[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 206 (Wednesday, October 26, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-26506]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: October 26, 1994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
46 CFR Parts 10 and 15
[CGD 94-041]
RIN 2115-AE92
Radar-Observer Endorsement for Operators of Uninspected Towing
Vessels
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending the rules that require a radar-
observer endorsement. The amended rules will require radar-training for
licensed masters, mates, and operators of radar-equipped uninspected
towing vessels 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length,
either toward an endorsement or, in the short run, toward a
certificate. The amended rules are necessary to ensure that vessels
equipped with radar are manned by mariners with the skills and
knowledge to operate them.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective on November 25, 1994.
Comments: Comments must be received on or before January 24, 1995.
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 20593-0001, 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:
Mr. Robert E. Spears, Jr., Project Manager, Office of Marine Safety,
Security, and Environmental Protection (G-MVP-3), (202) 267-0224,
between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
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 94-041] and the specific section of this
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 this rule in view of the comments.
The Coast Guard conducted a study entitled Review of Marine Safety
Issues Related to Uninspected Towing Vessels. The Review recommended,
among other initiatives, establishment of a radar-training requirement
for certain operators of towboats. The Coast Guard held a public
meeting on April 4, 1994, to examine the Review. The public comments,
both offered then and submitted afterward, figured in the development
of this rule. Consequently, the Coast Guard plans no public hearing.
Persons may ask for one by writing to the Marine Safety Council at the
address under ADDRESSES. The request should include the reasons why one
would be beneficial. If the Coast Guard determines that another
opportunity for oral presentations will aid this rulemaking, it will
schedule a hearing at a time and place announced by a later notice in
the Federal Register.
Drafting Information
The principal persons involved in the drafting of this document are
Mr. Robert S. Spears, Jr., Project Manager, Office of Marine Safety,
Security, and Environmental Protection, and Mr. Patrick J. Murray,
Project Counsel, Office of the Chief Counsel.
Regulatory Information
This rule is being published as an interim rule and will be
effective on November 25, 1994. The Coast Guard has determined that it
would be contrary to the public interest to delay publication of this
rule, which applies current statutory law [46 U.S.C. 2103, 7101, and
8904(a)], establishes an overdue regulatory requirement at a minimal
cost, and shows great potential for improving public safety. For these
good reasons, the Coast Guard finds under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) that no
public notice is necessary.
Background and Purpose
The derailment of the Amtrak Sunset Limited, a passenger train, on
September 22, 1993, with extensive injury and loss of life, resulted in
a study entitled Review of Marine Safety Issues Related to Uninspected
Towing Vessels. This study, based on an investigation conducted jointly
by the Offices of Navigation Safety and Waterway Services (G-N) and of
Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection (G-M), provided
the Commandant of the Coast Guard with a number of recommendations to
enhance safety in the towing industry. One of these recommendations
called for a regulatory project to amend 46 CFR parts 10 and 15 to
require radar-observer training and endorsements for operators of
radar-equipped towing vessels more than 8 meters (approximately 26
feet) in length. The Commandant concurred, and directed the Merchant
Vessel Personnel Division (G-MVP) to initiate the project.
Discussion of Rule
This interim rule amends the current rules in two basic ways.
First, it adds to 46 CFR part 15 language that extends the requirement
of a radar-observer endorsement to licensed operators of radar-equipped
towboats 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length. Second, it
adds to part 10 two courses: A Radar-Observer (Rivers) course and a
Radar-Operation course, the latter temporary. Because operators with
unlimited and inland-waters endorsements may navigate on rivers, the
Coast Guard also found it necessary to add rivers-related topics to the
list of subjects for the courses encompassing broader routes.
(``River'' means any river, canal, or similar body of water designated
by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection; ``Inland Waters'' means
the navigable waters of the United States shoreward of the Boundary
Lines as described by 46 CFR part 7, excluding the Great Lakes [46 CFR
10.103].)
To provide a reasonable opportunity for affected personnel to
complete full radar-observer courses and obtain radar-observer
endorsements, this interim rule requires these courses and endorsements
only of personnel receiving original licenses, renewing licenses, or
upgrading licenses, on or after February 15, 1995. (Since licenses are
valid for five years, some OUTVs will not have to complete these
courses until January, 2000.) However, because of the urgent need to
improve safety, this rule requires the Radar-Operation course of all
affected personnel not yet required to hold the radar-observer
endorsement.
