[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22322-22323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9668]
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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; change.
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SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy (DoN) is amending its
certifications and exemptions under the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), to reflect the
conversion of several Navy vessels from ballistic missile submarines
(SSBN) to guided missile submarines (SSGN). The Deputy Assistant Judge
Advocate General (DAJAG) (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined
that certain vessels of the SSGN Class are vessels of the Navy which,
due to their special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with
certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with their
special function as naval ships. The intended effect of this rule is to
warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.
DATES: This rule is effective April 21, 2011 and is applicable
beginning April 13, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Jaewon Choi, JAGC, U.S.
Navy, Admiralty Attorney, (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 number:
202-685-5040.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the authority granted in 33
U.S.C. 1605, the DoN amends 32 CFR part 706.
This amendment provides notice that the DAJAG (Admiralty and
Maritime Law), under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy,
has certified that USS OHIO (SSBN 726), USS MICHIGAN (SSBN 727), USS
FLORIDA (SSBN 728), and USS GEROGIA (SSBN 729) are vessels of the Navy
which, due to their special construction and purpose, cannot fully
comply with specific provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with
their special function as naval ships. The vessels have been converted
from SSBN's to SSGN's and this amendment will edit the classification
of the vessels to accurately reflect their new designation as SSGN's.
This amendment does not change the vessels' previously noted deviations
from 72 COLREGS. The DAJAG (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 previous and unchanged technical findings
that the placement of lights on these vessels in a manner differently
from that prescribed herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability
to perform its military functions. Furthermore, this amendment merely
changes the classification of these vessels and does not reflect any
changes to the placement of lights on any of these vessels.
List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706
Marine safety, Navigation (water), and Vessels.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, amend part 706 of title
32 of the CFR 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. Section 706.2 is amended as follows:
0
A. In Table One by amending, in alpha numerical order, by vessel
number, the following entries for the SSBN Class; and
0
B. In Table Three, by amending, in alpha numerical order, by vessel
number, the following entries for the SSBN Class:
Sec. 706.2 Certifications of the Secretary of the Navy under
Executive Order 11964 and 33 U.S.C. 1605.
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[[Page 22323]]
Table One
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Distance in meters
of forward masthead
Vessel Number light below minimum
required height
2(a)(i) Annex 1
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USS OHIO...................................... SSGN 726.................................. 3.70
USS MICHIGAN.................................. SSGN 727.................................. 3.70
USS FLORIDA................................... SSGN 728.................................. 3.70
USS GEORGIA................................... SSGN 729.................................. 3.70
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Table Three
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Side lights Forward
distance anchor
Masthead inboard of Stern light light, Anchor lights
lights arc Side lights Stern light ship's distance height relationship of aft
Vessel Number of arc of arc of sides in forward of above hull light to forward
visibility; visibility; visibility; meters: stern in in meters; light in meters;
rule 21(a) rule 21(b) rule 21(c) Section meters; Section Section 2(K) annex
3(b) annex rule 21(c) 2(K) annex 1
1 1
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USS OHIO........................ SSGN 726........... 225[deg] 112.5[deg] 209[deg] 5.3 9.0 3.8 4.0 below.
USS MICHIGAN.................... SSGN 727........... 225[deg] 225[deg] 209[deg] 5.3 9.0 3.8 4.0 below.
USS FLORIDA..................... SSGN 728........... ........... ........... 209[deg] 5.3 9.0 3.8 4.0 below.
USS GEORGIA..................... SSGN 729........... 225[deg] ........... 209[deg] 5.3 9.0 3.8 4.0 below.
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Approved: April 13, 2011.
M. Robb Hyde,
Commander, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate, General
(Admiralty and Maritime Law).
Dated: April 14, 2011.
D.J. Werner,
Lieutenant Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy,
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011-9668 Filed 4-20-11; 8:45 am]
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