
this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for 
each suggestion or recommendation.
    Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through 
the Federal Decision Making Portal at www.regulations.gov. To do so, go 
to www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2021-0291 in the search box and click 
``Search.'' Next, look for this document in the Search Results column, 
and click on it. Then click on the Comment option. If you cannot submit 
your material by using www.regulations.gov, call or email the person in 
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this advance notice of 
proposed rulemaking document (ANPRM) for alternate instructions.
    Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this 
ANPRM as being available in the docket, find the docket as described in 
the previous paragraph, and then select ``Supporting & Related 
Material'' in the Document

[[Page 17242]]

Type column. Public comments will also be placed in our online docket 
and can be viewed by following instructions on www.regulations.gov 
Frequently Asked Questions web page. We review all comments received, 
but we will only post comments that address the topic of the proposed 
rule. We may choose not to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate 
comments that we receive.
    Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we 
post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal 
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions 
in response to this document, see Department of Homeland Security's 
eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).
    Public meeting. We do not plan to hold a public meeting, but we 
will consider doing so if we determine from public comments that a 
meeting would be helpful. We would issue a separate Federal Register 
document to announce the date, time, and location of such a meeting.

II. Abbreviations

AIS Automatic identification systems
ANPRM Advance notice of proposed rulemaking
DHS Department of Homeland Security
ECDIS Electronic chart display and information system
ECS Electronic chart system
ENC Electronic navigational chart
EPFD Electronic position fixing device
FR Federal Register
GT Gross tons
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEHG Inland Electronic Navigational Chart Harmonization Group
IENC Inland Electronic Navigational Charts
IHO International Hydrographic Organization
IMO International Maritime Organization
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NVIC Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular
RNC Raster navigational chart
RTCM Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services
Sec.  Section
SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
U.S.C. United States Code

III. Basis and Purpose

A. Purpose of the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)

    This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks comments 
regarding possible modifications to the chart and navigational 
equipment carriage requirements in titles 33 and 46 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR). This ANPRM outlines the Coast Guard's broad 
strategy to revise its CFR chart and navigational-equipment carriage 
requirements, to implement statutory electronic-chart-use provisions 
for commercial U.S.-flagged vessels, to include self-propelled vessels 
of at least 65 feet in overall length, passenger vessels for hire, 
towing vessels of more than 26 feet in overall length and 600 
horsepower, and certain foreign-flagged vessels operating in the waters 
of the United States.
    In this ANPRM, we are seeking information on how widely electronic 
charts are used, which types of vessels are using them, and where the 
vessels operate, as well as views on the appropriate equipment 
requirements for different vessel classes. The information obtained 
from this ANPRM will assist in drafting a proposed rule that tailors 
electronic charts requirements to vessel class and location.

B. Statutory Authority

    Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 3105(a)(1) 
deems certain vessels ``equipped with and operating electronic 
navigational charts that are produced by a government hydrographic \1\ 
office or conform to a standard acceptable to the Secretary'' as 
compliant with charting requirements under title 33 or 46 of the 
CFR.\2\ Additionally, 46 U.S.C. 3105(a)(2)(C) permits the granting of 
waivers to vessels that use ``software-based, platform independent 
electronic chart systems the Secretary determines are capable of 
displaying electronic navigational charts with necessary scale and 
detail to ensure safe navigation for the intended voyage.''
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    \1\ The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) defines 
hydrography as, ``the branch of applied sciences which deals with 
the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, 
seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as the prediction of 
their change over time, for the primary purpose of safety of 
navigation and in support of all other marine activities, including 
economic development, security and defense, scientific research, and 
environmental protection.'' This definition was accessed on October 
10, 2021 from: https://iho.int/en/importance-of-hydrography. 
Recognized hydrographic offices in the United States include the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the National Geospatial-
Intelligence Agency (NGA).
    \2\ Public Law 108-293 (2004), codified at 33 U.S.C. 1223a, 
revised and re-codified at 46 U.S.C. 3105 (Pub. L. 115-282, Section 
402(a)(1) (2018)). 46 U.S.C. 3105 was recently amended by section 
8301 of the ``William M. (MAC) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021'' (Pub. L. 116-283).
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    These acceptable standards and capabilities need to be clarified 
because paper and raster charts \3\ are being discontinued \4\ and 
replaced by born-digital \5\ electronic navigational charts (ENCs). 
This clarification is necessary because ENCs require additional 
equipment, such as a display system, for the mariner to safely and 
effectively navigate.
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    \3\ A raster chart is an electronic reproduction (a picture) 
made from a detailed scanning of a paper chart.
    \4\ See NOAA, ``Sunsetting Traditional NOAA Paper Charts End of 
Paper and Raster Nautical Chart Production Introduction of NOAA 
Custom Charts'' (November 14, 2019), available at https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/docs/raster-sunset.pdf. This 
document was accessed on October 5, 2021.
    \5\ Born-digital means to be produced in digital form, rather 
than being converted from print to digital form.
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    Under 46 U.S.C. 70001(a)(3), the Coast Guard generally ``may 
require vessels to install and use specified navigation equipment, 
communications equipment, electronic relative motion analyzer 
equipment, or any electronic or other device necessary to comply with a 
vessel traffic service or that is necessary in the interests of vessel 
safety.'' Upon completion of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) ``Sunset Plan,'' \6\ traditional paper charts may 
no longer be available for some waterways or certified safe for 
navigation for some vessels, which we discuss in more detail in section 
IV.A of this ANPRM. Therefore, it may be necessary to require 
electronic chart and related navigational equipment carriage on certain 
vessels.
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    \6\ Id.
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IV. Background

