This proposed rule would have amended commercial fishing industry vessel requirements to enhance maritime safety. Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous industries in America. The Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988 (the Act, codified in 46 U.S.C. chapter 45) gives the Coast Guard regulatory authority to improve the safety of vessels operating in that industry. Although significant reductions in industry deaths were recorded after the Coast Guard issued its initial rules under the Act in 1991, we believe more deaths and serious injury can be avoided through compliance with new regulations in the following areas: vessel stability and watertight integrity, vessel maintenance and safety equipment including crew immersion suits, crew training and drills, and improved documentation of regulatory compliance. This regulatory project was opened in 2002 to consider regulatory changes to improve safety in the commercial fishing industry, which remains one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. The Coast Guard is now intending to withdraw this rulemaking, subject to public comment on why it should remain open, in light of the 2010 adoption by Congress of new legislation that provides the Coast Guard with important new regulatory authority over commercial fishing safety. Withdrawal of this project will help the Coast Guard focus its regulatory efforts on timely regulatory implementation of its 2010 statutory authority, which will be done under a separate RIN (1625-AB85).