Maritime Security Program

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Maritime Administration

46 CFR Part 295

[Docket No. R-163]

RIN 2133-AB24

Maritime Security Program

AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Extension of comment period on interim final rule.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the request of a vessel operator, the Maritime

Administration (MARAD) is extending the period for commenting on its

interim final rule for the Maritime Security Program (MSP).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 2, 1996.

ADDRESSES: To be considered, comments must be mailed, delivered in

person or telefaxed (in which case an original must subsequently be

forwarded) to the Secretary, Maritime Administration, Room 7210,

Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C.

20590. All comments will be made available for inspection during normal

business hours at the above address. Commenters wishing MARAD to

acknowledge receipt of comments should enclose a stamped self-addressed

envelope or postcard.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond R. Barberesi, Director, Office

of Sealift Support, Telephone 202-366-2323.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 16, 1996, MARAD issued an interim

final rule providing procedures to implement the MSP contained in the

Maritime Security Act of 1996 (MSA), which was signed by the President

on October 8, 1996. Section 2 of the MSA amends Title VI of the

Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (Act) and adds a new Subtitle B. It

authorizes the MSP to provide assistance for U.S.-flag operators and

vessels that meet certain qualifications. Participating vessel

operators are required to make their ships and other commercial

resources available upon request by the Secretary of Defense during

time of war or national emergency.

Sea-Land Services, Inc. has requested an extension of the 30-day

comment period expiring on November 15, 1996, Sea-Land submits that the

requested extension will allow the preparation of more deliberate

comments to assist MARAD in fully implementing the provisions of the

MSA. It further states that the expedited pace of the MSP application

process has left little time to focus on assisting MARAD in this

important rulemaking process.

Accordingly, MARAD is extending the comment period until December

2, 1996.

By Order of the Maritime Administrator.

Dated: November 14, 1996.

Joel C. Richard,

Secretary, Maritime Administration.

[FR Doc. 96-29596 Filed 11-15-96; 8:45 am]

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