[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 31, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68349-68350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-34090]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
Cargo Securing Manual Requirements
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of policy.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces interim criteria for the approval of
qualified organizations desiring authorization to serve as designated
U.S. Cargo Securing Manual Approval Authorities for U.S. vessels. The
Coast Guard also announces the availability of guidance on the contents
of Cargo Securing Manuals required by 1994 amendments to the
International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74).
This criteria and guidance are available to the public in Navigational
and Vessel Inspection Circular 10-97.
DATES: U.S. flag vessels must have on board a Cargo Security Manual by
December 31, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LCDR Richard Booth (Navigation and Inspection Circular 10-97),
Commandant (G-MOC), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street
SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, telephone 202-267-6700. Mr. Robert
Gauvin (Future CSM Regulation), Commandant (G-MSO) U.S. Coast Guard
Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001,
telephone 202-267-1053.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background and Purpose
U.S. cargo vessels 500 gross tons or greater that carry other than
solid or liquid bulk cargoes, and are engaged on international voyages
as described in 46 CFR 90.05-10, must have on board an approved Cargo
Securing Manual (CSM) to maintain compliance with their Cargo Ship
Safety Equipment Certificates (CG-3347). Voluntary compliance is
encouraged for owners of U.S. flag cargo vessels less than 500 gross
tons engaged on international voyages. A CSM assists the vessel's
master and crew with the proper use of onboard equipment designed to
adequately stow and secure the vessel's cargo.
The 1994 amendments to Chapters VI/5.6 and VII/6.6 of the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74)
mandated Administration approved CSM's. The International Maritime
Organization's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Circular 745 of June 13,
1996, provided CSM preparation guidance. MSC Circular 745 encouraged
member governments to bring the guidelines to the attention of all
parties concerned, with the aim of having CSM's carried on board ships
prepared appropriately and in a consistent manner, and to implement
them as soon as possible but not later than December 31, 1997. The
Coast Guard has publicized the SOLAS 74 requirements and the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines for CSM's in
various marine safety newsletters. This notice further announces the
availability of that guidance for those U.S. cargo ships required to
have CSM's and those cargo vessels seeking voluntary compliance under
the IMO guidelines. The notice also announces the availability of
criteria for the approval of organizations seeking authorization to
approve CSM's.
Under E.O. 12234 and 46 U.S.C. 3103, in October 1996, the Coast
Guard delegated CSM approval authority to the American Bureau of
Shipping (ABS) and the National Cargo Bureau, Inc. (NCB), respectively,
for U.S. flagged cargo vessels. Other organizations that desire CSM
approval authority, should review the approval criteria and make
application for authorization under Navigation and Vessel Inspection
Circular (NVIC) 10-97 entitled ``Guidelines for CSM Approval.'' This
NVIC also provides interim guidance for CSM submittal, review,
approval, and appeal procedures for U.S. flagged cargo vessel owners
and operators. The Coast Guard is initiating a project to put the NVIC
10-97 criteria into regulation. Until regulations on the authorization
of organizations to approve Cargo Securing Manuals and the criteria for
CSM content are issued, inspectors will explain to owners and operators
of U.S. vessels that the U.S. Coast Guard will be looking for
compliance with the SOLAS requirements for CSM's as set forth in NVIC
10-97, in order to ensure
[[Page 68350]]
compliance with 46 CFR 91.60-10 (Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
Certificate). Until regulations are issued, ABS, NCB, and any other
organization designated by the Coast Guard, will follow the procedures
in NVIC 10-97. NVIC 10-97 is available on the World Wide Web at: http:/
/www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/hq/g-m/gmhome.htm in ``Publications, Reports
and Forms.'' Paper or CD-ROM copies will soon be available for a free
through the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal
Road, Springfield, VA 22161, telephone 703-605-6000, or fax 703-321-
8547.
Dated: December 23, 1997.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Director of Standards, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 97-34090 Filed 12-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M