[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5831-5832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2635]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy

32 CFR Part 706


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

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DOD.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy is amending its certifications and 
exemptions under the International Regulations for Preventing 
Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), to reflect that the Deputy 
Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy (Admiralty and Maritime 
Law) has determined that USS MASON (DDG 87) is a vessel of the Navy 
which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply 
with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with its 
special function as a naval ship. The intended effect of this rule is 
to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 11, 2002

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Commander, Dominick G. 
Yacono, JAGC, U.S. Navy Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General 
(Admiralty and Maritime Law), Office of the Judge Advocate General, 
Department of the Navy, 1322 Patterson Ave., SE., Suite 3000, 
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066, Telephone number: (202) 685-5040.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the authority granted in 33 
U.S.C. 1605, the Department of the Navy amends 32 CFR Part 706. This 
amendment provides notice that the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate 
General of the Navy (Admiralty and Maritime Law), under authority 
delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS MASON 
(DDG 87) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction 
and purpose, cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions 
of 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval 
ship: Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i) pertaining to placement of the 
masthead light or lights above and clear of all other lights and 
obstructions, Annex I paragraph 2(f)(ii) pertaining to the vertical 
placement of the task lights, Annex I paragraph 3(a) pertaining to the 
location of the forward masthead light in the forward quarter of the 
vessel, and the horizontal distance between the forward and after 
masthead lights, and Annex I paragraph 3(c) pertaining to the 
horizontal placement of the task lights. The Deputy Assistant Judge 
Advocate General of the Navy (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has also 
certified that the

[[Page 5832]]

lights involved are located in closest possible compliance with the 
applicable 72 COLREGS requirements.
    Moreover, it has been determined, in accordance with 32 CFR Parts 
296 and 701, that publication of this amendment for public comment 
prior to adoption is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to public 
interest since it is based on technical findings that the placement of 
lights on this vessel in a manner differently from that prescribed 
herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its 
military functions.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706

    Marine safety, Navigation (water), and Vessels.

    Accordingly, 32 CFR Part 706 is amended as follows:

PART 706--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.


    2. Table Four, Paragraph 15 of Sec.  706.2 is amended by adding, in 
numerical order, the following entry for USS MASON:


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

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Horizontal distance from
                                                    the fore and aft
              Vessel                  Number    centerline of the vessel
                                                   in the athwartship
                                                        direction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
USS MASON........................       DDG 87  1.87 meters
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    3. Table Four, Paragraph 16 of Sec.  706.2 is amended by adding, in 
numerical order, the following entry for USS MASON:


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

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Obstruction angle
              Vessel                  Number    relative ship's headings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
USS MASON........................       DDG 87  108.03 thru 112.50[deg]
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    4. Table Five of Sec.  706.2 is amended by adding, in numerical 
order, the following entry for USS MASON:


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

* * * * *

                                                   Table Five
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                                                                                           After
                                                                                          masthead
                                                               Masthead      Forward     light less
                                                              lights not     masthead    than \1/2\
                                                               over all     light not      ship's     Percentage
                    Vessel                         No.       other lights   in forward   length aft   horizontal
                                                                 and        quarter of   of forward   separation
                                                            obstructions.  ship. annex    masthead     attained
                                                            annex I, sec.    I, sec.       light.
                                                                 2(f)          3(a)       annex I,
                                                                                         sec. 3(a)
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                                                  * * * * * * *
USS Mason....................................       DDG 87             X             X            X         14.5
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
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    Dated: October 11, 2002.
Dominick G. Yacono,
Lieutenant Commander, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate 
General (Admiralty and Maritime Law).
[FR Doc. 03-2635 Filed 2-4-03; 8:45 am]
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