[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 21, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 3070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1399]



[[Page 3070]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 10 and 15

[CGD 94-055]
RIN 2115-AF23


Licensing and Manning for Officers of Towing Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public meetings; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is holding four public meetings on its 
proposed rule to revise the requirements for licensing mariners who 
operate inspected as well as uninspected towing vessels. The proposed 
rule would ensure that all towing vessels are manned by officers 
holding licenses specifically authorizing their service. The Coast 
Guard is holding the public meetings to receive additional views on the 
licensing issues in the proposed rule.

DATES: The meeting in Memphis, Tennessee, will be held on February 11, 
1998, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The meeting in Houston, Texas, will be held 
on February 13, 1998, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The meeting in Boston, 
Massachusetts, will be held on February 18, 1998, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
The meeting in Seattle, Washington, will be held on February 24, 1998, 
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Written material must reach the Coast Guard not 
later than February 20, 1998. Comments on the supplemental notice of 
proposed rulemaking must be received on or before February 24, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The Memphis meeting will be held in the City Council 
Chambers, 125 North Main, Memphis, TN 38103. The Boston meeting will be 
held in the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, 455 Commercial Street, 
Boston, MA 02109-1045. The Houston meeting will be held at Hollywood 
Marine Inc., 16402-1/2 Dezavala, Channelview, TX 77530. The Seattle 
meeting will be held in the South Auditorium, Federal Building, 915 
Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174-1067. You may send written comments to 
the Executive Secretary, Marine Safety Council (G-LRA) [CGD 94-055], 
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20593-0001, or deliver them to room 3406 at the same address between 
9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
The telephone number is 202-267-1477.
    The Executive Secretary maintains the public docket for this 
rulemaking. Comments will become part of this docket and will be 
available for inspection or copying at room 3406, U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters, between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LCDR Don Darcy, Operating and 
Environmental Standards Division (G-MSO-1), U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, 
telephone 202-267-0221.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
this rulemaking by submitting written data, views, or arguments. 
Persons submitting comments should include their names and addresses, 
identify this rulemaking [CGD 94-055] and the specific section of the 
proposed rule to which each comment applies, and give the reasons for 
each comment. Please submit two copies of all comments and attachments 
in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for 
copying and electronic filing. Persons wanting acknowledgment of 
receipt of comment should enclose stamped, self-addressed postcards or 
envelopes.
    The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the 
comment period. It may change this proposed rule in view of the 
comments.

Public Meeting

    Attendance is open to the public. Persons who are hearing-impaired 
may request sign translation by asking the person under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT at least one week before the meeting. With advance 
notice, and as time permits members of the public may make oral 
presentations during the meeting. Persons wishing to make oral 
presentations should notify the person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT no later than the day before the meeting. Written 
material may be submitted before, during, or after the meeting. Persons 
unable to attend the public meetings should submit written comments as 
outlined in the interim rule by February 24, 1998.

    Dated: January 13, 1998.
R. L. Skewes,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Director of Standards Marine Safety 
and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 98-1399 Filed 1-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M