Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements, Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary

Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements, Agency Information

Collection Activity Under OMB Review

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44

U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information

Collection Requests (ICRs) abstracted below has been forwarded to the

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICRs

describes the nature of the information collection and their expected

burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period

soliciting comments on the following collection of information was

published on March 23, 1998 [63 FR, 13903-13904].

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 6, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Davis, U.S. Coast Guard,

Office of Information Management, telephone (202) 267-2326.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

United States Coast Guard (USCG)

(1) Title: Alternate Compliance--International/Inland Navigation

Rules.

OMB Control Number: 2115-0073.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Vessel owners, operators, builders and agents.

Abstract: The information collected provides an opportunity for

those with unique vessels to present their reasons why the vessel

cannot comply with existing regulations and how alternate compliance

can be achieved.

Need: Certain vessels cannot comply with the International

Regulations (33 U.S.C. 1601) and Inland Navigation Rules (33 U.S.C.

2001). the Coast Guard thus provides an opportunity for alternate

compliance. However, it is not possible to determine whether alternate

compliance is appropriate or what kind of alternative procedures might

be necessary without this collection.

Burden Estimate: The estimated burden is 135 hours annually.

(2) Title: Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for

Recreational Vessels.

OMB Control Number: 2115-0619.

Affected Public: PFD manufacturers.

Abstract: The information collected concerns the labeling and

preparation of manuals for inflatable PFDs. In keeping with this

requirement the Coast Guard has established a system for approval of

PFDs for use on such vessels? To facilitate the approval and inspection

process, the Coast Guard requires that manufacturers label their

devices and publish users manuals to help the end user.

Need: Title 46 U.S.C. 4302(a) prescribes regulations to: (a)

establish minimum safety standards for recreational vessels, (b)

require the installation and carrying or use of associated equipment

and require or permit the display of seals, labels, plates, insignia or

other devices for certifying or evidencing compliance with safety

regulations. The labels are important for a number of reasons. First,

they are essential to the user; they indicate the chest size of the PFD

and also display printed and pictographic instructions for proper use

and care of the PFD. Secondly, because they include a specific product

number and the manufacturer's name they are central to the Coast

Guard's mission of identifying faulty equipment and then notifying the

responsible producer. The manuals also serve a dual purpose. On the one

hand they give the user information they will need to properly use and

maintain the device, and on the other they keep the Coast Guard

informed as to the specifications and design of new PFDs.

Burden Estimate: The estimated burden is 503.33 hours annually.

Addressee: Send comments to the Office of Information and

Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725-17th Street,

NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention USCG Desk Officer.

Comments are invited on: the need for the proposed collection of

information for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,

including whether the information will have practical utility; the

accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed

collection of information including the validity of the methodology and

assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of

the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the

collection of information on those who are to respond, including the

use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other

technological collection techniques.

A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB

receives the comment within 30 days of publication.

Issued in Washington, DC, on May 29, 1998.

Phillip A. Leach,

Clearance Officer, United States, Department of Transportation.

[FR Doc. 98-14888 Filed 6-4-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-62-P