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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 (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined that USS MOMSEN (DDG 92) 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 12, 2004.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Commander Scott A. Kenney, 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 number: (202) 685-5040.

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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 Start Printed Page 61598General (Admiralty and Maritime Law), under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS MOMSEN (DDG 92) 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 3(a) pertaining to the location of the forward masthead light in the forward quarter of the vessel, and the horizontal distance between the forward and after masthead lights; Annex I, paragraph 3(c), pertaining to placement of task lights not less than two meters from the fore and aft centerline of the ship in the athwartship direction; Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i), pertaining to the placement of the masthead light or lights above and clear of all other lights and obstructions; and Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(ii), pertaining to the vertical placement of task lights. 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 different from that prescribed herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its military functions.

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List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 706

• Marine safety
• Navigation (water)
• and Vessels

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Accordingly,

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PART 706—[AMENDED]

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1. The authority citation for

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Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.

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2. Table Four, Paragraph 15 of § 706.2 is amended by adding, in numerical order, the following entry for USS MOMSEN:

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3. Table Four, Paragraph 16 of § 706.2 is amended by adding, in numerical order, the following entry for USS MOMSEN:

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4. Table Five of § 706.2 is amended by adding, in numerical order, the following entry for USS MOMSEN:

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