Proposed Distribution of Scheduled Navigation Safety Messages (Broadcast Notice to Mariners) by Mobile and Internet Methods, 37338-37339 [2021-15059]

Download as PDF 37338 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 133 / Thursday, July 15, 2021 / Notices treatment of cancer. The outcome of the evaluation will provide information to internal NCI committees that will decide whether NCI should support requests and make available contract resources for development of the potential therapeutic to improve the treatment of various forms of cancer. The research proposals and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the proposed research projects, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; JUN2021 Cycle 38 NExT SEP Committee Meeting. Date: August 4, 2021. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Agenda: To evaluate the NCI Experimental Therapeutics Program Portfolio. Place: National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 31, Room 3A44, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 (WebEx Meeting). Contact Persons: Barbara Mroczkowski, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, Discovery Experimental Therapeutics Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 31 Center Drive, Room 3A44, Bethesda, MD 20817, (301) 496–4291, mroczkoskib@mail.nih.gov. Toby Hecht, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, Development Experimental Therapeutics Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 3W110, Rockville, MD 20850, (240) 276–5683, toby.hecht2@nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.392, Cancer Construction; 93.393, Cancer Cause and Prevention Research; 93.394, Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research; 93.395, Cancer Treatment Research; 93.396, Cancer Biology Research; 93.397, Cancer Centers Support; 93.398, Cancer Research Manpower; 93.399, Cancer Control, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: July 12, 2021. Melanie J. Pantoja, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–15073 Filed 7–14–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG–2020–0187] Proposed Distribution of Scheduled Navigation Safety Messages (Broadcast Notice to Mariners) by Mobile and Internet Methods Coast Guard, Homeland Security (DHS). AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Jul 14, 2021 Jkt 253001 Notice of availability and request for comments. ACTION: In 2020, the Coast Guard began making broadcast notices to mariners containing locally relevant information accessible by mobile devices and the internet. Previously, the only way to obtain this information in a timely fashion was to tune in to local Coast Guard broadcasts that take place on very high frequency (VHF) marine radio two or more times per day. The new methods of information delivery have included Rich Site Summary, also known as Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, email, and other means such as map-based filtering. The Coast Guard has received public feedback indicating that mariners prefer the realtime accessibility of mobile and internet access to this information over scheduled VHF broadcasts, because access is more timely, reliable, convenient, and customizable. Also, some mariners have reported that VHF broadcast notice to mariners are bothersome, because they are perceived as unnecessary radio clutter that can be distracting when maneuvering along a dock, in ports or other areas of congested traffic. The Coast Guard is considering phasing out the process of distributing this information by routine VHF radio broadcasts, and is seeking public comment. DATES: Comments must be submitted to the online docket via https:// www.regulations.gov on or before August 16, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2020–0187 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the supplementary information section for further instructions on submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document, please call or email Eugene Diotalevi, Coast Guard Navigation Center; telephone: 703–313–5800; email: Eugene.j.diotalevi@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to submit comments (or related material) on the Coast Guard’s proposal to distribute and make available BNM information through mobile and web-based methods. We will consider all submissions received before the comment period closes. If you submit a comment, please PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 include the docket number for this notice, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using the portal, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions. Documents mentioned in this notice, and all public comments, are in our online docket at https:// www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website’s instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted. We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions in response to this document, see DHS’s eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020). Abbreviations BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners VHF Very High Frequency RSS Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication Discussion In a previous notice (85 FR 32408, May 29, 2020), the Coast Guard provided an overview of the existing practice of distributing broadcast notices to mariners through routing broadcasts on VHF marine radio, and described new methods of digital access to this information that was being made available through web and mobile means. The Coast Guard received two comments on the May 29, 2020 this notice; both viewed the Coast Guard’s initiative favorably. One comment, from a recognized maritime industry association, expressed support for the Coast Guard’s plans to expand options for access to this information, indicating, ‘‘its enactment will have a positive impact on reaching a greater number of mariners, expanded convenience, and improved timeliness of distribution.’’ Since publication of the May 29, 2020 notice, the Coast Guard has expanded the improved access beyond the Fifth Coast Guard District, where the system was being tested. The Coast Guard has also been actively soliciting feedback about the program through meetings E:\FR\FM\15JYN1.SGM 15JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 133 / Thursday, July 15, 2021 / Notices with maritime industry groups and local harbor safety committees and through public surveys. Information gathered indicates that the maritime public finds the new mobile and web access valuable and worthwhile. Mariners also told the Coast Guard that they did not find the existing routine VHF broadcasts to be very valuable; rather, the broadcasts, which are typically announced on VHF channel 16 and then switched to channel 22, were frequently noted as bothersome, because they tended to crowd out more valuable marine radio traffic on both VHF channels, creating ‘‘radio clutter.’’ The Coast Guard is now considering phasing out routine VHF broadcasts in locations where digital mobile and web access is made available, and is seeking public comment. Before broadcasts in any particular location are phased out, mariners can anticipate that the Coast Guard will thoroughly announce and remind mariners about how to access the information by the new web and mobile methods. Only routine broadcasts are being considered for phase out; the Coast Guard will continue to choose to broadcast urgent and safety broadcasts on VHF as necessary. This notice is issued under the authority of 14 U.S.C. 504(a)(16) and 5 U.S.C. 552(a). Dated: July 6, 2021. Michael D. Emerson, Director, Marine Transportation Systems. [FR Doc. 2021–15059 Filed 7–14–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG–2020–0278] Port Access Route Study: Northern New York Bight Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of availability of draft report and public meeting; request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: From June 29, 2020, through June 28, 2021, the Coast Guard conducted the Northern New York Bight Port Access Route Study (NNYBPARS) and is now requesting your comments on a draft version of the study report. The goal of the study is to evaluate the adequacy of existing vessel routing measures and determine whether additional vessel routing measures are necessary for port approaches to New York and New Jersey and international khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Jul 14, 2021 Jkt 253001 and domestic transit areas in the First District area of responsibility. To accomplish this goal, the Coast Guard has undertaken measures to determine whether existing or additional routing measures are necessary to improve navigation safety due to factors such as planned or potential offshore development, current port capabilities and planned improvements, increased vessel traffic, existing and potential anchorage areas, changing vessel traffic patterns, effects of weather, or navigational difficulty. We seek your comments on the content and development of the report. DATES: Your comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before August 30, 2021. Although the Coast Guard prefers and highly encourages all comments and related material be submitted directly to the electronic docket, a public meeting will be held via webinar and teleconference to provide an opportunity for oral comments about the NNYBPARS draft report on Friday, July 30, 2020, beginning at 9 a.m. EST. Additional public meetings dates may be added. Information as to the date, time, and location of these in person public meetings will be posted at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/ ?pageName=PARS by July 23, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2020–0278 using the Federal portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. A virtual public meeting on Friday, July 30, 2020, beginning at 9 a.m. EST, will be held via webinar and teleconference. Access information for this virtual public meeting will be posted at https:// www.navcen.uscg.gov/ ?pageName=PARS by July 23, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, contact Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management at First Coast Guard District, telephone (617) 223–8351, email craig.d.lapiejko@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Table of Abbreviations ACPARS Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study AIS Automatic Identification System COMDTINST Commandant Instruction DHS Department of Homeland Security EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone IMO International Maritime Organization MTS Marine Transportation System NAD83 North American Datum of 1983 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37339 NNYB Northern New York Bight PARS Port Access Route Study PWSA Ports and Waterways Safety Act TSS Traffic Separation Scheme USCG United States Coast Guard II. Background and Purpose The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (46 U.S.C. 70003(c)) requires the Coast Guard to conduct a Port Access Route Study (PARS), i.e., a study of potential traffic density and the need for safe access routes for vessels. Through the study process, the Coast Guard coordinates with Federal, State, local, tribal and foreign state agencies (as appropriate) to consider the views of maritime community representatives, environmental groups, and other interested stakeholders. The primary purpose of this coordination is, to the extent practicable, to reconcile the need for safe access routes with other reasonable waterway uses such as construction and operation of renewable energy facilities and other uses of the Atlantic Ocean in the study area. In 2019, the Coast Guard announced a new study of routes used by ships to access ports on the Atlantic Coast of the United States in the Federal Register (84 FR 9541; March 15, 2019). This new study supplements and builds upon the ACPARS by conducting a series of PARS to examine ports along the Atlantic Coast that are economically significant or support military or critical national defense operations and related international entry and departure transit areas that are integral to the safe and efficient and unimpeded flow of commerce to/from major international shipping lanes. The NNYBPARS is one of several studies being conducted. On June 29, 2020, the First Coast Guard District published a notice of study and public meetings; request for comments entitled ‘‘Port Access Route Study (PARS): Northern New York Bight’’ in the Federal Register (85 FR 38907) to evaluate the adequacy of existing vessel routing measures and determine whether additional vessel routing measures are necessary for port approaches to New York and New Jersey and international and domestic transit areas in the First District area of responsibility. The public was afforded a 60-day comment period, and two virtual public meetings were held via teleconference and webinar to receive public input. The Coast Guard received 25 comments to this document in response to our Federal Register Notice, public meetings and other outreach efforts. All comments and supporting documents to this document are available in a public E:\FR\FM\15JYN1.SGM 15JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37338-37339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15059]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2020-0187]


