[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 223 (Monday, November 18, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 58663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29596]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Maritime Administration

46 CFR Part 295

[Docket No. R-163]
RIN 2133-AB24


Maritime Security Program

AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Extension of comment period on interim final rule.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the request of a vessel operator, the Maritime 
Administration (MARAD) is extending the period for commenting on its 
interim final rule for the Maritime Security Program (MSP).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 2, 1996.

ADDRESSES: To be considered, comments must be mailed, delivered in 
person or telefaxed (in which case an original must subsequently be 
forwarded) to the Secretary, Maritime Administration, Room 7210, 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 
20590. All comments will be made available for inspection during normal 
business hours at the above address. Commenters wishing MARAD to 
acknowledge receipt of comments should enclose a stamped self-addressed 
envelope or postcard.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond R. Barberesi, Director, Office 
of Sealift Support, Telephone 202-366-2323.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 16, 1996, MARAD issued an interim 
final rule providing procedures to implement the MSP contained in the 
Maritime Security Act of 1996 (MSA), which was signed by the President 
on October 8, 1996. Section 2 of the MSA amends Title VI of the 
Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (Act) and adds a new Subtitle B. It 
authorizes the MSP to provide assistance for U.S.-flag operators and 
vessels that meet certain qualifications. Participating vessel 
operators are required to make their ships and other commercial 
resources available upon request by the Secretary of Defense during 
time of war or national emergency.
    Sea-Land Services, Inc. has requested an extension of the 30-day 
comment period expiring on November 15, 1996, Sea-Land submits that the 
requested extension will allow the preparation of more deliberate 
comments to assist MARAD in fully implementing the provisions of the 
MSA. It further states that the expedited pace of the MSP application 
process has left little time to focus on assisting MARAD in this 
important rulemaking process.
    Accordingly, MARAD is extending the comment period until December 
2, 1996.

    By Order of the Maritime Administrator.

    Dated: November 14, 1996.
Joel C. Richard,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 96-29596 Filed 11-15-96; 8:45 am]
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