[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]
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