[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 179 (Friday, September 14, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46747-46748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20049]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0801]


Certificate of Alternative Compliance for the TUG JUDY MORAN Hull 
123

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

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 Division has issued a certificate of alternative 
compliance from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions 
at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), for the TUG JUDY MORAN, Hull 123. We are 
issuing this notice because its publication is required by statute. Due 
to the construction and placement of the vessel's side lights and stern 
lights, TUG JUDY MORAN 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 26 July, 
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, 
however, 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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[[Page 46748]]

    The First District Prevention Department, U.S. Coast Guard, 
certifies that the TUG JUDY MORAN, Washburn & Doughty Hull 123, is a 
vessel of special construction or purpose, and that, with respect to 
the position of the vessels side lights, 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 Division 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: September 11, 2018.
Richard J. Schultz,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Prevention Division, First Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-20049 Filed 9-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P