[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20159-20163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08533]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 3 and 141

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0491]
RIN 1625-AB88


Consolidation of Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection for Outer 
Continental Shelf Activities; Eighth Coast Guard District; Technical, 
Organizational, and Conforming Amendments

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is issuing a final rule establishing a 
consolidated Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) for the 
purposes of inspecting mobile offshore drilling units, and fixed and 
floating facilities, engaged in OCS activities in the Eighth Coast 
Guard District. This final rule also addresses comments submitted in 
response to our notice and request for comments related to the 
consolidation of the OCMI, for OCS activities, and makes other non-
substantive changes. This rule will have no substantive effect on the 
regulated public.

DATES: This rule is effective May 1, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket, are part of docket USCG-2013-0491 and are available for 
inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. 
Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also view 
the docket on the Internet by going to http://www.regulations.gov, 
inserting USCG-2013-0491 in the ``Search'' box, and then clicking 
``Search.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, 
call or email Commander Steven Keel, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 
Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance; telephone (202) 372-1230, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting 
material to the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Abbreviations
II. Regulatory History and Information
III. Basis and Purpose
IV. Discussion of Comments Received
V. Discussion of the Rule
VI. Regulatory Analysis
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Business
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    F. Unfunded mandates Reform Act
    G. Taking of Private Property
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    K. Energy Effects
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment

I. Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
E.O. Executive Order
FR Federal Register
NCOE National Center of Expertise
OCMI Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection
OMB Office of Management and Budget
OCS Outer Continental Shelf
Pub. L. Public Law
Sec.  Section Symbol
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Regulatory History and Information

    This rule reflects the internal organization of the Coast Guard's 
Eighth District, and affects administrative procedures such as contact 
information. It is a rule of agency organization,

[[Page 20160]]

procedure, and practice within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A) and 
under that section no prior notice or opportunity to comment is 
required. Also, the Coast Guard finds for good cause that notice and 
comment procedures are unnecessary under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) because 
this final rule consists only of administrative, organizational, and 
conforming amendments that will have no substantive effect on the 
public. Therefore, we did not publish a notice of proposed rulemaking 
for this final rule, although we did provide for public comment as 
described below.
    Because this is a rule of internal agency organization with no 
substantive impact on the public, we find that good cause exists under 
5 U.S.C. (d)(3) for making this final rule effective immediately upon 
the date specified in the DATES section above.
    On August 7, 2013 we published a notice and request for comments 
(78 FR 48180) informing the public that the Eighth Coast Guard District 
in New Orleans was considering consolidating its OCS marine inspection 
function from six offices to one and invited public comment on making 
such a change. The duties of an OCMI are found in 33 CFR 1.01-20 and 
include inspection of vessels in order to determine that they comply 
with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to safe 
construction, equipment, manning, and operation and that they are in a 
seaworthy condition for the services in which they are operated. 
Currently, the six OCMI field offices in the Eighth District that 
handle OCS matters are located in the following cities: Mobile, 
Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; Morgan City, Louisiana; Port Arthur, 
Texas; Houston, Texas, and Corpus Christi, Texas.
    In addition to requesting comments on the efficacy of combining the 
OCS OCMI function, the request offered four different ways in which the 
consolidated Eighth District OCS OCMI could be established using the 
existing organizational structure of the Eighth District. We also asked 
for comments on which city a consolidated Eighth District OCS OCMI 
should be physically located.
    With input received in response to our request, we have decided to 
consolidate OCMI functions for the purposes of inspecting fixed and 
floating facilities, and mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs), in the 
Eighth Coast Guard District, into a single OCMI that will serve as the 
Chief, Outer Continental Shelf Division, on the Eighth District staff 
(hereafter referred to as ``Eighth District OCS OCMI''). For 
simplicity, we have included every Eighth District Marine Inspection 
Zone defined in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 3, Subpart 
3.40 in the consolidation even though offshore inspections are not 
usually carried out in the inland rivers.

III. Basis and Purpose

    The legal basis for this rule is provided by 14 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 
92 and DHS Delegation No. 0170.1(II)(23). Section 92 authorizes the 
Secretary of DHS to ``establish, change the limits of, consolidate, 
discontinue, and re-establish Coast Guard districts'' and ``do any and 
all things necessary to carry out the purposes of'' title 14, 
pertaining to the Coast Guard. The DHS Delegation delegates the 
Secretary's functions to the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
    The purpose of this rule is to make conforming amendments and 
technical corrections specific to agency organization, procedure, and 
practice. These conforming amendments and technical corrections 
consolidate the existing individual OCMI authorities currently within 
the Eighth Coast Guard District into a single OCMI authority.

