[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 128 (Thursday, July 3, 1997)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 36037-36038] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-17471] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 84 [CGD 95-037] Adequacy of Barge and Tug Navigation Lights AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT. ACTION: Notice of termination. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This request for comments was initiated in response to concerns expressed by the marine community, both commercial and recreational, that current lighting requirements for towing vessels and vessels being towed are not adequate. The Coast Guard solicited public input regarding current lighting requirements. However, after review and discussion of the comments, the Coast Guard has concluded that there are no problems with the lighting of underway tug and barge combinations which can be addressed through changes to current lighting requirements for towing vessels and vessels under tow. Therefore, the Coast Guard is terminating further action under docket number 95-037. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Diane Schneider, Project Manager, Vessel Traffic Management Division (G-MOV), (202) 267-0415. DATES: This termination is effective on July 3, 1997. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Inland Navigation Rules (Navigation Rules) are set forth in 33 U.S.C. 2001, et seq., and Commandant Instruction M16672.2C. (The Inland Navigation Rules also will be set forth in future versions of this Commandant Instruction which will likely be issued under slightly different instruction numbers.) Under 33 U.S.C. 2071, the Secretary of Transportation may issue regulations to implement and interpret the Navigation Rules. The Secretary is also directed to establish technical annexes. The technical annex for lighting requirements is contained in 33 CFR part 84. This annex specifies placement requirements for lights, including placement of lights on towing vessels and vessels under tow. Safety concerns associated with towing operations and small craft traffic have been raised in recent years in several publications, including the American Boat and Yacht Council Newsletter, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Circulars, America's Inland and Coastal Tug and Barge Operators pamphlet ``Life Lines'', and various yachting magazines. The safety aspects of barge lighting were discussed at the May 1994 meeting of National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC). At its November 1994 meeting, the Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC) was asked to consider whether current tug and tow lighting requirements under Navigation Rule 24 are adequate. NAVSAC concluded that additional information was needed to determine whether there was an actual problem, and, if so, to determine possible solutions. The Council unanimously passed a resolution requesting that the Coast Guard solicit public comments on whether towing vessels and vessels being towed are sufficiently lighted while underway. On May 9, 1995, the Coast Guard published a Request for Comments in the Federal Register (60 FR 24598). The Coast Guard received 94 comments. In response to some of these comments, the Coast Guard published a notice (60 FR 53726; October 17, 1995) and held a public meeting at the Holiday Inn Downtown/Convention Center, 811 North Ninth Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 on November 11, 1995. After careful review and discussion of the comments, NAVSAC determined that the problems associated with the lighting of barges were not due to the lighting configuration but rather due to other factors. The Coast Guard agrees [[Page 36038]] that other factors--such as the lack of boater education in recognizing lighting configurations; no licensing requirement for recreational boaters; boating while intoxicated; and the lack of compliance with existing lighting requirements--are responsible for the problems. Therefore, no rulemaking is necessary, and the Coast Guard is terminating further action under docket number 95-037. Dated: June 24, 1997 R.C. North, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. [FR Doc. 97-17471 Filed 7-2-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-14-M