[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 16, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2317-2321]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00579]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0288]

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes
Mellitus

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 23 individuals
for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with insulin-treated
diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in
interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these
individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 15, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0288 using any of the
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the
docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will
be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below
for further information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12-140
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day e.t.,
365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting
comments online.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information
the commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, as described in
the system of records

notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief,
Medical Programs Division,<PHONE_NUMBER>, [email protected], FMCSA,
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64-224,
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions
regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket
Services, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption
from the FMCSRs for a five-year period if it finds ``such exemption
would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater
than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.'' The
statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the
five-year period. FMCSA grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-
year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's medical
certification.
    The 23 individuals listed in this notice have requested an
exemption from the diabetes prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3).
Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each
applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the
required level of safety mandated by statute.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding diabetes
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person is physically
qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring
insulin for control. The Agency established the current requirement for
diabetes in 1970 because several risk studies indicated that drivers
with diabetes had a higher rate of crash involvement than the general
population.
    FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the
Agency's July 2000 study entitled ``A Report to Congress on the
Feasibility of a Program to Qualify Individuals with Insulin-Treated
Diabetes Mellitus to Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the
Transportation Act for the 21st Century.'' The report concluded that a
safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with ITDM to
operate CMVs is feasible. The September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441), Federal
Register notice in conjunction with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777),
Federal Register notice provides the current protocol for allowing such
drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
    FMCSA notes that section 4129 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible
and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users requires
the Secretary to revise its diabetes exemption program established on
September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441). The revision must provide for
individual assessment of drivers with diabetes mellitus, and be
consistent with the criteria described in section 4018 of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31305).
Section 4129 requires: (1) Elimination of the requirement for three
years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin;
and (2) establishment of a specified minimum period of insulin use to
demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate
a CMV.
    In response to section 4129, FMCSA made immediate revisions to the
diabetes exemption program established by the September 3, 2003 notice.
FMCSA discontinued use of the three-year driving experience and
fulfilled the requirements of section 4129 while continuing to ensure
that operation of CMVs by drivers with ITDM will achieve the requisite
level of safety required of all exemptions granted under 49 U.S.C.
31136(e). Section 4129(d) also directed FMCSA to ensure that drivers of
CMVs with ITDM are not held to a higher standard than other drivers,
with the exception of limited operating, monitoring and medical
requirements that are deemed medically necessary. The FMCSA concluded
that all of the operating, monitoring and medical requirements set out
in the September 3, 2003, notice, except as modified, were in
compliance with section 4129(d). Therefore, all of the requirements set
out in the September 3, 2003, notice, except as modified by the notice
in the Federal Register on November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777), remain in
effect.

II. Qualifications of Applicants

Irah H. Buttgenbach, Jr.

    Mr. Buttgenbach, Jr. 61, has had ITDM since 2012. His
endocrinologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no
severe hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness,
requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired
cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months
and no recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last
five years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Buttgenbach
understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of
his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr.
Buttgenbach meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that
he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license
from Indiana.

Scott A. Civitarese

    Mr. Civitarese, 47, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Civitarese understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Civitarese meets
the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from
Massachusetts.

Cornelius Clark

    Mr. Clark, 54, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Clark understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Clark meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Ohio.

Ronald J. Danielson

    Mr. Danielson, 60, has had ITDM since 2017. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance

of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that
occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no recurrent (two or
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Danielson understands diabetes
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Danielson meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Minnesota.

Mark A.L. Givan

    Mr. Givan, 54, has had ITDM since 2017. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Givan understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Givan meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Arkansas.

Lyle C. Hatfield

    Mr. Hatfield, 56, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Hatfield understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hatfield meets
the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Mississippi.

Brian C. Hosea

    Mr. Hosea, 48, has had ITDM since 2012. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Hosea understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hosea meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Oregon.

James Middlebrook, III

    Mr. Middlebrook, 44, has had ITDM since 1983. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Middlebrook understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Middlebrook meets
the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license
from Ohio.

Thomas B. Miller

    Mr. Miller, 61, has had ITDM since 2007. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Miller understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Miller meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Virginia.

Keith E. Moran

    Mr. Moran, 41, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Moran understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Moran meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license
from Rhode Island.

Christopher R. Pearson

    Mr. Pearson, 40, has had ITDM since 1997. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Pearson understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Pearson meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license
from Minnesota.

John C. Plaster

    Mr. Plaster, 51, has had ITDM since 2017. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Plaster understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Plaster meets the
requirements of the vision standard at

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2017 and
certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class
A CDL from Indiana.

