2013-10778. Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972  

  • Start Preamble

    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 USS SOMERSET (LPD 25) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval ship. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.

    DATES:

    This rule is effective May 15, 2013 and is applicable beginning April 18, 2013.

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Lieutenant Jocelyn Loftus-Williams, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Admiralty Attorney, (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.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    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 USS SOMERSET (LPD 25) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval ship: Rule 27 (a)(i) and (b)(i), pertaining to the placement of all-round task lights in a vertical line; Annex I, paragraph 3(a), pertaining to the horizontal distance between the forward and after masthead lights; and Annex I, paragraph 2(k) as described in Rule 30 (a)(i), pertaining to the vertical separation between anchor lights. 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 this vessel in a manner differently from that prescribed herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its military functions.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706

    • Marine safety
    • Navigation (water), and Vessels
    End List of Subjects

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, amend part 706 of title 32 of the CFR as follows:

    Start Part

    PART 706—CERTIFICATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    1. The authority citation for part 706 continues to read:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    2. Section 706.2 is amended as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    A. In Table Three by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS SOMERSET (LPD 25); and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    B. In Table Four, paragraph 20, by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS SOMERSET (LPD 25); and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    C. In Table Five by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS SOMERSET (LPD 25).

    End Amendment Part
    Start Printed Page 28492
    Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under Executive Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.
    * * * * *

    Table Three

    VesselNumberMasthead 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 1Stern light, distance forward of stern in meters; rule 21(c)Forward anchor light, height above hull in meters; 2(k) Annex 1Anchor lights relationship of aft light to forward light in meters 2(k) Annex 1
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    USS SOMERSETLPD 251.64 below.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    * * * * *

    20. * * *

    Table Four

    VesselNumberAngle in degrees of task lights off vertical as viewed from directly ahead or astern
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    USS SOMERSETLPD 2510
    * * * * *

    Table Five

    VesselNumberMasthead lights not over all other lights and obstructions Annex I, sec. 2(f)Forward masthead light not in forward quarter of ship Annex I, sec. 3(a)After masthead light less than 1/2 ship's length aft of forward masthead light Annex I, sec. 3(a)Percentage horizontal separation attained
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    USS SOMERSETLPD 25X71
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Start Signature

    Approved: April 18, 2013.

    A.B. Fischer,

    Commander, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General (Admiralty and Maritime Law).

    Dated: April 25, 2013.

    C.K. Chiappetta,

    Lieutenant Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2013-10778 Filed 5-14-13; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P

Document Information

Comments Received:
0 Comments
Effective Date:
5/15/2013
Published:
05/15/2013
Department:
Navy Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
2013-10778
Dates:
This rule is effective May 15, 2013 and is applicable beginning April 18, 2013.
Pages:
28491-28492 (2 pages)
Topics:
Marine safety, Navigation (water), Vessels
PDF File:
2013-10778.pdf
CFR: (1)
32 CFR 706.2