[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 213 (Friday, November 4, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-27319]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 4, 1994]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Part 171

[CGD 94-010]
RIN 2115-AE75

 

Standards for Damage Stability of New Domestic Passenger Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting; re-opening of comment period.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On August 10, 1994 (59 FR 40855), the Coast Guard proposed to 
amend the rules, on standards for damage stability, that it adopted on 
December 10, 1992. Amended rules are necessary to relieve certain 
vessels of an unforeseen regulatory burden. The proposed rules would 
relieve those vessels of that burden and yet minimize the potential for 
capsizing and other casualties caused by inadequate damage stability. 
To obtain further information from members of the regulated community 
and the general public, the Coast Guard will conduct a second public 
meeting and re-open the comment period on the amended rules.

DATES: The meeting will be held December 1, 1994, from 1:30 p.m. to 
4:00 p.m. Written material must be received not later than December 16, 
1994.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in room 2415, Coast Guard 
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street S.W., Washington, DC 20593-0001. 
Written comments may be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Marine 
Safety Council (G-LRA), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street S.W., 
Washington, DC 20593-0001, or may be delivered to room 3406 at the same 
address between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments will become part of this docket and will be 
available for inspection or copying at room 3406, Coast Guard 
Headquarters, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Patricia L. Carrigan, Marine Technical and Hazardous Materials Division 
(G-MTH-3), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street S.W., 
Washington, DC 20593-0001, telephone: (202) 267-2988, telefax: (202) 
267-4816.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The comment period for the amended rules is being extended to allow 
sufficient time for the public to review the report of the Department 
of Transportation Volpe Transportation Systems Center on the effect of 
the new damage stability rules on the domestic passenger vessel fleet. 
This detailed analysis of twenty-one domestic vessel designs was 
released in late September 1994, and a copy has been placed in this 
docket. Information on obtaining a copy of this report may be obtained 
by contacting the person listed above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.
    This notice extends the period for submission of comments on the 
proposed changes to 46 CFR 171.080(e) described in the Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking published on August 10, 1994 (59 FR 40855). It is 
the Coast Guard's goal to implement regulations that will best address 
both the safety and the operational needs of all vessels. These 
standards were based on one developed by the International Maritime 
Organization (IMO) for any passenger vessel allowed to carry 12 or more 
passengers on an international voyage (under a ``SOLAS Passenger Ship 
Certificate'').
    The Coast Guard again seeks advice from owners and operators of 
vessels and shipyards, and from naval architects, its own inspectors, 
classification societies' inspectors, consumers, crews of vessels, and 
others involved in the affected vessels' compliance with 
Sec. 171.080(e) as this proposed rule would amend it. Interested 
persons are invited and encouraged to participate by submitting written 
data views and arguments.
    Persons submitting comments should include their names and 
addresses, identify this notice [CGD 94-010], identify the specific 
paragraph of the section to which each comment applies, and include 
supporting documents or sufficient detail to indicate the reason for 
each comment. The Coast Guard will acknowledge receipt of comments if a 
stamped, self-addressed post card or envelope is enclosed with the 
comments.

Public Meeting Date

    The Coast Guard has determined that the opportunity to make further 
oral presentations will aid the rulemaking process and will hold a 
second public meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 1, 1994, 
in room 2415 of Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC 20593-0001. 
With advance notice, and as time permits, members of the public may 
make oral presentations during the meeting. Persons wishing to make 
oral presentations should notify the person listed above under the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT no later than the day before the meeting. 
Written material may be submitted prior to, during, or after the 
meeting.

    Dated: October 27, 1994.
J. C. Card,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Marine Safety, 
Security and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 94-27319 Filed 11-3-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M