1625-0033_SS_r0_2019

1625-0033

Supporting Statement

for

Display of Fire Control Plans for Vessels

OMB No.: 1625-0033

COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS: Instruction

A. Justification

1) Circumstances which make the collection of information necessary.

The requirement for the display of certain vessel plans is part of the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Program in Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Coast Guard requires the posting of general arrangement plans of the vessel noting the fire detection systems, manual alarms, fire-fighting equipment, fire doors, entries into different compartments, and ventilation systems. The need for ready availability of this information is particularly critical in the event of shipboard fire or flooding, to control damage. In the event an emergency occurs, in which assistance is rendered from other vessels, the Coast Guard, or local shoreside fire department, the information and its availability is crucial in minimizing danger to those on board, damage to the vessel, and the safety of the port and the environment. The Coast Guard authority to mandate such posting requirement is derived from 46 U.S.C. 3305 and 3306.

2) Purpose of the information collection.

The information contained on these plans is used by shipboard personnel during routine duties such as equipment and system maintenance or servicing, as well as under emergency conditions such as fire or flooding. In the event assistance is rendered from external sources, the plans allow rapid familiarization with the vessel and its systems. This material is also checked periodically by Coast Guard marine inspectors to help insure all information is correct and up-to-date. Without this requirement, vital safety-related information may not be available during emergency situations.

3) Considerations of the use of improved technology.

The information is not submitted but rather must be displayed on the vessel. The plans may be maintained in written or electronic form. The plans may be in any medium, such as a booklet or on computer software, provided that the details are available to each officer and a copy is retained on board at all times and is accessible during emergencies.

4) Efforts to identify duplication.

The display of plans is also required for compliance with SOLAS chapter II-2, Regulation 15.2.4 for vessels engaged in international voyages.

5) Methods used to minimize the burdens to small business if involved.

This information collection does not have an impact on small businesses or other small entities.

6) Consequences to the Federal program or policy if collection were conducted less frequently.

The failure to have the vessel plans available could be a major safety problem in the event of an emergency situation.

7) Special collection circumstances.

This information collection is conducted in manner consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).

8) Consultation.

A 60-day Notice (See [USCG-2019-0042], April 2, 2019, 84 FR 12630) and 30-day Notice (June 19, 2019, 84 FR 28570) were published in the Federal Register to obtain public comment on this collection. The Coast Guard has not received any comment on this information collection.

9) Provide any payment or gift to respondents.

There is no offer of monetary or material value for this information collection.

10) Assurances of confidentiality provided to respondents.

There are no assurances of confidentiality provided to the respondents for this information collection. This information collection request is covered by the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) and System of Records Notice (SORN). Links to the MISLE PIA and SORN are provided below:

• https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/privacy_pia_uscg_misle.pdf

• https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2009-06-25/html/E9-14906.htm

11) Additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature.

There are no questions of sensitive language.

12) Burden Hour and Annualized Cost Estimates.

• The estimated annual number of respondents is 943.

• The estimated annual number of responses is 943.

• The estimated annual hour burden is 472.

• The estimated annual cost burden is $54,752.

The burden to respondents is provided in Appendix A. The wage rate used is in accordance with the current edition of COMDTINST 7310.1(series) for “Out-Government” personnel.

Fire Control Plans: Certain vessels¹ must display (i.e., post) fire control plans. We estimate that annually it will take vessel personnel about 0.5 hours (30 minutes) to validate/update/post the required plans. The task will be completed by a Mate. The position of a Mate is analogous to a Lieutenant (O-3).

13) Estimate of capital and start-up costs.

There are no capital, start-up or maintenance costs associated with this information collection.

14) Estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government.

The estimated annual Federal Government cost is $3,888 (see Appendix B). Coast Guard personnel review fire control plans during periodic inspections, random boardings, and post-casualty investigations. We estimate that about 50% of the vessels that must display fire control plans are reviewed each year. Additionally, we estimate that it will take a Lieutenant (LT, O-3) about 0.1 hours (i.e., 6 minutes) per review. The wage rate shown is in accordance with the current edition of COMDTINST 7310.1(series) for “In-Government” personnel.

15) Reasons for change in the burden.

The change in burden is an ADJUSTMENT due to a change (i.e., decrease) in the estimated annual number of respondents. There is no proposed change to the recordkeeping requirements of this collection. The recordkeeping requirements, and the methodology for calculating burden, remain unchanged.

16) Plans for tabulation, statistical analysis and publication.

This information collection will not be published for statistical purposes.

17) Approval for not explaining the expiration date for OMB approval.

The Coast Guard will display the expiration date for OMB approval of this information collection.

18) Explain each exception to the certification statement.

The Coast Guard does not request an exception to the certification of this information collection.

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

This information collection does not employ statistical methods.

1 Display of Fire Control Plan requirements are found as follows—for Tank Vessels (46 CFR Subchapter D) in 35.10-3; for Passenger Vessels (46 CFR Subchapter H) in 78.45-1; for Cargo and Misc. Vessels (46 CFR Subchapter I) in 97.36.1; for MODUs (46 CFR Subchapter I-A) in 109.563; for Offshore Supply Vessels (46 CFR Subchapter L) in 131.945; for Nautical School Vessels (46 CFR Subchapter R) in 169.853;and for Oceanographic Research Vessels (46 CFR Subchapter U) in 196.36-1.

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