[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 104 (Monday, June 1, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29613-29614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14181]


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PANAMA CANAL COMMISSION

35 CFR Part 133

RIN 3207-AA-46


Tolls for Use of Canal

AGENCY: Panama Canal Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Panama Canal Commission (Commission) is revising its 
method of payment of tolls and other vessel charges to allow certain 
small vessels paying a toll of not more than $1,500 to have the option 
to pay tolls and fees for other ancillary services by using commercial 
credit cards, under conditions established by the Commission.

DATES: Effective June 1, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John A. Mills, Telephone: (202) 634-
6441, Facsimile: (202) 634-6439, E-mail: [email protected]; or 
Department of Financial Management, Telephone 011 (507) 272-3137, 
Facsimile: 011 (507) 272-3433, E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 1, 1998, the Commission will 
establish a new toll structure for small vessels transiting the Panama 
Canal. This change is being implemented as part of the efforts the 
Commission is taking to allocate better its resources and to provide a 
more efficient service.
    The Commission is also aware of the importance of providing better 
service to customers. The Board of Directors of the Commission, 
therefore, approved a change which will allow small vessel owners to 
guarantee the payment of tolls and fees for other ancillary services by 
use of a commercial credit card.
    Currently, all vessels transiting the Canal must pay tolls in full, 
or secure these charges through a financial institution designated by 
the Commission as provided in 35 CFR 133.74. Vessels must satisfy this 
requirement before they are permitted to enter a lock, as well as pay 
all other charges before a vessel is permitted to depart from the 
Canal. Unless one of the exceptions under 35 CFR 133.74 applies, all 
payments are required to be made in cash.
    This new exception will expedite the paperwork involved in the 
transit of small vessels by allowing vessel owners to complete payment 
requirements in less time. Furthermore, this will facilitate the 
Commission's administrative process involved in the payment of tolls 
and other vessel charges for small vessel transits. No notice or 
comment period is being afforded as this change will provide an 
immediate benefit to affected Canal users.
    The Commission is exempt from Executive Order 12866 and its 
provisions do not apply to this rule. Even if the Order were 
applicable, the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act. The

[[Page 29614]]

implementation of the rule will have no adverse effect on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of 
United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises in domestic or export markets.
    Finally, the Secretary of the Panama Canal Commission certifies 
these changes meet the applicable standards set out in sections 2(a) 
and 2(b)(2) of Executive Order 12778.

List of Subjects in 35 CFR Part 133

    Navigation, Panama Canal, Vessels.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Panama Canal Commission 
is amending 35 CFR part 133 as follows:

PART 133--TOLLS FOR USE OF CANAL

    1. The authority citation for part 133 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 22 U.S.C. 3791-3792, 3794.

    2. Revise the heading of Sec. 133.74 and add paragraph (c) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 133.74  Same; exception; payment secured by deposit of cash or 
bonds; credit cards.

* * * * *
    (c) Vessels assessed a toll of not more than $1,500 under 
Sec. 133.1(d) may pay the respective toll and any charges for ancillary 
services by credit card, under such conditions as are established by 
the Commission.

    Dated: May 22, 1998.
John A. Mills,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-14181 Filed 5-29-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3640-04-P