2016-10725: Cargo Securing Manuals

Summary

The Coast Guard is issuing an interim rule to require U.S. and foreign self-propelled cargo vessels of 500 gross tons or more, traveling on international voyages and carrying cargo that is other than solid or liquid bulk cargo, to have cargo securing manuals (CSMs) on board. The rule also requires those vessels to comply with certain provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended (SOLAS), authorizes recognized classification societies or other approval authorities to review and approve CSMs on behalf of the Coast Guard; and prescribes when and how the loss or jettisoning of cargo at sea must be reported. The Coast Guard requests public comment on its intention to extend, in a subsequent final rule, this interim rule's requirement for vessel CSMs to self-propelled cargo vessels under 500 gross tons, if these vessels carry dangerous goods in packaged form on international voyages. This interim rule promotes the Coast Guard's maritime safety and stewardship (environmental protection) missions, helps fulfill U.S. treaty obligations, and could help prevent or mitigate the consequences of vessel cargo loss.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 3 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 33 CFR 97 Rules for the Safe Operation of Vessels, Stowage and Securing of Cargoes
• 33 CFR 160 Ports and Waterways Safety—General
• 46 CFR 97 Operations