Department of the Navy April 21, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of the Navy (DoN) is amending its certifications and exemptions under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), to reflect the conversion of several Navy vessels from ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) to guided missile submarines (SSGN). The Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (DAJAG) (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has determined that certain vessels of the SSGN Class are vessels of the Navy which, due to their special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with certain provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with their special function as naval ships. The intended effect of this rule is to warn mariners in waters where 72 COLREGS apply.