IV. Discussion of Comments Received

    We received 12 comments on the docket addressing the specific 
questions raised in the request for comments and we also received 
additional comments beyond the scope of those questions. No adverse or 
opposing comments were made and 11 comments expressed support for 
consolidation. An analysis of those comments is as follows:
    a. Should the OCMI function be consolidated? Of the 12 comments 
received, 11 supported the consolidation and one did not comment on 
this question. The reasons cited for supporting the consolidation 
included the belief that doing so would make more efficient use of 
inspection personnel and provide more consistency since decisions 
affecting the regulated industry would be made by one OCMI instead of 
six. Additionally, several commenters suggested that consolidation be 
carried out as promptly as possible, and three responses suggested that 
proper staffing would be critical to the success of the consolidated 
Eighth District OCMI.
    b. Where should the consolidated Eighth District OCMI be placed in 
the organization? Seven commenters made recommendations related to 
location and the remainder had none. The majority recommended that the 
consolidated Eighth District OCS OCMI be located in Houston, Texas or 
New Orleans, Louisiana and one commenter recommended Morgan City or 
Houma, Louisiana. One commenter suggested that desirability of the 
location should be taken into consideration to encourage recruitment 
and retention. The Coast Guard is opting to establish the Eighth 
District OCS OCMI as a staff element of the Eighth District, in New 
Orleans, Louisiana. We believe this provides the most efficient means 
of consolidation and places the Eighth District OCS OCMI in close 
proximity with the Eighth District Commander, increasing the visibility 
of the OCS inspection mission.
    c. Other comments: In addition to providing responses to the 
questions we asked in the notice, several commenters provided concerns 
and recommendations should the OCMI function be consolidated. Several 
commenters expressed concern that the success of an Eighth District OCS 
OCMI would depend on proper staffing levels. We agree. Workforce 
capacity was taken into consideration when determining whether to 
consolidate the OCS function or not. Our workload analysis of the 
Eighth District OCS OCMI model identified a gain in labor efficiency 
equivalent to hiring 1.5 new full time employees creating more workload 
capacity with existing inspectors. Through consolidation, qualified 
marine inspectors from each of the six current OCMI staffs have been 
designated as dedicated OCS inspectors under the new Eighth District 
OCS OCMI with OCS inspection as their primary duty. We believe that 
focusing a core capacity of OCS inspectors will improve service 
delivery to the regulated industry. Additionally, we will continue to 
analyze workload levels for OCS inspection activities and make 
workforce adjustments as necessary.
    Some comments also expressed concern for OCS marine inspector 
proficiency. We believe that overall proficiency under the Eighth 
District OCS OCMI will improve for two reasons. First, the 
consolidation will facilitate movement of OCS inspectors within the 
Eighth District between the MI zones that existed before the 
consolidation to either meet spot workloads or gain experience more 
quickly than they otherwise would have. Second, the Eighth District OCS 
OCMI can serve as a single champion for all OCS inspectors in the 
District and will be better placed to track and improve their 
proficiency development. One commenter also recommended longer tour 
lengths for active duty OCS inspectors and perhaps the addition of more 
long term civilian OCS inspectors to improve proficiency. We agree with 
this comment and are considering its potential future adoption. One

[[Page 20161]]

