Policy Letter: Guidance for Training of Deck Officers on Vessels Subject to the International Code for Ships Operating in the Polar Waters, 7552-7553 [2016-02890]

Download as PDF 7552 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 29 / Friday, February 12, 2016 / Notices Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 4234, MSC 9550, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–443–9511, jrao@nida.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos.: 93.279, Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: February 8, 2016. Natasha M. Copeland, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–02849 Filed 2–11–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P Dated: February 8, 2016. Melanie J. Gray, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–02851 Filed 2–11–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG–2016–0017] Policy Letter: Guidance for Training of Deck Officers on Vessels Subject to the International Code for Ships Operating in the Polar Waters DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of availability. AGENCY: National Institutes of Health ACTION: National Institute of General Medical Sciences; Notice of Closed Meeting SUMMARY: asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES2 Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: NIGMS Initial Review Group; Training and Workforce Development Subcommittee—C. Date: March 7, 2016. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, VA 22102. Contact Person: Mona R. Trempe, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Office of Scientific Review, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 45 Center Drive, Room 3AN12, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–594–3998, trempemo@ mail.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.375, Minority Biomedical Research Support; 93.821, Cell Biology and Biophysics Research; 93.859, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Research; 93.862, Genetics and Developmental Biology Research; 93.88, Minority Access to Research Careers; 93.96, Special Minority Initiatives; 93.859, Biomedical Research and Research Training, National Institutes of Health, HHS) VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Feb 11, 2016 Jkt 238001 The Coast Guard announces the availability, in the docket, of a policy letter which provides voluntary guidance for the training of deck officers on vessels operating in polar waters. It recommends training measures that will achieve a higher level of safety for mariners working in this specialized polar environment. It is applicable to SOLAS vessels operating outside the boundary line and subject to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code). The draft policy letter and voluntary guidance would not apply to vessels on voyages that do not operate in areas subject to the Polar Code. DATES: This policy letter is effective on February 12, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this document, contact Cathleen Mauro, Marine Personnel Qualifications Division (CG–OES–1), U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 202–372–1449, or Cathleen.B.Mauro@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Viewing Materials in the Docket The policy letter is available in the docket and can be viewed by going to www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG– 2016–0017 in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box, and then clicking ‘‘Search.’’ Background and Purpose Current shipping trends show an increase in the number of vessels regularly transiting remote polar areas. Vessels in polar waters experience unpredictable and poor weather conditions, degraded navigation tools, threats to operating equipment and increased stability concerns. In response to the challenges faced by these vessels and the concern for their safe operation, PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a mandatory code, the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, commonly referred to as the Polar Code. The Polar Code addresses safety and environmental requirements for vessels, as well as the level of training required for deck officers, and is expected to come into force on January 1, 2017. In order to obtain input from U.S. stakeholders and to facilitate the development of the U.S. position at the IMO on the training requirements needed to support the Polar Code, the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) chartered a working group in 2013 to address mariner training in support of the polar code. The working group developed a proposal that included the training competencies for U.S. mariners serving on ships operating in polar waters. The working group held multiple meetings and provided recommendations on minimum standards of competence, sea service, and recency requirements for polar training at the basic and advanced levels. The group also developed recommendations on how existing mariners with experience operating in polar waters would be grandfathered under the new requirements. MERPAC adopted the working group’s recommendations, which provided the basis of the U.S. position regarding the relevant amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978, as amended, and the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code). The STCW Convention and Code provide the international standards for seafarers. Through the work of the IMO’s Subcommittee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), amendments to the STCW Convention and Code were developed to define the training requirements needed to support the implementation of the Polar Code. These amendments were approved by the Maritime Safety Committee on its Ninety Fifth Session (MSC 95), and are expected to be adopted by the IMO in July of 2016. The amendments are expected to enter into force on January 1, 2018. Cognizant that there is a gap between the time the Polar Code enters into force on January 1, 2017 and the adoption of the amendments to the STCW Convention by IMO in July of 2016, the Coast Guard has developed a policy letter that recommends training guidelines for deck officers on vessels operating in polar waters. The Coast Guard is providing this guidance to E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1 7553 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 29 / Friday, February 12, 2016 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES2 ensure there are sufficiently trained mariners by the time