[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]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
