[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 87 (Friday, May 3, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10999]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 10 and 15

CGD 94-041]
RIN 2115-92


Radar-Observer Endorsement for Operators of Uninspected Towing 
Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Reopening of comment period on interim rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is reopening the period for public comment on 
its interim rule requiring a radar-observer endorsement for operators 
of uninspected towing vessels. It would like public help in clarifying 
certain issues.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 2, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Marine 
Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) [CGD 94-041], U.S. Coast Guard 
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-09001, or 
may be delivered to room 3406 at the same address between 8 a.m. and 3 
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 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LCDR Don Darcy, Project Manager, Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection, Office of Maritime Personnel Qualifications (G-MOS-1) (202) 
267-0221.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 26, 1994, the Coast Guard 
published an interim rule requiring a radar-observer endorsement, with 
appropriate training, for licensed masters, mates, and operators of 
radar-equipped uninspected towing vessels 8 meters (approximately 26 
feet) or more in length [59 FR 53754]. This rule requires every 
licensed person to hold either an endorsement as a radar-observer or, 
if he or she holds a valid license issued before February 15, 1995, a 
certificate from a radar-operation course. In response to comments from 
members of the regulated public, the Coast Guard published an amendment 
to the interim rule on February 14, 1995 [60 FR 8308], which changed 
the date by which the radar-observer endorsement or the radar-operation 
course certificate would be required: from February 15, 1995, to June 
1, 1995. The effective date of the interim rule remained and remains 
June 1, 1995.
    Further evaluation of the interim rule by the Coast Guard revealed 
certain issues that require clarification. Therefore, the Coast Guard 
has decided to reopen the comment period.

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
this rulemaking by submitting written data, views, or arguments. There 
is no need to refile comments already submitted. Persons submitting 
comments should include their names and addresses, identify this 
rulemaking [CGD 94-041] and the specific section of the interim rule to 
which each comment applies, and give the reason 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 
comments should enclose stamped, self-addressed postcards or envelopes.
    The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the 
comment period. It may change the interim rule in view of the comments.
    Although the Coast Guard invites comments on any feature of the 
interim rule, it specifically invites comments on the following:
    Section 10.305(c)(2)(iii)(C). Should the Coast Guard require the 
determination of the course and speed of another vessel for inland 
routes?
    Section 10.305(c)(2)(iii)(D). Should the Coast Guard require the 
determination of the time and distance of closest point of approach of 
a crossing, meeting, overtaking, or overtaken vessel for inland routes? 
On most inland routes, towing vessels have a one-person watch in the 
wheelhouse and may compromise the safety of the tow if they were 
required to do this.
    Section 10.480(f). Currently an endorsement as radar observer 
issued under this section is valid for five years after the month of 
issuance of the certificate of training from a course approved by the 
Coast Guard. Should there be a 2 year window of acceptability to the 
renewal date of the license to bring the two dates together and 
eliminate an expensive license transaction? This would make the normal 
validity of the endorsement 5 years, but not to exceed 7 years.

    Dated: April 25, 1996.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Director for Standards, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 96-10999 Filed 5-2-96; 8:45 am]
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