Because of the large number of personnel required to attend radar-
training by February 15, 1995, and the importance of their getting
basic training as soon as possible, the Radar-Operation course may be
conducted by individuals, companies, or other organizations without
prior approval of the Coast Guard. However, offerors must state on
their course-completion certificates that the courses conform to rules
of the Coast Guard. Each such certificate is valid until the holder's
license is renewed or upgraded, whichever occurs first. By then, a
holder of this certificate must have completed an approved radar-
observer course to obtain the endorsement on his or her license. No
mariner who renews or upgrades his or her license on or after February
15, 1995, without having attended a radar-observer course, may serve as
the master, mate, operator, or pilot of any vessel identified by 46 CFR
15.815--among which are radar-equipped uninspected towing vessels of at
least 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) in length.
The radar-observer endorsement on a license expires after five
years. To renew, an applicant must present a certificate of training
from an approved course: radar-observer renewal or original. Like the
original course, the renewal course will contain two principal
components: a demonstration of skills on a radar simulator, and a
radar-theory examination. Any applicant successfully completing the
appropriate approved course and presenting the certificate of training
to the OCMI may have his or her endorsement renewed.
Regulatory Evaluation
This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f)
of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and does
not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section
6(a)(3) of that order. It has not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget under that Order. It is nonsignificant under the
Regulatory Policies and Procedures of the Department of Transportation
(DOT) [44 FR 11040 (February 26, 1979)].
The requirements announced by this rule will apply to licensed
operators of radar-equipped towing vessels 8 meters (approximately 26
feet) or more in length operating in U.S. waters.
The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this rule to be so
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the
Regulatory Policies and Procedures of DOT is unnecessary.
There are about 12,300 licensed operators of uninspected towing
vessels (OUTV) in the U.S. Although some may operate towboats on ocean
(domestic-trade) waters, many of those vessels are manned by licensed
masters or mates. OUTVs on ocean waters already must complete radar-
observer courses [see 46 CFR 10.464(e)(2)], but they must do this only
once. This rule will require certain licensed OUTVs to obtain radar-
observer endorsements, which must be renewed five years after the month
of issue [see 46 CFR 10.480(f), below]. Roughly 15,000 masters, mates,
and OUTVs will each need to complete a radar-observer course or a
Radar-Operation course sometime during the five years after the
effective date of this rule to comply with 46 CFR 15.815(c), below.
Those completing the radar-observer course will need to renew their
endorsements every five years to continue to work on radar-equipped
towboats of at least 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) in length.
Certificates from Radar-Operation courses will not be valid with
licenses dated after February 15, 1995. Consequently, persons using the
Radar-Operation certificate to satisfy 46 CFR 15.815(c) will need to
complete radar-observer courses when they renew or upgrade their
licenses--if they intend to continue working on radar-equipped towboats
of 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length. A Radar-
Operation course, at least four hours in length, is designed to
indoctrinate operators with regard to basic uses and interpretation of
radar. Radar-observer courses, courses approved by the Coast Guard and
completed by applicants seeking radar-observer endorsements on their
licenses, range in length from four hours (renewal only) to five or
more days. The radar-observer courses and corresponding endorsements
are separated by area of operation: Rivers, Inland Waters, and
Unlimited (any waters). Expenses to complete the different courses will
vary, depending on the courses selected, the sources of training, and
the applicants' abilities. In-house courses should cost less than
courses offered by independent schools. Unless their employers offer
the courses, OUTVs likely will bear the expense for the training, and
complete it on their own time. Tuition might cost up to $100.00 a day,
and miscellaneous expenses for travel, meals, and lodging will
sometimes accrue too, at $20.00 to $100.00 a day. Since the endorsement
is valid for five years, the expense may be spread over five years as
well.
For example, if the typical OUTV completes a Radar-Operation course
before February 15, 1995, for $50.00 and then two years later, when
renewing his or her license, completes a Radar-Observer (Rivers) course
at a cost of $480.00 (three days of training, lodging, meals, and
miscellaneous expenses), the expense for the first seven years will be
about $530.00, or $76.00 a year. For subsequent five-year intervals,
the expense will fall to about $14.00 a year, due to the shorter length
of the renewal course ($50.00 tuition + $20.00 miscellaneous expenses =
$70.00 divided by five years = $14.00). Hence, over 30 years, training
15,000 licensed individuals will cost about $440,000.00 a year. Since
about 450 new OUTVs are added each year (at $480.00 each), $216,000.00
must also be added each year to arrive at the total expense for the
towing industry--$656,000.00 a year.
Statistical research has shown that American society is willing to
pay $2,600,000.00 to save even just one life. Therefore, even if only
one life is saved each year by this rule, the benefit outweighs the
expense by about $2,000,000.00 a year.
Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act [5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.], the
Coast Guard must consider the economic impact on small entities of a
rule for which a general notice of proposed rulemaking is required.
``Small entities'' may include (1) small businesses and not-for-profit
organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not
dominant in their fields and (2) governmental jurisdictions with
populations of less than 50,000.
This interim rule does not require a general notice of proposed
rulemaking and, therefore, is exempt from the provisions of the Act.
Although this rule is exempt, however, the Coast Guard has reviewed it
for potential impact on small entities.
This interim rule places its burden on individual OUTVs, not on
their employers, which may, but need not, take it on themselves. The
Coast Guard expects that, of the employers that will take it on
themselves, few if any will be small entities. Therefore, the Coast
Guard has determined that it will have no adverse economic impact on
small entities. If you nonetheless think that your business or
organization qualifies as a small entity and that this rule will have a
significant economic impact on your business or organization, please
submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies
and to what degree this rule will economically affect it.
Collection of Information
This interim rule contains no new collection-of-information
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act [44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.].
Federalism
The Coast Guard has analyzed this interim rule under the principles
and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that
the rule does not have sufficient implications for federalism to
warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Environment
The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this
interim rule and concluded that, under Sec. 2.B.2 of Commandant
Instruction M16475.1B, this rule is categorically excluded from further
environmental documentation. The rule is an administrative matter
within the meaning of sub-Sec. 2.B.2.1. of Commandant Instruction
M16475.1B that clearly has no environmental impact. A Determination of
Categorical Exclusion is available in the docket for inspection or
copying where indicated under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects
46 CFR Part 10
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Schools, Seamen.
46 CFR Part 15
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seamen, Vessels.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 46
CFR parts 10 and 15 as follows:
PART 10--LICENSING OF MARITIME PERSONNEL
1. The citation of authority for part 10 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 14 U.S.C. 633, 31 U.S.C. 9701, 46 U.S.C. 2103, 7701;
49 CFR 1.45, 1.46; Sec. 10.107 also issued under the authority of 44
U.S.C. 3507.
2. Section 10.305 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 10.305 Radar-observer certificates and qualifying courses.
(a) A student who takes an approved course of training, which
includes passing both a radar-theory examination and a practical
demonstration on a simulator, and who meets the requirements of this
section is entitled to an appropriate radar-observer certificate--
(1) In a form prescribed by the school and acceptable to the Coast
Guard; and
(2) Signed by the head of the school.
(b) The following radar-observer certificates are issued under this
section:
(1) Radar Observer (Unlimited).
(2) Radar Observer (Inland Waters).
(3) Radar Observer (Rivers).
(4) Radar Observer (Unlimited Renewal).
(5) Radar Observer (Inland Waters Renewal).
(6) Radar Observer (Rivers Renewal).
(c) A school with an approved radar-observer course may issue a
certificate listed in paragraph (b) of this section after the student
has successfully completed the appropriate curriculum as follows:
(1) Radar Observer (Unlimited). Classroom instruction--including
demonstration and practical exercises using simulators--and
examination, in the following subjects:
(i) Fundamentals of radar:
(A) How radar works.
(B) Factors affecting the performance and accuracy of marine radar.
(C) Purposes and functions of the main components that constitute a
typical marine radar system.
(ii) Operation and use of radar:
(A) Purpose and adjustment of controls.
(B) Detection of malfunctions, false and indirect echoes, and other
radar phenomena.
(C) Effects of sea return and weather.
(D) Limitations of radar resulting from design factors.
(E) Precautions to observe in performing maintenance of radar
equipment.
(F) Measurement of ranges and bearings.
(G) Effect of size, shape, composition, and distance of vessels and
terrestrial targets on echo.
(iii) Interpretation and analysis of radar information:
(A) Radar navigation--determining the position and direction of
movements of a vessel.
(B) Collision-avoidance, including visual techniques, appropriate
to the circumstances and the equipment in use.
(C) Determining the course and speed of another vessel.
(D) Determining the time and distance of closest point of approach
of a crossing, meeting, overtaking, or overtaken vessel.
(E) Detecting changes of course and/or speed of another vessel
after its initial course and speed have been established.
(F) Factors to consider when determining changes of course and/or
speed of a vessel to, on the basis of radar observation, prevent
collisions with other vessels.
(iv) Plotting (by any graphically-correct method):
(A) Principles and methods of plotting relative and true motion.
(B) Practical-plotting problems.
(2) Radar Observer (Inland Waters). Classroom instruction--with
emphasis on situations and problems encountered on inland waters,
including demonstration and practical exercises using simulators--and
examination, in the following subjects:
(i) Fundamentals of radar:
(A) How radar works.
