[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17532]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: July 20, 1994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Parts 80, 82, 84, 87, 88, and 90
[CGD 94-011]
RIN 2115-AE72
Inland Navigation Rules; Lighting Provisions
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to amend certain technical lighting
provisions and interpretive regulations supplementing the Inland
Navigation Rules. These proposed changes will bring certain U.S.
technical rules into conformity with amendments to the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) scheduled to
become effective in November, 1995. In addition, at the request of the
Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC), the Coast Guard is
proposing several interpretive regulations to clarify ambiguities in
the rules.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 19, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Marine
Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 94-011), U.S. Coast Guard
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, or may
be delivered to room 3406 at the above 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,
executive Federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 267-1477.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jonathan Epstein, Navigation Rules
and Information Branch, Office of Navigation Safety and Waterway
Services, (202) 267-0352 or (202) 267-0357.
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 name and address,
identify this rulemaking (CGD 94-011) and the specific section of this
proposal to which each comment applies, and give a 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 a stamped, self-addressed postcard
or envelope.
The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the
comment period. It may change this proposal in view of the comments.
The Coast Guard plans no public hearing. Persons may request a
public hearing by writing to the Marine Safety Council at the address
under ADDRESSES. The request should include reasons why a hearing would
be beneficial. If it determines that the opportunity for oral
presentations will aid this rulemaking, the Coast Guard will hold a
public hearing at a time and place announced by a later notice in the
Federal Register.
Drafting Information
The principal persons involved in drafting this document are
Jonathan Epstein, Project Manager, Office of Navigation Safety and
Waterway Services, and Ms. Helen Boutrous, Project Counsel, Office of
Chief Counsel.
Background and Purpose
The Inland Navigation Rules and the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) provide Rules governing all
vessels on inland waters and on the high seas, respectively. In order
to maintain consistency between the 72 COLREGS and the Inland
Navigation Rules, the Coast Guard is proposing to revise certain
technical rules to conform with amendments to the 72 COLREGS scheduled
to become effective in November 1995. The Coast Guard anticipates that
these proposed revisions, if adopted, would also become effective
November 1995 to coincide with the effective date of the COLREGS
amendments. In no case would the amendments become effective before
November, 1995.
In addition, the Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC), a
congressionally mandated advisory group, has been reviewing the Inland
Navigation Rules for consistency with the 72 COLREGS. As part of this
ongoing review, NAVSAC has recommended several regulatory changes to
clarify ambiguities in practical application of the rules as well as to
bring the Inland Navigation Rules into closer conformity with the 72
COLREGS.
Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Conform to 72 COLREGS Changes
In November 1995, eight amendments to the 72 COLREGS will become
effective. NAVSAC has endorsed amending the Inland Navigation Rules
technical annexes to reflect these changes to the 72 COLREGS. These
proposed amendments deal primarily with light placement requirements.
Masthead Lights for Vessels Less Than 20 Meters in Length (Sec. 84.05)
The Coast Guard is proposing to revise 33 CFR 84.05 to allow
vessels less than 20 meters in length to carry their masthead light as
far forward as is practicable. This would result in no substantive
change for mariners because Inland Navigation Rule 23(a) already
provides that vessels less than 20 meters in length may carry their
masthead lights as far forward as is practicable. However, this
proposed change to Sec. 84.05 would maintain parallel language between
the Inland Navigation Rules and the 72 COLREGS. Although the 72 COLREGS
amendment was originally based on a U.S. proposal to the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) to amend Rule 23(a)(i), the IMO
Subcommittee chose to amend technical Annex I rather than Rule
23(a)(i). The proposed revision will ease compliance for mariners who
will be able to refer to parallel language in Annex I of the 72 COLREGS
and Annex I of the Inland Rules.
Use of Two Lights To Meet Angular Sector Requirements (Sec. 84.17)
This proposed amendment would allow the pairing of light fixtures
to ensure all round visibility of navigation lights. This change would
maintain consistency with the corresponding 72 COLREGS amendment. On a
vessel with a mast of large diameter, such as a warship or a vessel
with a combined smoke stack and mast configuration, it is often
structurally impractical to mount a single all around light at a
sufficient distance from the mast to meet the 6 deg. angular cutout
requirements of the Navigation Rules, which prescribe a maximum 6 deg.
blind zone. This problem can be addressed either through the use of two
separate lights adequately screened, or two lights close enough
together that they appear, for all practical purposes, as one light.