Glenn E. Rausch

    Mr. Rausch, 65, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Rausch understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rausch meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Maryland.

Ricardo P. Salazar

    Mr. Salazar, 54, has had ITDM since 2017. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Salazar understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Salazar meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from New Mexico.

Seann D. Sampson

    Mr. Sampson, 49, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Sampson understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sampson meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license
from Florida.

Alex Shirvani

    Mr. Shirvani, 55, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Shirvani understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Shirvani meets
the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New York.

Cameron M. Simpson

    Mr. Simpson, 21, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Simpson understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Simpson meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from
California.

Phillip J. Sobczak

    Mr. Sobczak, 66, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Sobczak understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sobczak meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Wisconsin.

Christoph Trimblett

    Mr. Trimblett, 47, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Trimblett understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Trimblett meets
the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from New
Jersey.

Martin L. Veitz

    Mr. Veitz, 67, has had ITDM since 2011. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Veitz understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Veitz meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Pennsylvania.

Kenneth W. West

    Mr. West, 52, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist examined
him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe hypoglycemic
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that
occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no recurrent (two or
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in

the last five years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. West
understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of
his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. West
meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
His optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Ohio.

Rodney J. Woods

    Mr. Woods, 52, has had ITDM since 1994. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Woods understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Woods meets the
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable
proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from
Alabama.

Timothy A. Zimmerman

    Mr. Zimmerman, 53, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist
examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive
function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no
recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Zimmerman understands
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Zimmerman meets
the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Indiana.

III. Request for Comments

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests
public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions
described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before
the close of business on the closing date indicated in the DATES
section of the notice.

IV. Submitting Comments

    You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail,
or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA
recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email
address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA
can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov and
in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA-2017-0288 and click
the search button. When the new screen appears, click on the blue
``Comment Now!'' button on the right hand side of the page. On the new
page, enter information required including the specific section of this
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or
hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\
by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit
comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility,
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
    We will consider all comments and materials received during the
comment period. FMCSA may issue a final determination at any time after
the close of the comment period.

V. Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this
preamble, go to http://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert
the docket number FMCSA-2017-0288 and click ``Search.'' Next, click
``Open Docket Folder'' and you will find all documents and comments
related to this notice.

    Issued on: January 5, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-00579 Filed 1-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51576-51577]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20973]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0752]

Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee and its
working groups will meet to discuss various issues related to the
training and fitness of merchant marine personnel. These meetings will
be open to the public.

DATES: The Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee working groups
are scheduled to meet on September 16, 2015, from 8 a.m. until 5:30
p.m., and the full Committee is scheduled to meet on September 17,
2015, from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Written comments for distribution to
Committee members and for inclusion on the Merchant Marine Personnel
Advisory Committee Web site must be submitted on or before September 8,
2015. Please note that these meetings may adjourn early if all business
is finished.

ADDRESSES: The Committee will meet in the Coast Guard National Maritime
Center, 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404-7120.
    To facilitate public participation, we are inviting public comment
on the issues to be considered by the Committee and working groups as
listed in the ``Agenda'' section below. Written comments must be
identified by Docket No. USCG-2015-0752 and submitted by one of the
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments (preferred method to
avoid delays in processing).
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S.Department of
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. The
telephone number is<PHONE_NUMBER>. Instructions: All submissions must
include the words ``Department of Homeland Security'' and the docket
number for this action. Comments received will be posted without
alteration at http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal
information provided. You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our
public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register
(73 FR 3316).
    Docket: For access to the docket to read documents or comments
related to this notice, go to http://www.regulations.gov, enter the
docket number in the ``Search'' field and follow the instructions on
the Web site.
    Public oral comment periods will be held each day. Speakers are
requested to limit their comments to 3 minutes. Please note that the
public oral comment periods may end following the last call for
comments. Contact Mr. Davis Breyer as indicated below to register as a
speaker. This notice may be viewed in our online docket, USCG-2015-
0752, at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Davis Breyer, Alternate Designated
Federal Officer of the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee,
telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>, or at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>If you have any
questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Cheryl
Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER> or
1-800-647-5527. For further information on the location of the Coast
Guard National Maritime Center, including information on facilities or
services for individuals with disabilities or to request special
assistance, contact Ms. Karen Quigley at<PHONE_NUMBER> or via email at
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, Title 5 United States Code Appendix.
    The Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee was established
under authority of section 310 of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, Title 46, United States Code,
section 8108, and chartered under the provisions of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act, (Title 5, United States Code, Appendix). The
Committee acts solely in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security through the Commandant of the Coast
Guard on matters relating to personnel in the U.S. merchant marine,
including training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and
fitness standards and other matters as assigned by the Commandant;
shall review and comment on proposed Coast Guard regulations and
policies relating to personnel in the United States merchant marine,
including training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and
fitness standards; may be given special assignments by the Secretary
and may conduct studies, inquiries, workshops, and fact finding in
consultation with individuals and groups in the private sector and with
State or local governments; shall advise, consult with, and make
recommendations reflecting its independent judgment to the Secretary.
    A copy of all meeting documentation, including the task statements,
is available at https://homeport.uscg.mil by using these key strokes:
Missions; Port and Waterways Safety; Advisory Committees; MERPAC; and
then use the announcements key. Alternatively, you may contact Mr.
Breyer as noted in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

