[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27147-27148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12229]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2019-0423]


Certificate of Alternative Compliance for the Towing Vessel CAPE 
HATTERAS

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 CAPE HATTERAS, Official Number 
(O.N.) 1293071, Master Boat Builders Hull Number 460. We are issuing 
this notice because its publication is required by statute. Due to its 
construction, purpose and service, the towing vessel CAPE HATTERAS 
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 June 5, 
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 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\ Because CAPE HATTERAS 
operates out of Wilmington, Delaware, within Coast Guard Fifth 
District, this office is authorized to issue the COAC.
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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 CAPE HATTERAS, O.N. 1293071 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 at risk of damage during the 
course of normal operations. The sidelights will be

[[Page 27148]]

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: June 5, 2019.
J. A. Stockwell,
CDR, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Chief, Prevention Division, Fifth Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2019-12229 Filed 6-10-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P