2017-04985. Certificate of Alternative Compliance for Conrad Industries HULL C-1148

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard announces that a Certificate of Alternative Compliance was issued for Conrad Industries Hull C-1148. We are issuing this notice because its publication is required by statute.

DATES:

The Certificate of Alternative Compliance was issued on January 5, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this notice, call LCDR Patrick Drayer, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, Prevention Branch, U.S. Coast Guard, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

A Certificate of Alternative Compliance, as allowed for under the provisions of the alternative compliance regulations in 33 CFR part 81, has been issued for the Conrad Industries Hull C-1148. The vessel's primary purpose is a tank barge intended to operate at all times in Articulated Tug and Barge mode. The unique design of the vessel does not lend itself to full compliance with Rule 24(f) and Annex I, Part 3(b) of the International and Inland Navigational Rules.

The Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, certifies that full compliance with the International and Inland Navigational Rules would interfere with the special functions and intent of the vessel and would not significantly enhance the safety of the vessel's operation. Placing the sidelights in the required position would result in the high probability that the lights would be damaged or destroyed and pose a potential personal safety hazard during vessel mooring operations.

The Certificate of Alternative Compliance authorizes the Conrad Industries Hull C-1148 to deviate from the requirements set forth in Annex I of the International Navigational Rules and 33 CFR 84.05 of the Inland Navigational Rules by placing its sidelights 27 feet and 9 inches from the vessel's centerline.

This notice is issued under authority of 33 U.S.C. 1605(c) and 33 CFR 81.18.

Dated: January 26, 2017.

B.S. Gilda,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Prevention Division, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.