[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 19 (Monday, January 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4468-4469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1897]


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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 (DoN) 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 (DAJAG) (Admiralty and Maritime 
Law) has determined that USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24) 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.

DATES: This rule is effective January 30, 2012 and is applicable 
beginning January 16, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Jaewon Choi, JAGC, U.S. 
Navy, Admiralty Attorney, (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 (202) 
685-5040.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the authority granted in 33 
U.S.C. 1605, the DoN amends 32 CFR part 706.
    This amendment provides notice that the DAJAG (Admiralty and 
Maritime Law), under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, 
has certified that USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24) 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: Rule 27(a)(i) 
and (b)(i), pertaining to the placement of all-round task lights in a 
vertical line; Annex I, paragraph 3(a), pertaining to the horizontal 
distance between the forward and after masthead lights; and Annex I, 
paragraph 2(k) as described in Rule 30(a)(i), pertaining to the 
vertical separation between anchor lights. The DAJAG (Admiralty and 
Maritime Law) has also certified that the lights involved are located 
in closest possible compliance with the applicable 72 COLREGS 
requirements.
    Moreover, it has been determined, in accordance with 32 CFR parts 
296 and 701, that publication of this amendment for public comment 
prior to adoption is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to public 
interest since it is based on technical findings that the placement of 
lights on this vessel in a manner differently from that prescribed 
herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its 
military functions.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706

    Marine safety, Navigation (water), and Vessels.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, amend part 706 of title 
32 of the CFR as follows:

PART 706--CERTIFICATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL 
REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972

0
1. The authority citation for part 706 continues to read:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.


0
2. Section 706.2 is amended as follows:
0
A. In Table Three by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel 
number, an entry for USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24); and
0
B. In Table Four by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, 
and entry for USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24); and
0
C. In Table Five by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, 
and entry for USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24).


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

* * * * *

                                                                                           Table Three
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                                                                                                                       Side lights    Stern light,
                                                                        Masthead       Side lights     Stern light      distance        distance     Forward anchor   Anchor lights relationship
                                                                      lights arc of      arc of          arc of        inboard of      forward of     light, height    of aft light to forward
                 Vessel                              No.               visibility;     visibility;     visibility;    ship's sides      stern in      above hull in   light in meters 2(k) Annex
                                                                       rule 21(a)      rule 21(b)      rule 21(c)    in meters 3(b)   meters; rule    meters; 2(k)                1
                                                                                                                         Annex 1          21(c)          Annex 1
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                                                                                          * * * * * * *
USS ARLINGTON..........................  LPD 24....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  1.62 below
 
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[[Page 4469]]



                               Table Four
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                                                Angle in degrees of task
                                                 lights off vertical as
            Vessel                  Number        viewed from directly
                                                     ahead or astern
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                              * * * * * * *
USS ARLINGTON................  LPD 24.........                       10
 
                              * * * * * * *
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                                                   Table Five
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                                                                                  After mast-
                                                   Masthead         Forward     head light less
                                                  lights not    masthead light     than \1/2\       Percentage
                                                over all other  not in forward   ship's length      horizontal
            Vessel                   No.          lights and      quarter of     aft of forward     separation
                                                 obstructions.  ship. Annex I,  masthead light.      attained
                                                 Annex I, sec.     sec. 3(a)     Annex I, sec.
                                                     2(f)                             3(a)
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                                                  * * * * * * *
USS ARLINGTON................  LPD 24.........  ..............  ..............               X               71
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
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    Approved: January 16, 2012.
 M. Robb Hyde,
Commander, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General, 
Admiralty and Maritime Law.
    Dated: January 23, 2012.
J.M. Beal,
Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-1897 Filed 1-27-12; 8:45 am]
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