    The regulations in titles 33 and 46 of the CFR require certain 
vessels to carry currently corrected nautical charts, marine charts, 
and publications when operating in U.S. waters, as well as equipment 
necessary to ensure safe navigation (see table 1 in this ANPRM for a 
list of regulations containing these requirements). At the time these 
regulations were issued in 1951,\7\ paper charts were the only 
available form of charts. Since that time, paper charts have evolved 
into electronic charts.
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    \7\ 16 FR 1511, 1542 (February 14, 1951).
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    Section 410 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
2004 required certain vessels operating on the navigable waters of the 
United States be equipped with and operate electronic charts.\8\ At the 
time, however, recognized hydrographic authorities did not maintain a 
full portfolio of electronic charts, and an affordable means for a 
mariner to display and safely use electronic charts was not available 
on the market. Consequently, the Coast Guard did not issue 
implementation regulations. Since the enactment of section 410 in 2004,

[[Page 17243]]

charting systems manufacturers have developed multiple systems that are 
available to mariners for use, and recognized hydrographic authorities 
now provide a full suite of electronic charts.
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    \8\ See Public Law 108-293 (2004).
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A. ``Sunsetting'' of Raster Navigational Charts

    NOAA is the U.S. hydrographic authority for nautical charts 
covering the U.S. shoreline, Great Lakes, and waters within the U.S. 
Exclusive Economic Zone. NOAA is undertaking a 5-year ``sunsetting'' 
program to gradually end the production of its raster navigational 
charts (RNC) and paper nautical charts.\9\ Production of all NOAA's 
RNCs and NOAA's paper nautical charts is scheduled to cease by January 
2025.\10\
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    \9\ See NOAA's notice and request for comments, ``Sunsetting of 
Raster Nautical Charts,'' 84 FR 62512, November 15, 2019.
    \10\ See NOAA's Raster Charts Products website, available at 
Farewell to Traditional Nautical Charts (noaa.gov).
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B. Transition to Electronic Navigational Charts, and Electronic Chart 
Display and Information Systems