the Polar Code enters into force. Discussion Recognizing that the operation of ships sailing in polar waters calls for specific education, training, experience and related qualifications for officers, Resolution 11 of the 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention included nonmandatory guidance on training for deck and engineer officers serving on ships operating in polar waters. The guidance is contained in Section B–V/g of the STCW Code. The training requirements of the Polar Code, however, go beyond what is addressed in Section B–V/g of the STCW Code, by utilizing a risk-assessment to addresses the applicability of different levels of training required for deck officers engaged on ships operating in polar waters. Chapter 12 of The Polar Code identifies the level of training required for deck officers on ships subject to the Polar Code taking into account the type of vessel and the ice conditions in the operating area. The levels of training are either Basic or Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters. The interim guidance in this policy is based upon the amendments to the STCW Convention and Code supporting the mandatory training requirements in Chapter 12 of the Polar Code. The requirements to meet the standards of competence for Basic or Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters are defined in the STCW amendments supporting the Polar Code. A mariner may satisfy the standard of competence for Basic or Advanced Training in Polar Code Operations by meeting the respective sea service and training requirements prescribed in Enclosure (1) of the Policy Letter. By meeting the basic or advanced training standard required by the Polar Code, mariners are also meeting the familiarization requirements of 46 CFR 15.405, which states that each credentialed mariner must be familiar with the relevant characteristics of the vessel appropriate to his or her duties and responsibilities prior to assuming those duties and responsibilities. On board a seagoing vessel, this responsibility rests with both the mariner and the employer as set forth in 46 CFR 15.1105, which requires mariners subject to STCW to complete familiarization training before performing any duty or being assigned any responsibility unless they are familiar with those duties and responsibilities and with all of the vessel’s arrangements, installations, equipment, procedures, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Feb 11, 2016 Jkt 238001 characteristics relevant to his or her routine and emergency duties or responsibilities. If training regulations are published, training completed to meet the requirements described in the policy letter may be evaluated on a case by case basis, and considered to meet part of the transitional provisions of the training requirements for Basic or Advanced Polar Waters Operations. Voluntary Policy The guidance provided in this policy letter is voluntary, except where existing regulatory requirements are discussed. Although it may assist the industry, public, Coast Guard, and other Federal and State regulators in applying existing statutory and regulatory requirements, the policy letter and guidance it contains are not a substitute for applicable legal requirements nor are they regulations themselves. We note the ongoing work of the IMO in this area, in particular regarding training of personnel engaged in polar waters. Developments within this body will be taken into account during possible future revisions of the draft policy letter. During the course of local operations, each Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has discretionary authority on how best to address specific safety and security concerns within his or her area of responsibility consistent with 33 CFR 1.01–30. Nothing in the policy letter or the guidance it contains is meant to override or limit the discretion of the COTP when addressing the unique safety concerns of vessels operating in polar waters. This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a). Dated: February 8, 2016. J.G. Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard. Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that AmSpec Services, LLC, has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products and accredited to test petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of August 12, 2015. DATES: Effective Dates: The accreditation and approval of AmSpec Services, LLC, as commercial gauger and laboratory became effective on August 12, 2015. The next triennial inspection date will be scheduled for August 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Approved Gauger and Accredited Laboratories Manager, Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Suite 1500N, Washington, DC 20229, tel. 202– 344–1060. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13, that AmSpec Services, LLC, 100–B Redoubt Rd., Yorktown, VA 23692, has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products and accredited to test petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13. AmSpec Services, LLC is approved for the following gauging procedures for petroleum and certain petroleum products from the American Petroleum Institute (API): SUMMARY: API Chapters 3 .............. 7 .............. 8 .............. 9 .............. 12 ............ 17 ............ Title Tank Gauging. Temperature Determination. Sampling. Density Determinations. Calculations. Maritime Measurement. [FR Doc. 2016–02890 Filed 2–11–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Accreditation and Approval of AmSpec Services, Llc, as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. AGENCY: Notice of accreditation and approval of AmSpec Services, LLC, as a commercial gauger and laboratory. ACTION: PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 AmSpec Services, LLC is accredited for the following laboratory analysis procedures and methods for petroleum and certain petroleum products set forth by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laboratory Methods (CBPL) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct laboratory analyses and gauger services should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is accredited or approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific test or gauger service requested. Alternatively, inquiries regarding the specific test or gauger service this entity is accredited or approved to perform E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1

