[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28491-28492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10778]


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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 SOMERSET (LPD 25) 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 May 15, 2013 and is applicable beginning 
April 18, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Jocelyn Loftus-Williams, 
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 SOMERSET (LPD 25) 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 SOMERSET (LPD 25); and
0
B. In Table Four, paragraph 20, by adding, in alpha numerical order, by 
vessel number, an entry for USS SOMERSET (LPD 25); and
0
C. In Table Five by adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, 
an entry for USS SOMERSET (LPD 25).

[[Page 28492]]

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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                                                                                                                             Forward
                                                      Masthead                                 Side lights  Stern light,     anchor       Anchor lights
                                                     lights arc    Side lights   Stern light    distance      distance       light,      relationship of
             Vessel                    Number            of          arc of        arc of      inboard of    forward of   height above    aft light to
                                                     visibility;   visibility;   visibility;  ship's sides    stern in       hull in    forward light in
                                                     rule 21(a)    rule 21(b)    rule 21(c)     in meters   meters; rule  meters; 2(k)     meters 2(k)
                                                                                              3(b) Annex 1      21(c)        Annex 1         Annex 1
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                                                                      * * * * * * *
USS SOMERSET...................  LPD 25...........  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............  1.64 below.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
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* * * * *
    20. * * *

                               Table Four
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Angle in degrees of
                                                       task lights off
             Vessel                    Number        vertical as viewed
                                                     from directly ahead
                                                          or astern
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
USS SOMERSET...................  LPD 25...........                    10
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

                                                                       Table Five
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                                                                                                                    After masthead
                                                                            Masthead lights    Forward masthead   light less than \1/     Percentage
                                                                          not over all other     light not in      2\ ship's length       horizontal
                 Vessel                               Number                  lights and      forward quarter of    aft of forward        separation
                                                                          obstructions Annex  ship Annex I, sec.    masthead light         attained
                                                                             I, sec. 2(f)            3(a)         Annex I, sec. 3(a)
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                                                                      * * * * * * *
USS SOMERSET...........................  LPD 25.........................  ..................  ..................                  X                  71
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
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    Approved: April 18, 2013.
A.B. Fischer,
Commander, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General 
(Admiralty and Maritime Law).
    Dated: April 25, 2013.
C.K. Chiappetta,
Lieutenant Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2013-10778 Filed 5-14-13; 8:45 am]
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