[Federal Register: November 30, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 229)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 66778]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30no99-23]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Part 69

[USCG-1999-5118]
RIN 2115-AF76

 
Standard Measurement System Exemption from Gross Tonnage

AGENCY: Coast Guard.

ACTION: Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date.

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SUMMARY: On August 31, 1999, the Coast Guard published a direct final 
rule (64 FR 47402; USCG-1999-5118). This direct final rule notified the 
public of the Coast Guard's intent to amend its vessel tonnage 
regulations to reinstate a previously allowed method of holding tonnage 
opening cover plates in place. This amendment will increase flexibility 
and can decrease costs in vessel design and construction, while in no 
way diminishing vessel safety. The reinstated method was omitted in 
error during a comprehensive revision of the tonnage regulations in 
1989. We have not received an adverse comment, or notice of intent to 
submit an adverse comment, objecting to this rule. Therefore, this rule 
will go into effect as scheduled.

DATES: The effective date of the direct final rule is confirmed as 
November 29, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on this rule, call Mr. 
Peter Eareckson, Project Manager, Marine Safety Center, Coast Guard, 
telephone 202-366-6441.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion of Comment

    We received one comment, which took issue with the prohibition 
against the use of battens, caulking, or gaskets in the installations 
of tonnage opening cover plates, citing maintenance concerns. While we 
sympathize with the concerns cited, we do not consider the comment to 
be an adverse comment to this rulemaking, as ``adverse comment'' is 
defined in 33 CFR 1.05-55(f). The underlying premise of this rulemaking 
is to reinstate a method of securing tonnage opening cover plates in 
place that was deleted in error in the 1989 revision. The prohibition 
against sealing tonnage openings is one of long-standing and predates 
the 1989 revision. Regardless of the merits of the request to eliminate 
this prohibition, it is outside the scope of this rulemaking.

    Dated: November 19, 1999.
Jeffrey P. High,
Acting Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety & Environmental 
Protection.
[FR Doc. 99-30894 Filed 11-29-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M