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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 29 (Friday, February 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7552-7553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-02890]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0017]


Policy Letter: Guidance for Training of Deck Officers on Vessels 
Subject to the International Code for Ships Operating in the Polar 
Waters

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the availability, in the docket, of 
a policy letter which provides voluntary guidance for the training of 
deck officers on vessels operating in polar waters. It recommends 
training measures that will achieve a higher level of safety for 
mariners working in this specialized polar environment. It is 
applicable to SOLAS vessels operating outside the boundary line and 
subject to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters 
(Polar Code). The draft policy letter and voluntary guidance would not 
apply to vessels on voyages that do not operate in areas subject to the 
Polar Code.

DATES: This policy letter is effective on February 12, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
document, contact Cathleen Mauro, Marine Personnel Qualifications 
Division (CG-OES-1), U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-1449, or 
Cathleen.B.Mauro@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Viewing Materials in the Docket

    The policy letter is available in the docket and can be viewed by 
going to www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2016-0017 in the 
``Keyword'' box, and then clicking ``Search.''

Background and Purpose

    Current shipping trends show an increase in the number of vessels 
regularly transiting remote polar areas. Vessels in polar waters 
experience unpredictable and poor weather conditions, degraded 
navigation tools, threats to operating equipment and increased 
stability concerns. In response to the challenges faced by these 
vessels and the concern for their safe operation, the International 
Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a mandatory code, the 
International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, commonly 
referred to as the Polar Code. The Polar Code addresses safety and 
environmental requirements for vessels, as well as the level of 
training required for deck officers, and is expected to come into force 
on January 1, 2017.
    In order to obtain input from U.S. stakeholders and to facilitate 
the development of the U.S. position at the IMO on the training 
requirements needed to support the Polar Code, the Merchant Marine 
Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) chartered a working group in 2013 
to address mariner training in support of the polar code. The working 
group developed a proposal that included the training competencies for 
U.S. mariners serving on ships operating in polar waters. The working 
group held multiple meetings and provided recommendations on minimum 
standards of competence, sea service, and recency requirements for 
polar training at the basic and advanced levels. The group also 
developed recommendations on how existing mariners with experience 
operating in polar waters would be grandfathered under the new 
requirements. MERPAC adopted the working group's recommendations, which 
provided the basis of the U.S. position regarding the relevant 
amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, 
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978, 
as amended, and the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 
Code (STCW Code). The STCW Convention and Code provide the 
international standards for seafarers.
    Through the work of the IMO's Sub-committee on Human Element, 
Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), amendments to the STCW Convention and 
Code were developed to define the training requirements needed to 
support the implementation of the Polar Code. These amendments were 
approved by the Maritime Safety Committee on its Ninety Fifth Session 
(MSC 95), and are expected to be adopted by the IMO in July of 2016. 
The amendments are expected to enter into force on January 1, 2018.
    Cognizant that there is a gap between the time the Polar Code 
enters into force on January 1, 2017 and the adoption of the amendments 
to the STCW Convention by IMO in July of 2016, the Coast Guard has 
developed a policy letter that recommends training guidelines for deck 
officers on vessels operating in polar waters. The Coast Guard is 
providing this guidance to

[[Page 7553]]

ensure there are sufficiently trained mariners by the time the Polar 
Code enters into force.

Discussion

    Recognizing that the operation of ships sailing in polar waters 
calls for specific education, training, experience and related 
qualifications for officers, Resolution 11 of the 2010 amendments to 
the STCW Convention included non-mandatory guidance on training for 
deck and engineer officers serving on ships operating in polar waters. 
The guidance is contained in Section B-V/g of the STCW Code. The 
training requirements of the Polar Code, however, go beyond what is 
addressed in Section B-V/g of the STCW Code, by utilizing a risk-
assessment to addresses the applicability of different levels of 
training required for deck officers engaged on ships operating in polar 
waters. Chapter 12 of The Polar Code identifies the level of training 
required for deck officers on ships subject to the Polar Code taking 
into account the type of vessel and the ice conditions in the operating 
area. The levels of training are either Basic or Advanced Training for 
Ships Operating in Polar Waters. The interim guidance in this policy is 
based upon the amendments to the STCW Convention and Code supporting 
the mandatory training requirements in Chapter 12 of the Polar Code.
    The requirements to meet the standards of competence for Basic or 
Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters are defined in 
the STCW amendments supporting the Polar Code. A mariner may satisfy 
the standard of competence for Basic or Advanced Training in Polar Code 
Operations by meeting the respective sea service and training 
requirements prescribed in Enclosure (1) of the Policy Letter.
    By meeting the basic or advanced training standard required by the 
Polar Code, mariners are also meeting the familiarization requirements 
of 46 CFR 15.405, which states that each credentialed mariner must be 
familiar with the relevant characteristics of the vessel appropriate to 
his or her duties and responsibilities prior to assuming those duties 
and responsibilities. On board a seagoing vessel, this responsibility 
rests with both the mariner and the employer as set forth in 46 CFR 
15.1105, which requires mariners subject to STCW to complete 
familiarization training before performing any duty or being assigned 
any responsibility unless they are familiar with those duties and 
responsibilities and with all of the vessel's arrangements, 
installations, equipment, procedures, and characteristics relevant to 
his or her routine and emergency duties or responsibilities.
    If training regulations are published, training completed to meet 
the requirements described in the policy letter may be evaluated on a 
case by case basis, and considered to meet part of the transitional 
provisions of the training requirements for Basic or Advanced Polar 
Waters Operations.

Voluntary Policy

    The guidance provided in this policy letter is voluntary, except 
where existing regulatory requirements are discussed. Although it may 
assist the industry, public, Coast Guard, and other Federal and State 
regulators in applying existing statutory and regulatory requirements, 
the policy letter and guidance it contains are not a substitute for 
applicable legal requirements nor are they regulations themselves. We 
note the ongoing work of the IMO in this area, in particular regarding 
training of personnel engaged in polar waters. Developments within this 
body will be taken into account during possible future revisions of the 
draft policy letter. During the course of local operations, each Coast 
Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has discretionary authority on how 
best to address specific safety and security concerns within his or her 
area of responsibility consistent with 33 CFR 1.01-30. Nothing in the 
policy letter or the guidance it contains is meant to override or limit 
the discretion of the COTP when addressing the unique safety concerns 
of vessels operating in polar waters.
    This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

    Dated: February 8, 2016.
J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2016-02890 Filed 2-11-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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