[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 9, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6494-6510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2812]



[[Page 6493]]

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Part III





Department of Transportation





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Coast Guard



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46 CFR Parts 2, 30, et al.



Frequency of Inspection; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 27 / Wednesday February 9, 2000 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 6494]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 2, 30, 31, 52, 61, 71, 90, 91, 98, 107, 110, 114, 115, 
125, 126, 132, 133, 134, 167, 169, 175, 176, 188, 189, 195, and 199

[USCG-1999-4976]
RIN 2115-AF73


Frequency of Inspection

AGENCY:  Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION:  Final rule.

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SUMMARY:  The Coast Guard amends its vessel inspection regulations to 
introduce a 5-year Certificate of Inspection cycle in accordance with 
the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 to harmonize our inspections 
with most internationally required certificates. This rulemaking is 
necessary for the following reasons: to align inspection schedules with 
international protocols; to establish an examination process giving 
industry additional latitude in scheduling inspections; and to create a 
parity between small passenger vessels and all other Coast Guard-
inspected vessels. The Coast Guard expects this rule to result in a 
reduction in the time and paperwork associated with Coast Guard vessel 
inspections for certification.

DATES:  This final rule is effective February 4, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  Comments and material received from the public, as well as 
documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, 
are part of docket USCG-1999-4976 and are available for inspection or 
copying at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. You may also find this docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  For questions on this rule, call 
Lieutenant Commander Don Darcy, Office of Standards Evaluation and 
Development (G-MSR-2), Coast Guard, telephone 202-267-1200. For 
questions on viewing the docket, call Dorothy Walker, Chief, Dockets, 
Department of Transportation, telephone 202-366-9329.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory History

    On November 15, 1999, we published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) entitled ``Frequency of Inspection, Alternate Hull Examination 
Program for Certain Vessels, and Underwater Surveys for Passenger, 
Nautical School, and Sailing School Vessels'' in the Federal Register 
(64 FR 62018). We received 49 letters commenting on the proposed rule. 
Several comments requested a public hearing, mainly concerning the 
provisions of the Alternate Hull Examination and Underwater Survey 
Programs. We do not plan to hold a public hearing on the frequency of 
inspection requirements in this rule.

Background and Purpose

    Our review of the comments to the NPRM revealed strong public 
interest in the Alternate Hull Examination and Underwater Survey 
portions of this rulemaking. As a result of this public interest, we 
have decided to create a new docket (USCG-2000-6858) entitled, 
``Alternate Hull Examination Program for Certain Passenger Vessels, and 
Underwater Surveys for Passenger, Nautical School, and Sailing School 
Vessels,'' and re-examine the provisions concerning the Alternate Hull 
Examination and Underwater Survey programs. Comments to the NPRM 
concerning the Alternate Hull Examination and Underwater Survey 
Programs will be included in the new docket. Therefore, you do not need 
to resubmit any comments already submitted to the NPRM.
    This final rule only establishes a 5-year Certificate of Inspection 
cycle to harmonize our inspections with internationally required 
certificates. We are publishing the final rule to establish the 
frequency of inspection requirements to meet the International 
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and the International 
Convention on Load Line compliance date of February 3, 2000.

Frequency of Inspection

    On October 31, 1988, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 
convened the International Conference on the Harmonized Systems of 
Survey and Certification to adopt the Protocol of 1988 relating to the 
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, and 
the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load 
Lines, 1966. By adopting these 1988 Protocols, IMO standardized the 
term of validity for certificates and intervals for vessel inspections 
required by the Conventions. These 1988 Protocols will enter into force 
as international law on February 3, 2000. As party to the SOLAS 
Convention, and the International Convention on Load Lines, the U.S. 
ratified the 1988 Protocol on July 1, 1991. Section 605 of the Coast 
Guard Authorization Act of 1996, Public Law 104-324, codified at Title 
46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) section 3307 was amended to 
require vessel inspections for certification once a year or once every 
5 years, depending on vessel type. Previously, vessels were inspected 
for certification once a year, or once every 2 or 3 years, depending on 
vessel type.
    This rulemaking aligns the term of validity for a Certificate of 
Inspection (COI) and the type of inspections required during the term 
of the COI with the standards prescribed in the 1974 SOLAS Convention. 
Adopting a 5-year COI, with interval annual inspections, and a periodic 
inspection will ensure that U.S. vessels meet international standards 
and comply with international law. These changes will also provide 
vessel owners and operators with more flexibility to schedule required 
inspections and reduce paperwork associated with these inspections.

Discussion of Comments and Changes

    The following is a summary of the comments we received concerning 
the frequency of inspection section to the NPRM, and the changes made 
to the regulatory text in response to those comments.

General

    (1) Six comments expressed support for the Coast Guard initiative 
to bring certification and inspection requirements in line with 
international standards. Three comments pointed out that the changes 
make good economic sense and go a long way to eliminating inspection 
creep.
    (2) One comment stated that issuing 5-year certificates will 
minimize the number of vessels operating on temporary certificates and 
eliminate burdensome paperwork.
    We envisioned a reduction in the use of temporary certificates as a 
result of the changes in this rule. However, we may initially have to 
issue COIs with a validity of less than 5 years to coincide with the 
dates of the 5-year SOLAS and the International Convention on Load 
Lines documents.
    (3) Two comments stated that the 45-day comment period was too 
short and leaves the Coast Guard with little time to evaluate public 
comment. One comment noted the short amount of time between the end of 
the comment period and the February 3, 2000, compliance date for 
international requirements.

[[Page 6495]]

    We agree that the 45-day comment period may have been too 
optimistic for proposed changes concerning the Alternate Hull 
Examination and Underwater Survey programs. For this reason, we are 
taking additional time to evaluate the provisions on these programs. 
However, we have thoroughly considered all comments for the frequency 
of inspection provisions. We determined that harmonizing our 
inspections with internationally required certificates will lessen the 
burden and create greater flexibility for industry.
    (4) One comment opposed the extension of the inspection period for 
small passenger vessels. The comment recommended increasing frequency 
of inspections or providing better training to Coast Guard inspectors. 
The comment suggests that increasing the period between inspections 
reduces the time inspectors are on the boats and increases the risk of 
catastrophic failure.
    The changes in this rule will not extend the inspection period. 
Inspections of vessels will continue to be conducted annually. Only the 
issuance of the COI and term of validity is being changed by this 
project. In addition, annual inspections can be as extensive as the 
attending marine inspector deems necessary. Annual inspections could be 
more extensive due to the condition of the vessel or problems found 
with the vessel. The issue of training for Coast Guard inspectors is 
outside the scope of this rulemaking.
    (5) One comment pointed out that the NPRM did not mention how the 
Coast Guard would phase-in the new inspection cycle. The comment asks 
whether all COI renewals after the effective date of the final rule 
will reflect the new requirements.
    A NVIC is being developed in conjunction with this rulemaking to 
provide guidance on how to transition a vessel from the current survey 
and certification system to the harmonized system. The date of 
introduction of the harmonized system of survey and certification for a 
specific U.S. flag vessel should be agreed upon between the owner or 
operator and the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). 
This agreed upon date may be the date of drydocking or the date of 
repairs or renovation. In any case, the date would not be later than 
the latest expiration date of the vessel's SOLAS, International 
Convention on Load Lines, or International Convention for the 
Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) certificates. (As of 
February 3, 2000, MARPOL certificates will be issued with a 5-year term 
of validity.) Vessels with 2 or 3-year COIs, not required to have SOLAS 
certificates, will be issued a 5-year COI when their current COI 
expires and upon completion of that inspection for certification.

Anniversary Date

    (6) One comment suggested that a constant anniversary date will 
make harmonization with the new COI schedule and drydock dates very 
difficult. The comment emphasizes that regulatory events should meld 
with the business cycle of vessels, which includes a credit drydock. 
The comment also requests the Coast Guard to clarify whether a vessel 
will retain its anniversary date when it has been taken out of service 
and then brought back into service.
    This rulemaking only affects the anniversary date of the COI to 
harmonize with international standards. The vessel owner or operator 
should discuss harmonizing drydock dates with COIs when they speak with 
the OCMI to establish the COI anniversary date. For vessels taken out 
of service, their anniversary date will not change unless their 
deactivation extends beyond the validity of SOLAS, International 
Convention on Load Lines, or International Convention for the 
Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) certificates or COIs.

Applicability

    (7) One comment pointed out that oil spill response vessels (OSRVs) 
and oil spill response barges are not included in the regulations. The 
comment recommended that these vessels be addressed in some manner.
    OSRVs are inspected under subchapter I, Cargo and Miscellaneous 
Vessels. The revisions to subchapter I in this final rule apply to 
OSRVs.
    (8) One comment stated that the Coast Guard should include offshore 
supply vessels (OSVs) into the regulations.
    Offshore supply vessels are addressed in 46 CFR subchapter L of the 
Coast Guard's regulations. This final rule amends the inspection and 
certification requirements for OSVs in 46 CFR 126.50, 126.420, 126.510, 
126.520, and 126.530.

Equipment and System Inspections

    (9) Four comments pointed out the importance of aligning equipment 
and system inspections with the 5-year inspection cycle. One comment 
stated that the alignment of pressure vessel inspections with the 5-
year inspection for certification is a welcomed change.
    (10) Three comments noted that in Sec. 61.05-10 the regulations 
still require boiler inspections every 2.5 years and would prevent an 
owner from selecting the third anniversary option for a periodic 
inspection.
    In Table 61.05-10, Inspection Intervals for Boilers, footnote 
number 2 explains that an entry of 2.5 in the table means ``two tests 
or inspections must occur within any 5-year period, and no more than 3 
years may elapse between any test or inspection and its immediate 
predecessor.'' Footnote number 2 allows owners or operators to select 
the third anniversary options for boiler inspections.

