[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 129 (Thursday, July 7, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 40543]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14450]



[[Page 40543]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2022-0204]


Certificate of Alternative Compliance for the M/V ST. JOHNS

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 Chief of Prevention 
Division, Seventh District has issued certificates of alternative 
compliance from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions 
at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), for the M/V ST. JOHNS (O.N. 1063615). We are 
issuing this notice because its publication is required by statute. Due 
to the construction and placement of the masthead lights, stern light, 
and sidelights the M/V ST. JOHNS cannot fully comply with the light, 
shape, or sound signal provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering 
with the vessel's design and construction (towing operations). This 
notification of issuance of certificates of alternative compliance 
promotes the Coast Guard's marine safety mission.

DATES: The Certificate of Alternative Compliance for the M/V ST. JOHNS 
was issued on May 12, 2022.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information or questions about 
this notice call or email LT Eugenia Leonard, D7 dpi, U.S. Coast Guard, 
305-415-7149, [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 then issues 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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    The Chief of Prevention Division, Seventh District, U.S. Coast 
Guard, certifies that the M/V ST. JOHNS is a vessel of special 
construction or purpose, and that with respect to the positions of the 
masthead lights, stern lights, and sidelights it is not possible to 
fully comply with the requirements of the provisions enumerated in the 
72 COLREGS, without interfering with the normal operation, 
construction, or design of the vessel while engaging in towing 
operations. The Chief of Prevention Division, Seventh District, U.S. 
Coast Guard, further finds and certifies that the lights are configured 
in the closest possible compliance with the applicable provisions of 
the 72 COLREGS.\5\
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    \5\ 33 U.S.C. 1605(a) and 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: May 12, 2022.
J.D. Espino-Young,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Prevention Division, Seventh Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2022-14450 Filed 7-6-22; 8:45 am]
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