[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 2, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4761]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: March 2, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[CGD 94-014]
Marine Safety Issues Related to Uninspected Towing Vessels
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of meeting and study availability.
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SUMMARY: A Coast Guard prepared study, entitled Review of Marine Safety
Issues Related to Uninspected Towing Vessels, is available to the
public. The Coast Guard will also conduct a public meeting to discuss
issues of towing vessel safety.
DATES: (1) The meeting will be held on Monday, April 4, 1994, from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.
(2) Public comments on the study will be accepted until May 4,
1994.
ADDRESSES: (1) The meeting will be held at the Coast Guard Headquarters
Building, room 2415, 2100 2nd Street SW., Washington, DC 20593.
(2) A copy of the study may be obtained by writing: U.S. Coast
Guard (G-MVP-5/2507), 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001
or by calling: (202) 267-2705, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. Requests may also be received via
facsimile at (202) 267-2721.
(3) Public comments on the study should be forwarded to: Executive
Secretary, Marine Safety Council, CGD 94-014, U.S. Coast Guard
Headquarters (G-LRA/3406), 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC
20593-0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Stewart Walker, Project Manager, G-MVP-5, (202) 267-2705. Merchant
Vessel Personnel Division of the Office of Marine Safety, Security and
Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second
Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As a result of the fatal barge/railroad
bridge accident near Mobile, Alabama on September 22, 1993, the
Secretary of Transportation directed the U.S. Coast Guard and the
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to review the circumstances
surrounding the accident, and undertake initiatives to minimize the
risk of any similar tragedy in the future. Therefore, the Coast Guard
commissioned a study to review marine safety issues related to
uninspected towing vessels and recommend ways to increase safety and
minimize further risk of future accidents.
The study includes the Coast Guard's marine casualty statistics for
towing vessels, over a twelve year period (1980-1991). Correlations are
drawn from towing vessel casualties based on the area of operation,
gross tonnage and horsepower. As a result, the Study group made 19
recommendations based on five major areas: (1) Requirements for
Licensing for Operator of Uninspected Towing Vessel; (2) Requirements
for Reporting Marine Casualties and Hazardous Conditions; (3) Bridge
Fendering Systems and Navigational Lighting; (4) Adequacy of the
Navigation Equipment for Uninspected Towing Vessels; (5) and, Adequacy
of the Aids to Navigation System for Marking the Approaches to Bridges
Over Navigable Waterways.
Conclusions drawn from towing vessel casualty statistics indicate
the majority of personnel and vessel casualties involving uninspected
towing vessels are directly attributable to human error. As a result,
10 of the 19 recommendations surround the qualifications, training and
issuance of an operator of uninspected towing vessel license.
Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would mandate
implementation of some of the study recommendations, including enhanced
licensing requirements and requirements for navigational equipment.
The Coast Guard will hold a public meeting on April 4, 1994 to
review the study and seek public comment on the recommendations
identified in the study. The study, along with public comment may be
used to develop future rulemaking projects. Of particular interest, and
likely to be the subject of expedited rulemaking, are actions which
could provide the necessary means and improve the navigational ability
of the operator, including requiring charts, publications and a radar
system, and requiring the operator to be qualified as a radar observer.
Comments on the practical utility of these requirements for various
classes or sizes of vessels or areas of operation, the costs involved,
and the length of time appropriate for implementation would be
especially helpful.
The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to submit written
data, views, or arguments. Persons submitting comments should include
their names and addresses, identify the study by Docket number CGD 94-
014 and give the reason for each comment. Each person wanting
acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped, self-
addressed postcard or envelope.
Dated: February 25, 1994.
R.C. North,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Chief, Office of Marine Safety,
Security and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 94-4761 Filed 3-1-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
