[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 125 (Monday, June 30, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35105-35106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16525]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Part 111

[CGD 97-030]


Use of MIL-C-915 Cable on Merchant Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of policy; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard received several requests that cable meeting 
the specifications of MIL-C-915 be allowed in the alteration, 
modification, conversion, or construction of merchant vessels. This 
document solicits public comments on this issue. In addition, it 
announces a policy providing a means for requesting the use of the 
cable until this matter is resolved.

DATES: Effective: June 30, 1997. Submit comments on or before August 
29, 1997.

ADDRESSES: You may mail comments to the Executive Secretary, Marine 
Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 97-030),

[[Page 35106]]

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 
20593-0001, or deliver them to room 3406 at the same address between 
9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
The telephone number is 202-267-1477.
    The Executive Secretary maintains the public docket for this 
notice. Comments will become part of this docket and will be available 
for inspection or copying at room 3406, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 
between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Hamman, Project Manager, 
Office of Design and Engineering Standards (G-MSE), 202-267-2206.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to comment on this 
document. Persons submitting comments should include their names and 
addresses, identify this notice (CGD 97-030), and give the reason for 
each comment. Please submit two copies of all comments and attachments 
in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ x 11 inches, suitable for 
copying and electronic filing. Persons wanting acknowledgment of 
receipt of comments should enclose stamped, self-addressed postcards or 
envelopes.
    The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the 
comment period. It may change its policy in view of the comments.

Discussion

    The Coast Guard has received comments questioning its policy 
prohibition the use of cable constructed to the specifications of MIL-
C-915 (Cable and Board for Shipboard Use (including Amendment 2)) (MIL-
C-915 cable) for alterations, modifications, conversions, and new 
construction of merchant vessels. That policy is set out in a note 
following paragraph (a) of 46 CFR 111.60-1. Paragraph (a) was amended 
by the final rule published in the Federal Register on May 1, 1997 (62 
FR 23908). The note to paragraph (a) was added by an interim rule 
published in the Federal Register on June 4, 1996 (61 FR 28280) and 
remained unchanged in the final rule. Section 111.60-1(a) and its note 
now read as follows:


Sec. 111.60-1  Cable construction and testing.

    (a) Each marine shipboard cable must meet all the construction 
and identification requirements of either IEEE Std 45, IEC 92-3, 
MIL-C-24640A, or MIL-C-24643A and the respective flammability tests 
contained therein and be of copper stranded type.
    Note to paragraph (a): MIL-C-915 cable is acceptable only for 
repairs and replacements in kind. MIL-C-915 cable is no longer 
acceptable for alterations, modifications, conversions, or new 
construction. (See Sec. 110.01-3 of this chapter).
* * * * *
The note to paragraph (a) limits the use of MIL-C-915 cable to repairs 
and replacements in kind and prohibits its use for alterations, 
modifications, conversions, and new construction.
    The requests stated that MIL-C-915 cable meets the requirements of 
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Std 45 
(Recommended Practice for Electric Installations on Shipboard, 1983), 
as listed in paragraph (a). Therefore, the cable should be allowed for 
all uses, including alterations, modifications, conversions, and new 
construction.
    The Coast Guard limited the use of the cable based on a decision by 
the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to restrict the use of the cable 
on Navy vessels. However, NAVSEA's decision was not based on a question 
of whether or not the cable meets IEEE Std 45 and whether or not it is 
suitable for use on merchant vessels.
    The Coast Guard is soliciting comments on the use of MIL-C-915 
cable.

Policy

    In light of the fact that MIL-C-915 cable meets the requirements of 
IEEE Std 45, the Coast Guard will accept requests to use MIL-C-915 
cable in alterations, modifications, conversions, and new construction 
under the equivalency provision in 46 CFR 110.20-1. This policy will 
remain in effect until this matter is resolved and notice of the action 
taken is published in the Federal Register. If the Coast Guard 
determines that the note to Sec. 111.60-1(a) should be removed or 
amended, a rulemaking will be initiated to allow the public an 
opportunity to comment on that determination.

    Dated: June 19, 1997.
Howard L. Hime,
Acting Director of Standards, Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 97-16525 Filed 6-27-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M