[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 22, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15115-15116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-6950]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 4 and 5

[CGD 95-023]


Marine Safety Investigation Process Review

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard conducts marine casualty investigations to 
determine the causes of casualties. The findings of an investigation 
may lead to proceedings for the suspension or revocation of a merchant 
mariner's license, certificate of registry, or document, the assessment 
of a civil penalty, or to criminal prosecution. The Coast Guard is 
reviewing its marine safety investigation process to identify possible 
improvements, and is seeking input from the public.

[[Page 15116]] DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 1, 
1995.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Mr. W.D. Rabe, Commandant (G-MMI), 
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 
20593-0001, or may be made by telephone at (202) 267-1430, or by fax at 
(202) 267-1416.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. W.D. Rabe, Marine Investigation Division, Office of Marine Safety, 
Security and Environmental Protection, telephone, (202) 267-1430.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
this process by submitting written data, views, or arguments, or verbal 
comments. Persons submitting comments should include their names and 
addresses, identify this notice (CGD 95-023) and the specific question 
to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. 
Please submit two copies of all written comments and attachments in an 
unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for 
copying and electronic filing.

Drafting Information

    The principal persons involved in drafting the document are Mr. 
W.D. Rabe, Project Manager, and Commander P.A. Popko, Assistant 
Division Chief, Merchant Vessel Inspection and Documentation Division, 
Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection.

Background and Purpose

    The marine casualty investigation process is the main feedback loop 
for Coast Guard prevention programs. This measurement function has 
never been more important as limited resources must be focused on those 
activities which will be most effective in minimizing the risks to 
personnel and the environment.
    Under the authority of 46 U.S.C. Chapter 63, the Coast Guard 
conducts marine casualty investigations. Section 6301 of Title 46, U.S. 
Code, requires the Secretary to issue regulations for the investigation 
of marine casualties. This authority has been delegated to the Coast 
Guard which has promulgated regulations and procedures for the 
reporting and investigation of marine casualties. These regulations 
appear in 46 CFR parts 4 and 5. Under current law and regulations, the 
marine industry has a duty to report marine casualties, as defined in 
law and regulations, to the Coast Guard. There is more confusion 
regarding which casualties must be reported and a general concern that 
there is little benefit in reporting and investigation many of the 
``minor'' casualties.
    The Chief, Office of Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental 
Protection has established a Quality Action Team (QAT) to review the 
investigation process. The QAT will examine the process and recommend 
improvements. It will consider public comment during its review. The 
review will address collection and analysis of casualty data, casualty 
reporting requirements, casualty investigation procedures, investigator 
training and qualification requirements, and the use of investigations 
for Suspension and Revocation proceedings, civil penalty assessments, 
and potential criminal prosecutions.
    The QAT specifically solicits responses to the following questions:
    1. What changes would you recommend to the reporting requirements 
for marine casualties in 46 CFR part 4?
    2. How could the reporting criteria be improved to help eliminate 
confusion concerning which incidents are reportable to the Coast Guard?
    3. How could the Coast Guard satisfy its need for data collection 
on marine casualties while reducing some of the burden on industry to 
report casualties?
    4. Would electronic or batch reporting of minor casualties be 
beneficial?
    5. What would be the pros and cons of limiting Coast Guard activity 
on certain casualties to data collection while reserving in depth 
investigation to those casualties from which important lessons can be 
learned?
    6. What would be the pros and cons of the Coast Guard not 
investigating those cases which the National Transportation Safety 
Board is investigating to reduce duplication of effort?
    The QAT will consult with the marine industry to obtain insight on 
where investigation processes can be improved to benefit both the Coast 
Guard and industry. Small study groups may be formed, if appropriate, 
and public meetings may be held to get input from a broad interest 
base. If the Coast Guard decides to hold public meetings, the dates, 
times, and locations will be announced by a later notice in the Federal 
Register.

    Dated: March 15, 1995.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Acting Chief, Office of Marine Safety Security and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 95-6950 Filed 3-21-95; 8:45 am]
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