[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53123-53124]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21639]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Certificate of Alternate Compliance for USS VERMONT (SSN 792)

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Issuance of Certificate of Alternate Compliance.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Navy hereby announces that a Certificate of Alternate 
Compliance has been issued for USS VERMONT (SSN 792). Due to the 
special construction and purpose of this vessel, Deputy Assistant Judge 
Advocate General (DAJAG) (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined 
that it is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction 
and purpose, cannot comply fully with the navigation lights provisions 
of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 
(72 COLREGS) without interfering with its special functions as a naval 
ship. The intended effect of this notice is to warn mariners in waters 
where 72 COLREGS apply.

DATES: This action takes effect October 4, 2019 and is applicable 
beginning September 11, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Thomas J. Bright, JAGC, 
U.S. Navy, United States Navy, Admiralty Attorney, Office of the Judge 
Advocate General, Admiralty and Maritime Law Division (Code 11), 1322 
Patterson Ave. SE, Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066, 
202-685-5040, or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Purpose. Executive Order 
11964 of January 19, 1977 and 33 U.S.C 1605 provide that the 
requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions 
at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), as to the number, position, range, or arc of 
visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and 
characteristics of sound-signaling appliances, shall not apply to a 
vessel or class of vessels of the Navy where the Secretary of the Navy 
shall find and certify that, by reason of special construction or 
purpose, it is not possible for such vessel(s) to comply fully with the 
provisions without interfering with the special function of the 
vessel(s). Notice of issuance of a Certificate of Alternate Compliance 
must be made in the Federal Register.
    In accordance with 33 U.S.C 1605, the DAJAG (Admiralty and Maritime 
Law), under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, hereby 
finds and certifies that USS VERMONT (SSN 792) is a vessel of special 
construction or purpose, and that, with respect to the position of the 
following navigational lights, it is not possible to comply fully with 
the requirements of the provisions enumerated in the 72 COLREGS without 
interfering with the special function of the vessel:
    Rule 23(a) and Annex I, paragraph 2(a)(i), pertaining to the 
vertical placement of the masthead light, and Annex I, paragraph 
2(f)(i), pertaining to the masthead light being above and clear of all 
other lights and obstructions;
    Rule 30(a), Rule 21(e), and Annex I, paragraph 2(k), pertaining to 
the vertical separation of the anchor lights, vertical placement of the 
forward anchor light above the hull, and the arc of visibility of all-
around lights;
    Rule 23(a) and Annex I, paragraph 3(b), pertaining to the location 
of the sidelights; and Rule 21(c), pertaining to the location and arc 
of visibility of the sternlight.
    The DAJAG (Admiralty and Maritime Law) further finds and certifies 
that these navigational lights are in closest possible compliance with 
the applicable provision of the 72 COLREGS.

    Authority: 33 U.S.C 1605(c), E.O. 11964.


[[Page 53124]]


    Approved: September 11, 2019.
D.J. Antenucci,
Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register 
Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2019-21639 Filed 10-3-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P