    In the 1990s, electronic chart technology took a leap forward with 
the creation of ENCs.\11\ ENCs consist of a series of data points and 
lines that define the shape and size of features to be displayed on a 
computer. These data points and lines are linked to a database within 
the ENC that can provide additional information about each charted 
feature. Layers of ENC information, such as geographic place names or 
bathymetry, can be turned on and off to reduce clutter when not needed. 
Charted objects, such as regulated area restrictions, can be selected 
to have the chart display system show more information about the 
feature. The chart display can be zoomed in or out to have the 
depiction of features expanded or shrunk. When zoomed in, the size of 
text and symbols displayed on the ENC remains the same. This is an 
improvement over RNCs; when RNCs are zoomed in, the display becomes 
increasingly blocky or pixelated.
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    \11\ See NOAA's ``Transforming the NOAA ENC. Implementing the 
National Charting Plan.'' https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/docs/enc-transformation.pdf.
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    Because ENCs are machine readable, they can interface with existing 
shipboard navigational systems, such as electronic position fixing 
devices (EPFDs), speed distance measuring equipment (for example, radar 
and speed logs), gyrocompasses and transmitting heading devices, and 
automatic identification systems (AIS). This allows ENCs to be oriented 
in the direction of the vessel's transit and provide warnings or alerts 
for low water, restricted areas, and course deviations.
    The development and availability of ENCs was such a significant 
change in charting that, in 2002, the International Maritime 
Organization (IMO) amended its definition of a nautical chart in the 
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as 
amended.\12\ SOLAS, Chapter V, Regulation 2 defines Nautical chart or 
nautical publication as ``a special-purpose map or book, or a specially 
compiled database from which such a map or book is derived, that is 
issued officially by or on the authority of a Government, authorized 
Hydrographic Office or other relevant government institution and is 
designed to meet the requirements of marine navigation.''
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    \12\ These amendments came into force on January 7, 2002.
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    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began production of Inland 
Electronic Navigational Charts (IENC) in 2001. In 2002, NOAA announced 
that its ENC met the SOLAS definition of a nautical chart and 
subsequently renamed their ENC product, ``NOAA ENC[supreg],'' through a 
statement of policy.\13\ In 2002, the Coast Guard certified the 
Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) as meeting the 
nautical chart requirements in 33 CFR 164.33(a)(1), because it met the 
same navigational safety concerns as paper nautical charts.\14\ During 
this time, foreign government hydrographic offices also began producing 
ENCs.
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    \13\ 67 FR 39695, June 10, 2002.
    \14\ See Coast Guard notice of policy, ``Carriage of Navigation 
Equipment for Ships on International Voyages'' (67 FR 53382, August 
15, 2002); and notice of policy; extension, ``Carriage of Navigation 
Equipment for Ships on International Voyages'' (69 FR 42192, July 
14, 2004).
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    In an effort to standardize electronic charting data, the 
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) further defined \15\ and 
created standards and specifications relevant to an ENC in 1996. The 
IHO also recognized the manufacturer's role in ENC distribution by 
acknowledging and defining the transformation of the entire ENC 
contents and updates accessed by the display system (referred to as a 
system electronic navigational chart).<SUP>16 17</SUP> The IMO amended 
its definition of the term ENC to include conformity to IHO standards 
in 2006 with Resolution MSC.232(82), ``Adoption of the Revised 
Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display and Information 
Systems (ECDIS).'' \18\ In 2009, SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19 
mandated that certain commercial vessels on international voyages use 
ENCs as well as ECDIS.
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    \15\ See IHO S-32 Hydrographic Dictionary, electronic 
navigational chart, available at: http://iho-ohi.net/S32. This 
website was accessed on October 5, 2021.
    \16\ IHO Resolutions of the International Hydrographic 
Organization, Publication M-3, 2nd Edition--2010, Updated August 
2018. This document is available at: https://iho.int/iho_pubs/misc/M3-E-AUGUST18.pdf. This website was accessed on January 19, 2022.
    \17\ According to the IHO S-32 Hydrographic Dictionary, system 
electronic navigational chart, is a database, in the manufacturer's 
internal ECDIS (the display system) format, resulting from the loss-
less transformation of the entire ENC contents and updates. This 
database is accessed by ECDIS (the display system) for the display 
generation and other navigational functions and is the equivalent to 
an up-to-date paper chart.
    \18\ ENC means the database, standardized as to content, 
structure and format, issued for use with ECDIS by or on the 
authority of a Government, authorized Hydrographic Office or other 
relevant government institution, and conform to IHO standards. The 
ENC contains all the chart information necessary for safe navigation 
and may contain supplementary information in addition to that 
contained in the paper chart (such as sailing directions), which may 
be considered necessary for safe navigation.
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    Since 2002, charting system manufacturers have developed other 
systems in addition to ECDIS, such as Electronic Chart Systems (ECS) 
and Chart Radars that can display ENC data. In response to this 
development, the Coast Guard recognizes that an ECDIS is not the only 
way to display ENC data. More information is provided by ENC displays 
integrated with navigational equipment, including real-time vessel 
position, and additional data layers, such as bathymetry, which can be 
used to trigger automatic safety alarms in equipped navigational 
systems. As a result, use of ENCs in an ECDIS or other electronic chart 
system may enhance situational awareness and navigational safety beyond 
the ability of paper nautical charts.

