[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 162 (Thursday, August 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 44507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22134]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard
[CGD 95-041]


Propeller Injury Prevention Involving Rented Boats

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: In a notice published April 28, 1997 [62 FR 22991] the Coast 
Guard solicited comments on the effectiveness of specific devices and 
interventions which have been suggested for reducing the numbers of 
recreational boating accidents involving rented power boats in which 
individuals are injured by the propeller. In response to the notice, 
the Coast Guard received only two comments and a request from an 
organization called Stop Propeller Injuries Now (SPIN) for an extension 
of the comment period. This notice extends the comment period.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 17, 1998.

ADDRESSES: You may mail comments to the Executive Secretary, Marine 
Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 95-041), 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, and documents as indicated in this preamble 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:
Randolph Doubt, Project Manager, Recreational Boating Product Assurance 
Division, (202) 267-6810. You may obtain a copy of this Federal 
Register Notice and the original Federal Register Notice by calling the 
Coast Guard Customer Infoline at 1-800-368-5647, or on the Office of 
Boating Safety internet website at URL address: http://
www.uscgboating.org.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to comment by 
submitting written data, views, or arguments. Persons submitting 
comments should include their names and addresses, identify this docket 
(CGD 95-041) and the specific section of this document to which each 
comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit 
two copies of all comments and attachments in an unbound format, no 
longer than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic 
filing. Persons wanting acknowledgment of receipt of comments should 
enclose stamped, self-addressed postcards or envelopes.

Background Information

    Based on comments received, other research efforts and after 
consultation with the National Boating Safety Advisory Council in 
November 1996, several potential devices and interventions have been 
suggested to aid in propeller injury prevention.
    For complete descriptions of each suggested potential device or 
intervention, see the Notice published in the Federal Register on April 
28, 1997 (62 FR 22991). Persons submitting comments should do as 
directed under ``Request for Comments'', and reply to the following 
specific suggested devices and interventions. Form letters simply 
citing anecdotal evidence and stating support for or opposition to 
regulations, without providing substantive data or arguments do not 
supply support for regulations.

1. Swimming ladders.
    (a) Location (b) Interlocks
2. Large Warning Notices.
3. Clear Vision Aft.
4. Propeller Shaft Engagement Alarm.
5. Kill Switch/Auto Throttle and Neutral Return.
6. Education.

    Comments and information regarding propeller guards, pump jet (jet 
drives), alternatives to propeller guards, and any other devices that 
might reduce the likelihood of an accident or the severity of an injury 
are also solicited.
    The Coast Guard will consider all relevant comments in determining 
what action may be necessary to address recreational boating accidents 
involving rented power boats in which individuals are injured by the 
propeller.

    Dated: August 8, 1997.
A.S. Tangeman,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Operations Policy, Acting.
[FR Doc. 97-22134 Filed 8-20-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M