This proposed regulation will specifically allow the use of two lights
sufficiently screened or placed near enough together that they appear
as one light at a distance of one mile. Two unscreened all-around
lights that are 1.28 meters (4.2 feet) apart or less will appear as one
light to the naked eye at a distance of one mile.
High Speed Craft (Sec. 84.27)
This proposed amendment would allow modern high speed catamarans
and other craft of unusually wide design to carry masthead lights at a
lower level than would otherwise be prescribed by the rules. This
change will keep the Inland Annex I in conformity with an amendment to
the 72 COLREGS Annex I. The proposal would create a new provision for
high speed craft. The proposed definition of high speed craft is the
same as is used in IMO's ``Draft Code of Safety of High Speed Craft''.
This change recognizes that existing light placement requirements based
on traditional ship design are often impractical when dealing with non-
traditional designs such as catamarans and SWATH (Small Waterplane Area
Twin Hull) craft. The proposed definition of high speed craft includes
a formula which captures those vessels, such as hydrofoils and
hovercraft, that can exceed conventional craft hull speed through use
of dynamically supportable hull designs. The corresponding 72 COLREGS
amendment was drafted such that modern catamaran and non-displacement
craft that are unusually wide relative to their length and capable of
speeds generally in excess of 25 knots, would not be required to carry
their masthead light at a heights unreasonable for the size of the
vessel. This new provision would apply to vessels that meet the
definitional requirements for both high speed craft and have a length
to breadth ratio of less than three-to-one. The following example
illustrates the calculations for mast height on a vessel meeting the
definitional requirements: A high speed catamaran ferry, 59 meters in
length with a 20 meter beam, may carry its forward masthead light 5.1
meters above the sidelights, instead of 8 meters above the hull.
(Sidelights need only be placed above the hull high enough so as not to
be interfered with by deck lights). The definition of ``high speed
craft'' is based on a formula that compares displacement to maximum
speed. Generally hydrofoils, surface effect ships, some light monohulls
and catamarans will meet this definition, while conventional
displacement vessels, tankers, fishing vessels and container ships,
will not. Certain high powered displacement vessels such as frigates or
destroyers may meet this definition but would not meet the length to
breadth ratio requirements. Because compliance with the proposed
provision for high speed craft would be required only in lieu of
compliance with Sec. 84.03(a)(1), existing vessels need not modify
their light configurations.
IMO considered extending the use of the yellow light provided for
in Rule 23(b) for air-cushioned vessels to all high speed craft.
However, this light is intended to draw to the attention of other
vessels the possibility that an air-cushioned vessel may be proceeding
at a large yaw angle. Thus, the navigation lights may not give an
accurate indication of the track made good. Therefore, the IMO
determined that extending the use of the yellow light to all high speed
craft would be inappropriate.
Radar Transponders (Sec. 87.1)
In order to maintain consistency with the 72 COLREGS, this
rulemaking proposes to add the use of survival craft radar transponders
to the list of distress signals included in 33 CFR 87.1. The 1988
amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), in
Regulation III/26.1.4, require that cargo and passenger ships subject
to SOLAS carry Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTS) for use in
survival craft. A SART is a radar transponder that responds
automatically to most surface navigation radars allowing rescuers to
quickly locate a vessel or survival craft. Carriage requirements and
specifications for SARTS are codified in Federal Communication
Commission regulations at 47 CFR 80.1095, which are referenced in the
proposed revision.
Discussion of Other Proposed Regulations
Lights on Moored Barges (Sec. 82.5, 88.13, 90.5)
These proposed amendments to the Pilot Rules, the interpretive
rules of the 72 COLREGS and the interpretive rules of the Inland Rules,
will clarify the responsibilities of vessels moored to mooring buoys or
other similar devices.