commenter suggested that OCS marine inspector proficiency could be 
improved by using only Coast Guard civilian personnel who do not serve 
tours like military personnel who regularly rotate out once their tour 
is up. We believe using active duty military personnel provides long 
term benefits to the Coast Guard by forming future leaders who will 
serve in Headquarters where important program decisions impacting the 
offshore energy sector are made.
    One commenter suggested that the OCS National Center of Expertise 
(NCOE) be consolidated into the Eighth District OCS OCMI. We do not 
intend to do so at this time. The NCOE is a Coast Guard Headquarters 
unit that focuses on programmatic issues such as policy and 
standardized training development. We believe that their current 
position in the organization is better aligned with achieving those 
goals than it would be if moved into the OCS OCMI organization within 
the Eighth District.
    One commenter was uncertain as to which office would be responsible 
for conducting marine casualty investigations for reportable incidents 
occurring offshore. The Eighth District OCS OCMI will be responsible 
for investigating marine casualties on fixed and floating OCS 
facilities, and MODUs in the Eighth Coast Guard District.
    One commenter expressed confusion over which vessels and facilities 
the Eighth District OCS OCMI would be responsible for inspecting. The 
Eighth District OCS OCMI will be responsible for inspecting a specific 
fleet of fixed or floating OCS facilities or mobile offshore drilling 
units defined in 33 CFR 140.10. Any other vessel or OCS unit type will 
continue to be inspected by the OCMI described in 33 CFR part 3.40 as 
stated prior to the consolidation. For example, a well intervention 
vessel that is not certificated as a mobile offshore drilling unit will 
continue to be inspected by the cognizant Sector or Marine Safety Unit 
OCMI.
    Vessels and facilities overseen by the Eighth District OCS OCMI are 
fleet specific; any vessel meeting the description above will fall 
under the purview of the Eighth District OCS OCMI regardless of where 
in the Eighth Coast Guard District it may be located.
    One commenter observed that the consolidation of the OCMI function 
fulfills a recommendation of the Coast Guard's Report of Investigation 
in the Circumstances Surrounding the Explosion, Fire, Sinking, and Loss 
of Eleven Crew Members Aboard the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit 
DEEPWATER HORIZON in the Gulf of Mexico April 20-22, 2010 (Volume I 
pages 110-111).
    One commenter positively noted that the plan to consolidate the 
Eighth District OCS OCMI function could be accomplished in a resource 
neutral way thus gaining efficiency with no additional government 
expense.

V. Discussion of the Rule

    As discussed in Section II above, this rule constitutes a non-
substantive organization change. Beginning May 1, 2015, vessels meeting 
the description set out by this rulemaking will apply to the Eighth 
District OCS OCMI for required inspections instead of the Sector OCMIs 
as was previously the case. The Eighth District OCS OCMI will also 
carry out other traditional OCMI activities such as inspection of 
damage and repairs, as well as unannounced inspections. This rule also 
amends 33 CFR 141.15 to clarify when determinations that affect 
restrictions on employment of persons other than United States citizens 
may be made by the Eighth District OCS OCMI. To apply for an inspection 
after April 30, 2015, or to learn more about the business rules of the 
Eighth District OCS OCMI, please visit their Web site at www.uscg.mil/d8/ocsocmi.asp, available beginning on April 27, 2015.

VI. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
executive orders (E.O.s) related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on these statutes or E.O.s.

1. Regulatory Planning and Review

    E.O.s 12866 (``Regulatory Planning and Review'') and 13563 
(``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'') direct agencies to 
assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, 
if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that 
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, 
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). 
Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both 
costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of 
promoting flexibility. Two additional E.O.s were recently published to 
promote the goals of E.O. 13563: E.O. 13609 (``Promoting International 
Regulatory Cooperation'') and E.O. 13610 (``Identifying and Reducing 
Regulatory Burdens''). E.O. 13609 targets international regulatory 
cooperation to reduce, eliminate, or prevent unnecessary differences in 
regulatory requirements. E.O 13610 aims to modernize the regulatory 
systems and to reduce unjustified regulatory burdens and costs on the 
public.
    The provisions of this final rule are administrative, technical, 
and non-substantive; they will have no substantive effect on the public 
and will impose no additional costs. This final rule consolidates the 
functions and requirements for six existing individual OCMI authorities 
into a single OCMI authority within the Eighth Coast Guard District 
known as the Eighth District OCS OCMI. OCS units meeting the 
description set out by this rulemaking are already required to contact 
an OCMI for mandatory inspections and LODs related to citizenship. 
Under this final rule, such vessels will now contact the Eighth 
District OCS OCMI for these same requirements rather than applying to 
one of six different OCMIs within the Eighth District. Information on 
applying for inspections or receiving an LOD from the Eighth District 
OCS OCMI after April 30, 2015, and more about the business rules of the 
Eighth District OCS OCMI, may be accessed at www.uscg.mil/d8/ocsocmi.asp, which will be available beginning on April 27, 2015. This 
rule does not establish any new regulatory requirements impacting the 
public. Therefore, this final rule is not a significant regulatory 
action under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 as supplemented by E.O. 13563, 
and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits 
under section 6(a)(3) of E.O. 12866. The Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has not reviewed it under E.O. 12866.

2. Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), rules 
exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative 
Procedure Act are not required to examine the impact of the rule on 
small entities. Nevertheless, we have 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.
    There is no cost to this final rule, and we do not expect it to 
have an impact on small entities because the provisions of this rule 
will have no substantive effect on the public and will impose no 
additional costs. Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 
605(b) that this final rule will not have a

[[Page 20162]]

significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

3. Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule so that they can better evaluate 
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the rule 
would affect your small business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or 
options for compliance, please consult Mr. Mugo Macharia by phone at 
202-372-1472 or via email at [email protected].
    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). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

4. Collection of Information

    This rule calls for no new collection of information under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

5. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under E.O. 13132 
(``Federalism'') if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government. We have analyzed this rule under that order and 
have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in E.O. 13132.

