As part of a final rulemaking (RIN 0648-AS36), NMFS is establishing vessel speed restrictions to reduce the threat of collisions with highly endangered North Atlantic right whales. The restrictions will apply at specific times and in specific locations along the U.S. eastern seaboard. However, NMFS is also providing an exception to the restrictions in poor weather or sea conditions. Ships' captains will be required to make an entry into the ship's Official Logbook when an exception is necessary. The logbook entry is expected to take less than five minutes; an estimated 254 hours for the entire U.S. east coast shipping industry, annually.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requests an emergency review of an information collection request for the provisions contained in a final rule to address the threat of ship collisions with North Atlantic right whales.
This rule would implement speed restrictions of no more than 10 knots applying to all vessels 65 ft (19.8 m) or greater in overall length in certain locations and at certain times of the year along the east coast of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. The rule provides an exemption from the speed restrictions if a vessel is in an area where oceanographic, hydrographic and/or meteorological conditions severely restrict the maneuverability of the vessel. If a deviation from the ten-knot speed limit is necessary, the reasons for the deviation, the speed at which the vessel is operated, the latitude and longitude of the area, and the time and duration of such deviation shall be entered into the logbook of the vessel. This information collection would aid in enforcement of the rule. Without the approval of the information collection request for the measures within this rule, the NMFS could not provide an exemption for inclement conditions.
To assure that the collection-of-information is cleared as close as possible to the publication of the final rule, we are requesting clearance of the collection-of-information request by October 20, 2008.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
VSRR ss newrev 101008.pdf
Logbook entry when necessary to exceed speed limit