[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 8, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37104-37105]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16694]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0723]


Public Workshop on Marine Technology and Standards

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, in coordination 
with the United States Coast Guard, is sponsoring a two-day public 
workshop on marine technology and standards in Washington, DC. This 
document provides information regarding the workshop, including 
registration information. The workshop will provide a unique 
opportunity for industry groups, classification societies, standards 
development organizations, government organizations, and other 
interested members of the public to come together for a professional 
exchange of information on topics ranging from technological impacts on 
the marine industry, corresponding coverage in related codes and 
standards, and government regulations.

DATES: The two-day workshop will be held on Monday, October 16, 2017, 
and Tuesday, October 17, 2017. The deadline for advance registration is 
Monday, October 2, 2017.
    See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below for a list of proposed topics, 
fees, and information on how to register for the workshop.

ADDRESSES: The workshop will be held at the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel 
in Washington, DC. The hotel is located at 415 New Jersey Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC. For registration information or to obtain further 
information about this workshop, visit the USCG Web site at http://www.uscg.mil/marine_event.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
document you may contact a USCG/ASME representative via email at 
[email protected]. You may also contact Wayne Lundy, Office of Design 
and Engineering Standards, USCG, by telephone at (202) 372-1379; or Mr. 
Joseph S. Brzuszkiewicz, Project Engineering Manager, ASME, by 
telephone at (212) 591-8533, or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background and Purpose

    The American Society of Mechanical Engineers/United States Coast 
Guard (ASME/USCG) Workshop on Marine Technology and Standards provides 
a unique opportunity for classification societies, industry groups, 
standards development organizations, government agencies, and 
interested members of the public to come together for a professional 
exchange of information on topics ranging from technological impacts on 
the marine industry, corresponding coverage in related codes and 
standards, and government regulations.
    The public workshop is sponsored by the ASME in coordination with 
the USCG Office of Design and Engineering Standards. ASME is a 
standards setting organization with wide-ranging volunteer committee 
membership, which includes USCG-supported personnel who serve as 
members of various ASME committees in support of USCG missions in 
maritime safety and environmental protection. The USCG Office of Design 
and Engineering Standards is responsible for developing and 
promulgating national regulations and standards that govern the safe 
design and construction of ships and shipboard equipment, including 
hull structure, stability, electrical and mechanical systems, 
lifesaving and fire safety equipment, and related equipment approval 
and laboratory acceptance.
    This workshop is an opportunity for the public to provide expertise 
on technical matters affecting the marine industry, to leverage new 
technologies, and to improve future policymaking, standards 
development, and rulemaking. Public engagement on regulations and 
design standards enhances both the effectiveness and the quality of 
policy development.
    Topics for the workshop are listed below and include application of 
various marine technologies to promote safe and environmentally 
conscious operation of ships and offshore vessels and platforms.
    The workshop will be held in Washington, DC, over a two-day period 
on Monday, October 16, 2017, and Tuesday, October 17, 2017. See 
ADDRESSES above for event location information.

Topics of Meeting

    This workshop comprises a series of panel sessions over a two-day 
period covering a variety of topics. Proposed topics include:

Transport and Use of Natural Gas

    Considers shipboard systems involved in the handling and transport 
of CNG/LNG as cargo. This panel will also consider the handling and use 
of natural gas as a shipboard fuel, addressing, among other things, 
systems, containment, fuel quality, safety considerations. Will also 
consider recent international and domestic requirements, including 
environmental considerations.

Use of Alternative Fuels for Ship Systems

    Considers containment and handling systems, bunkering systems and 
safety considerations for fuels other than natural gas. Also considers 
the latest requirements and standards used by ship owners and 
designers, including the IMO Gas-Fueled Ships Code (IGF Code). Some 
examples include biofuels, hydrogen, and methanol. Also considers costs 
associated with infrastructure, training, operations and maintenance.