Agenda

Day 1

    The agenda for the September 16, 2015, meeting is as follows:
    (1) The full Committee will meet briefly to discuss the working
groups' business/task statements, which are listed under paragraph 2
(a)-(h) below.
    (2) Working groups will address the following task statements which
are available for viewing at http://homeport.uscg.mil/merpac:
    (a) Task Statement 30, Utilizing military education, training and
assessment for the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and U.S. Coast Guard
Certifications;
    (b) Task Statement 58, Communication between external stakeholders
and the mariner credentialing program, as it relates to the National
Maritime Center;
    (c) Task Statement 84, Correction of merchant mariner credentials
issued with clear errors;
    (d) Task Statement 87, Review of policy documents providing
guidance on the implementation of the December 24, 2013 International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping and
Changes to National Endorsements rulemaking;
    (e) Task Statement 88, Mariner occupational health risk study
analysis to further develop policy guidance on mariner fitness; and
    (f) Task Statement 89, Review and update of the International
Maritime Organization's Maritime Safety Committee Circular MSC/
Circ.1014, ``Guidelines on Fatigue Mitigation and Management.''
    (3) Reports of working groups. At the end of the day, the working
groups will report to the full Committee on what was accomplished in
their meetings. The full Committee will not take action on these
reports on this date. Any official action taken as a result of this
working group meeting will be taken on day 2 of the meeting.
    (4) Public comment period.
    (5) Adjournment of meeting.

Day 2

    The agenda for the September 17, 2015, full Committee meeting is as
follows:
    (1) Introduction;
    (2) Remarks from Coast Guard Leadership;
    (3) Designated Federal Officer announcements;
    (4) Roll call of Committee members and determination of a quorum;
    (5) Reports from the following working groups;
    (a) Task Statement 30, Utilizing military education, training and
assessment for the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and U.S. Coast Guard
Certifications;
    (b) Task Statement 58, Communication between external stakeholders
and the mariner credentialing program, as it relates to the National
Maritime Center;
    (c) Task Statement 80, Develop training guidelines for mariners
employed aboard vessels subject to the International Code of Safety for
Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels;
    (d) Task Statement 81, Development of competency requirements for
vessel personnel working within the polar regions;
    (e) Task Statement 84, Correction of merchant mariner credentials
issued with clear errors; and
    (f) Task Statement 87, Review of policy documents providing
guidance on the implementation of the December 24, 2013 International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping and
Changes to National Endorsements rulemaking.
    (g) Task Statement 88, Mariner occupational health risk study
analysis to further develop policy guidance on mariner fitness.
    (h) Task Statement 89, Review and update of International Maritime
Organization's Maritime Safety Committee Circular MSC/Circ.1014,
``Guidelines on Fatigue Mitigation and Management.''
    (6) Other items for discussion:
    (a) Report on the Implementation of the 2010 Amendments to the
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping;
    (b) Report on National Maritime Center activities from the National
Maritime Center Commanding Officer, such as the net processing time it
takes for mariners to receive their credentials after application
submittal;
    (c) Report on Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division
activities, such as its current initiatives and projects;
    (d) Report on International Maritime Organization/International
Labor Organization issues related to the merchant marine industry; and
    (e) Briefings about on-going Coast Guard projects related to
personnel in the U.S. merchant marine, including a draft task statement
concerning job descriptions for the various billets on merchant
vessels.
    (7) New Business.
    New task statement--``Merchant Mariner Credential Expiration
Harmonization.''
    (8) Public comment period.
    (9) Discussion of working group recommendations. The Committee will
review the information presented on each issue, deliberate on any
recommendations presented by the working groups and approve/formulate
recommendations for the Department's consideration. Official action on
these recommendations may be taken on this date.
    (10) Closing remarks/plans for next meeting.
    (11) Adjournment of meeting.

J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards.
[FR Doc. 2015-20973 Filed 8-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P