C. Existing Chart Carriage and Associated Navigational Equipment 
Carriage Regulations

    Table 1 lists the parts, subparts, and sections in titles 33 and 46 
of the CFR that contain the existing chart carriage and associated 
navigational equipment carriage requirements by vessel class. These CFR 
references are being considered for updating in a future rulemaking or 
rulemakings, informed by comments received from this ANPRM, to allow 
for electronic charts, electronic chart systems, and any integration 
with new or existing navigational equipment. This table is provided for 
information and is not intended to suggest that a future rule would 
modify every regulation in this table. Only necessary regulations 
pertaining to chart carriage and navigational equipment carriage

[[Page 17244]]

would be addressed in a future rulemaking.

 Table 1--Existing Chart Carriage and Associated Navigational Equipment
                  Carriage Regulations in 33 and 46 CFR
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                                                        Navigational
          Vessel type             Chart carriage     equipment carriage
                                   regulations          regulations
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Self-propelled Vessels >= 1600  33 CFR 164.33....  33 CFR 164.35; 33 CFR
 Gross Tons (GT).                                   164.41; 33 CFR
                                                    164.46.
Vessels >= 10,000 GT..........  33 CFR 164.33....  33 CFR 164.35; 33 CFR
                                                    164.37; 33 CFR
                                                    164.38; 33 CFR
                                                    164.40; 33 CFR
                                                    164.41; 33 CFR
                                                    164.46.
Towing Vessels >= 12 Meters...  33 CFR 164.72(b);  33 CFR 164.46; 33 CFR
                                 46 CFR 140.705.    164.72; 46 CFR
                                                    140.725.
Commercial Fishing Vessels....  46 CFR 28.225....  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 28.
Tank Vessels..................  46 CFR 35.20-1...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 32, subpart
                                                    32.15.
Passenger Vessels (U.S. or      46 CFR 78.05-5...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
 foreign) > 100 GT.                                 part 77.
Cargo Vessels.................  46 CFR 97.05-5...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 96.
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units  46 CFR 109.565...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 108.
Passenger Vessels (U.S.) < 100  46 CFR 121.420...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
 GT Carrying > 150 Passengers                       part 121.
 or with Overnight
 Accommodations for > 49
 Passengers.
Offshore Supply Vessels.......  46 CFR 130.330...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 130.
Public Nautical School Ships..  46 CFR 167.65-45.  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 167, subpart
                                                    167.40.
Sailing School Vessels........  46 CFR 169.809...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 169, subpart
                                                    169.700.
Passenger Vessels (U.S.) < 100  46 CFR 184.420...  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
 GT Carrying <= 150 Passengers                      part 184.
 or with Overnight
 Accommodations for <= 49
 Passengers.
Oceanographic Research Vessels  46 CFR 196.05-5..  33 CFR 164.46; 46 CFR
                                                    part 195.
Uninspected Vessels \19\......  46 CFR 26.03-4...  Not Applicable.
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D. Current Electronic Chart Systems Carriage and Equivalency Guidance
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    \19\ Under existing 46 CFR part 25, subpart 25.10, 
manufacturers, distributors, and dealers must install navigation 
lights on uninspected vessels. However, we are considering adding 
new requirements in 46 CFR part 25 for electronic chart systems, and 
any integration with new or existing navigational equipment.
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    In 2005, the Coast Guard solicited the assistance of the Radio 
Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) \20\ to expand its 
standard, RTCM 10900.6, ``RTCM Standard for Electronic Chart Systems 
(ECS),'' to enhance the use of AIS and better provide for electronic 
chart carriage. In three subsequent editions, the RTCM standard 
addressed the backup requirements for SOLAS ECDIS and the use of 
electronic charts on non-SOLAS class vessels. The updated 7th edition 
of RTCM's ECS standard (10900.7) was published on April 5, 2017. This 
edition established four classes of ECS and supported integration of 
other installed navigational equipment, including radar, AIS, heading 
input, and electronic position fixing systems.
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    \20\ The RTCM is an international non-profit scientific, 
professional and educational organization that is actively engaged 
in the development of international standards for maritime radio 
navigation and radio communication systems.
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    These developments led the Coast Guard to pursue new or modified 
standards to ECS, and were a key consideration for guidance issued via 
Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-16, ``Use of 
Electronic Charts and Publications in Lieu of Paper Charts, Maps and 
Publications.'' NVIC 01-16 was issued on February 3, 2016 to address 
the use of electronic charts domestically.\21\ NVIC 01-16 established 
an equivalency to the chart and publication carriage requirements in 
titles 33 and 46 of the CFR by permitting the use of ENCs in lieu of 
paper charts, under certain circumstances. NVIC 01-16 was updated in 
2017 \22\ and in 2020 \23\ to reflect changes in available technology 
and in the use of electronic publications. The decline in the use of 
paper nautical charts and rise in use of ENCs that started over two 
decades ago has continued since NVIC 01-16 was issued in 2016.\24\ The 
Coast Guard anticipates that any rule resulting from this ANPRM would 
supersede NVIC 01-16.
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    \21\ Although it has been revised by a subsequent document, the 
original NVIC 01-16 is available to view at NVIC_01-
16_electronic_charts_and_publications.pdf (menlosecurity.com). This 
document was accessed on October 5, 2021.
    \22\ 82 FR 32851, July 18, 2017. Although it has been revised by 
a subsequent document, NVIC 01-16 (Change 1) is available to view at 
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/electronic_charting/NVIC_01-16_ElectronicChartsAndPubsCh1.pdf. This document was accessed on 
October 5, 2021.
    \23\ 85 FR 31789, May 27, 2020. NVIC 01-16 (Change 2) is 
available at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/5ps/NVIC/2016/NVIC_01-16_Ch-2_Final_2020-05-21.pdf?ver=2020-05-26-172404-563. This document was accessed on October 5, 2021.
    \24\ See footnote 5 of this ANPRM for the link to the NOAA 
Sunsetting Paper.
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V. ANPRM Discussion