Inspection Creep

    (11) One comment recommended that the Coast Guard should not grant 
a 3-month extension beyond the anniversary date without the approval of 
the OCMI. The OCMI needs the ability to disqualify substandard vessels 
from automatic 3-month extensions.
    The 3-month extension is actually a 3-month window on either side 
of the anniversary date for the annual or periodic inspections. This 
extension does not apply beyond the validity of the COI. In addition, 
the OCMI retains the authority to limit the operations or require 
corrective action due to the condition of the vessel at anytime during 
the validity of the COI.
    (12) One comment suggested that, in order to completely eliminate 
inspection creep, the wording in Secs. 31.05-10, 91.01-10, 107.211, 
126.250, 169.207, and 189.01-10 should be changed to permit the new COI 
to be dated ``5 years from the date of the previous COI,'' instead of 
from the date of inspection.
    We determined that the effect the proposed change in the comment 
would keep vessels out of harmonization with international standards. 
For vessels not wishing to harmonize with the international standards, 
their COIs will be dated 5 years from the date of the previous COI. In 
order to harmonize with SOLAS certificates, the period of validity will 
be based on the current COI date to eliminate inspection creep. The 
flexibility of establishing an anniversary date is discussed in the 
response to comment 5 and in a NVIC we are currently developing.
    (13) Another comment recommended that owners have a one-time 
opportunity to ``reset'' the expiration date by renewing the current 
COI early or by requesting a period of validity of less than 5 years on 
an initial COI.
    We agree that a one-time opportunity to ``reset'' the expiration 
date or to request a COI for less than 5-years will allow for 
harmonization and eliminate inspection creep. As previously stated,

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the Coast Guard is developing policy guidance in a NVIC on the 
transition from the current survey and certification system to the 
harmonized system.
    (14) Two comments recommended expressing the expiration date with 
the month and year only. One comment suggested that there is still a 
problem if an operator renews a COI before the expiration date of the 
last COI. The new date would still be earlier than the last COI date.
    We disagree. The possibility of inspection creep still exists with 
only the month and year as the expiration date of the COI.

Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs)

    (15) One comment recommended that the Coast Guard modify the 
inspection interval of load tests for cranes in Sec. 107.361 to 5 years 
to conform to IMO and Coast Guard policy.
    We agree that load tests for cranes should coincide with IMO and 
Coast Guard inspection intervals. Title 46 CFR 107.260 contains the 
requirements for the load test for cranes. We are amending 46 CFR 
107.260(c)(2) to extend the interval for the load test for cranes from 
48 months to 60 months.

Periodic Inspections

    (16) One comment recommended that the Coast Guard eliminate 
periodic inspections and require four annual inspections during each 5-
year cycle for COI. The comment also noted that periodic inspections 
are not required by SOLAS or U.S. law.
    We disagree. Period inspections are part of the SOLAS system and 
the newly adopted 1988 protocols. Periodic inspections are an integral 
part of standardizing the term of validity for certificates and 
intervals for vessel inspections required by the IMO.

Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) and Alternate Compliance Program 
(ACP)

    (17) Six comments noted that the NPRM did not discuss the impact of 
the proposed changes on the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP) and the 
Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP). These comments requested that the 
Coast Guard clarify how the proposed rule would impact vessels in the 
SIP and ACP programs. One comment recommended that vessels enrolled in 
these programs should not be required to undergo annual inspections, 
only the inspection for certification.
    Vessels enrolled in the ACP and SIP programs will be able to have a 
third party complete their inspections. The changes in this rule will 
have no effect on the ACP and SIP program. We disagree that vessels in 
the ACP and SIP programs should be allowed to avoid annual inspections.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The 
Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. 
It is not significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of 
the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; February 26, 
1979). A final Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the 
regulatory policies and procedures of DOT follows:
    This rulemaking affects a total of 10,973 vessels. Of these, 5,531 
vessels are required to change from a 2-year to a 5-year inspection 
interval. The following types of vessels have 2-year certificates: 
freight barges, freight ships, mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs), 
industrial vessels, oceanographic research vessels, offshore supply 
vessels, sailing school vessels, seagoing towing vessels, tank barges, 
and tank ships. The remaining vessels (5,442) are small passenger 
vessels that will change from a 3-year to a 5-year inspection interval.
    Potential benefits of the frequency of inspection changes include--

     A harmonized inspection system enabling vessel owners and 
operators to receive their COI, SOLAS certificates, and Load Line 
Certificates simultaneously;
     Increased flexibility for vessel owners and operators by 
establishing up to a 3 month window on either side of the COI 
anniversary date in which to conduct inspections; and
     A reduction in the burden placed on vessel owners 
decreasing the time expended on required inspections. For the next 30 
years, we estimate an annual burden reduction of 35 minutes per vessel 
for those in the previous 2-year COI cycle, and for vessels with 
previous 3-year COIs we expect an annual burden reduction of 13.5 
minutes per vessel.
    We considered whether this rule would have an impact on the 
currently assessed annual vessel inspection fees. The Coast Guard 
considers the impact to be minimal; and therefore, will have a 
negligible effect on the annual vessel inspection fee schedule. 
Accordingly, this rule does not change annual vessel inspection fees. 
However, we will initiate a rulemaking later this year that will 
reassess annual vessels inspection fees, and will account for all 
market condition changes.
    Although this rulemaking restructures the inspection process, 
vessels will continue to be inspected once per year.
    Potential benefits of changes made to load test for cranes include 
a reduction in the burden placed on MODU owners. MODUs will load test 
their cranes every five years instead of every four years. We estimate 
that the 132 MODUs will have an annual burden reduction of 1 hour 12 
minutes per MODU for the next 20 years. MODUs usually contract a 
company to perform the load tests for cranes.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we 
considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' 
comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are 
independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, 
and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.
    This rule does not increase costs to any of the affected vessels 
and, therefore, does not increase cost to small entities. We estimate 
this rule slightly reduces their burden by requiring less time expended 
on inspections. The anticipated benefits of this rulemaking to small 
entities are as follows:
     Requiring a COI certificate once every 5 years instead of 
every 2 or 3 years reduces the collection-of-information burden for all 
portions of the affected populations of the industry, including small 
entities. We determined that this rule reduces the collection-of-
information burden over a 30-year period.
     The inspection cycle aligns better with international 
standards, enabling vessel owners and operators to complete several 
major inspections and surveys at the same time. This allows small 
businesses to reduce their inspection cost and increase their 
productivity.
     Requiring annual inspections that are less time consuming 
reduces the number of total inspection hours per vessel. The purpose of 
annual inspections is to examine specific areas of concern on vessels 
between the COI and periodic inspections.
     The inspection cycle for small passenger vessels (changing 
from a 3-year to a 5-year inspection for certification interval) will 
not include a periodic inspection. After careful consideration, we 
determined that periodic inspections for small passenger vessels 
increase industry's burden for each inspection by an estimated 7 
minutes per vessel annually. Therefore,

[[Page 6497]]

the rule only requires COI and annual inspections, reducing the 
inspection burden from for all small passenger vessels.
    Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that 
this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offered to assist small 
entities in understanding the rule so that they could better evaluate 
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247).

Collection of Information

    This rule calls for two collections of information under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The information 
collection requirements of the rule are addressed in the previously 
approved OMB collections 2115-0007 and 2115-0133.

OMB Collection 2115-0007

    Title: Application for Vessel Inspection and Waiver.
    Summary of the Collection of Information: The rule requires vessel 
owners and operators to change the frequency in which they send an 
``Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel (CG-3752)''. These changes 
revise the previously approved OMB Collection 2115-0007. This 
collection of information is affected by changes in the following 
sections: 46 CFR 31.01-15, 91.25-5, 126.420, 169.205, and 189.25-5.
    Need for Information: This rulemaking reduces the paperwork burden 
for affected vessels. Vessel owners or operators are required to send 
an application (CG-3752) to schedule an inspection for renewal of a 
Certificate of Inspection once every 5 years, rather than every 2 or 3 
years.
    Proposed Use of Information: The application provides the Coast 
Guard with basic vessel information which is necessary for the initial 
planning and scheduling of inspection.
    Description of the Respondents: This rule affects respondents who 
previously had 2- or 3-year inspection intervals for their vessel's 
Certificate of Inspection (COI). This rule implements a 5-year 
inspection interval. Previous 2-year COI vessel classes include freight 
barges, freight ships, industrial vessels, mobile offshore drilling 
units, oceanographic research vessels, offshore supply vessels, 
seagoing tows, tank barges, and tank ships. Previous 3-year COI vessel 
classes include small passenger vessels.
    Number of Respondents: The regulation affects 10,973 respondents 
that currently have 2- or 3-year inspection intervals.
    Frequency of Response: Vessel owners need to respond once per COI 
period. Completing and mailing the application constitutes a response. 
The Coast Guard anticipates that 2,195 vessels per year will get new 
COIs under the new 5-year inspection interval (10,973 respondents 
affected by this rule/5 years).
    Burden of Response: The annual hour burden created by the posting 
of COIs for vessels with 5-year COIs is 549 hours (2,195 COI/Year  x  
0.25 hours). We expect operators to need 15 minutes at most to complete 
and mail the application.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden: The annual burden attributed to 
this collection for vessels with a 5-year COI is $21,960 (549 hours  x  
the private industry wage rate of $40 per hour).

