(a) The regulations in this part prescribe the obstruction lights and sound signals to be operated as privately maintained maritime aids to navigation on the artificial islands and structures which are erected on or over the seabed and subsoil of the Outer Continental Shelf and in the waters under the jurisdiction of the United States, for the purpose of exploring for, developing, removing and transporting resources therefrom.

(b) Subpart 66.01 in Part 66 of this subchapter shall be applicable to all private aids to navigation erected on or over the Outer Continental Shelf in the same manner and to the same extent as they are applicable to private aids to navigation established, erected, or maintained in the waters under the jurisdiction of the United States.

(a) Structures. The term “structures” as used in this part shall include all fixed structures, temporary or permanent, for which a Corps of Engineers' permit is issued. It shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, all drilling platforms, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) when attached to the bottom, production platforms, quarters platforms, pipe line riser platforms, manifold platforms, loading platforms, boat landings, caissons, well protective structures, tank battery barges submerged on station, drilling barges submerged on location, breakwater barges submerged on location, artificial islands and all other piles, pile clusters, pipes, or structures erected in the waters.

(b) Class “A”, “B”, or “C” structures. The term “Class A, B, or C structures” refers to the classification assigned to structures erected in areas in which corresponding requirements for marking are prescribed.

(c) Line of demarcation. The term “line of demarcation” means the dividing line used administratively to distinguish between the areas in which structures shall conform to Class “A” and Class “B” or “C” requirements.

(d) Outer Continental Shelf. The term “Outer Continental Shelf” means all submerged lands lying seaward and outside the area of lands beneath navigable waters as defined in the Submerged Lands Act (sec. 2, 67 Stat. 29, 43 U. S. C. 1301), and of which the subsoil and seabed appertain to the United States and are subject to its jurisdiction and control.

(e) Reliable operation. The term “reliable” as used in this part shall mean that dependability which will insure to the highest degree reasonably possible the uninterrupted operation of lights and sound signals as private aids to navigation for safety of marine commerce.

(f) Sound signal. The term “sound signal” as used in this part shall mean the audible sound signal, authorized as a private aid to navigation, to mark a structure for the safety of marine commerce whenever the visibility has been reduced by fog, mist, rain, falling snow, smoke, dust, or other phenomena.

The Coast Guard District Commander may delegate the authority for performing inspections, enforcement, and administration of regulations to any civilian or military position in the Coast Guard.

(a) When will structures be assigned to a Class? The District Commander will assign structures to Class A, B, or C as part of processing an application for a permit to establish and operate lights and sound signals.

(b) In general, where will the different classes of structures be located? Specific criteria in paragraph (c) of this section may create exceptions, but, in general, structures the farthest from shore are likely to be assigned to Class A and required to have obstruction lights and sound signals that can be detected from the farthest distance. Structures closest to shore are likely to be assigned to Class C and, while subject to requirements to ensure that they are also detectable from a safe distance away, will be required to have the least powerful obstruction lights or sound signals. The location and standards for Class B structures will generally be in between Class A and C structures.

(c) What criteria will be used to classify structures? When assigning a structure to a class, the District Commander will take into consideration whether a line of demarcation has been prescribed, and matters concerning, but not necessarily limited to, the dimensions of the structure and the depth of water in which it is located, the proximity of the structure to vessel routes, the nature and amount of vessel traffic, and the effect of background lighting.

(1) If a line of demarcation has been prescribed, the District Commander will assign those structures seaward of the line of demarcation to Class A. He or she will assign all structures shoreward of the line of demarcation to either Class B or Class C, unless the District Commander determines under § 67.05-25 that the structure should be assigned to Class A because of the structure's proximity to a navigable channel, fairway or line of demarcation.

(2) If a line of demarcation has not been prescribed, the District Commander will assign a structure to Class A, B, or C as he or she deems appropriate.

The District Commander sends recommendations for establishing or changing lines of demarcation to the Commandant. For the purposes of this part, when the Commandant approves of additions to or changes in prescribed lines of demarcation, such additions or changes will be published in the Federal Register and will become effective on the date specified in that publication.

The use of alternate equipment, apparatus, or installation arrangements specified in this part may be permitted by the District Commander to such extent and under such conditions as will result in achieving a degree of safety or compliance with these regulations equivalent to or above the minimum requirements set forth in this part.