[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 81 (Friday, April 26, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17866-17867]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-08406]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2019-0139]


Certificate of Alternative Compliance for the Tug RANDY McCRANEY

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 Fifth District, Chief of 
Prevention Division has issued a certificate of alternative compliance 
from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 
1972 (72 COLREGS), for the towing vessel RANDY McCRANEY, Official 
Number (O.N.) 1292293, Master Boat Builders Hull Number 459. We are 
issuing this notice because its publication is required by statute. Due 
to its construction, purpose and service, the towing vessel RANDY 
McCRANEY 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 March 
15, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information or questions about 
this notice call or email LCDR Ronaydee M. Marquez, District Five, 
Asst. Chief, Inspections and Investigations, U.S. Coast Guard; 
telephone: 757-398-6682, 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

[[Page 17867]]

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 Fifth District, Chief of Prevention Division, U.S. Coast Guard, 
certifies that the RANDY McCRANEY, O.N. 1292293 is a vessel of special 
construction or purpose, and that, with respect to the position of the 
sidelights, it is not possible to comply fully with the requirements of 
the provisions enumerated in the 72 COLREGS, without interfering with 
the normal operation, or design of the vessel. The vessel is a dual-
mode Articulated Tug (ATB), which intends to operate as an ATB as well 
as multiple other modes such as towing alongside, harbor ship/barge 
assist tug and towing on a towline. Placing the sidelights at or near 
the side of the vessel would interfere with the vessel's purpose and 
operations, and would place the sidelights as risk of damage during the 
course of normal operations. The sidelights will be installed on the 
elevated pilothouse, 6'7'' inboard from the sides of the vessel. The 
Fifth District, Chief of Prevention Division further finds and 
certifies that the sidelights 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: April 18, 2019.
J.R. Barnes,
CAPT, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Prevention Division, Fifth Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 2019-08406 Filed 4-25-19; 8:45 am]
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