[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 98 (Friday, May 20, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 30849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10836]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 140, 143, and 146

46 CFR Parts 61 and 62

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0063]
RIN 1625-AC16


Requirements for MODUs and Other Vessels Conducting Outer 
Continental Shelf Activities With Dynamic Positioning Systems

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; withdrawal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is withdrawing the proposed rule entitled 
``Requirements for MODUs and Other Vessels Conducting Outer Continental 
Shelf Activities with Dynamic Positioning Systems'' published on 
November 28, 2014. We are taking this action because there have been 
changes in the industry in the past 7 years, including new standards 
and technologies, and the rule we proposed in 2014 is no longer 
appropriate in light of those changes. The Coast Guard may issue a new 
rulemaking in the future if warranted.

DATES: The notice of proposed rulemaking published on November 28, 2014 
(79 FR 70943); comment period extended on February 6, 2015 (80 FR 
6679); notice of public meeting and request for comments (80 FR 12784, 
March 11, 2015); and notice of availability published on July 29, 2016 
(81 FR 49908), is withdrawn as of May 20, 2022.

ADDRESSES: The Docket for this withdrawal is available at the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Please search for 
Docket Number USCG-2014-0063.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document 
call or email Lieutenant Commander Dimitri Wiener, Staff Engineer, 
Naval Architecture Division, CG-ENG, Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-
1414, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On November 28, 2014, Coast Guard published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking titled ``Requirements for MODUs and Other Vessels Conducting 
Outer Continental Shelf Activities with Dynamic Positioning Systems'' 
in the Federal Register (79 FR 70943).\1\ The proposed rulemaking 
sought to establish minimum design, operation, training, and manning 
standards for mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and other vessels 
using dynamic positioning systems to engage in Outer Continental Shelf 
activities. We viewed establishing these minimum standards as necessary 
at the time to improve the safety of people and property involved in 
such operations, and the protection of the environment in which they 
operate. The notice of proposed rulemaking sought to decrease the risk 
of a loss of position by a dynamically positioned MODU or other vessel 
that could result in a fire, explosion, or subsea spill, and to support 
the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety and protection of 
natural resources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The Coast Guard published three additional documents related 
to the 2014 NPRM. The comment period of the 2014 NPRM was extended 
on February 6, 2015 at 80 FR 6679. A notice of public meeting was 
published at 80 FR 12784, (March 11, 2015) and notice discussing the 
availability of three industry accepted training certification 
programs for dynamic positioning was published on July 29, 2016 (81 
FR 49908).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Withdrawal

    The Coast Guard is withdrawing the proposed rule published on 
November 28, 2014. Upon further review of current dynamic positioning 
system technologies, industry use of updated third-party standards, and 
the engineering and survey activities performed by recognized 
organizations, it is evident that significant change has occurred in 
the industry and that the original proposal is no longer appropriate.
    The Coast Guard will continue to assess the risks associated with 
the use of dynamic positioning by vessels engaged in OCS activities, 
support the continuing development of third-party standards, oversee 
the work of recognized organizations, and request input from our 
Federal advisory committees, as appropriate. The Coast Guard may decide 
to develop new rulemaking proposals in the future, but Unified Agenda 
item 1625-AC16 will be completed once this notice is published.
    This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

    Dated: May 13, 2022.
W.R. Arguin,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention 
Policy.
[FR Doc. 2022-10836 Filed 5-19-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P