OMB Collection 2115-0133

    Title: Various Forms and Posting Requirements Under Title 46 CFR 
Concerning Vessel Inspections.
    Summary of the Collection of Information: This rule requires vessel 
owners and operators to change the frequency in which they post COIs on 
vessels. This change revises and amends the previously approved OMB 
Collection 2115-0133.
    This collection of information is affected by the changes in the 
following sections: 46 CFR 31.05-10, 91.01-10, 107.211, 115.107, 
126.250, 169.207, 176.107, and 189.01-10.
    Need for Information: This rulemaking reduces the paperwork burden 
for affected vessels. Vessel owners or operators will renew 
Certificates of Inspection once every 5 years, rather than every 2 or 3 
years. An application for a Certificate of Inspection is necessary to 
allow a Coast Guard inspector to evaluate the condition of a specific 
vessel and to ensure it is fit for the service for which it is 
intended.
    Proposed Use of Information: The Coast Guard uses the inspection 
for certification to evaluate the condition of a specific vessel and to 
ensure it is fit for the service for which it is intended. The COI 
attests to that fitness.
    Description of the Respondents: This rule affects respondents who 
currently have 2-year and 3-year COI interval. The rule implements a 5-
year inspection interval. Previous 2-year COI vessel classes include 
freight barges, freight ships, industrial vessels, MODUs, oceanographic 
research vessels, offshore supply vessels, seagoing tows, tank barges, 
and tank ships. Previous 3-year COI vessel classes include small 
passenger vessels.
    Number of Respondents: The regulation affects 10,973 respondents 
that currently have 2- or 3-year inspection intervals.
    Frequency of Response: Vessel owners need to respond once per COI 
period. The posting of the certificate constitutes a response. The 
Coast Guard anticipates that 2,195 vessels will get new COIs per year 
under the new 5-year inspection interval (10,973 respondents/5 years).
    Burden of Response: The estimated annual hour burden created by 
this regulation is 1,098 hours (2,195 COI per year  x  0.5 hours). We 
expect operators to need 30 minutes to post the certificate on each 
ship.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden: The annual burden attributed to 
this rulemaking is $43,920 (1,098 hours times the private industry wage 
rate of $40 per hour).
    Public Comments on Collection of Information: As required by 44 
U.S.C. 3507(d), we have submitted a copy of this rule to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for its review of the collection of 
information. The sections are 46 CFR 31.01-15, 31.05-10, 91.01-10, 
91.25-5, 107.211, 115.107, 126.250, 126.420, 169.205, 169.207, 176.107, 
189.01-10, and 189.25-5 46; and the corresponding approval numbers from 
OMB are OMB Control Numbers 2115-0007 and 2115-0133.
    You are not required to respond to a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Federalism

    We have analyzed this rule under E.O. 13132 and have determined 
that it does not have implications for federalism under that Order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their regulatory 
actions not specifically

[[Page 6498]]

required by law. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000 or more in any one 
year. Though this rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do 
discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

    This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under E.O. 12630, Governmental Actions and 
Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

    This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate 
ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this rule under E.O. 13045, Protection of Children 
from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an 
economically significant rule and does not concern an environmental 
risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect 
children.

Environment

    This rule deals exclusively with changing inspection intervals and 
providing voluntary dry-docking alternatives for certain passenger 
vessels. We considered the environmental impact of this rule and 
concluded that under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(d), of Commandant 
Instruction M16475.1C, this rule is categorically excluded from further 
environmental documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' 
is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects

46 CFR Part 2

    Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 30

    Cargo vessels, Foreign relations, Hazardous materials 
transportation, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Seamen.

46 CFR Part 31

    Cargo vessels, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

46 CFR Part 52

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 61

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 71

    Marine safety, Passenger vessels, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

46 CFR Part 90

    Cargo vessels, Marine safety.

46 CFR Part 91

    Cargo vessels, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

46 CFR Part 98

    Cargo vessels, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Water pollution control.

46 CFR Part 107

    Marine safety, Oil and gas exploration, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 110

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 114

    Marine safety, Passenger vessels, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

46 CFR Part 115

    Fire prevention, Marine safety, Passenger vessels, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 125

    Administrative practice and procedure, Authority delegation, 
Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore supply 
vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 126

    Authority delegation, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine 
safety, Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 132

    Fire prevention, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, 
Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 133

    Marine safety, Occupational safety and health, Oil and gas 
exploration, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 134

    Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore supply 
vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Provisions for liftboats, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 167

    Fire prevention, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Schools, Seamen, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 169

    Fire prevention, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Schools, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 175

    Marine safety, Passenger vessels, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

46 CFR Part 176

    Fire prevention, Marine safety, Passenger vessels, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 188

    Marine safety, Oceanographic research vessels.

46 CFR Part 189

    Marine safety, Oceanographic research vessels, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 195

    Marine Safety, Navigation (water), Oceanographic research vessels.

46 CFR Part 199

    Cargo vessels, Marine safety, Oil and gas exploration, Passenger 
vessels.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
46 CFR parts 2, 30, 31, 52, 61, 71, 90, 91, 98, 107, 110, 114, 115, 
125, 126, 132, 133, 134, 167, 169, 175, 176, 188, 189, 195, and 199 as 
follows:

PART 2--VESSEL INSPECTIONS

    1. Revise the authority citation for part 2 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1903; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3103, 
3205, 3306, 3307, 3703; E.O. 12334, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., 
p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46; subpart 2.45 also issued under the authority of 
Act Dec. 27, 1950, Ch. 1155, secs. 1, 2, 64 Stat. 1120 (see 46 
U.S.C. App. note prec. 1).


Sec. 2.01-3  [Amended]

    2. In Sec. 2.01-3(a), remove the words,   ``, but less than 60 
days,''.


Sec. 2.01-5  [Amended]

    3. In Sec. 2.01-5(a), remove paragraphs (a)(3) and (4).

[[Page 6499]]

Sec. 2.01-8  [Amended]

    4. In Sec. 2.01-8(b), remove ``Sec. 176.35-1'' and add, in its 
place, ``Secs. 115.900 and 176.900''.

    5. In Sec. 2.01-25--
    a. Remove paragraph (a)(1)(v) and redesignate paragraphs (a)(1)(vi) 
through (viii) as paragraphs (a)(1)(v) through (vii), respectively;
    b. In paragraph (b)(1), immediately following the words 
``subchapter I (Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels),'' add the words 
``subchapter K (Small Passenger Vessels Carrying more than 150 
Passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 
Passengers), subchapter L (Offshore Supply Vessels),''; and
    c. Revise paragraphs (a)(4), (b)(2), (e)(2), and (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 2.01-25  International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974.

    (a) * * *
    (4) The Federal Communications Commission will issue the following 
certificates:
    (i) Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
    (ii) Exemption Certificate.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) For vessels other than passenger vessels, you must contact the 
local office of the Federal Communications Commission to apply for the 
inspection concerning the issuance of a Cargo Ship Safety Radio 
Certificate.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (2) The Federal Communications Commission issues the Exemption 
Certificate, which modifies the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
    (f) Availability of Certificates. The Convention certificates must 
be on board the vessel and readily available for examination at all 
times.
* * * * *

PART 30--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    6. Revise the authority citation for part 30 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3307, 3703; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 
5106; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46; Section 30.01-2 also issued under the 
authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507; Section 30.01-5 also issued under the 
authority of Sec. 4109, Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 515.
    7. Add Sec. 30.10-2a to read as follows:


Sec. 30.10-2a  Anniversary date--TB/ALL.

    The term anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, 
which corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of 
Inspection.

PART 31--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    8. Revise the authority citation for part 31 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3205, 3306, 3307, 
3703; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 588013 CFR, 1980 
Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 
49 CFR 1.46. Section 31.10-21 also issued under the authority of 
Sect. 4109, Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 515.


Sec. 31.01-1  [Amended]

    9. In Sec. 31.01-1(a), remove the words ``biennially, annually,'' 
and add, in their place, the words ``every 5 years''.
    10. In Sec. 31.01-15, revise the section heading and paragraph (a) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 31.01-15  Application for a Certificate of Inspection--TB/ALL.

    (a) You must submit a written application for an inspection for 
certification to the cognizant OCMI. To renew a Certificate of 
Inspection, you must submit an application at least 30 days before the 
expiration of the tank vessel's current Certificate of Inspection. When 
renewing a Certificate of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection 
for certification within the 3 months before the expiration date of the 
current Certificate of Inspection.
* * * * *

    11. In Section 31.05-10, revise the section heading and paragraph 
(a) to read as follows:


Sec. 31.05-10  Period of validity for a Certificate of Inspection--TB/
ALL.

    (a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years.
* * * * *

    12. In Sec. 31.10-15, revise paragraph (a) and add paragraph (c) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 31.10-15  Inspection for Certification--TB/ALL.

    (a) After receiving an application for inspection, the OCMI will 
inspect a tank vessel in his or her jurisdiction once every 5 years. 
The OCMI will ensure that every tank vessel is of a structure suitable 
for the carriage of flammable and/or combustible liquids in bulk and 
for the proper grade or grades of cargo the vessel carries while in 
service. If the OCMI deems it necessary, he or she may direct the 
vessel to be put in motion, and may adopt any other suitable means to 
test the tank vessel and its equipment.
* * * * *
    (c) If the vessel passes the inspection for certification, the OCMI 
will issue a new Certificate of Inspection.

    13. Revise Sec. 31.10-17 to read as follows:


Sec. 31.10-17  Annual and periodic inspections--TB/ALL.

    (a) Annual inspection. Your vessel must undergo an annual 
inspection within 3 months before or after each anniversary date, 
except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (2) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification but in less detail unless the cognizant 
marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change 
has occurred since the last inspection. If deficiencies are found or a 
major change to the vessel has occurred, the marine inspector will 
conduct an inspection more detailed in scope to ensure that the vessel 
is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is 
intended. If your vessel passes the annual inspection, the marine 
inspector will endorse your vessel's current Certificate of Inspection.
    (3) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's 
maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within 
the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.
    (b) Periodic inspection. Your vessel must undergo a periodic 
inspection within 3 months before or after the second or third 
anniversary of the date of your vessel's Certificate of Inspection. 
This periodic inspection will take the place of an annual inspection.
    (1) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (2) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for 
the inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 31.10-15(b). The 
OCMI will ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit 
for the service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the 
periodic inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your vessel's 
current Certificate of Inspection.
    (3) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your 
vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements 
within the time period specified by the OCMI.

