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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 (72 COLREGS), to reflect that the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (DAJAG) (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined that certain vessels of the VIRGINIA SSN Class are vessels of the Navy which, due to their special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with their special function as a naval ships. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.
 DATES: This rule is effective October 20, 2017 and is applicable beginning September 30, 2017.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Commander Kyle Fralick, (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 certain vessels of the SSN Class are vessels of the Navy which, due to their special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with their special function as a naval ship: Rule 23(a) and Annex I, paragraph 2(a)(i), pertaining to the vertical placement of the masthead, light and Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i), pertaining to the masthead light being above and clear of all other lights and obstructions; Rule 30 (a), Rule 21(e), and Annex I, paragraph 2(k), pertaining to the vertical separation of the anchor lights, vertical placement of the forward anchor light above the hull, and the arc of visibility of all around lights; Rule 23 (a) and 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 these vessels in a manner differently from that prescribed herein will adversely affect these vessels' ability to perform their 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 INDIANA (SSN 789); b.In Table Three, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS INDIANA (SSN 789); and c.In Table Four: i.In paragraph 25, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS INDIANA (SSN 789); and ii. In paragraph 26, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS INDIANA (SSN 789). 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 INDIANA
SSN 789
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
                                     relationship 
                                     of aft light 
                                     to forward 
                                     light in 
                                     meters 2(K) 
                                     annex 1*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS INDIANA
SSN 789


206.0°
4.37
11.05
2.8
0.30*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 
 
 25. * * * Table Four
Vessel
Number
Distance in meters of
                                     masthead light below 
                                     the submarine 
                                     identification lights*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS INDIANA
SSN 789
0.81
 26. * * * Vessel
Number
Obstruction angle relative to ship's
                                     headingsForward anchor light
Aft anchor
                                     light*         *         *         *         *         *         *USS INDIANA
SSN 789
172° to 188°
359° to 1°.
 Approved: September 30, 2017. A.S. Janin, Captain, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General (Admiralty and Maritime Law Division). Dated: October 10, 2017. A.M. Nichols, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer.


[FR Doc. 2017-22578 Filed 10-19-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P