Infrastructure for Alternative Energy Sources

    Considers international and domestic requirements for 
infrastructure such as offshore structures and servicing vessels for 
alternative energy sources such as wind farms and tidal generators.

Offshore Marine Technology

    Considers technological advancements in a variety of subjects 
affecting the offshore industry and the marine transportation system. 
This includes systems for ensuring the safe and effective offshore 
exploration and extraction of energy resources, including dynamic 
positioning, hazardous areas, and safety systems. Will consider lessons 
learned from operations as well as application of related standards.

Shipboard Technologies for Energy Efficiency

    Considers technologies and best practices for improving energy 
efficiency in the design and operation of ship equipment and systems. 
Potential topics include Energy Efficiency Design Index, Energy 
Efficiency Operational Indicator, and Ship Energy Efficiency Management 
Plan.

[[Page 37105]]

Polar Ship Design, Construction, and Operation

    Consider requirements within the recently adopted IMO Polar Code 
and the IACS Polar Class rules. This includes vessel design 
considerations for low temperature environments. Also considers 
experiences of organizations operating ships in Polar Waters.

Marine Environmental Protection (MARPOL 73/78)

    Considers issues, technologies, equipment and standards under the 
Annexes to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution 
from Ships (MARPOL 73/78). Topics include pollution prevention 
requirements and standards for oil, sewage, garbage, ballast water, and 
air emissions.

Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy

    Considers operation, training, safety, design and maintenance 
issues as well as the requirements within the ASME PVHO-1 & PVHO-2 Code 
and the IMO guidelines for diving systems (IMO Code of Safety for 
Diving Systems) and passenger submersibles (MSC/Circ.981--Guidelines 
for the design, construction and operation of passenger submersible 
craft).

Autonomous Ship Technology, Automation & Cybersecurity

    Considers issues/advancements regarding automation and autonomous 
ship technology, as well as the intercept with cybersecurity.

Regulatory/Classification Society Developments

    Considers latest international and domestic developments and 
requirements regarding safety and environmental protection impacting 
the maritime community.

Web Sites

    For additional information on this workshop, visit the USCG Web 
site at http://www.uscg.mil/marine_event.

Registration

    Registration is now open; to register for this workshop, visit the 
ASME Web site: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.asme.org_events_uscoastguard&d=DwIFAg&c=0NKfg44GVknAU-XkWXjNxQ&r=LhLRaZ6Kl2vKuhI6SnRTNEJ9kbmze_HQ29FMACS_FZQ&m=dDJr4AEQR77fGQhJMGn4koZHI6Yn9W90-7cI-hvINPs&s=TqXhhS-pwGqMf3vT1Sd7vxuFsFW2KSGrMzCwIJPiCwI&e=.
    The USCG Web site for the event is: http://www.uscg.mil/marine_event. While the workshop is open to the public, meeting space 
is limited by room capacity. Since seating is limited, we ask anyone 
interested in attending the workshop to register in advance. The 
deadline for advance registration is Monday, October 2, 2017. 
Registration on the first day of the workshop will be permitted on a 
space-available basis. The registration fee for this event is $325 USD 
if submitted on or before October 2, 2017 and $375 USD if submitted 
after October 2, 2017. The registration fee includes admission for one 
person to each panel session for the two day event, several coffee 
breaks, and a reception on the first day of the event.

Proceedings

    Material presented at the workshop will be made available to the 
public on the USCG Web site listed above after the conclusion of this 
event. For additional information on material presented at this event, 
you may contact one of the individuals listed above in FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT. Summaries of comments made and materials presented 
will be available on the docket at the conclusion of this event. To 
view the docket, see instructions above in ADDRESSES.

Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities

    Persons with disabilities who require special assistance should 
advise us of their anticipated special needs as early as possible by 
one of the individuals listed above in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Adjournment

    Please note that the workshop may adjourn early if all business is 
finished.

Authority

    This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2017-16694 Filed 8-7-17; 8:45 am]
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