[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 166 (Monday, August 29, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-21146]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 29, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
46 CFR Subchapter D

[CGD 93-031]

 

Certification Standards for Oil Spill Response Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is scheduling a public meeting to discuss 
inspection and certification standards for oil spill response vessels 
(OSRVs) of less than 500 gross tons. The purpose of this meeting is to 
consider proposals for inspection and certification standards for OSRVs 
that will provide adequate protection for the crew and other personnel 
from the shipboard hazards of oil spill removal, as well as fire and 
explosion risks associated with handling combustible and flammable 
liquids. The requirements of subchapter D of title 46 of the Code of 
Federal Register (Tank Vessels) are considered to be too stringent for 
these vessels. There is also concern that application of these 
standards would discourage the availability of vessels for spill 
response.

DATES: A public meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., October 5, 
1994. Written comments must be received on or before November 4, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held in room 2415, Coast Guard 
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001. 
Comments may be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Marine Safety 
Council, Commandant (G-LRA), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20593-0001.
    Comments concerning this public meeting must be received on or 
before November 4, 1994. Comments may be mailed to the Executive 
Secretary, Marine Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 93-031), 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 concerning this public meeting will become part of 
this docket (CGD 93-031) and will be available for inspection or 
copying in room 3406, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Randall N. Crenwelge, Project Manager, Oil Pollution Act (OPA 90) 
Staff, (G-MS-A), (202) 267-6740. This number is equipped to record 
messages open a 24-hour basis. Anyone wishing to make a presentation is 
requested to call this number and give the following information: 
docket number (CGD 93-031); name; company or organizational affiliation 
(if any); and the estimated amount of time needed for the comment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Drafting Information

    The principal persons involved in drafting this notice are Randall 
Crenwelge, Project Manager, and Mary-Jo Cooney, Project Counsel, OPA 90 
Staff, (G-MS-A).

Background and Discussion

    At present, 46 CFR subchapter D contains design and inspection 
requirements for any vessel which is constructed or adapted to carry 
oil in bulk as cargo. This includes oil spill response vessels (OSRVs). 
In addition, section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
(FWPCA) (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)), as amended by section 4202(a)(6) of the 
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) (Pub. L. 101-380), mandates periodic 
inspection of major equipment, including vessels, used for oil spill 
containment and removal.
    G-MVI Policy Letter No. 03-92, a copy of which is included in this 
docket, establishes guidance which is considered more appropriate for 
OSRVs under 500 gross tons (GT). The Coast Guard is considering issuing 
regulations to adopt the G-MVI Policy Letter or similar criteria. This 
policy letter, issued in March 1992, was developed in response to a 
number of comments on an initial policy letter issued in February 1991. 
At present, any OSRV which complies with Policy Letter No. 03-92 is 
issued a Certificate of Inspection (COI).
    The Coast Guard believes that the current policy letter provides 
adequate guidance for the safety of vessels engaged in oil spill 
removal, without imposing the full requirements of subchapter D. The 
policy letter is intended to provide interim guidance until a 
rulemaking can be completed.
    The public is invited to comment on the adequacy and the economic 
feasibility of safety measures in the current G-MVI policy letter and 
to offer alternative recommendations. Additionally, the Coast Guard is 
specifically interested in comments on the following issues.
    1. The Coast Guard has identified the risks of fire and explosion 
as the principle safety concerns for developing inspection standards 
for OSRVs. What other risks should be considered when developing OSRV 
standards?
    2. Would it be appropriate for the Coast Guard to define and 
categorize OSRVs as a unique vessel type, possibly under a new subpart 
in the tank vessel regulations contained in 46 CFR subchapter D?
    3. The Coast Guard has developed policies that require small 
skimming vessels and barges less than 15 Gross Tons (GT) to be subject 
to examination rather than inspection for certification (even if they 
carry oil in bulk). Vessels over 15 GT that are cable of retaining oil 
in bulk are currently inspected for certification. What would be an 
appropriate inspection threshold for OSRVs?
    4. What are the appropriate construction, equipment, stability, 
manning, and operating requirements for OSRVs recovering discharged 
product with a varying flash point (grade of recovered oil)?
    5. Craft of opportunity are considered to be essential by many 
response organizations. The Coast Guard has maintained that these 
vessels should not be used in the same role as inspected vessels unless 
they are properly certified. What are the appropriate uses of craft of 
opportunity during a spill response and what standards should apply to 
them?
    6. Numerous requests to substitute portable piping (hose) and over-
the-top discharge procedures for fixed transfer systems have been 
submitted to the Coast Guard. What are the appropriate safety 
requirements for transferring recovered oil to other vessels or 
facilities using portable piping and over-the-top procedures? What 
specific considerations should the Coast Guard have for transfers in 
hazardous locations as defined in 46 CFR 111.105?
    7. Non-dedicated OSRVs must meet the double hull provisions for 
tank vessels contained in OPA 90. Although a dedicated OSRV and a non-
dedicated OSRV perform the same functions when operating in oil spill 
response service, an OSRV that is used in any other service (passenger, 
freight, tank vessel) must have a double hull for those sections of the 
ship that have tanks containing recovered oil. What are appropriate 
construction and inspection requirements for non-dedicated OSRVs?
    8. How should the provisions of the International Convention for 
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 and the Protocol of 1978 
(MARPOL); and the pollution prevention requirements of 33 CFR 
subchapter O be applied to OSRVs?
    9. Is it appropriate to incorporate the ABS Guide for Building and 
Classing Oil Recovery Vessels or other classification society rules or 
guidance into this rule?

    Dated: August 22, 1994.
J.F. McGowan,
Acting Chief, Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 94-21146 Filed 8-26-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M