[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 76 (Tuesday, April 21, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19655-19656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10435]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy

32 CFR Part 706


Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations 
for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DOD.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy is amending its certifications and 
exemptions under the International Regulations for Preventing 
Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), to reflect that the Deputy 
Assistant Judge Advocate General (Admiralty) of the Navy has determined 
that USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its 
special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with certain 
provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special 
functions as a naval ship. The intended effect of this rule is to warn 
mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 31 March 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Captain R.R. Pixa, JAGC, U.S. Navy, 
Admiralty Counsel, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Navy 
Department, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22332-2400, 
Telephone Number: (703) 325-9744.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the authority granted in 33 
U.S.C. 1605, the Department of the Navy amends 32 CFR Part 706. This 
amendment provides notice that the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate 
General (Admiralty) of the Navy, under authority delegated by the 
Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) is a 
vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, 
cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions of 72 
COLREGS without interfering with its special function as an amphibious 
command vessel: Annex I, section 3(a), pertaining to the location of 
the forward masthead light in the forward quarter of the ship; and the 
horizontal distance between the forward and after masthead lights. The 
Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (Admiralty) of the Navy has 
also certified that the lights involved are located in closest possible 
compliance with the applicable 72 COLREGS requirements.
    Moreover, it has been determined, in accordance with 32 CFR Parts 
296 and 701, that publication of this amendment for public comment 
prior to adoption is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to public 
interest since it is based on technical findings that the placement of 
lights on this vessel in a manner differently from that prescribed 
herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its 
military functions.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706

    Marine safety, Navigation (water), Vessels.

    Accordingly, 32 CFR Part 706 is amended as follows:

PART 706--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 32 CFR Part 706 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.

    2. Table Five of Sec. 706.2 is amended by revising the entry for 
USS BLUE RIDGE to read as follows:


Sec. 706.2  Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under Executive 
Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.

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[[Page 19656]]



                                                                       Table Five                                                                       
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                                                                                                             After masthead light                       
                                                      Masthead lights not over    Forward masthead light    less than \1/2\ ship's        Percentage    
             Vessel                      No.            all other lights and    not in forward quarter of    length aft of forward        horizontal    
                                                       obstructions. Annex I,    ship. Annex I, sec. 3(a)  masthead light. Annex I,  separation attained
                                                             sec. 2(f)                                             sec. 3(a)                            
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                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
USS BLUE RIDGE..................  LCC 19             N/A......................  N/A......................  X.......................  84                 
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
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    Dated: March 31, 1998.

    Approved:
R.R. Pixa,
Captain, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General 
(Admiralty).
[FR Doc. 98-10435 Filed 4-20-98; 8:45 am]
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