6. 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 discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any 1 year. Though this rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

7. Taking of Private Property

    This final rule will not cause a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under E.O. 12630 (``Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights'').

8. Civil Justice Reform

    This final 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.

9. Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this final rule under E.O. 13045 (``Protection of 
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks''). This 
final rule is not an economically significant rule and would not create 
an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might 
disproportionately affect children.

10. Indian Tribal Governments

    This final rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 13175 
(``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments''), 
because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more 
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

11. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this final rule under E.O. 13211 (``Actions 
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use''). We have determined that it is not a 
``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under E.O. 12866 and is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy. The Administrator of OMB's Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy 
action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects 
under E.O. 13211.

12. Technical Standards

    This final rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did 
not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

13. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which 
guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded that this 
action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This 
rule is categorically excluded under section 2.B.2, figure 2-1, 
paragraphs (34)(a), (b), and (d) of the Instruction. This final rule 
involves regulations that are editorial or procedural, or that concern 
internal agency functions or organizations. An environmental analysis 
checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in 
the docket for this final rule where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 3

    Organization and functions (Government agencies).

33 CFR Part 141

    Citizenship and naturalization, Continental shelf, Employment, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR Chapter I as follows:

0
1. The authority for part 3 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 14 U.S.C. 92 and 93; Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135; 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, para. 2(23).

PART 3--COAST GUARD AREAS, DISTRICTS, SECTORS, MARINE INSPECTION 
ZONES, AND CAPTAIN OF THE PORT ZONES

0
2. Add Sec.  3.40-5 to read as follows:


Sec.  3.40-5.  Eighth District Outer Continental Shelf Marine 
Inspection Zone.

    (a) A separate marine inspection zone, with an office located in 
New Orleans, Louisiana, performs the OCMI functions defined in 33 CFR 
1.01-20 for all MODUs and fixed and floating OCS facilities, as those 
terms are defined in 33 CFR 140.10, engaged in OCS activities wherever 
located in the Eighth Coast Guard District.
    (b) Notwithstanding the OCMI inspection authority held by Eighth 
Coast Guard District Sector Commanders and Marine Safety Unit 
Commanders in Sec.  3.01-1(d), the Chief, Outer Continental Shelf 
Division at the Eighth Coast Guard District, shall serve as the Officer 
in Charge, Marine Inspection, for this Marine Inspection

[[Page 20163]]

Zone and shall be known as the Eighth District Outer Continental Shelf 
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. The District Commander resolves 
any conflict between the functions of this marine inspection zone and 
any geographically based marine inspection zones described in 33 CFR 
3.40-10, 3.40-15, 3.40-28, 3.40-35, 3.40-40, 3.40-60, or 3.40.65.


Sec. Sec.  3.40-10, 3.40-15, 3.40-28, 3.40-35, 3.40-40, 3.40-60, 3.40-
65   [Amended]

0
3. Add the words the words ``Subject to the overriding provisions of 
Sec.  3.40-5,'' in the following places:
0
a. In Sec.  3.40-10, at the beginning of the second sentence;
0
b. In Sec. Sec.  3.40-15 and 3.40-28, at the beginning of the first 
sentence in paragraph (a);
0
c. In Sec. Sec.  3.40-35, 3.40-40, and 3.40-60 at the beginning of the 
second sentence; and
0
d. In Sec.  3.40-65, at the beginning of the first sentence in 
paragraph (a).

PART 141--PERSONNEL

0
4. The authority for part 141 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1356; 46 U.S.C. 70105; 49 CFR 1.46(z).


0
5. In Sec.  141.15, redesignate paragraph (c) as paragraph (c)(1) and 
add paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  141.15  Restrictions on employment.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Determinations in paragraph (c)(1) of this section for all 
MODUs and fixed and floating OCS facilities, as those terms are defined 
in 33 CFR 140.10, operating within the Eighth District Outer 
Continental Shelf Marine Inspection Zone will be made by the Eighth 
District Outer Continental Shelf Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, 
as defined and described in Sec.  3.40-5 of this chapter.

    Dated: April 9, 2015.
J.C. Burton,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Inspections and Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2015-08533 Filed 4-14-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P