[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 125 (Monday, June 30, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35105-35106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16525]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
46 CFR Part 111
[CGD 97-030]
Use of MIL-C-915 Cable on Merchant Vessels
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of policy; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard received several requests that cable meeting
the specifications of MIL-C-915 be allowed in the alteration,
modification, conversion, or construction of merchant vessels. This
document solicits public comments on this issue. In addition, it
announces a policy providing a means for requesting the use of the
cable until this matter is resolved.
DATES: Effective: June 30, 1997. Submit comments on or before August
29, 1997.
ADDRESSES: You may mail comments to the Executive Secretary, Marine
Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 97-030),
[[Page 35106]]
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC
20593-0001, or deliver them to room 3406 at the same address between
9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The telephone number is 202-267-1477.
The Executive Secretary maintains the public docket for this
notice. Comments will become part of this docket and will be available
for inspection or copying at room 3406, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters,
between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Hamman, Project Manager,
Office of Design and Engineering Standards (G-MSE), 202-267-2206.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Comments
The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to comment on this
document. Persons submitting comments should include their names and
addresses, identify this notice (CGD 97-030), and give the reason for
each comment. Please submit two copies of all comments and attachments
in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ x 11 inches, suitable for
copying and electronic filing. Persons wanting acknowledgment of
receipt of comments should enclose stamped, self-addressed postcards or
envelopes.
The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the
comment period. It may change its policy in view of the comments.
Discussion
The Coast Guard has received comments questioning its policy
prohibition the use of cable constructed to the specifications of MIL-
C-915 (Cable and Board for Shipboard Use (including Amendment 2)) (MIL-
C-915 cable) for alterations, modifications, conversions, and new
construction of merchant vessels. That policy is set out in a note
following paragraph (a) of 46 CFR 111.60-1. Paragraph (a) was amended
by the final rule published in the Federal Register on May 1, 1997 (62
FR 23908). The note to paragraph (a) was added by an interim rule
published in the Federal Register on June 4, 1996 (61 FR 28280) and
remained unchanged in the final rule. Section 111.60-1(a) and its note
now read as follows:
Sec. 111.60-1 Cable construction and testing.
(a) Each marine shipboard cable must meet all the construction
and identification requirements of either IEEE Std 45, IEC 92-3,
MIL-C-24640A, or MIL-C-24643A and the respective flammability tests
contained therein and be of copper stranded type.
Note to paragraph (a): MIL-C-915 cable is acceptable only for
repairs and replacements in kind. MIL-C-915 cable is no longer
acceptable for alterations, modifications, conversions, or new
construction. (See Sec. 110.01-3 of this chapter).
* * * * *
The note to paragraph (a) limits the use of MIL-C-915 cable to repairs
and replacements in kind and prohibits its use for alterations,
modifications, conversions, and new construction.
The requests stated that MIL-C-915 cable meets the requirements of
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Std 45
(Recommended Practice for Electric Installations on Shipboard, 1983),
as listed in paragraph (a). Therefore, the cable should be allowed for
all uses, including alterations, modifications, conversions, and new
construction.
The Coast Guard limited the use of the cable based on a decision by
the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to restrict the use of the cable
on Navy vessels. However, NAVSEA's decision was not based on a question
of whether or not the cable meets IEEE Std 45 and whether or not it is
suitable for use on merchant vessels.
The Coast Guard is soliciting comments on the use of MIL-C-915
cable.
Policy
In light of the fact that MIL-C-915 cable meets the requirements of
IEEE Std 45, the Coast Guard will accept requests to use MIL-C-915
cable in alterations, modifications, conversions, and new construction
under the equivalency provision in 46 CFR 110.20-1. This policy will
remain in effect until this matter is resolved and notice of the action
taken is published in the Federal Register. If the Coast Guard
determines that the note to Sec. 111.60-1(a) should be removed or
amended, a rulemaking will be initiated to allow the public an
opportunity to comment on that determination.
Dated: June 19, 1997.
Howard L. Hime,
Acting Director of Standards, Marine Safety and Environmental
Protection.
[FR Doc. 97-16525 Filed 6-27-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M