[[Page 6500]]

    (4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    14. Add Sec. 31.10-17a to read as follows:


Sec. 31.10-17a  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in 
Sec. 31.10-17 (a) and (b) and your Certificate of Inspection must be 
endorsed.


Sec. 31.10-18  [Amended]

    15. In Sec. 31.10-18--
    a. In paragraph (d), remove the words ``biennially by'' and add, in 
their place, the words ``at the inspection for certification and the 
periodic inspection by'' and remove the words ``Prior to the biennial 
inspection'' and add, in their place, the words ``Before the inspection 
for certification and periodic inspection'';
    b. In paragraph (e), immediately following the words ``inspection 
for certification'' add the words ``, periodic inspection,''; and
    c. In paragraph (h), immediately following the words ``inspection 
for certification'' add the words ``, periodic inspection,''.


Sec. 31.40-1  [Amended]

    16. In Sec. 31.40-1, immediately following the words 
``international voyage.'' add the words ``(See Sec. 30.01-6 of this 
chapter.)''.

    17. Revise Sec. 31.40-15 to read as follows:


Sec. 31.40-15  Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate--T/ALL.

    Every tankship equipped with a radio installation on an 
international voyage must have a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate. 
Each radio installation must meet the requirements of the Federal 
Communication Commission and the International Convention for Safety of 
Life at Sea.

    18. Revise Sec. 31.40-35 to read as follows:


Sec. 31.40-35  Availability of Certificates.

    The Convention certificates shall be on board the vessel and 
readily available for examination at all times.

    19. Revise Sec. 31.40-40 to read as follows:


Sec. 31.40-40  Duration of Convention certificates--T/ALL.

    (a) The following certificates are valid for a period of not more 
than 60 months.
    (1) A Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
    (2) A Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.
    (3) A Safety Management Certificate.
    (4) A Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
    (b) An Exemption certificate must not be valid for longer than the 
period of the certificate to which it refers.
    (c) A Convention certificate may be withdrawn, revoked, or 
suspended at any time when it is determined that the vessel is no 
longer in compliance with applicable requirements. (See Sec. 2.01-70 of 
this chapter for procedures governing appeals.)

PART 52--POWER BOILERS

    20. Revise the authority citation for part 52 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 
3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 52.01-50  [Amended]

    21. Sec. 52.01-50(k)(1), immediately following the words 
``inspection for certification'' add the words ``, periodic 
inspection''.

PART 61--PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS

    22. Revise the authority citation for part 61 to read as follows:

    Authority:  43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3307, 3703; 
E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 61.05-10  [Amended]

    23. In Sec. 61.05-10, in Table 61.05-10, remove the letters 
``COI'', wherever they appear, and add, in their place, the number 
``2.5''; and, in Table 61.05-10, in footnote number 1, remove the words 
``; where COI is used, the intervals coincide with the applicable 
vessel's inspection for certification''.

    24. In Sec. 61.10-5, revise paragraphs (c), (h), and (i) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 61.10-5  Pressure vessels in service.

* * * * *
    (c) Special purpose vessels.
    (1) If your vessel's Certificate of Inspection is renewed annually, 
the following must be examined under operating conditions at each 
inspection for certification: all tubular heat exchangers, hydraulic 
accumulators, and all pressure vessels used in refrigeration service.
    (2) If your vessel's Certificate of Inspection is renewed less 
often than annually, the following must be examined under operating 
conditions twice every 5 years: all tubular heat exchangers, hydraulic 
accumulators, and all pressure vessels used in refrigeration service.
    (3) No more than 3 years may elapse between any examination and its 
immediate predecessor.
* * * * *
    (h) Pneumatic tests.
    (1) Pressure vessels that were pneumatically tested before being 
stamped with the Coast Guard Symbol must be examined internally twice 
every 5 years and examined externally at each Inspection for 
Certification. No more than 3 years may elapse between any external 
examination and its immediate predecessor.
    (2) For tanks whose design precludes a thorough internal or 
external examination, the thickness must be determined by a 
nondestructive method acceptable to the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection.
    (3) If (due to the product carried) your vessel's inspection 
intervals are prescribed in subchapter D (Tank Vessels), subchapter I 
(Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels), or subchapter I-A (Mobile Offshore 
Drilling Units), you must comply with the pneumatic test regulations 
there, instead of the ones in this section.
    (i) Safety or relief valves on pressure vessels.
    (1) If your vessel's Certificate of Inspection is renewed annually, 
the marine inspector must check the settings of the safety or relief 
valves on all pressure vessels, except cargo tanks, at each inspection 
for certification.
    (2) If your vessel's Certificate of Inspection is renewed less 
often than annually, the marine inspector must check the settings of 
the safety or relief valves on all pressure vessels, except cargo 
tanks, twice every 5 years. No more than 3 years may elapse between any 
check and its immediate predecessor.
    (3) Cargo tank safety or relief valves must be checked at the 
interval required in subchapter D (Tank Vessels) or subchapter I (Cargo 
and Miscellaneous Vessels) of this chapter.


Sec. 61.15-5  [Amended]

    25. In Sec. 61.15-5(c), immediately following the words 
``inspection for certification'' add the words ``for vessels whose 
Certificates of Inspection are renewed each year. For other vessels, 
the setting must be checked twice within any 5-year period, and no more 
than 3 years may elapse between any check and its immediate 
predecessor''.


Sec. 61.15-10  [Amended]

    26. In Sec. 61.15-10(a), remove the words ``and at each inspection 
for

[[Page 6501]]

certification'' and add, in their place, the words ``, at each 
inspection for certification, and at each periodic inspection''.


Sec. 61.15-12  [Amended]

    27. In Sec. 61.15-12(a), immediately following the words 
``inspection for certification'' add the words ``and periodic 
inspection''.

    28. Revise Sec. 61.20-1(a) to read as follows:


Sec. 61.20-1  Steering gear.

    (a) The marine inspector must inspect the steering gear at each 
inspection for certification for vessels whose Certificate of 
Inspections are renewed each year. For other vessels, the marine 
inspector must inspect the steering gear twice within a 5-year period, 
and no more than 3 years may elapse between any inspection and its 
immediate predecessor. The marine inspector may inspect the steering 
gear more often, if necessary.
* * * * *


Sec. 61.20-3  [Amended]

    29. In Sec. 61.20-3, in paragraph (a), immediately following the 
words ``inspection for certification'' add the words ``and periodic 
inspection''; and, in paragraph (b), immediately following the words 
``inspection for certification'' add the words ``and periodic 
inspection''.


Sec. 61.30-15  [Amended]

    30. In Sec. 61.30-15, immediately following the words ``inspection 
for certification'' add the words ``, periodic inspection''.


Sec. 61.30-20  [Amended]

    31. In Sec. 61.30-20, immediately following the words ``inspection 
for certification'' add the words ``, periodic inspection''.

PART 71--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    32. Revise the authority citation for part 71 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 2113, 3205, 3306, 3307; 
E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 
FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.

    33. Add Sec. 71.25-5(b) to read as follows:


Sec. 71.25-5  When made.

* * * * *
    (b) You must submit your application for the annual inspection at 
least 30 days before your current certificate of inspection expires.

PART 90--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    34. Revise the authority citation for part 90 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307, 3703; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; 
E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.


Secs. 90.10-1 and 90.10-2  [Redesignated as Secs. 90.10-2 and 90.10-3]

    35. Redesignate Secs. 90.10-1 and 90.10-2 as Secs. 90.10-2 and 
90.10-3 respectively and add Sec. 90.10-1 to read as follows:


Sec. 90.10-1  Anniversary date.

    The term anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, 
which corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of 
Inspection.

PART 91--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    36. Revise the authority citation for part 91 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3205, 3306, 3307; E.O. 
12234; 45 FR 58801; 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 
54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 91.01-10  [Amended]

    37. In Sec. 91.01-10--
    a. In the section heading, immediately following the word 
``validity'' add the words ``for a Certificate of Inspection'';
    b. In paragraph (a), remove the words ``periods of either 1 or 2 
years'' and add, in their place, the words ``a period of 5 years''; and
    c. In paragraph (c)(2), remove the words ``2 years'' and add, in 
their place, the words ``5 years''.

    38. Revise Sec. 91.25-5 to read as follows:


Sec. 91.25-5  Application for a Certificate of Inspection.

    You must submit a written application for an inspection for 
certification to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. To 
renew a Certificate of Inspection, you must submit an application at 
least 30 days before the expiration of the tank vessel's current 
certificate. You must use Form CG-3752, Application for Inspection of 
U.S. Vessel, and submit it to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection 
at, or nearest to, the port where the vessel is located. When renewing 
a Certificate of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection for 
certification within the 3 months before the expiration date of the 
current Certificate of Inspection.

    39. Revise Sec. 91.25-20(a) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec. 91.25-20  Fire-extinguishing equipment.

    (a) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection and 
at other times necessary, the inspector will determine that all fire-
extinguishing equipment is in suitable condition and may require any 
tests necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The 
inspector will determine if the tests and inspections required by 
Sec. 91.15-60 of this subchapter have been conducted. At each 
inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector 
will check fire-extinguishing equipment with the following tests and 
inspections:
* * * * *


Sec. 91.25-25  [Amended]

    40. In Sec. 91.25-25(a), immediately following the words 
``inspection for certification'' add the words ``and periodic 
inspection''.