Rule 30 of the 72 COLREGS and Rule 30 of the Inland Navigation
Rules provide lighting requirements for vessels at anchor, without
specifically mentioning vessels moored to mooring buoys. The Coast
Guard proposes interpretive rules to clarify that the term ``vessels at
anchor'' in Rule 30 of the 72 COLREGS and the Inland Rules rules is to
be interpreted to include vessels moored to a mooring buoy.
Recognizing the need to specify safe lighting procedures for
vessels moored to a mooring buoys, the Coast Guard presented this issue
first to the Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC), and then, at
their request, to the Towing Safety Advisory Council (TSAC) and the
National Boating Safety Advisory Council (BSAC). Although reaching
different formulations, all three advisory groups agreed that a vessel
moored to a mooring buoy or other similar device should be lighted as a
vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30.
The groups also agreed however, that barges should be lighted on
the corners in a scheme to that provided in 33 CFR 88.13 for barges
moored to a bank or dock. Information indicates that most barge
operators already light barges on the corners. Not only does this
lighting scheme provide better definition of the size and dimensions of
the barge(s) than a single anchor light, but by placing the lights near
the sides, it allows a better vertical visibility of small boats.
Additionally, the Coast Guard has determined that it would be
appropriate to require such lights on barges to be visible for one
nautical mile, and to otherwise meet the technical standards for marine
lights as provided in 33 CFR 84.15 (Annex I to the Inland Navigation
Rules). Currently, barges moored along banks or docks are required to
carry two unobstructed white lights of an intensity to be visible for
at least one mile on a clear dark night (33 CFR 88.13(b)). This
requirement has led to confusion in the maritime community. In a recent
allision between a tug and tow and moored barges, the limited
visibility of the lights on the moored barges was a contributing factor
in the allision. Barge operators can easily meet the proposed
requirement. Marine light fixtures meeting this standard are required
for recreational vessels operating at night. Therefore, these fixtures
are readily available and inexpensive.
In consideration of the foregoing, the proposed interpretive rules
of Sec. 90.5 (Inland) and Sec. 82.5 (COLREGS) provide that a vessel
moored to a mooring buoy be lighted as a vessel at anchor, in
accordance with Rule 30, except that barges, unless otherwise
authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP), shall be
lighted in accordance with Sec. 88.13. However, the exception provided
in Inland and COLREGS Rule 30(e) for vessels less than 7 meters in
length, and Inland Rule 30(g) for vessels less than 20 meters in length
in special anchorage areas would also apply to vessels moored to
mooring buoys.
The proposed additions to the Pilot Rules at Sec. 88.13 will
prescribe, unless otherwise authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of
the Port (COTP), a different lighting scheme for barges (generally, a
white light on each corner). This scheme is already customary practice
in many parts of the country. However, in particular circumstances the
COTP could authorize that a barge be lighted in another manner. For
example, the COTP could authorize a barge to be lighted as a vessel at
anchor. This could arise where it would be safer for a barge moored in
relatively open water to light with fore and aft anchor lights with a
visibility of three miles in lieu of four lights with a visibility of
only one mile.
The Coast Guard, through proposed Sec. 82.5, intends to require
these lighting schemes for barges on all U.S. navigable waters
including COLREGS waters, specifically, Alaskan waters, Puget Sound and
other heavily trafficked U.S. waters which are COLREGS waters for the
purposes of the Rules. This type of special regulation for U.S.
navigable waters is within the special rules exception of COLREGS Rule
1(b).
Barge Sidelights (Sec. 82.7, 90.7)
Improper lighting of barges has been a contributory factor in some
accidents involving recreational boaters and has been the subject of
periodic Congressional interest. This interpretative regulation will
clarify the requirements of Rule 24 of the 72 COLREGS and Rule 24 of
the Inland Rules for barge sidelights and thereby help to reduce the
incidence of improper lighting of barges.
The U.S. delegation to the IMO raised the issue of sidelights on
unmanned barges with the Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation. It was
agreed that sidelights powered with existing battery technology could
not meet the vertical sector requirements for larger vessels under the
72 COLREGS. It was further agreed that an unmanned barge, unable to
meet the technical lighting requirements, could meet the requirements
under COLREGS Rule 24(h). Rule 24(h) allows a vessel or object being
towed to exhibit alternative lighting where it is impracticable to
light the vessel as prescribed in paragraphs (e) or (g) of Rule 24. A
Commandant Instruction to this effect was issued on May 10, 1989.