    With this ANPRM, the Coast Guard seeks information and public input 
to assist us in establishing, through a future rulemaking, acceptable 
electronic chart and related navigational equipment carriage 
regulations in titles 33 and 46 CFR. The intent of changing the CFR 
sections referenced in table 1 would be to provide safe navigation and 
carriage requirements based on ENC chart data produced by U.S. 
hydrographic offices.
    More than 50 years ago, when the Coast Guard mandated chart 
carriage on certain commercial vessels,\25\ the only charts available 
to meet the requirements were paper charts. Under the existing 
regulations referenced in table 1, not all vessels are required to 
carry an electronic position fixing device, heading input device, or 
ECDIS. The current domestic chart and navigational equipment carriage 
regulations were not written for an electronic chart-only environment. 
Although both 46 U.S.C. 3105 and NVIC 01-16 (Change 2) provide for 
equivalencies between paper and electronic charts, they do not change 
existing CFR requirements.
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    \25\ 16 FR 1511, 1542, February 14, 1951.
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VI. Information Requested

    With this ANPRM, the Coast Guard seeks public participation in 
order to obtain additional information before issuing a notice of 
proposed rulemaking

[[Page 17245]]

with proposed regulatory text. The information we obtain from you, the 
public, should allow us to better develop requirements that better 
ensure safe navigation and carriage based on ENCs. We seek information 
on how widely used electronic charts are today, what types of vessels 
are equipped and operate with electronic charts, where these vessels 
typically operate, and what are appropriate equipment requirements for 
different vessel classes. The more detailed information you provide, 
the better informed the Coast Guard will be when considering possible 
modifications to existing carriage requirements. We are particularly 
interested in detailed reasons for your answers, and in explanations of 
any calculations you make or other information on how you reach your 
determinations when responding to these questions.
    Specifically, we seek responses to the following questions:
    Question 1. Should electronic charts and related navigational 
equipment be required on certain vessels not on international voyages 
even if paper charts are available for use and certified for 
navigation? If yes, which vessels? Please explain why.
    Question 2. Title 46 U.S.C. 3105 allows for self-propelled 
commercial vessels of at least 65 feet in overall length, vessels 
carrying more than a number of passengers for hire determined by the 
Secretary, and towing vessels of more than 26 feet in overall length 
and 600 horsepower, while operating on the navigable waters of the 
United States, equipped with and operating electronic navigational 
charts that are produced by a government hydrographic office or conform 
to a standard acceptable to the Secretary, to be deemed in compliance 
with any requirement under title 33 or 46, Code of Federal Regulations, 
to have a chart, marine chart, or map on board. Paragraph (a)(1)(D) of 
this statute gives the Secretary discretion to provide electronic chart 
equivalency standards for any other vessel not specified. For which 
types of vessels not listed in the statute should the Coast Guard 
consider creating electronic chart equivalency standards? What types of 
vessels, if any, should be excluded? Please explain why.
    Question 3. Paragraph (a)(1)(B) of 46 U.S.C. 3105 allows for ``a 
vessel carrying more than a number of passengers for hire determined by 
the Secretary'' to be equipped with and operating electronic charts to 
meet chart requirements under titles 33 and 46 of the CFR. If we were 
to establish electronic chart carriage regulations, should we set the 
number of passengers the same as in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter K, 
which applies to passenger vessels carrying more than 150 passengers or 
with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers? If not, what 
number of passengers for hire should the Coast Guard use as a minimum 
for electronic chart carriage regulations?
    Question 4. The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act 
(note to 15 U.S.C. 272) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus 
standards in their regulatory activities. The Coast Guard is aware of 