Sec. 91.25-38  [Amended]

    41. In Sec. 91.25-38, immediately following the words ``inspection 
for certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 91.25-40  [Amended]

    42. In Sec. 91.25-40, immediately following the words ``inspection 
for certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 91.25-45  [Amended]

    43. In Sec. 91.25-45, immediately following the words ``inspection 
for certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.

Subpart 91.27--Annual and Periodic Inspections

    44. In subpart 91.27, revise the subpart heading to read as set 
forth above.

    45. Revise Sec. 91.27-1 to read as follows:


Sec. 91.27-1  Annual and periodic inspections.

    (a) Annual inspection. Your vessel must undergo an annual 
inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date, 
except as required in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or 
she approves. No written application is required.
    (2) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification as specified in Sec. 91.25-10 but in less 
detail unless the cognizant marine inspector finds deficiencies or 
determines that a major change has

[[Page 6502]]

occurred since the last inspection. If deficiencies are found or a 
major change to the vessel has occurred, the marine inspector will 
conduct an inspection more detailed in scope to ensure that the vessel 
is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is 
intended. If your vessel passes the annual inspection, the marine 
inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.
    (3) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's 
maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within 
the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
    (4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.
    (b) Periodic inspection. Your vessel must undergo a periodic 
inspection within 3 months before or after the second or third 
anniversary of the date of your vessel's Certificate of Inspection. 
This periodic inspection will take the place of an annual inspection.
    (1) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or 
she approves. No written application is required.
    (2) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for 
the inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 91.25-10. The 
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will insure that the vessel is in 
satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is 
intended. If your vessel passes the periodic inspection, the marine 
inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.
    (3) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your 
vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements 
within the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection.
    (4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    46. Revise Sec. 91.27-5 to read as follows:


Sec. 91.27-5  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in 
Sec. 91.27-1 (a) and (b) and your Certificate of Inspection must be 
endorsed.


Sec. 91.27-10  [Removed]

    47. Remove Sec. 91.27-10.

    48. Revise Sec. 91.27-13 to read as follows:


Sec. 91.27-13  Alternative annual inspection for offshore supply 
vessels less than 400 gross tons in foreign ports.

    (a) The owner or operator of an offshore supply vessel of less than 
400 gross tons, except liftboats as defined in Sec. 90.10-20 of this 
chapter, may request authorization to conduct an alternative annual 
inspection in place of the annual inspection described in Sec. 91.27-
1(a) of this chapter. You must submit your request to the Officer in 
Charge, Marine Inspection responsible for conducting inspections in the 
country in which the vessel is operating and will be examined. To 
qualify for the alternative annual inspection, you must meet the 
following requirements:
    (1) The request for authorization must be in writing and received 
by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection before the end of 
the twelfth month of each COI anniversary year.
    (2) The vessel is expected to be continuously employed outside of 
the United States during the 3 months before and after each anniversary 
date of the issuance of the COI.
    (b) In determining whether to grant authorization for the 
alternative annual inspection, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection 
will consider the following:
    (1) Information contained in previous inspection and drydock 
examination reports, including the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection's recommendation for participation in the alternative 
midperiod examination program, and the alternative annual inspection 
program.
    (2) The nature, number, and severity of any marine casualties or 
accidents, as defined in Sec. 4.03-1 of this chapter, which the vessel 
has experienced in the last 3 years.
    (3) The nature, number, and severity of any outstanding inspection 
requirements for the vessel.
    (4) The owner or operator's history of compliance and cooperation 
in the alternative midperiod examination program and the alternative 
annual inspection program, which includes--
    (i) The prompt correction of deficiencies;
    (ii) The reliability of previously submitted alternative 
examination and annual inspection reports; and
    (iii) The reliability of representations that the vessel under 
consideration will be, and other vessels previously examined under this 
section were, employed outside of the United States for the 3 month 
period before and after each anniversary date.
    (c) If authorization is granted, the officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection must provide the applicant written authorization to proceed 
with the alternative annual inspection, including special instructions 
when appropriate.
    (d) The following conditions must be met for the alternative annual 
inspection to be accepted by the Coast Guard in lieu of conducting an 
annual inspection in accordance with Sec. 91.27-1(a) of this subpart.
    (1) The alternative annual inspection must be conducted within 3 
months before and after each anniversary date.
    (2) The alternative annual inspection must be of the scope detailed 
in Sec. 91.27-1(a) of this subpart and must be conducted by the 
vessel's master, operator, or a designated representative of the owner 
or operator.
    (3) Upon completion of the alternative annual inspection, the 
person or persons conducting the inspection must prepare a 
comprehensive report describing the conditions found. This inspection 
report must contain sufficient detail to allow an evaluation to be made 
by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to whom the report is 
submitted that the vessel is fit for the service and route specified on 
the certificate of inspection. The report must include reports and 
receipts documenting the servicing of lifesaving and fire protection 
equipment, and any photographs or sketches necessary to clarify unusual 
circumstances. Each person preparing the report must sign it and 
certify that the information contained therein is complete and 
accurate.
    (4) Unless the vessel's master participated in the alternative 
annual inspection and the preparation of the inspection report, the 
master must review the report for completeness and accuracy. The master 
must sign the report to indicate review and forward it to the vessel's 
owner or operator who requested authorization to conduct the 
inspection.
    (5) The owner or operator of an offshore supply vessel inspected 
under this subpart must review and submit the report required by 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section to the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection who authorized the owner or operator to conduct the 
alternative annual inspection. The inspection report must be received 
by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection before the first 
day of the fifth month following the anniversary date. The forwarding 
letter or endorsement must be certified and contain the following 
information--

[[Page 6503]]

    (i) That the person or persons who conducted the inspection acted 
on behalf of the vessel's owner or operator;
    (ii) That the inspection report was reviewed by the owner or 
operator;
    (iii) That the discrepancies noted during the during the inspection 
have been corrected or will be corrected within a stated time frame; 
and
    (iv) That the owner or operator has sufficient personal knowledge 
of conditions aboard the vessel at the time of the inspection or has 
made necessary inquiries to justify forming a belief that the 
inspection report is true and correct.
    (e) The form of certification required under this subpart is as 
follows:

    I certify that the above is true and complete to the best of my 
knowledge and belief.

    (f) Deficiencies and hazards discovered during an alternative 
annual inspection conducted pursuant to this section must be corrected 
or eliminated, if practical, before the inspection report is submitted 
to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection in accordance with 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section. Deficiencies and hazards that are not 
corrected or eliminated by the time the inspection report is submitted 
must be listed in the report as ``outstanding.'' Upon receipt of an 
inspection report indicating outstanding deficiencies or hazards, the 
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will inform the owner or operator 
of the vessel in writing of the time period in which to correct or 
eliminate the deficiencies or hazards and the method for establishing 
that the corrections have been accomplished. Where a deficiency or 
hazard remains uncorrected or uneliminated after the expiration of the 
time specified for correction or elimination, the Officer in Charge, 
Marine Inspection will initiate appropriate enforcement measures.
    (g) Upon receipt of the report required by paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection must evaluate it and 
make the following determination:
    (1) Whether the alternative annual inspection is accepted in lieu 
of the annual inspection required by Sec. 91.27-1(a) of this subpart.
    (2) Whether the vessel is in satisfactory condition.
    (3) Whether the vessel continues to be reasonably fit for its 
intended service and route. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection 
may request any additional information needed to make the 
determinations required by this section. The Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection will inform the owner or operator in writing of the 
determinations required by this section.
    (h) If the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection determines, in 
accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, that the alternative 
annual inspection is not accepted in lieu of the annual inspection 
required by Sec. 91.27-1(a) of this subpart, the vessel must be 
reinspected by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection as 
soon as practical.
    (i) If the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection determines, in 
accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, that the alternative 
annual inspection is accepted in lieu of the annual inspection required 
by Sec. 91.27-1(a) of this subpart, the master must complete the 
applicable COI endorsement.


Sec. 91.60-1  [Amended]

    49. In Sec. 91.60-1, immediately following the words 
``international voyage.'' add the words ``(See Sec. 91.05-10 of this 
chapter.)''.

    50. Revise Sec. 91.60-15 to read as follows:


Sec. 91.60-15  Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.

    Every vessel equipped with a radio installation on an international 
voyage must have a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate. Each radio 
installation must meet the requirements of the Federal Communication 
Commission and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.

    51. Revise Sec. 91.60-35 to read as follows:


Sec. 91.60-35  Availability of Certificates.

    The Convention certificates must be on board the vessel and readily 
available for examination at all times.

    52. Revise Sec. 91.60-40 to read as follows:


Sec. 91.60-40  Duration of Convention certificates.

    (a) The following certificates are valid for a period of not more 
than 60 months.
    (1) A Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
    (2) A Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.
    (3) A Safety Management Certificate.
    (4) A Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
    (b) An Exemption certificate must not be valid for longer than the 
period of the certificate to which it refers.
    (c) A Convention certificate may be withdrawn, revoked, or 
suspended at any time when it is determined that the vessel is no 
longer in compliance with applicable requirements. (See Sec. 2.01-70 of 
this chapter for procedures governing appeals.)

PART 98--SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION, ARRANGEMENT, AND OTHER PROVISIONS 
FOR CERTAIN DANGEROUS CARGOES IN BULK

    53. Revise the authority citation for part 98 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1903; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307, 3703; 49 
U.S.C. App. 1804; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 
277; 49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 98.25-95  [Amended]

    54. In Sec. 98.25-95(a)(2), remove the words ``biennial 
inspection'' and add, in their place, the words, ``inspection for 
certification and periodic inspection''.

