[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 202 (Thursday, October 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-26027]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 20, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
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.

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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 HERON (MHC 52) 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 minehunter 
coastal craft. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in 
waters where 72 COLREGS apply.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 8, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commander K. P. McMahon, 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 HERON (MHC 52) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its 
special construction and purpose, cannot comply fully with 72 COLREGS, 
Rule 27(f), pertaining to the display of all-round lights by a vessel 
engaged in mineclearance operations, and Annex I, paragraph 9(b), 
prescribing that all-round lights be located as not to be obscured by 
masts, topmasts or structures within angular sectors of more than six 
(6) degrees, without interfering with its special functions as a naval 
minehunter coastal craft. The Judge Advocate General of the Navy has 
also certified that the aforementioned lights are 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 number and 
placement of lights on USS HERON (MHC 52) 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. Section 706.2 is amended by adding the following ship to Table 
Four, paragraph 18: 

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                                                                Obscured angles relative to ship's heading      
                Vessel                       Number      -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Port                      Starboard        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HERON.................................  MHC 52            59.5 deg. to 78.3 deg.....  281.7 deg. to 300.5 deg.  
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    Dated: August 8, 1994.
H.E. Grant,
Rear Admiral, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Judge Advocate General.
[FR Doc. 94-26027 Filed 10-19-94; 8:45 am]
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