[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 20, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65569-65570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-30721]



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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 Deputy 
Assistant Judge Advocate General (Admiralty) of the Navy has determined 
that USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its 
special construction and purpose, 

[[Page 65570]]
cannot fully comply with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without 
interfering with its special functions as a naval ship. The intended 
effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS 
apply.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 30, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Captain R. R. Pixa, 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 Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate 
General (Admiralty) of the Navy, under authority delegated by the 
Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) is a 
vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, 
cannot fully comply with the following specific provision of 72 COLREGS 
without interfering with its special function as a naval ship: Annex I, 
paragraph 3(a), pertaining to the horizontal distance between the 
forward and after masthead lights. The Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate 
General (Admiralty) has also certified that the lights involved are 
located 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 placement of 
lights on this vessel 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. Table Five of 706.2 is amended by adding the following vessel:


Sec. 706.2  Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under Executive 
Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.

* * * * *

                                                                       Table Five                                                                       
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                                                                                                                  After mast-head light                 
                                                                  Masthead lights not    Forward masthead light   less than \1/2\ ship's    Percentage  
               Vessel                            No.             over all other lights   not in forward quarter   length aft of forward     horizontal  
                                                                and obstructions. annex  of ship. annex I, sec.   masthead light. annex      sepaation  
                                                                      I, sec. 2(f)                3(a)                 I, sec. 3(a)          attained.  
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                                      *                  *                  *                  *                  *                                     
USS Oak Hill........................  LSD 51                    .......................  ......................  X                                  63.9
                                                                                                                                                        
                                      *                  *                  *                  *                  *                                     
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    Dated: November 30, 1995.
R. R. Pixa,
Captain, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General 
(Admiralty).
[FR Doc. 95-30721 Filed 12-19-95; 8:45 am]
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