[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 194 (Friday, October 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25209]



[[Page 51789]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, and 161

[CGD 94-108]
RIN 2115-AF24


Electrical Engineering Requirements for Merchant Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of policy for interim rule.

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SUMMARY: Two industry standards affecting the Coast Guard's electrical 
engineering regulations for merchant vessels have been revised recently 
or will be revised in the near future. Until the Coast Guard amends its 
regulations to incorporate new standards, persons wishing to apply a 
provision of one of these industry standards instead of a provision in 
the current regulations may submit for approval on a case-by-case 
basis, a request under the equivalency provisions in the current 
regulations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Gerald P. Miante, Project Manager, Office of Design and Engineering 
Standards (G-MSE), (202) 267-2206.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 4, 1996, the Coast Guard published 
an interim rule entitled ``Electrical Engineering Requirements for 
Merchant Vessels'' (61 FR 28260). This rule went into effect on 
September 30, 1996, and amends the Coast Guard's electrical engineering 
regulations in 46 CFR parts 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, and 161.

    First, the regulations reference provisions in the 1995 edition of 
the ``Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels'' of the American 
Bureau of Shipping (ABS). In May 1996, ABS adopted a revised edition of 
this standard, which the Coast Guard intends to incorporate into the 
final rule for electrical engineering regulations within the next few 
months.
    Second, the regulations reference provisions in the 1983 edition of 
the ``Recommended Practice for Electric Installations on Shipboard'' 
(Standard 45) of the institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers 
(IEEE). IEEE is in the process of revising this standard and plans to 
issue a draft version in late November 1996 and a final version by mid-
January 1997. The Coast Guard will review and, if appropriate, will 
incorporate this standard in its electrical engineering regulations as 
well.
    Until the Coast Guard incorporates these standards in the 
regulations by the necessary rulemaking action, persons may request the 
use of these new standards by submitting a request in accordance with 
either 46 CFR 110.20-1 (for a provision in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter 
J) or 46 CFR 161.002-17 (for a provision in 46 CFR part 161, subpart 
161.002) of the interim rule. These requests are considered for 
approval on a case-by-case basis under Coast Guard regulations.

    Dated: September 26, 1996.
Howard L. Hime,
Acting Director of Standards, Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 96-25209 Filed 10-3-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M