(Commandant Instruction 16672.3A International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS); Lights for Unmanned
Barges.). The instruction indicates that those lighting unmanned barges
may avail themselves of the Rules 24(h) exception. This exception
pertains to the ``vertical sector'' technical requirements only. This
has been the source of some confusion to mariners who have asserted
that paragraph (h) exempts them from other provisions of Rule 24 as
well. The proposed interpretive rules will make clear that in all other
respects, the sidelights must meet all the technical requirements of
the Inland Rules for vessels of that size. This would preclude the use
of known non-marine light fixtures. Failure to comply with Inland Rule
technical requirements, except the vertical sector requirements under
Rule 24(h), where appropriate, could subject a mariner to civil
penalties. Including this interpretation in Secs. 82.7 and 90.7 will
help to ensure that mariners are aware of the correct interpretation of
Rule 24 and its exception in paragraph (h).
Corrections to COLREGS Demarcation lines (Sec. 80)
This proposal also includes corrections to several errors in the
description of COLREGS demarcation lines in 33 CFR part 80. COLREGS
demarcation lines are codified boundaries that delineate the
applicability of either the Inland Navigation Rules or COLREGS. These
lines are marked on navigational charts. The first correction is to the
geographic coordinates in Sec. 80.501 and Sec. 80.520. While these
lines are correctly depicted on navigational charts, their description
in the Code of Federal Regulations includes inadvertent errors. This
rule also proposes to correct several errors in Sec. 80.1495, which
misspells Johnston Island; refers to Canton Island, which was returned
to the Republic of Kirbati in the late 1970s, as a U.S. Possession; and
refers to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands which was
dissolved in 1987.
Regulatory Evaluation
This proposal is not a significant regulatory action under section
3(f) of Executive Order 12866 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 not significant under the regulatory policies and
procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040;
February 26, 1979).
The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this proposal to be
so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the
regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary. The only
proposed provision involving potential costs to mariners is the
proposed rule that would require moored barges to display lights in
accordance with prescribed lighting schemes meeting certain minimum
standards. This lighting scheme is consistent with existing industry
practice. The Coast Guard estimates that a relatively small proportion
of bargetowboat owners are not equipped to light their barges as
prescribed by this NPRM. For those persons that do not have lights
meeting appropriate standards, the cost is de minimus. An all-round
white light fixture costs approximately $12.00. Because most barge
lights are placed onboard temporarily by fleeting or towboats when
necessary, and barges fleeted together would be lighted as one unit, it
is difficult to accurately estimate the number of lights that would be
required to be purchased by an individual mariner or maritime company.
However, because of the low unit cost, the impact on any one operator
will be minimal. The Coast Guard specifically requests comments from
the industry regarding the expected costs of the proposed rules.
Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the
Coast Guard must consider whether this proposal will have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small
entities'' include (1) small 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.
The only potential economic impact would be cost of marine type
fixtures. As discussed above, that cost is de minimus. Because it
expects the impact of this proposal to be minimal, the Coast Guard
certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposal, if adopted, will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
Collection of Information
This proposal contains no collection of information requirements
under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Federalism
The Coast Guard has analyzed this rule in accordance with the
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has
determined that this proposal does not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Under federal law, authority to issue regulations to implement the
Inland Navigational Rules is vested in the Secretary of transportation
and delegated to the Coast Guard. Therefore, if this rule become final,
the Coast Guard intends it to preempt State action addressing this
subject matter.
Environment
The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this rule
and concluded that, under section 2.B.2 of Commandant Instruction
M16475.1B, this rulemaking is categorically excluded from further
environmental documentation. A Categorical Exclusion Determination is
available in the docket for inspection or copying where indicated under
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects
33 CFR Part 80
Navigation (water), Treaties Waterways.
33 CFR Part 82
Navigation (water), Treaties.
33 CFR Part 84
Navigation (water), Waterways.
33 CFR Part 87
Navigation (water), Waterways.
