[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 130 (Friday, July 8, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-16503] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: July 8, 1994] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy 32 CFR Part 706 Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972; Amendment AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DOD. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy is amending its certifications and exemptions under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), to reflect that the Judge Advocate General of the Navy has determined that USS MITSCHER (DDG 57) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot comply fully with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special functions as a naval guided missile destroyer. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 24, 1994. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Captain R. R. ROSSI, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Admiralty Counsel, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Navy Department, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22332-2400, Telephone number: (703) 325-9744. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the authority granted in 33 U.S.C. 1605, the Department of the Navy amends 32 CFR part 706. This amendment provides notice that the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS MITSCHER (DDG 57) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot comply fully with 72 COLREGS: Annex I, paragraph 3(a) pertaining to the location of the forward masthead light in the forward quarter of the vessel, the placement of the after masthead light, and the horizontal distance between the forward and after masthead lights; Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i) pertaining to placement of the masthead light or lights above and clear of all other lights and obstructions; Annex I, paragraph 3(c) pertaining to placement of task lights not less than 2 meters from the fore and aft centerline of the vessel in the athwartship direction; and Rule 21(a), pertaining to the masthead light unbroken arc of visibility over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and visibility from right ahead to abaft the beam of 22.5 degrees, without interfering with its special function as a naval vessel. The Judge Advocate General 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. List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706 Marine safety, Navigation (Water), and Vessels. PART 706--[AMENDED] Accordingly, 32 CFR part 706 is amended as follows: 1. The authority citation for 32 CFR part 706 continues to read: Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605. 2. Table Four of 706.2 is amended by: a. Adding the following vessel to Paragraph 15: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Horizontal distance from the fore and aft Vessel Number centerline of the vessel in the athwartship direction ------------------------------------------------------------------------ USS MITSCHER.............. DDG 57.................... 1.93 meters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ b. Adding the following vessel to Paragraph 16: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Obstruction angle Vessel Number relative ship's headings ------------------------------------------------------------------------ USS MITSCHER........... DDG 57................. 94.51 thru 111.15 degree. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. Table Five of 706.2 is amended by adding the following vessel: Table Five ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After masthead Forward light less Masthead lights masthead than \1/2\ not over all light not in ship's length Percentage Vessel Number other lights and forward aft of horizontal obstructions. quarter of forward separation Annex I, sec. ship. Annex masthead attained 2(f) I, sec. 3(a) light. Annex I, sec. (3)(a) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS MITSCHER..................... DDG 57 X X X 14.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated: June 24, 1994. Approved: H.E. Grant, Rear Admiral, JAGC, U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General. [FR Doc. 94-16503 Filed 7-7-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-AE-P