17 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

29 OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER

Summary: Chapter 600 sets forth safety regulations for ferry vessels of the Casco Bay Island Transit District, and governs radar on vessels engaged in the transport of six or more passengers for hire in Casco Bay.

Sec. 1 Vessels approved for use by the Casco Bay Island Transit District as ferry vessels.

Each vessel used by the Transit District to transport passengers, vehicles, or freight, shall:

A. Have a valid certificate of inspection issued by the United States Coast Guard, and shall be operated only in compliance with the terms and conditions of the certificate of inspection;

B. Shall be systematically inspected and maintained by the Transit District, or by someone acting under its direction, to insure that such vessel, parts, and accessories thereof are in a safe and proper operating condition; each vessel shall have a record of its inspection and maintenance for the period during which the vessel is subject to the Transit District's control and such record shall be available for inspection by the Department or any of its representatives and shall be preserved by the Transit District.

Sec. 2 Operation of ferry vessels by the Casco Bay Island Transit District.

A. Passengers shall not be permitted in the pilot house of any vessel while it is underway.

B. The vessel end of the gangplank shall be properly secured to the vessel after docking, and passengers shall be restrained from using same until it is so secured.

C. Passengers and vehicles shall not be permitted to embark or disembark at the same time. A proper separation shall be maintained between passengers and vehicles when embarking or disembarking.

D. All operating personnel shall wear appropriate uniforms distinguishing them as employees of the Transit District so that they are readily identifiable by the traveling public at all times.

Sec. 3 Minimum Specifications and Manner of Operation of Radar Devices on Passenger Vessels in Casco Bay.

A. Any person, firm, or corporation, engaged in the transport of six or more passengers by vessel, for compensation between or among the islands of Casco Bay and the Mainland, shall equip each vessel so used with a radar device having the following minimum specifications:

1. Maximum range shall be at least 12 nautical miles;

2. Minimum range shall be no greater than 25 yards;

3. Range scales: The minimum range scale shall be 1/4 nautical mile: The maximum range scale shall be 12 nautical miles, with intermediate range scales.

4. The set shall have a variable range marker;

5. Bearing accuracy shall be plus or minus one degree using cursor;

6. The instrument shall present a picture no less than six inches in diameter;

7. The antenna system shall have an aperture no less than 20 inches in diameter;

8. The specifications and costs of a selected radar device may be submitted to the Department for prespective approval;

9. Radar devices shall be installed subject to the applicable requirements of the manufacturers specifications, and the United States Coast Guard.

B. When any vessel required to be equipped with radar pursuant to Section 3 is engaged in the transport of passengers, the captain shall be the radar observer. The captain shall be qualified as a radar observer by possessing a certification from the United States Coast Guard, or possessing a certificate of successful completion of a course of instruction from any 'Radar Observer School' approved by the United States Coast Guard to issue such a certificate.

BASIS STATEMENT

Sections 1 and 2 of this regulation are promulgated pursuant to P. & S. L. 1885, c. 495, P & S. L. 1963, c. 174, as amended by Title 23 M.R.S.A. Section 4406. Section 3 is promulgated pursuant to 1981 P. & S. L., c. 22, Section 12.

RESPONSE TO COMMENTS: No comments were received.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 5, 1989.

EFFECTIVE DATE (ELECTRONIC CONVERSION): April 24, 1996