[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 70 (Friday, April 11, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9409]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Part 2

[CGD 97-001]
RIN 2115-AF41


Delegation of Authority to Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is authorizing Officers in Charge, Marine 
Inspection (OCMIs) to redelegate signature authority for certain vessel 
inspection documents. Currently, the OCMI signs all vessel inspection 
documents. This rule will authorize redelegation of that function to 
reduce the number of documents OCMIs must sign.

DATES: This rule is effective on April 11, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this 
preamble are available for inspection or copying at the office of the 
Executive Secretary, Marine Safety Council (G-LRA/3406), U.S. Coast 
Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001 
between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The telephone number is (202) 267-1477.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LT Eric Christensen, Project Manager, 
Vessel and Facility Operating Standards Division (G-MSO-2), (202)267-
1055.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    The delegation of authority from the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
to Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection gives signature authority to 
the OCMI for various inspection documents. During a recent 
reorganization, the Coast Guard established Activity Commands which 
combine OCMI, Captain of the Port (COTP), and Group functions. 
Activities are large units that perform a large number of tasks 
including many requiring the OCMI's signature. This rule will authorize 
redelegation of that signatory function to reduce the number of vessel 
inspection documents OCMIs must sign personally.

Discussion and Change

    The rationale for this change is that many routine documents don't 
require the personal attention of the OCMI, and increasing 
responsibilities of the OCMI will mean that the official's attention is 
needed more urgently elsewhere. Regulations currently require the OCMI 
to personally sign hundreds of inspection documents issued by each 
Marine Safety Office each year. In many cases, a new computer-generated 
Certificate of Inspection is based on an administrative change such as 
ownership or address and not on any substantive change in the vessel 
particulars. Authority to redelegate signatory authority would relieve 
the OCMI of a substantial paperwork burden.
    The Coast Guard is proceeding directly to a final rule under 
section 553(b)(3)(A) of the Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 551 
et seq.) which excludes rulemakings relating to agency organization, 
procedure, or practice from the requirements of public notice and 
comment. These changes are administrative and will not impact the type 
or quality of Coast Guard services performed.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. It 
has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under that 
order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and 
procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; 
February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this 
rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 
10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary. As 
this rule involves internal Agency practices and procedures, it will 
not impose any costs on the public.

Collection of Information

    This rule contains no new collection-of-information requirements 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act [44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.].

Federalism

    The Coast Guard has analyzed this rule under the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that 
this rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environment

    The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this interim 
rule and concluded that, under Sec. 2.B.2 of Commandant Instruction 
M16475.1B, this rule is categorically excluded from further 
environmental documentation. This exclusion is in accordance with 
paragraphs 2.B.2.e.(34) (a) and (b), concerning regulations that are 
editorial or procedural and concerning internal agency functions or 
organization. A Categorical Exclusion Determination is available in the 
docket for inspection or copying where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 46 CFR Part 2

    Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
46 CFR part 2 as follows:

PART 2--VESSEL INSPECTIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1903; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; 
E.O. 12334, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46; subpart 2.45 
also issued under the authority of Act Dec. 27, 1950, Ch. 1155, 
secs. 1, 2, 64 Stat. 1120 (see 46 U.S.C. App. note prec. 1).

    2. Section 2.01-30 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 2.01-30  Delegation of OCMI signature authority.

    The OCMI may redelegate to one individual on his or her staff 
authority to sign documents issued under this subpart.

    Dated: March 31, 1997.
J. C. Card,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety 
and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 97-9409 Filed 4-10-97; 8:45 am]
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