COMDTINST 16672.3A
10 MAY 1989
3.
d.
The Rules of the Road Advisory Council (RORAC) and the Towing Safety Advisory
Committee (TSAC) have recommended that unmanned barges be allowed to deviate
from, while meeting as closely as practicable, the vertical sector light requirements but
that the required horizontal intensity shall be maintained. The Coast Guard is also
discussing the unmanned barge vertical sector light requirements with the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) to get a consensus on Rule 24(h) as it applies to
unmanned barges.
4.
PROCEDURES.
a.
Manufacturers seeking Coast Guard approval for battery powered lights that are to be
used on unmanned barges that either (l) do not have electricity generating machinery on
board, or (2) have such equipment on board that is not routinely operated when the
barge is underway, should submit the required data to Commandant (G-MTH-2). These
lights need not be tested for the vertical sector requirements of the 72 COLREGS.
Minimum required intensity must be maintained in the horizontal plane. Unmanned and
manned barges equipped with electricity generating machinery that is routinely operated
when underway must meet the vertical and horizontal sector requirements of the 72
COLREGS.
b.
Unmanned barges that either do not have electricity generating machinery on board, or
have such machinery that is not routinely operated when the barge is underway, may use
battery powered lights accepted by Commandant (G-MTH-2) to comply with Rule 24 of
the 72 COLREGS. All other requirements o the 72 COLREGS must be met before the
light will be accepted.
5. ACTION. Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistics
commands, unit commanding officers - and Commander, CG Activities Europe shall ensure proper
/s/ R. T. NELSON
Chief, Office of Navigation Safety
and Waterway Services