PART 107--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    55. Revise the authority citation for part 107 to read as follows:

    Authority:  43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307; 46 U.S.C. 
3316; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46; Sec. 107.05 also issued under the authority 
of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

    56. In Sec. 107.111, add, in alphabetical order, the definition for 
``anniversary date'' to read as follows:


Sec. 107.111  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, which 
corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of Inspection.
* * * * *


Sec. 107.201  [Amended]

    57. In Sec. 107.201, in paragraph (b) remove the word ``Biennial'', 
capitalize the word ``inspection'' the first time it appears, and in 
paragraph (c) remove the word ``Reinspection'' and add, in its place, 
the words ``Annual and periodic inspections''.

    58. Revise Sec. 107.211(d) to read as follows:


Sec. 107.211  Original Certificate of Inspection.

* * * * *
    (d) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years.

    59. In Sec. 107.215--
    (a) Revise the section heading to read as set forth below;
    (b) In paragraph (a), remove the words ``a biennial'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``an'';
    (c) In paragraph (b), remove the words ``60 days'' and add, in 
their place, the words ``30 days'';
    (d) In paragraph (c) remove the words ``biennial inspection'' and 
add, in their place, the words ``inspection for certification''; and
    (e) Add new paragraph (d) to read as follows:

[[Page 6504]]

Sec. 107.215  Renewal of Certificate of Inspection.

* * * * *
    (d) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years.


Sec. 107.260  [Amended]

    60. In Sec. 107.260(c)(2), remove the number ``48'' and add, in its 
place, the number ``60''.

    61. Revise Sec. 107.269 to read as follows:


Sec. 107.269  Annual inspection.

    (a) Your mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) must undergo an 
annual inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary 
date, except as specified in Sec. 107.270.
    (b) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (c) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification as specified in Sec. 107.231, except 
Sec. 107.231(x) and (y), but in less detail unless the cognizant OCMI 
finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since 
the last inspection. If deficiencies are found or a major change to the 
MODU has occurred, the OCMI will conduct an inspection more detailed in 
scope to ensure that the MODU is in satisfactory condition and fit for 
the service for which it is intended. If your MODU passes the annual 
inspection, the OCMI will endorse your current Certificate of 
Inspection.
    (d) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your MODU's 
maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within 
the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    62. Add Sec. 107.270 to read as follows:


Sec. 107.270  Periodic inspection.

    (a) Your vessel must undergo a periodic inspection within 3 months 
before or after the second or third anniversary of the date of your 
vessel's Certificate of Inspection. This periodic inspection will take 
the place of an annual inspection.
    (b) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (c) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for 
the inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 107.231 except 
Sec. 107.231(x) and (y). The OCMI will insure that the MODU is in 
satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is 
intended. If your MODU passes the periodic inspection, the marine 
inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.
    (d) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your MODU's 
maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within 
the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    63. In Sec. 107.279, revise paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 107.279  Certificate of Inspection: Failure to meet requirements.

* * * * *
    (b) Withhold renewal of the Certificate of Inspection until the 
MODU meets the requirements of Sec. 107.231, except Sec. 107.231(x) and 
(y).
    (c) Suspend a valid Certificate of Inspection after an annual or 
periodic inspection until the MODU meets the requirements of 
Sec. 107.231, except Sec. 107.231(x) and (y).
    (d) Revoke a valid Certificate of Inspection after an annual or 
periodic inspection if the unit operates without complying with Coast 
Guard orders to correct unlawful conditions.

    64. Add Sec. 107.283 to subpart B to read as follows:


Sec. 107.283  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in 
Secs. 107.269 and 107.270 and your Certificate of Inspection must be 
endorsed.


Sec. 107.405  [Amended]

    65. In Sec. 107.405(b), remove the words ``24 months'' and add, in 
their place, the words ``60 months''.

PART 110--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    66. Revise the authority citation for part 110 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1509; 43 U.S.C 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307, 
3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p.277; 49 CFR 
1.45, 1.46; Sec. 110.01-2 also issued under 44 U.S.C. 3507.

    67. Revise Sec. 110.30-5 to read as follows:


Sec. 110.30-5  Inspection for certification.

    Electric installations and electric equipment must be inspected at 
the inspection for certification and periodic inspection to determine 
mechanical and electrical condition and performance. Particular note 
must be made of circuits added or modified after the original issuance 
of the Certificate of Inspection.

PART 114--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    68. Revise the authority citation for part 114 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3307, 3703; 49 U.S.C. App. 
1804; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46. Section 114.900 also issued under 44 U.S.C. 
3507.

    69. In Sec. 114.400(b), add, in alphabetical order, the definition 
for ``anniversary date'' to read as follows:


Sec. 114.400  Definition of terms used in this subchapter.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    Anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, which 
corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of Inspection.
* * * * *

PART 115--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    70. Revise the authority citation for part 115 to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3205, 3306, 3307; 
49 U.S.C. App. 1804; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 
Comp., p. 743; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 
49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 115.105  [Amended]

    71. In Sec. 115.105(e), in the second sentence, remove the word 
``periodic''.

    72. Revise Sec. 115.107 to read as follows:


Sec. 115.107  Period of validity for a Certificate of Inspection.

    (a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 1 year for vessels 
carrying more than 12 passengers on international voyages.
    (b) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years for all other 
vessels.
    (c) A Certificate of Inspection may be suspended and withdrawn or 
revoked by the cognizant OCMI at any time for noncompliance with the 
requirements of this subchapter.

    73. In Sec. 115.404, redesignate existing text as paragraph (a) and 
add paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 115.404  Subsequent inspections for certification.

* * * * *
    (b) You must submit your written application for renewal of a 
Certificate of Inspection to the OCMI at least 30 days prior to the 
expiration date of the

[[Page 6505]]

your current COI, as required in Sec. 115.105.
    74. Revise Sec. 115.500 to read as follows:


Sec. 115.500  When required.

    (a) Vessels carrying more than 12 passengers on international 
voyages must undergo an inspection for certification each year as 
specified in Sec. 115.404.
    (b) All other vessels must undergo an inspection for certification 
as specified in Sec. 115.404 and an annual inspection as specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (1) Annual inspection. Your vessel must undergo an annual 
inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date.
    (i) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (ii) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 115.404 but in less 
detail unless the cognizant marine inspector finds deficiencies or 
determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. 
If deficiencies are found or a major change to the vessel has occurred, 
the marine inspector will conduct an inspection more detailed in scope 
to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the 
service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the annual 
inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate 
of Inspection.
    (iii) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your 
vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements 
within the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (iv) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.
    (2) [Reserved]

    75. Revise Sec. 115.502 to read as follows:


Sec. 115.502  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual inspections within the periods specified in Sec. 115.500 
and your Certificate of Inspection must be endorsed.


Sec. 115.812  [Amended]

    76. Section 115.812(a), remove the words ``; except that, they must 
be inspected once every 3 years instead of at the intervals in 
Sec. 61.10-5(a), (b), and (d) of this chapter''.

PART 125--GENERAL

    77. The authority citation for part 125 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3307; 49 U.S.C. App. 1804; 49 
CFR 1.46.


Sec. 125.160  [Amended]

    78. In Sec. 125.160, add, in alphabetical order, the definition of 
``anniversary date'' to read as follows:


Sec. 125.160  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, which 
corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of Inspection.
* * * * *

PART 126--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    79. Revise the authority citation for part 126 to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3205, 3306, 3307; 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); E.O. 
11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; 49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 126.250  [Amended]

    80. In Sec. 126.250, in the section heading, immediately following 
the word ``validity'' add the words ``for a Certificate of 
Inspection''; and in paragraph (a), remove the number ``2'' and add, in 
its place, the number ``5''.

    81. Revise Sec. 126.420 to read as follows:


Sec. 126.420  Application for Certificate of Inspection.

    You must submit a written application for an inspection for 
certification to the cognizant OCMI. To renew a Certificate of 
Inspection, you must submit an application at least 30 days before the 
expiration of the tank vessel's current certificate. You must use Form 
CG-3752, Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, and submit it to 
the OCMI at, or nearest to, the port where the vessel is located. When 
renewing a Certificate of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection 
for certification within the 3 months before the expiration date of the 
current Certificate of Inspection.
    82. Revise subpart E to read as follows:

Subpart E--Annual, Periodic, and Alternative Annual Inspections

Sec.
126.510   Annual and periodic inspections.
126.520   Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.
126.530   Alternative annual inspection for offshore supply vessels 
less than 400 gross tons in foreign ports.


Sec. 126.510  Annual and periodic inspections.

    (a) Annual inspection.Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection 
within 3 months before or after each anniversary date, except as 
required in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (2) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification as specified in Sec. 126.430, but in less 
detail unless the cognizant marine inspector finds deficiencies or 
determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. 
If deficiencies are found or a major change to the vessel has occurred, 
the marine inspector will conduct an inspection more detailed in scope 
to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the 
service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the annual 
inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate 
of Inspection.
    (3) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's 
maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within 
the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from making 
such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of 
the vessel's seaworthiness.
    (b) Periodic inspection. Your vessel must undergo a periodic 
inspection within 3 months before or after the second or third 
anniversary of the date of your vessel's Certificate of Inspection. 
This periodic inspection will take the place of an annual inspection.
    (1) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (2) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for 
the inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 126.430. The 
OCMI will insure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit 
for the service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the 
periodic inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current 
Certificate of Inspection.
    (3) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your 
vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements 
within the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such

[[Page 6506]]

tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the 
vessel's seaworthiness.


Sec. 126.520  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in 
Sec. 126.510 (a) and (b) and your Certificate of Inspection must be 
endorsed.


Sec. 126.530  Alternative annual inspection for offshore supply vessels 
less than 400 gross tons in foreign ports.

