The US Coast Guard has proposed an update of the electrical engineering regulations for commercial vessels in 46 CFR Subchapter J in a bid to keep up with the new technology advancements.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published by the USCG in the Federal Register, on April 22, seeks to update the standards incorporated by reference (IBR) in both 46 CFR 110.10-1 and all of the sections in Subchapter J that reference the updated IBR standards.
“Due to technological advances, it is necessary to update the current standards to ensure modern technologies are addressed in the regulations”
More specifically, this proposed rule would incorporate more recent editions of many standards, incorporate by reference additional standards for certain topics, and remove IBR standards that are no longer actively used by industry.
In addition, the proposed rule would amend regulations regarding electrical generator prime movers in 46 CFR 111.12, electrical cable construction in 46 CFR 111.60, hazardous area classification 46 CFR in 111.105, and use of emergency generators in port in 46 CFR 112.05.
USCG is expecting comments on or before July 21, 2021.
