[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]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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