33 CFR Part 88
Navigation (water), Waterways.
33 CFR Part 90
Navigation (water), Waterways.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes
to amend 33 CFR parts 80, 82, 84, 87, 88 and 90 as follows:
PART 80--COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES
1. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 14 U.S.C. 2; 14 U.S.C. 633; 33 U.S.C. 151(a); 49 CFR
1.46.
2. In Sec. 80.501, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 80.501 Tom's River, NJ to Cape May, NJ.
* * * * *
(d) A line drawn from the southern most point of Longport at
latitude 39 deg.18.2' N. longitude 74 deg.33.1' W. to the northeastern-
most point of Ocean City at latitude 39 deg.17.6' N. longitude
74 deg.33.1'W. across Great Egg Harbor Inlet.
* * * * *
3. In Sec. 80.520, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 80.502 Cape Hatteras, NC to Cape Lookout, NC.
(a) A line drawn from Hatteras Inlet Lookout Tower at latitude
35 deg.11.8' N. Longitude 75 deg.44.9' W. 255 deg. true to the eastern
end of Ocracoke Island.
* * * * *
4. Section 80.1495 is revised as follows:
Sec. 80.1495 U.S. Pacific Island Possessions.
The 72 COLREGS shall apply on the bays, harbors, lagoons, and
waters surrounding the U.S. Pacific Island Possessions of American
Samoa, and Baker, Howland, Jarvis, Johnston, Palmyra, Swains and Wake
Islands.
PART 82--72 COLREGS: INTERPRETATIVE RULES
5. The authority citation for part 82 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 14 U.S.C. 2, 663; 33 U.S.C. 1602; E.O. 11964; 49 CFR
1.46(n).
6. Section 82.5 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 82.5 Lights for moored vessels.
For the purposes of Rule 30 of the 72 COLREGS, a ``vessel at
anchor'' includes a vessel made fast to one or more mooring buoys or
other similar device attached to the bottom. Such a vessel shall be
lighted as a vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30, except that a
barge, unless otherwise authorized by the cognizant Coast Guard Captain
of the Port (COTP), shall meet the applicable requirements of 33 CFR
88.13.
7. Section 82.7 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 82.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.
An unmanned barge complies with Rule 24 of the 72 COLREGS even if
it is unable to meet the technical vertical sector requirements for
sidelights as prescribed in Annex I(10) paragraphs (a) and (c) of the
72 COLREGS, if the sidelights meet all other technical requirements of
these rules, such as requirements for luminous intensity and arc of
visibility.
PART 84--ANNEX I: POSITIONING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS OF LIGHTS AND
SHAPES
8. The authority citation for part 84 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 49 CFR 1.46.
9. In Sec. 84.01, redesignate paragraphs (b) through (c) as
paragraphs (c) through (d) and add a new paragraph (b) to read as to
read as follows:
Sec. 84.01 Definitions.
* * * * *
(b) The term high speed craft means a craft capable of maximum
velocity equal to or exceeding: V=3.7 D0.1667; where: V=velocity
at displacement (meters/second) and D=maximum permissible displacement
(meters3).
Note: The same formula expressed in knots and pounds is:
V(kts)=1.98D(lbs)D0.1667; where: V=maximum vessel speed in
knots and D=maximum displacement in pounds.
* * * * *
10. In Sec. 84.05, revise paragraph (a), redesignate paragraph (b)
as paragraph (e), redesignate paragraph (c) as paragraph (b),
redesignate paragraph (d) as paragraph (c) and add a new paragraph (d)
to read as follows:
Sec. 84.05 Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (e) of this section, when two
masthead lights are prescribed for a power-driven vessel, the
horizontal distance between them must not be less than one quarter of
the length of the vessel but need not be more than 50 meters. The
forward light must be placed not more than one half of the length of
the vessel from the stem.
* * * * *
(d) When only one masthead light is prescribed for a power-driven
vessel, this light must be exhibited forward of amidships; except that
a vessel of less than 20 meters in length need not exhibit this light
forward of amidships but must exhibit it as far forward as is
practicable.
