[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 243 (Tuesday, December 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-31239]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 20, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Part 16

[CGD 94-106]
RIN 2115-AE95

 

Programs for Chemical Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial 
Vessel Personnel; Delay of Implementation Dates

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces a delay in the effective date of 
regulations governing drug testing, insofar as those regulations would 
require testing of persons onboard U.S. vessels in waters that are 
subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign government. Under this final 
rule, employees would become subject to testing no later than January 
2, 1996, unless the Coast Guard, in the meantime, publishes regulations 
indicating otherwise.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective on December 20, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this 
preamble are available for inspection or copying at the Office of the 
Executive Secretary, Marine Safety Council (G-LRA/3406), U.S. Coast 
Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., room 3406, Washington, DC 
20593-0001 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 267-1477.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lieutenant Commander Mark Grossetti, Project Manager, Marine 
Investigation Division (G-MMI), Office of Marine Safety, Security and 
Environmental Protection, (202) 267-1421.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Drafting Information

    The principal persons involved in drafting this document are LCDR 
Mark Grossetti, Project Manager, Office of Marine Safety, Security and 
Environmental Protection, and Helen Boutrous, Project Counsel, Office 
of Chief Counsel.

Background and Purpose

    On November 21, 1988, the Coast Guard, along with other agencies of 
the Department of Transportation (DOT), adopted regulations requiring 
pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause, and random drug 
testing. Those individuals required under Federal law or regulation to 
have periodic medical examinations were also required to undergo a drug 
test at the same time. The drug testing required by the rule applies to 
some persons located outside of the United States. However, the rules 
provided that they would not apply outside the United States in any 
situation in which application of the rules violated foreign local laws 
or policies.
    At the same time, the Coast Guard stated that the DOT and other 
elements of the government would enter into discussions with foreign 
governments to attempt to resolve any conflict between our rules and 
foreign government laws or policies. The Coast Guard stated that if, as 
a result of those discussions, it was found that amendments to the rule 
were necessary, timely amendments would be issued. An amendment was 
issued on December 21, 1989, and published on December 27, 1989 (54 FR 
53286). Under that amendment, drug testing for persons onboard U.S. 
vessels in waters subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign government 
was scheduled to begin by January 2, 1992. A Final Rule was published 
on April 24, 1991, delaying the implementation date to January 2, 1993 
(56 FR 18982), and another Final Rule was published on July 14, 1992, 
delaying the implementation date to January 2, 1995 (57 FR 31274).
    During the past few years, discussions with other countries have 
been held, and the difficulty of achieving effective bilateral 
agreements has become clear. Although the Coast Guard could allow its 
regulations to take effect in foreign waters, the Coast Guard continues 
to recognize that: (1) It would be difficult for U.S. carriers to 
effectively implement the regulations without cooperation from foreign 
governments; (2) in response, foreign governments could impose 
restrictions on U.S. operations; and, perhaps most importantly, (3) 
there are distinct advantages to be gained in aligning foreign measures 
and U.S. measures, especially as they relate to international 
transportation operations. For these reasons, the Coast Guard is 
continuing to consider whether it would be appropriate to apply the 
requirements of part 16 to operations in waters subject to the 
jurisdiction of a foreign government in the event that agreements with 
other countries are not reached.
    In order to allow time to further consider these issues and 
formulate a decision, the Coast Guard has again determined that 
additional time is necessary. Another additional delay of approximately 
one year should provide sufficient time. Accordingly, the Coast Guard 
has determined to postpone again the date by which testing programs 
would commence for persons onboard U.S. vessels in waters that are 
subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign government.
    The change in this final rule will delay the applicability of the 
regulations where they may conflict with foreign law or policy. This 
rule imposes no additional burdens on the regulated industry. Without 
this delay in the implementation date, persons onboard U.S. vessels in 
waters that are subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign government 
would become subject to the requirements of part 16 on January 2, 1995. 
Delaying the implementation date ensures that the applicability of part 
16 will continue unchanged. Accordingly, the Coast Guard finds that 
good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) to publish this rule without 
notice and comment and to make this rule effective less than 30 days 
after publication in the Federal Register.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This final rule is not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an 
assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6 (a)(3) of 
that order. It has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and 
Budget under that order. It is not significant under the regulatory 
policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 
FR 11034; February 26, 1979). The economic impact of these changes is 
so minimal that further evaluation is not necessary. This final rule 
modifies the effective date for compliance with Coast Guard regulations 
governing drug testing, insofar as those regulations would require 
testing of persons onboard U.S. vessels that are subject to the 
jurisdiction of a foreign government. It does not change the basic 
regulatory structure of that rule.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the 
Coast Guard must consider whether this proposal will have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small 
entities'' include independently owned and operated small businesses 
that are not dominant in their field and that otherwise qualify as 
``small business concerns'' under section 3 of the Small Business Act 
(15 U.S.C. 632). This rule does not require a general notice of 
proposed rulemaking and, therefore, is exempt from the regulatory 
flexibility requirements. Although exempt, the Coast Guard has reviewed 
this rule for potential impact on small entities.
    The amendment in this final rule only extends a compliance date, 
and imposes no costs on affected entities. Therefore, the Coast Guard 
certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this final rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Collection of Information

    This rule contains no collection of information requirements under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Federalism

    The Coast Guard has analyzed this rule in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has 
determined that it does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. The authority to 
require programs for chemical drug and alcohol testing of commercial 
vessel personnel has been committed to the Coast Guard by Federal 
statutes. This final rule does, therefore, preempt State and local 
regulations regarding drug testing programs requiring the testing of 
persons onboard U.S. vessels in waters that are subject to the 
jurisdiction of a foreign government.

Environment

    The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this 
final rule, and has concluded that, under section 2.B.2.1 of Commandant 
Instruction M16475.1B, it is categorically excluded from further 
environmental documentation. This final rule merely extends an 
implementation date and clearly has no environmental impact.

List of Subjects in 46 CFR part 16

    Drug testing, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Safety, Transportation.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
46 CFR part 16 as follows:

PART 16--CHEMICAL TESTING

    1. The authority citation for part 16 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 7101, 7301 and 7701; 49CFR 
1.46.

    2. In Sec. 16.207, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 16.207  Conflict with foreign laws.

* * * * *
    (b) This part is not effective until January 2, 1996, with respect 
to any person onboard U.S. vessels in waters that are subject to the 
jurisdiction of a foreign government. On or before December 1, 1995, 
the Commandant shall issue any necessary amendment resolving the 
applicability of this part to such person on and after January 2, 1996.

    Dated: December 2, 1994.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Acting Chief, Office of Marine Safety Security and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 94-31239 Filed 12-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M