[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-6270]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 17, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard
[CGD 94-014]

 

Marine Safety Issues Related to Uninspected Towing Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: On March 2, 1994, the Coast Guard published, under this docket 
number, a notice of meeting and of availability of a study on the 
safety of towing vessels. Now the Coast Guard has added topics to the 
agenda of that meeting: (1) Radar-observer training for operators of 
uninspected towing vessels; (2) Coast Guard inspection of towing 
vessels; (3) manning of towing vessels; (4) pilotage requirement for 
operators of towing vessels; (5) and evaluation of regulations on 
retesting mariners. The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on the 
new topics as well as on the original agenda.

DATES: (1) The meeting will still take place on Monday, April 4, 1994, 
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (2) Public comments on the agenda as enlarged 
will still be accepted until May 4, 1994.

ADDRESSES: (1) The meeting will be held at the Coast Guard Headquarters 
Building, room 2415, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC. (2) Two 
copies of public comments 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, Division 
of Merchant Vessel Personnel, Office of Marine Safety, Security, and 
Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard. Headquarters, 2100 Second 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard will hold a public meeting 
on April 4, 1994, to consider the study, ``Review of Marine Safety 
Issues Related to Uninspected Towing Vessels'' conducted by the Coast 
Guard, and will seek public comment on the recommendations identified 
in the study. The Coast Guard may use the study, along with public 
comment, to develop rules. Of particular interest, and likely to be the 
subject of expedited rulemaking, are measures that could provide the 
necessary means to, and improve the navigational ability of, the 
operator; these measures include requiring the carriage of charts, 
publications, and radar, and requiring the operator to be qualified as 
a radar observer.
    The Coast Guard recognizes that there are insufficient facilities 
for radar-observer training immediately available to accommodate all 
currently licensed operators of uninspected towing vessels (OUTVs). 
Therefore, the Coast Guard is contemplating for these OUTVs: (a) An 
interim, short-term, training program, required soon, followed by (b) a 
more extensive program leading to an endorsement as radar observer, 
required on or before the scheduled license renewal. The Coast Guard is 
contemplating for new applicants, only the more extensive program.
    Comments on the practicality and utility of these requirements, 
their costs, the content of both interim and extensive courses, the 
length of time appropriate for implementation, and the administrative 
burden would be especially helpful.
    Four of the topics that the Coast Guard has added--inspection, 
manning, pilotage of towing vessels, and evaluation of retesting 
regulations--it added because of Congressional interest. This arose 
during the Secretary of Transportation's testimony before the 
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Navigation, House of Representatives, 
on March 3, 1994.
    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to submit written 
data, views, or arguments. Persons submitting comments should provide 
two copies, 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: March 10, 1994.
J.F. McGowan,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Chief, Office of Marine Safety, 
Security and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 94-6270 Filed 3-16-94; 8:45 am]
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