    (a) The owner, master or operator of an OSV of less than 400 gross 
tons may request authorization to conduct an alternative annual 
inspection in place of the annual inspection described in 
Sec. 126.510(a) of this subpart. The request must go to the cognizant 
OCMI assigned responsibility for inspections in the country in which 
the vessel is operating and will be examined. To qualify for the 
alternative annual examination, the vessel must meet the following 
requirements:
    (1) The request must be in writing and be received by the OCMI not 
later than the anniversary date.
    (2) The vessel is likely to be continuously employed outside of the 
United States during the 3 months before and after each anniversary 
date.
    (b) In determining whether to authorize the alternative annual 
inspection, the OCMI considers the following:
    (1) Information contained in previous examination reports on 
inspection and drydock, including the recommendation of the then 
cognizant OCMI for participation in the alternative midperiod program 
and alternative annual examination.
    (2) The nature, number, and severity of marine casualties or 
accidents, as defined in Sec. 4.03-1 of this chapter, involving the 
vessel in the 3 years preceding the request.
    (3) The nature, number, and gravity of any outstanding inspection 
requirements for the vessel.
    (4) The owner's or operator's history of compliance and cooperation 
in such alternative midperiod examinations and annual inspections, 
including:
    (i) The prompt correction of deficiencies.
    (ii) The reliability of previously submitted reports on such 
alternative midperiod examinations and annual inspections.
    (iii) The reliability of representations that the vessel would be, 
and was, employed outside of the United States during the 3 months 
before and after each anniversary date.
    (c) This OCMI provides the applicant with written authorization, if 
any, to proceed with the alternative annual inspection, including, when 
appropriate, special instructions.
    (d) The following conditions must be met for the alternative annual 
inspection to be accepted instead of the annual inspection required by 
Sec. 126.510 of this subpart:
    (1) The alternative annual inspection must occur within the 3 
months before or after each anniversary date.
    (2) The alternative annual inspection must be of the scope detailed 
by Sec. 126.510(a) of this subchapter and must be conducted by the 
master, owner or operator of the vessel, or by a designated 
representative of the owner or operator.
    (3) Upon completion of the alternative annual inspection, the 
person or persons making the examination must prepare a comprehensive 
report describing the conditions found. This report must contain 
sufficient detail to let the OCMI determine whether the vessel is fit 
for the service and route specified on the Certificate of Inspection. 
This report must include all reports and receipts documenting the 
servicing of lifesaving equipment and any photographs or sketches 
necessary to clarify unusual circumstances. Each person preparing this 
report must sign it and certify that the information contained therein 
is complete and accurate.
    (4) Unless the master of the vessel participated in the alternative 
annual inspection and the preparation of the comprehensive report, the 
master will review the report for completeness and accuracy. The master 
must sign the report to indicate his or her review and validation and 
must forward it to the owner or operator of the vessel.
    (5) The owner or operator of a vessel examined under this section 
must review and submit the comprehensive report, required by paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section, to the OCMI. The report must reach the OCMI 
before the first day of the fifth month following the anniversary date. 
The forwarding letter or endorsement must be certified to be true and 
must contain the following information:
    (i) That the person or persons who made the alternative annual 
inspection acted on behalf of the vessel's owner or operator.
    (ii) That the report was reviewed by the owner or operator.
    (iii) That the discrepancies noted during the reinspection have 
been corrected, or will be within a stated time.
    (iv) That the owner or operator has sufficient personal knowledge 
of conditions aboard the vessel at the time of the reinspection, or has 
conducted inquires necessary to justify forming a belief that the 
report is complete and accurate.
    (e) The form of certification required under this section, for the 
alternative annual inspection, is as follows:
    I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief the 
information contained in the report is complete and accurate.
    (f) Deficiencies and hazards discovered during the alternative 
annual inspection conducted pursuant to this section must be corrected 
or eliminated, if practical, before the examination report is submitted 
to the OCMI in accordance with paragraph (d)(5) of this section. 
Deficiencies and hazards that are not corrected or eliminated by the 
time the examination report is submitted must be listed in the report 
as ``outstanding.'' Upon receipt of an examination report indicating 
outstanding deficiencies or hazards, the OCMI must inform the owner or 
operator in writing of the time period within which to correct or 
eliminate the deficiencies or hazards and the method for establishing 
that the corrections have been accomplished. Where a deficiency or 
hazard remains uncorrected or uneliminated after the expiration of the 
time specified for correction or elimination, the Officer in Charge, 
Marine Inspection must initiate appropriate enforcement measures.
    (g) Upon receipt of the report, the OCMI will evaluate it and 
determine the following:
    (1) Whether the cognizant OCMI accepts the alternative annual 
inspection instead of the annual inspection required by Sec. 126.510(a) 
of this subpart.
    (2) Whether the vessel is in satisfactory condition.
    (3) Whether the vessel continues to be reasonably fit for its 
intended service and route.
    (h) The OCMI may require further information necessary for the 
determinations required by this section. The OCMI will inform the owner 
or operator in writing of these determinations.
    (i) If the OCMI, in compliance with paragraph (g) of this section, 
does not accept the alternative annual inspection instead of the annual 
inspection required by Sec. 126.510(a) of this subpart, he or she will 
require reinspection of the vessel as soon as practicable. He or she 
will inform the vessel owner or operator in writing that the 
alternative examination is not acceptable and that a reinspection is 
necessary. The owner, master, or operator must make the

[[Page 6507]]

vessel available for the reinspection at a time and place agreeable to 
this OCMI.
    (j) If the OCMI determines, in accordance with paragraph (g) of 
this section, that the alternative annual inspection is accepted in 
lieu of the annual inspection required by Sec. 126.510(a) of this 
subpart, the master must complete the applicable COI endorsement.

PART 132--FIRE-PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

    83. Revise the authority citation for part 132 to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307; 449 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 132.350  [Amended]

    84. In Sec. 132.350(a)(2), after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.

PART 133--LIFESAVING SYSTEMS

    85. Revise the authority citation for part 133 to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307; 449 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 133.45  [Amended]

    86. In Sec. 133.45(b), after the words ``inspection for renewal of 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.

PART 134--ADDED PROVISIONS FOR LIFTBOATS

    87. Revise the authority citation for part 134 to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307; 449 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 134.120  [Amended]

    88. In Sec. 134.120, after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.

PART 167--PUBLIC NAUTICAL SCHOOL SHIPS

    89. Revise the authority citation for part 167 to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307, 6101, 8105; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 
58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

    90. In Sec. 167.15-20, designate existing text as paragraph (a) and 
add paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 167.15-20  Inspections of nautical school ships.

* * * * *
    (b) To renew a Certificate of Inspection, you must submit an 
application at least 30 days before the expiration of the vessel's 
current certificate.

PART 169--SAILING SCHOOL VESSELS

    91. Revise the authority citation for part 169 to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307, 6101; E.O. 
11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; 49 CFR 1.45, 
1.46; Sec. 169.117 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 
3507.

    92. In Sec. 169.107, redesignate paragraphs (a) through (y) as 
paragraphs (b) through (z), respectively, and add new paragraph (a) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 169.107  Definitions.

    (a) Anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, 
which corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of 
Inspection.
* * * * *

    93. In Sec. 169.205, revise section heading and paragraph (d) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 169.205  Obtaining or renewing a Certificate of Inspection.

* * * * *
    (d) You must submit a written application for an inspection for 
certification to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. To 
renew a Certificate of Inspection, you must submit an application at 
least 30 days before the expiration of the vessel's current 
certificate. Applications are available at any U.S. Coast Guard Marine 
Safety Office or Marine Inspection Office. When renewing a Certificate 
of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection for certification within 
the 3 months before the expiration date of the current Certificate of 
Inspection.
* * * * *

    94. In Sec. 169.207, revise section heading and paragraph (a) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 169.207  Period of validity for a Certificate of Inspection.

    (a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years.
* * * * *

    95. Revise Sec. 169.225 to read as follows:


Sec. 169.225  Annual inspection.

    (a) Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection within 3 months 
before or after each anniversary date, except as specified in 
Sec. 169.226.
    (b) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or 
she approves. No written application is required.
    (c) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification as specified in Sec. 169.222 but in less 
detail unless the cognizant marine inspector finds deficiencies or 
determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. 
If deficiencies are found or a major change to the vessel has occurred, 
the marine inspector will conduct an inspection more detailed in scope 
to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the 
service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the annual 
inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate 
of Inspection.
    (d) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's 
maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within 
the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
    (e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    96. Add Sec. 169.226 to read as follows:


Sec. 169.226  Periodic inspection.

    (a) Your vessel must undergo a periodic inspection within 3 months 
before or after the second or third anniversary of the date of your 
vessel's Certificate of Inspection. This periodic inspection will take 
the place of an annual inspection.
    (b) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or 
she approves. No written application is required.
    (c) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for 
the inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 169.222. The 
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will insure that the vessel is in 
satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is 
intended. If your vessel passes the periodic inspection, the marine 
inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.
    (d) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your 
vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements 
within the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection.
    (e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    97. Revise Sec. 169.227 to read as follows:

[[Page 6508]]

Sec. 169.227  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in 
Secs. 169.225 and 169.226 respectively and your Certificate of 
Inspection must be endorsed.


Sec. 169.239  [Amended]

    98. In Sec. 169.239, after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.

    99. Revise Sec. 169.241(a) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec. 169.241  Machinery.

    (a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, 
the marine inspector will examine and test the following items to the 
extent necessary, to determine that they are in proper operating 
condition and fit for the service for which they are intended:
* * * * *

    100. Revise the introductory text in Sec. 169.243 to read as 
follows:


Sec. 169.243  Electrical.