(B) Factors affecting the performance and accuracy of marine radar.
(C) Purpose and functions of the main components that constitute a
typical marine radar system.
(ii) Operation and use of radar:
(A) Purpose and adjustment of controls.
(B) Detection of malfunctions, false and indirect echoes, and other
radar phenomena.
(C) Effects of sea return and weather.
(D) Limitations of radar resulting from design factors.
(E) Precautions to observe in performing maintenance of radar
equipment.
(F) Measurement of ranges and bearings.
(G) Effect of size, shape, composition, and distance of vessels and
terrestrial targets on echo.
(iii) Interpretation and analysis of radar information:
(A) Radar navigation--determining the position and direction of
movements of a vessel.
(B) Collision-avoidance, including visual techniques, appropriate
to the circumstances and the equipment in use.
(C) Determining the course and speed of another vessel.
(D) Determining the time and distance of closest point of approach
of a crossing, meeting, overtaking, or overtaken vessel.
(E) Detecting changes of course and/or speed of another vessel
after its initial course and speed have been established.
(F) Factors to consider when determining changes of course and/or
speed of a vessel to, on the basis of radar observation, prevent
collisions with other vessels.
(3) Radar Observer (Rivers). Classroom instruction--with emphasis
on situations and problems encountered on rivers including
demonstration and practical exercises using simulators--and
examination, in the following subjects:
(i) Fundamentals of radar:
(A) How radar works.
(B) Factors affecting the performance and accuracy of marine radar.
(C) Purpose and functions of the main components that constitute a
typical marine radar system.
(ii) Operation and use of radar:
(A) Purpose and adjustment of controls.
(B) Detection of malfunctions, false and indirect echoes, and other
radar phenomena.
(C) Effects of sea return and weather.
(D) Limitations of radar resulting from design factors.
(E) Precautions to observe in preforming maintenance of radar
equipment.
(F) Measurement of ranges and bearings.
(G) Effect of size, shape, composition, and distance of vessels and
terrestrial targets on echo.
(iii) Interpretation and analysis of radar information:
(A) Radar navigation--determining the position and direction of
movements of a vessel.
(B) Collision-avoidance, including visual techniques, appropriate
to the circumstances and the equipment in use.
(C) Factors to consider when determining changes of course and/or
speed of a vessel to, on the basis of radar observation, prevent
collisions with other vessels.
(4) Radar Observer (Unlimited Renewal). Classroom Instruction)--
including demonstration and practical exercises using simulators--and
examination, in the following subjects:
(i) Interpretation and analysis of radar information:
(A) Radar navigation--determining the position and direction of
movements of a vessel.
(B) Collision-avoidance, including visual techniques, appropriate
to the circumstances and the equipment in use.
(C) Determining the course and speed of another vessel.
(D) Determining the time and distance of closest point of approach
of a crossing, meeting, overtaking , or overtaken vessel.
(E) Detecting changes of course and/or speed of another vessel
after its initial course and speed have been established.
(F) Factors to consider when determining changes of course and/or
speed of a vessel to, on the basis of radar observation, prevent
collisions with other vessels.
(ii) Plotting (by any method that is graphically correct):
(A) The principles and methods of plotting relative and true
motion.
(B) Practical-plotting problems.
(5) Radar Observer (Inland Waters Renewal). Classroom instruction--
including demonstration and practical exercises using simulators--and
examination, in the interpretation and analysis of radar information,
including:
(i) Radar navigation--determining the position and direction of
movements of a vessel.
(ii) Collision-avoidance, including visual techniques, appropriate
to the circumstances and the equipment in use.
(iii) Determining the course and speed of another vessel.
(iv) Determining the time and distance of closest point of approach
of a crossing, meeting, overtaking, or overtaken vessel.
(v) Detecting changes of course and/or speed of another vessel
after its initial course and speed have been established.
(vi) Factors to consider when determining changes of course and/or
speed of a vessel to, on the basis of radar observation, prevent
collisions with other vessels.
(6) Radar Observer (Rivers Renewal). Classroom instruction--
including demonstration and practical exercises using simulators--and
examination, in the interpretation and analysis of radar information,
including:
(i) Radar navigation--determining the position and direction of
movements of a vessel.
(ii) Collision-avoidance, including visual techniques, appropriate
to the circumstances and the equipment in use.
(iii) Factors to consider when determining changes of course and/or
speed of vessel to, on the basis of radar observation, prevent
collisons with other vessels.