two voluntary industry consensus standards that provide standards for 
ECDIS/ECS: (1) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 
61174:2015; \26\ and (2) RTCM 10900.7.\27\ What other voluntary 
industry standards should we consider? Which of these voluntary 
industry standards should be adopted, and why? Would these standards 
provide sufficient requirements for the vessel categories listed in 46 
U.S.C. 3105? If adopted, are these voluntary consensus standards too 
prescriptive or do they contain too many requirements for certain 
vessel classes? If so, why?
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    \26\ IEC 61174:2015 ECDIS standard.
    \27\ RTCM 10900.7 ECS standard.
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    Question 5. The Secretary of Homeland Security may allow for 
exemptions and waivers, as stated in 46 U.S.C. 3105(a)(2)(C), to permit 
vessels as described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1) 
``that operate solely landward of the baseline from which the 
territorial sea of the United States is measured to utilize software-
based, platform-independent electronic chart systems that the Secretary 
determines are capable of displaying electronic navigational charts 
with necessary scale and detail to ensure safe navigation for the 
intended voyage.'' Should any vessels be exempted from electronic chart 
system requirements? What standard, if any, should vessels operating 
inside the U.S. territorial sea baseline be required to meet? If your 
vessel is currently in this category and is using electronic charting 
systems, what types of software and hardware are you using?
    Question 6. Regarding EPFDs, NVIC 01-16 (Change 2) states that 
position updates must be in real-time (delivered less than every 2 
seconds), sound (8-to-20-meter accuracy), and have a minimum resolution 
of 0.001 minutes (devices dependent on cellular connection are not 
acceptable) in accordance with the Federal Radionavigation Plan, IMO 
Resolution MSC.112(73), and IEC 61108-1. Should we incorporate these 
standards in regulations for EPFDs used with ENCs for navigational 
functions? If not, what standard(s) should they meet? Please explain 
why.
    Question 7. Should electronic navigational equipment listed in A 
through F below, which is required for carriage on certain vessels, be 
digitally integrated \28\ with electronic nautical charts and 
navigational systems? Why or why not? What cyber security concerns 
should be considered if electronic nautical charts and navigation 
systems are integrated with this equipment?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ See IEC 61162 Digital Interfaces for Navigation Equipment 
within a Ship and National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 
0183 Interface Standard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (A) EPFD providing position information;
    (B) AIS;
    (C) Gyro compass or other means to determine a vessel's heading by 
vessel-borne non-magnetic means and transmit heading information;
    (D) Marine radar;
    (E) Magnetic compass; or
    (F) Voyage data recorder or simplified voyage data recorder.
    Question 8. Current chart carriage requirements described in 33 CFR 
164.33 require charts to be ``of a large enough scale and have enough 
detail to make safe navigation of the area possible.'' Should a 
specific scale be identified in regulation? Why or why not?
    Question 9. When a vessel is reliant on ENC or IENC charts, should 
the Coast Guard require the following back-up arrangements?
    (A) An equivalent system to that being used to view electronic 
charts as the primary means, connected to a power supply separate and 
independent from the primary system;
    (B) A non-equivalent ECS meeting a recognized standard, connected 
to a power supply and independent from the primary system;
    (C) Other; please specify; or
    (D) No back-up arrangement required.
    Question 10. Does your vessel have backup power capability? Should 
an ECS be connected to a backup power supply separate and independent 
from the primary system? What would be the cost of installing a backup 
source? For the purpose of understanding your response, please include 
the type and size of the vessel for which you are providing your 
response.
    Question 11. If you operate a vessel, are a vessel owner, or work 
in an industry with vessels subject to the chart and navigational 
equipment carriage requirements in titles 33 and 46