Proposed Distribution of Scheduled Navigation Safety Messages 
(Broadcast Notice to Mariners) by Mobile and Internet Methods

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In 2020, the Coast Guard began making broadcast notices to 
mariners containing locally relevant information accessible by mobile 
devices and the internet. Previously, the only way to obtain this 
information in a timely fashion was to tune in to local Coast Guard 
broadcasts that take place on very high frequency (VHF) marine radio 
two or more times per day. The new methods of information delivery have 
included Rich Site Summary, also known as Really Simple Syndication 
(RSS) feeds, email, and other means such as map-based filtering. The 
Coast Guard has received public feedback indicating that mariners 
prefer the real-time accessibility of mobile and internet access to 
this information over scheduled VHF broadcasts, because access is more 
timely, reliable, convenient, and customizable. Also, some mariners 
have reported that VHF broadcast notice to mariners are bothersome, 
because they are perceived as unnecessary radio clutter that can be 
distracting when maneuvering along a dock, in ports or other areas of 
congested traffic. The Coast Guard is considering phasing out the 
process of distributing this information by routine VHF radio 
broadcasts, and is seeking public comment.

DATES: Comments must be submitted to the online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before August 16, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2020-0187 using the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ``Public Participation and Request for 
Comments'' portion of the supplementary information section for further 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document, 
please call or email Eugene Diotalevi, Coast Guard Navigation Center; 
telephone: 703-313-5800; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to submit comments (or related material) on the 
Coast Guard's proposal to distribute and make available BNM information 
through mobile and web-based methods. We will consider all submissions 
received before the comment period closes. If you submit a comment, 
please include the docket number for this notice, indicate the specific 
section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a 
reason for each suggestion or recommendation.
    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be 
submitted using the portal, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate 
instructions. Documents mentioned in this notice, and all public 
comments, are in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and 
can be viewed by following that website's instructions. Additionally, 
if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will 
be notified when comments are posted.
    We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and 
submissions in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking System 
of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).

Abbreviations

BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners
VHF Very High Frequency
RSS Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication

Discussion

    In a previous notice (85 FR 32408, May 29, 2020), the Coast Guard 
provided an overview of the existing practice of distributing broadcast 
notices to mariners through routing broadcasts on VHF marine radio, and 
described new methods of digital access to this information that was 
being made available through web and mobile means. The Coast Guard 
received two comments on the May 29, 2020 this notice; both viewed the 
Coast Guard's initiative favorably. One comment, from a recognized 
maritime industry association, expressed support for the Coast Guard's 
plans to expand options for access to this information, indicating, 
``its enactment will have a positive impact on reaching a greater 
number of mariners, expanded convenience, and improved timeliness of 
distribution.''
    Since publication of the May 29, 2020 notice, the Coast Guard has 
expanded the improved access beyond the Fifth Coast Guard District, 
where the system was being tested. The Coast Guard has also been 
actively soliciting feedback about the program through meetings

[[Page 37339]]

with maritime industry groups and local harbor safety committees and 
through public surveys. Information gathered indicates that the 
maritime public finds the new mobile and web access valuable and 
worthwhile. Mariners also told the Coast Guard that they did not find 
the existing routine VHF broadcasts to be very valuable; rather, the 
broadcasts, which are typically announced on VHF channel 16 and then 
switched to channel 22, were frequently noted as bothersome, because 
they tended to crowd out more valuable marine radio traffic on both VHF 
channels, creating ``radio clutter.''
    The Coast Guard is now considering phasing out routine VHF 
broadcasts in locations where digital mobile and web access is made 
available, and is seeking public comment. Before broadcasts in any 
particular location are phased out, mariners can anticipate that the 
Coast Guard will thoroughly announce and remind mariners about how to 
access the information by the new web and mobile methods. Only routine 
broadcasts are being considered for phase out; the Coast Guard will 
continue to choose to broadcast urgent and safety broadcasts on VHF as 
necessary.
    This notice is issued under the authority of 14 U.S.C. 504(a)(16) 
and 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

    Dated: July 6, 2021.
Michael D. Emerson,
Director, Marine Transportation Systems.
[FR Doc. 2021-15059 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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