* * * * *
11. In Sec. 84.17, redesignate paragraph (b) as paragraph (b)(1)
and add paragraph (b)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 84.17 Horizontal sectors.
* * * * *
(b)(1) * * *
(2) If it is impracticable to comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this
section by exhibiting only one all-around light, two all-around lights
shall be used suitably positioned or screened so that they appear, as
far as practicable, as one light at a distance of one mile. Note: Two
unscreened all-round lights that are 1.28 meters apart or less will
appear as one light to the naked eye at a distance of one mile.
12. Section 84.27 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 84.27 High speed craft.
(a) The masthead light of high speed craft with a length to breadth
ratio of less than 3.0 may be placed at a height related to the breadth
lower than that prescribed in Sec. 84.03(a)(1), provided that the base
angle of the isosceles triangle formed by the side lights and masthead
light when seen in end elevation is not less than 27 degrees as
determined by the formula in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The minimum height of masthead light above sidelights is to be
determined by the following formula: Tan 27 deg.=x/y; where Y
is \1/2\ the horizontal distance between the sidelights and X is the
height of the forward masthead light.
PART 87--ANNEX IV: DISTRESS SIGNALS
13. The authority citation for part 87 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 49 CFR 1.46.
14. In Sec. 87.1, paragraph (o) is revised as follows:
Sec. 87.1 Need of assistance.
* * * * *
(o) Signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including
survival craft radar transponders meeting the requirements of 47 CFR
80.1095.
* * * * *
PART 88--ANNEX V: PILOT RULES
15. The authority citation for part 88 is continued to read as
follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 49 CFR 1.46.
16. In Sec. 88.13, revise the heading, revise paragraph (b) and
(c), redesignate paragraph (d) as paragraph (e) and add a new paragraph
(d) to read as follows:
Sec. 88.13 Lights on moored barges.
* * * * *
(b) Barges described in paragraph (a) of this section shall carry
two unobstructed all-round white lights of an intensity to be visible
for at least 1 nautical mile and meeting the technical requirements as
prescribed in Sec. 84.15 of this chapter.
(c) A barge or group of barges at anchor or made fast to one or
more mooring buoys or other similar device, unless otherwise authorized
by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP), shall carry unobstructed
all-round white lights of an intensity to be visible for at least 1
nautical mile that meet the requirements of Sec. 84.15 of this chapter
and shall be arranged as follows:
(1) Any barge that projects from a group formation, shall be
lighted on its outboard corners.
(2) On a single barge moored in water where other vessels normally
navigate on both sides of the barge, lights shall be placed to mark the
corner extremities of the barge.
(3) On barges moored in group formation, moored in water where
other vessels normally navigate on both sides of the barge, lights
shall be placed to mark the corner extremities of the barge.
(d) The following are exempt from the requirements of this section:
(1) A barge or group of barges moored in a slip or slough used
primarily for mooring purposes;
(2) A barge or group of barges moored behind a pierhead; and
(3) A barge less than 20 meters in length when moored in a special
anchorage area designated in accordance with Sec. 109.10 of this
chapter.
* * * * *
PART 90--INLAND RULES: INTERPRETATIVE RULES
17. The authority citation for part 90 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 49 CFR 1.46(n)(14).
18. Section 90.5 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 90.5 Lights for moored vessels.
A ``vessel at anchor'' includes a vessel made fast to one or more
mooring buoys or other similar device attached to the bottom. Such
vessels shall be lighted as a vessel at anchor, in accordance with Rule
30, except that barges, unless otherwise authorized by the Coast Guard
Captain of the Port (COTP), shall show the lights prescribed in 33 CFR
88.13.
19. Section 90.7 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 90.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.
An unmanned barge complies with Rule 24 of the Inland Rules even if
it is unable to meet the technical vertical sector requirements for
sidelights as prescribed in Annex I of the Inland Rules (Sec. 84.19 (a)
and (c) of this chapter), if the sidelights meet all other technical
requirements of the Inland Rules, such as requirements for luminous
intensity and arc of visibility.
Dated: July 12, 1994.
G.A. Penington,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Navigation Safety and
Waterway Services.
[FR Doc. 94-17532 Filed 7-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