[[Page 17246]]

of the CFR, how prevalent are electronic chart display systems within 
the vessel class with which you are knowledgeable? For example, in your 
vessel class or industry, would you consider electronic chart display 
systems to be very uncommon, uncommon, somewhat common, common, or very 
common? For reference, the Coast Guard will attempt to quantify non-
numerical responses to questions for the purposes of an economic 
analysis. We will consider ``very uncommon'' to represent an adoption 
rate of 20 percent or less; ``uncommon'' to represent an adoption rate 
between 20 and 40 percent; ``somewhat common'' to represent an adoption 
rate between 40 and 60 percent; ``common'' to represent an adoption 
rate between 60 and 80 percent; and ``very common'' to represent an 
adoption rate of 80 percent or greater. For us to better understand the 
context of your response, please provide the particular area of the 
maritime industry or vessel class that your estimate is for, and the 
basis for that estimate.
    Question 12a. If your vessel lacks the navigational equipment 
necessary to use and display ENC charts, what is your vessel type, what 
equipment are you currently lacking, and what would be the estimated 
cost of procuring and installing this equipment? Please let us know who 
would procure and set up the equipment, and provide an estimate for how 
long these processes would take. Will your company be able to use 
existing vessel or shoreside maintenance personnel, or will an outside 
marine electrician contractor or other technician have to be hired? Are 
there situations where retrofitting a vessel with such equipment may 
not be possible? If so, why and what vessel type?
    Question 12b. If the additional ENC equipment would require updates 
to your vessel's electrical system, please provide an estimate of the 
expected costs to the vessel owner. If you cannot provide a cost 
estimate, what type of technician would perform the update to the 
electrical system and how long do you estimate that would take? Would 
the vessel need to be docked or out of service for any of the 
modifications described in this question? If so, for how long? Please 
indicate the type of vessel in your response.
    Question 13. How many hours per month do you currently spend 
updating paper charts? What are the costs of maintaining a corrected 
chart portfolio? How often do you replace paper charts? If you or your 
company make the updates internally who is in charge of updating them 
(master, mate, shore-based company employee, etc.)? If you contract 
with a service, how much do you pay for the services provided?
    Question 14. What are the ongoing costs for the necessary 
electronic chart display system software, such as a charting 
application or subscription service? How often are technicians required 
to maintain or service the ECS and how much does this service cost? How 
often do you anticipate replacing or upgrading an electronic chart 
display system and what is the estimated cost to replace or upgrade it?
    Question 15. If the Coast Guard were to propose electronic chart 
and navigational equipment carriage requirements, what persons, 
entities, or organizations would be positively or negatively impacted? 
For example, a positive impact may include instances where an 
individual, vessel owner, or company may experience cost savings from 
time saved by no longer manually updating charts or an increase in 
revenue from selling electronic chart display systems or software, 
while a negative impact may result from an individual, vessel owner, or 
company taking on additional equipment costs to be in compliance.
    Question 16. Are there additional measures that should be 
considered to relieve an economic burden if the Coast Guard were to 
issue a rule to establish electronic chart and navigational equipment 
carriage requirements? What would you consider to be the expected costs 
and associated benefits of the additional measures? Please provide the 
data and calculations for the determination of such costs and/or 
benefits.
    Question 17. Because of the similarities between an RTCM Class 
``A'' ECS and an ECDIS, NVIC 1-16 (Change 2) encourages mariners 
operating an RTCM Class ``A'' ECS to complete Coast Guard approved 
ECDIS training. For all other mariners operating other ECS systems NVIC 
01-16 (Change 2) identifies training topics for mariner 
familiarization. Is a Coast Guard approved ECDIS course appropriate 
training for mariners on vessels equipped with ECS? Should ECS specific 
training be required for officers in charge of a navigational watch on 
vessels equipped with ECS? What would you consider to be the estimated 
costs for such training?

    Dated: March 23, 2022.
J.W. Mauger,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention 
Policy.
[FR Doc. 2022-06416 Filed 3-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


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