[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 22, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23699-23700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10890]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0269]


Certificate of Alternative Compliance for the TUG EXPORTER, 
Washburn & Doughty Hull 122

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

[[Page 23700]]


ACTION: Notification of issuance of a certificate of alternative 
compliance.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces that the U.S. Coast Guard First 
District Prevention Department has issued a certificate of alternative 
compliance from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions 
at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), for the TUG EXPORTER, Washburn & Doughty 
Hull 122. We are issuing this notice because its publication is 
required by statute. Due to the construction and placement of the 
vessel's side lights, TUG EXPORTER cannot fully comply with the light, 
shape, or sound signal provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering 
with the vessel's design and construction. This notification of 
issuance of a certificate of alternative compliance promotes the Coast 
Guard's marine safety mission.

DATES: The Certificate of Alternative Compliance was issued on 8 May, 
2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information or questions about 
this notice call or email Mr. Kevin Miller, First District Towing 
Vessel/Barge Safety Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (617) 223-
8272, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States is signatory to the 
International Maritime Organization's International Regulations for 
Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), as amended. The 
special construction or purpose of some vessels makes them unable to 
comply with the light, shape, or sound signal provisions of the 72 
COLREGS. Under statutory law and Coast Guard regulations, specified 72 
COLREGS provisions are not applicable to a vessel of special 
construction or purpose if the Coast Guard determines that the vessel 
cannot comply fully with those requirements without interfering with 
the special function of the vessel.\1\
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    \1\ 33 U.S.C. 1605.
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    The owner, builder, operator, or agent of a special construction or 
purpose vessel may apply to the Coast Guard District Office in which 
the vessel is being built or operated for a determination that 
compliance with alternative requirements is justified,\2\ and the Chief 
of the Prevention Division would then issue the applicant a certificate 
of alternative compliance (COAC) if he or she determines that the 
vessel cannot comply fully with 72 COLREGS light, shape, and sound 
signal provisions without interference with the vessel's special 
function.\3\ If the Coast Guard issues a COAC, it must publish notice 
of this action in the Federal Register.\4\
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    \2\ 33 CFR 81.5.
    \3\ 33 CFR 81.9.
    \4\ 33 U.S.C. 1605(c) and 33 CFR 81.18.
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    The First District Prevention Department, U.S. Coast Guard, 
certifies that the TUG EXPORTER, Washburn & Doughty Hull 122 is a 
vessel of special construction or purpose, and that, with respect to 
the position of the vessels side light, it is not possible to comply 
fully with the requirements of the provisions enumerated in the 72 
COLREGS, without interfering with the normal operation, construction, 
or design of the vessel. The First District Prevention Department 
further finds and certifies that the vessel's sidelights (13' 5'' from 
the vessel's side mounted on the pilot house) and the vessel's stern 
light and towing lights (3' 6'' aft of frame 20) are in the closet 
possible compliance with the applicable provisions of the 72 
COLREGS.\5\
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    \5\ 33 U.S.C. 1605(a); 33 CFR 81.9.
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    This notice is issued under authority of 33 U.S.C. 1605(c) and 33 
CFR 81.18.

    Dated: May 8, 2018.
Byron L. Black,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Prevention Division, First Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-10890 Filed 5-21-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P