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