[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 18, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66642-66643]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: X96-11218]


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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 intent.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard intends to modify the proposed rule on 
Licensing and Manning for Officers of Towing Vessels and to publish a 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) before issuing a 
final rule. The SNPRM will include a new comment period and it may 
announce additional public meetings.

ADDRESSES: The Executive Secretary maintains the public docket for this 
rulemaking. Comments previously received have become part of this 
docket and are available for inspection or copying at room 3406, U.S. 
Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20593, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    On June 19, 1996, the Coast Guard published in the Federal Register 
a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed changes to the 
licensing and manning requirements for officers of towing vessels in 
order to provide a safer towing industry (61 FR 31332). The NPRM 
proposed changes including, but not limited to, the following: A 
graduated series of master and mate (pilot) licenses (allowing holders 
of current licenses to be grandfathered); an additional license level 
for new entries--apprentice mate (steersman); route endorsements for 
particular geographical areas; a limited and unlimited licensing 
structure based on a 3000-horsepower breakpoint; a practical 
demonstration of skills; a check-ride with a designated examiner, or 
completion of a refresher course for renewals and upgrades of licenses; 
and a clarification that the master of the vessel is responsible for 
the overall safety of the vessel, but not for another individual's 
misconduct or incompetence.
    The comment period under the NPRM closed on October 17, 1996. 
Because of the very active public response to the NPRM, through a 
public meeting, speaking engagements, and numerous written comments, 
the Coast Guard intends to modify the proposed rule. The Coast Guard 
will develop a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
help it re-evaluate the proposed rule and the cost-benefit analysis, 
and to incorporate certain recommendations. Public comments are being 
reviewed and may be instrumental in the development of the new 
proposal. The SNPRM will include a comment period, similar to the NPRM, 
allowing mariners and companies within the industry to express their 
views on the new changes.
    Issuing an SNPRM, before an interim rule or final rule, will also 
create the potential for further public meetings. Notice will be given 
in the SNPRM, and otherwise in the Federal Register, regarding dates 
and times of any further public meetings for this rulemaking.

Requests for Comments

    With publication of the SNPRM, the Coast Guard will encourage 
interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written data, views, or arguments on the new proposals. There is no 
need or occasion to refile comments already submitted.


[[Page 66643]]


    Dated: November 26, 1996.
J.C. Card,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection.
[JR Doc. 96-32026 Filed 12-17-96; 8:45 am]
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