3. New Sec. 10.306 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 10.306 Radar-Operation certificate and course.
(a) A certificate of training from a Radar-Operation course may, as
provided by 46 CFR 15.815(c)(2), suffice instead of a radar-observer
endorsement. It is valid until the holder's license is renewed or
upgraded, or expires, whichever occurs first.
(b) Each Radar-Operation course must contain at least four hours of
instruction on the following subjects:
(1) Fundamentals of radar:
(i) How radar works.
(ii) Factors affecting the performance and accuracy of marine
radar.
(iii) Purpose and functions of the main components that constitute
a typical marine radar system.
(2) Operation and use of radar:
(i) Purpose and adjustment of controls.
(ii) Detection of malfunctions, false and indirect echoes, and
other radar phenomena.
(iii) Effects of sea return and weather.
(iv) Limitations of radar resulting from design factors.
(v) Precautions to observe in performing maintenance of radar
equipment.
(vi) Measurement of ranges and bearings.
(vii) Effect of size, shape, composition, and distance of vessels
and terrestrial targets on echo.
(3) Interpretation and analysis of radar information:
(i) Radar navigation--determining the position and direction of
movements of a vessel.
(ii) Collision-avoidance, including visual techniques, appropriate
to the circumstances and the equipment in use.
(iii) Factors to consider when determining changes of course and/or
speed of a vessel to, on the basis of radar observation, prevent
collisions with other vessels.
(c) Each Radar-Operation course must be conducted by an individual
who possesses the knowledge and skills taught in the course, with at
least one year of experience in their practical application, except
that--
(1) A marine instructor or company official may substitute a
currently valid certificate from an approved Radar-Observer (Unlimited
or Inland Waters) course for the one year of experience; and
(2) An instructor of any approved radar-observer course may teach a
Radar-Operation course without further seagoing experience.
(d) A holder of the Radar-Operation certificate seeking a radar-
observer endorsement is considered an applicant for an original
endorsement rather than an applicant for renewal of the endorsement.
4. Section 10.480 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 10.480 Radar observer.
(a) This section contains the requirements that an applicant must
meet to qualify as a radar observer. (Part 15 of this chapter specifies
who must qualify as a radar observer.)
(b) If an applicant meets the requirements of this section, one of
the following radar-observer endorsements will be added to his or her
deck officer's license:
(1) Radar Observer (Rivers).
(2) Radar Observer (Inland Waters).
(3) Radar Observer (Unlimited).
(c) Endorsement as Radar Observer (Rivers) is valid only on any
river, canal, or similar body of water designated by the Officer in
Charge, Marine Inspection. Endorsement as Radar Observer (Inland
Waters) is valid only for those waters covered by the Inland
Navigational Rules other than the Great Lakes. Endorsement as Radar
Observer (Unlimited) is valid on all waters.
(d) Except as provided by paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section,
each applicant for a radar-observer endorsement or for renewal of an
endorsement must complete the appropriate course approved by the Coast
Guard, receive the appropriate certificate of training, and present the
certificate to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(e) An applicant who possesses a radar-observer endorsement,
resides in a remote geographic area, and can substantiate to the
satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, that the
applicant's absence would disrupt normal movement of commerce, or that
the applicant cannot attend an approved radar-observer renewal course,
any have his or her endorsement renewed upon successful completion of
an examination administered by the Coast Guard.
(f) 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. The endorsement is
not terminated by the issuance of a new license during these five
years.
(g) The month and year of the expiration of the radar-observer
endorsement are printed on the license.
(h) A radar-observer endorsement may be renewed at any time.
(i) An applicant for renewal of a license that does not need a
radar-observer endorsement may renew the license without meeting the
requirements for a radar-observer endorsement.
(j) An applicant seeking to raise the grade of a license or
increase its scope, where the increased grade or scope requires a
radar-observer certificate, may use an expired radar-observer
certificate to fulfill that requirement.
PART 15--MANNING REQUIREMENTS
5. The citation of authority for part 15 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3703, 8502; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46.
6. In Sec. 15.815, new paragraph (c) is added:
Sec. 15.815 Radar observers.
* * * * *
(c) On or after February 15, 1995, each person having to be
licensed under 46 U.S.C. 8904(a) for employment or service as master,
mate, or operator on board an uninspected towing vessel of 8 meters
(approximately 26 feet) or more in length shall, if the vessel is
equipped with radar, hold--
(1) A valid endorsement as radar observer; or,
(2) If the person holds a valid license dated before February 15,
1995, a valid certificate from a Radar-Operation course.
J.C. Card,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Marine Safety,
Security and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 94-26506 Filed 10-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
