[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]
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