    At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the 
marine inspector will examine and test the following items to the 
extent necessary, to determine that they are in proper operating 
condition, in safe electrical condition, and fit for the service for 
which they are intended:
* * * * *

    101. Revise the introductory text in Sec. 169.245 to read as 
follows:


Sec. 169.245  Lifesaving equipment.

    At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the 
following tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment will be 
conducted:
* * * * *


Sec. 169.247  [Amended]

    102. In Sec. 169.247(a), after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 169.251  [Amended]

    103. In Sec. 169.251, after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 169.253  [Amended]

    104. In Sec. 169.253(a), after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 169.255  [Amended]

    105. In Sec. 169.255, after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' remove the words ``and reinspection'' and, in their 
place, add the words ``, periodic inspection, and annual inspection''.


Sec. 169.257  [Amended]

    106. In Sec. 169.257(a) remove the word ``, reinspection'' and in 
Sec. 169.257(a) and (b), after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``, periodic inspection, annual 
inspection,''.

PART 175--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    107. Revise the authority citation for part 175 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 2103, 3205, 3306, 3307, 3703; 49 U.S.C. 
App. 1804; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46; 175.900 also issued under authority of 
44 U.S.C. 3507.

    108. In Sec. 175.400, add, in alphabetical order, the definition 
for ``anniversary date'' to read as follows:


Sec. 175.400  Definition of terms used in this subchapter.

* * * * *
    Anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, which 
corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of Inspection.
* * * * *

PART 176--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    109. Revise the authority citation for part 176 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3205, 3306, 3307; 
49 U.S.C. App. 1804; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 
Comp., p. 743; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 
49 CFR 1.46.

    110. Revise Sec. 176.107 to read as follows:


Sec. 176.107  Period of validity for a Certificate of Inspection.

    (a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 1 year for vessels 
carrying more than 12 passengers on international voyages.
    (b) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years for all other 
vessels.
    (c) A Certificate of Inspection may be suspended and withdrawn or 
revoked by the cognizant OCMI at any time for noncompliance with the 
requirements of this subchapter.

    111. In Sec. 176.404, redesignate the existing text as paragraph 
(a) and add paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 176.404  Subsequent inspections for certification.

* * * * *
    (b) You must submit your written application for renewal of a 
Certificate of Inspection to the OCMI at least 30 days prior to the 
expiration date of the Certificate of Inspection, as required in 
Sec. 176.105 of this part.
    112. Revise Sec. 176.500 to read as follows:


Sec. 176.500  When required.

    (a) Vessels carrying more than 12 passengers on international 
voyages must undergo an inspection for certification each year as 
specified in Sec. 176.404.
    (b) All other vessels must undergo an inspection for certification 
as specified in Sec. 176.404 and annual inspection as specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (1) Annual inspection. Your vessel must undergo an annual 
inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date.
    (i) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (ii) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification but in less detail unless the cognizant 
marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change 
has occurred since the last inspection. If deficiencies are found or a 
major change to the vessel has occurred, the marine inspector will 
conduct an inspection more detailed in scope to ensure that the vessel 
is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is 
intended. If your vessel passes the annual inspection, the marine 
inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.
    (iii) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your 
vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements 
within the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (iv) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.
    (2) [Reserved]

    113. Revise Sec. 176.502 to read as follows:


Sec. 176.502  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual inspection within the periods specified in 
Sec. 176.500(b)(1) and your Certificate of Inspection must be endorsed.


Sec. 176.812  [Amended]

    114. In Sec. 176.812, in paragraph (a), remove the words ``; except 
that, they must be inspected once every 3 years instead of at the 
intervals in Sec. 61.10-5(a), (b), and (d) of this chapter''; and, in 
paragraph (b), remove the number

[[Page 6509]]

``Sec. 61.10'' and add, in its place, the number ``Sec. 61.05''.

PART 188--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    115. Revise the authority citation for part 188 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 2113, 3306, 3307; 49 U.S.C. App. 5103, 
5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 
1.46.


Sec. 188.10-1  [Redesignated as Sec. 188.10-2]

    116. Redesignate Sec. 188.10-1 as Sec. 188.10-2 and add new 
Sec. 188.10-1 to read as follows:


Sec. 188.10-1  Anniversary date.

    The term anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, 
which corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of 
Inspection.

PART 189--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

    117. Revise the authority citation for part 189 to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 2113, 3306, 3307; E.O. 
12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 
54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 189.01-10  [Amended]

    118. In Sec. 189.01-10--
    a. In the section heading, immediately following the word 
``validity'' add the words ``for a Certificate of Inspection'';
    b. In paragraph (a), remove the first sentence and add, in its 
place, the sentence ``A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 
years.''; and
    c. In paragraph (c)(2), remove the words ``in no case to exceed 2 
years'' and add, in their place, the words ``not to exceed 5 years''.

    119. Revise Sec. 189.25-5 to read as follows:


Sec. 189.25-5  Application for a Certificate of Inspection.

    You must submit a written application for an inspection for 
certification to the cognizant OCMI. To renew a Certificate of 
Inspection, you must submit an application at least 30 days before the 
expiration of the tank vessel's current certificate. You must use Form 
CG-3752, Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, and submit it to 
the OCMI at, or nearest to, the port where the vessel is located. When 
renewing a Certificate of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection 
for certification within the 3 months before the expiration date of the 
current Certificate of Inspection.


Sec. 189.25-20  [Amended]

    120. In Sec. 189.25-20(a) introductory text, in the first sentence, 
remove the words ``inspection for certification and'' add, in their 
place, the words ``inspection for certification, periodic inspection, 
and''; and, in the last sentence, immediately following the words 
``inspection for certification'' add the words ``and periodic 
inspection''.


Sec. 189.25-25  [Amended]

    121. In Sec. 189.25-25(a), after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 189.25-38  [Amended]

    122. In Sec. 189.25-38, after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 189.25-40  [Amended]

    123. In Sec. 189.25-40, after the words ``inspection for 
certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 189.25-45  [Amended]

    124. In Sec. 189.25-45, remove the designation for paragraph (a), 
and after the words ``inspection for certification'' add the words 
``and periodic inspection''.


Sec. 189.25-47  [Amended]

    125. In Sec. 189.25-47(a) and (b), after the words ``inspection for 
certification.'' add the words ``and periodic inspection.''.

Subpart 189.27--Annual and Periodic Inspections

    126. In subpart 189.27, revise the subpart heading to read as set 
forth above.

    127. Revise Sec. 189.27-1 to read as follows:


Sec. 189.27-1  Annual inspection.

    (a) Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection within the 3 
months before or after each anniversary date, except as specified in 
Sec. 189.27-5.
    (b) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (c) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the 
inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 189.25-10, but in 
less detail unless the cognizant marine inspector finds deficiencies or 
determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. 
If deficiencies are found or a major change to the vessel has occurred, 
the marine inspector will conduct an inspection more detailed in scope 
to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the 
service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the annual 
inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate 
of Inspection.
    (d) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's 
maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within 
the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    128. Revise Sec. 189.27-5 to read as follows:


Sec. 189.27-5  Periodic inspection.

    (a) Your vessel must undergo a periodic inspection within 3 months 
before or after the second or third anniversary of the date of your 
vessel's Certificate of Inspection. This periodic inspection will take 
the place of an annual inspection.
    (b) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection 
at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is 
required.
    (c) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for 
the inspection for certification, as specified in Sec. 189.25-10. The 
OCMI will insure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit 
for the service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the 
periodic inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current 
Certificate of Inspection.
    (d) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your 
vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements 
within the time period specified by the OCMI.
    (e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from 
conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be 
assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

    129. Revise Sec. 189.27-10 to read as follows:


Sec. 189.27-10  Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

    To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete 
your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in 
Secs. 189.27-1 and 189.27-5 respectively, and your Certificate of 
Inspection must be endorsed.

    130. Revise Sec. 189.60-15 to read as follows:

[[Page 6510]]

Sec. 189.60-15  Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.

    Every vessel equipped with a radio installation on an international 
voyage must have a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate. Each radio 
installation must meet the requirements of the Federal Communication 
Commission and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.

    131. Revise Sec. 189.60-35 to read as follows:


Sec. 189.60-35  Availability of Certificates.

    The Convention certificates must be on board the vessel and readily 
available for examination at all times.

    132. Revise Sec. 189.60-40 to read as follows:


Sec. 189.60-40  Duration of Convention certificates.

    (a) The following certificates are valid for a period of not more 
than 60 months (5 years).
    (1) A Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
    (2) A Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.
    (3) A Safety Management Certificate.
    (4) A Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
    (b) An Exemption certificate must not be valid for longer than the 
period of the certificate to which it refers.
    (c) A Convention certificate may be withdrawn, revoked, or 
suspended at any time when it is determined that the vessel is no 
longer in compliance with applicable requirements. (See Sec. 2.01-70 of 
this chapter for procedures governing appeals.)

PART 195--VESSEL CONTROL AND MISCELLANEOUS SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

    133. Revise the authority citation for part 195 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 2113, 3306, 3307; 49 U.S.C. App. 1804; 
E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

    134. Revise Sec. 195.11-15 (a) to read as follows:


Sec. 195.11-15  Plan approval and inspection.

    (a) Accommodation, power and chemical stores vans are subject to 
normal plan submission procedures of subpart 189.55 and to initial 
construction inspection. They must be inspected at each inspection for 
certification and periodic inspection.
* * * * *

PART 199--LIFESAVING SYSTEMS FOR CERTAIN INSPECTED VESSELS

    135. Revise the authority citation for part 199 to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307, 3703; 46 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 199.45  [Amended]

    136. In Sec. 199.45(b), immediately following the words ``renewal 
of certification'' add the words ``and periodic inspection''.

    Dated: February 2, 2000.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Acting Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 00-2812 Filed 2-4-00; 3:40 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-U