Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

AGENCY:

Department of the Navy, DOD.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Department of the Navy is amending its certifications and exemptions under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), to reflect that the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined that USS Tornado (PC 14) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval ship. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 24, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lieutenant Commander Gregg A. Cervi, JAGC, U.S. Navy Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (Admiralty and Maritime Law), Office of the Judge Advocate General, Navy Department, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC 20374-5066, Telephone number: (202) 685-5040.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the authority granted in 33 U.S.C. 1605, the Department of the Navy amends 32 CFR part 706. This amendment provides notice that the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy (Admiralty and Maritime Law), under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS Tornado (PC 14) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval ship: Rule 23(a)(ii) pertaining to vessels more than 50 meters in length exhibiting a second masthead light; Annex I paragraph 2(k) pertaining to placement of the forward anchor light not less than six meters above the hull and not less than 4.5 meters above the after anchor light; and, Rule 21(c) pertaining to the placement of the stern light as nearly as practicable at the stern. The Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has also certified that the lights involved are located in closest possible compliance with the applicable 72 COLREGS requirements.

Moreover, it has been determined, in accordance with 32 CFR parts 296 and 701, that publication of this amendment for public comment prior to adoption is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to public interest since it is based on technical findings that the placement of lights on this vessel in a manner differently from that prescribed herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its military functions.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706

• Marine safety
• Navigation (water), and Vessels

Accordingly, 32 CFR part 706 is amended as follows:

PART 706—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 32 CFR part 706 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.

2. Table 3 of § 706.2 is amended by adding, in numerical order, the following entry for USS Tornado:

Editorial Note:

This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register October 6, 2000.