[Federal Register: December 26, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 246)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 72945-72947]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26de07-10]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
32 CFR Part 706
Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972
AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.
ACTION: Final rule.
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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 (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has
determined that USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) is a vessel of the Navy which, due
to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with
certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS
[[Page 72946]]
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.
DATES: This rule is effective December 26, 2007 and is applicable
beginning November 19, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commander Gregg A. Cervi, JAGC, U.S.
Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (Admiralty and Maritime
Law), Office of the Judge Advocate General, Department of the Navy,
1322 Patterson Ave., SE., Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-
5066, telephone 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 (Admiralty and Maritime Law), under authority delegated by the
Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) 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:
Annex I, paragraph 2(a)(i), pertaining to the location of the forward
masthead light at a height not less than 12 meters above the hull;
Annex I, paragraph 3 (a), pertaining to the location of the forward
masthead light in the forward quarter of the ship and the horizontal
distance between the masthead lights shall not be less than one-half of
the length of the vessel; Annex I, paragraph 2(i)iii, pertaining to the
three lights in the task light array being equally spaced; Rule 27,
paragraph (b) ii, pertaining to the three all-round lights in a
vertical line where they can best be seen. The Deputy Assistant Judge
Advocate General (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.
0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, amend part 706 of title 32
of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
PART 706-CERTIFICATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL
REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972
0
1. The authority citation for part 706 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.
0
2. Table One, of Sec. 706.2 is amended by adding, in alpha numerical
order by ship number, the following entry for USS FREEDOM:
Sec. 706.2 Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under
Executive Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.
* * * * *
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Distance in meters of forward masthead light below
Vessel Number minimum required height. Annex I, para 2(a)(i)
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* * * * * * *
USS FREEDOM................................... LCS 1 5.99
* * * * * * *
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0
3. Table Five of Sec. 706.2 is amended by adding, in alpha numerical
order by ship number, the following entry for USS FREEDOM:
Sec. 706.2 Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under
Executive Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.
* * * * *
Table Five
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After Mast-
head Light
Masterhead Forward less than
lights not Masthead \1/2\
over all light not ship's Percentage
Vessel No. other lights in forward length of horizontal
and quarter of forward separation
obstructions, ship. annex masthead attained
annex I, I, sec. light.
sec.2(f) 3(a) annex i,
sec. 3(a)
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* * * * * * *
USS FREEDOM.................................. LCS 1 ............. X X 23
* * * * * * *
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0
4. Section 706.2 is amended by adding paragraphs 22 and 23 following
Table Five to read as follows:
Sec. 706.2 Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under
Executive Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.
* * * * *
22. On the following ships the vertical separation of the task
lights do not meet the vertical spacing requirements described by Annex
I, 2(i)(iii).
[[Page 72947]]
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Vertical separation of the task light array is not
equally spaced, the separation between the middle
Vessel Number and lower task light exceed the separation between
the upper and middle light by
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USS FREEDOM................................... LCS 1 0.39 meter.
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23. On the following ships the verticality of the task lights do
not meet verticality requirements described in Rule 27(b)(ii).
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Verticality of lights, when viewed from directly
Vessel Number port or starboard, the lower task light is out of
alignment with the upper and middle task light by:
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USS FREEDOM................................... LCS 1 0.37 meter.
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Approved: November 19, 2007.
C.J. Spain,
Commander, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General
(Admiralty and Maritime Law), Acting.
[FR Doc. E7-24934 Filed 12-21-07; 8:45 am]
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