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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2652 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 2652

 To amend title 46, United States Code, to improve vessel safety, and 
                          for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              June 2, 2009

 Mr. Oberstar (for himself and Mr. Cummings) introduced the following 
    bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
                             Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
 To amend title 46, United States Code, to improve vessel safety, and 
                          for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Maritime Safety Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. VESSEL SIZE LIMITS.

    (a) Length, Tonnage, and Horsepower.--Section 12113(d)(2) of title 
46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of 
        subparagraph (A)(i);
            (2) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A)(ii);
            (3) by striking subparagraph (A)(iii);
            (4) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) 
        and inserting ``; or''; and
            (5) by inserting at the end the following:
                    ``(C) the vessel is either a rebuilt vessel or a 
                replacement vessel under section 208(g) of the American 
                Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public Law 
                105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-627) and is eligible for a 
                fishery endorsement under this section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Vessel rebuilding and replacement.--Section 208(g) of 
        the American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public 
        Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-627) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(g) Vessel Rebuilding and Replacement.--
            ``(1) In general.--
                    ``(A) Rebuild or replace.--Notwithstanding any 
                limitation to the contrary on replacing, rebuilding, or 
                lengthening vessels or transferring permits or licenses 
                to a replacement vessel contained in sections 679.2 and 
                679.4 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, as in 
                effect on the date of enactment of the Maritime Safety 
                Act of 2009 and except as provided in paragraph (4), 
                the owner of a vessel eligible under subsection (a), 
                (b), (c), (d), or (e) (other than paragraph (21)), in 
                order to improve vessel safety and operational 
                efficiencies (including fuel efficiency), may rebuild 
                or replace that vessel (including fuel efficiency) with 
                a vessel documented with a fishery endorsement under 
                section 12113 of title 46, United States Code.
                    ``(B) Same requirements.--The rebuilt or 
                replacement vessel shall be eligible in the same manner 
                and subject to the same restrictions and limitations 
                under such subsection as the vessel being rebuilt or 
                replaced.
                    ``(C) Transfer of permits and licenses.--Each 
                fishing permit and license held by the owner of a 
                vessel or vessels to be rebuilt or replaced under 
                subparagraph (A) shall be transferred to the rebuilt or 
                replacement vessel.
            ``(2) Recommendations of north pacific fishery management 
        council.--The North Pacific Fishery Management Council may 
        recommend for approval by the Secretary such conservation and 
        management measures, including size limits and measures to 
        control fishing capacity, in accordance with the Magnuson-
        Stevens Act as it considers necessary to ensure that this 
        subsection does not diminish the effectiveness of fishery 
        management plans of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
        Management Area or the Gulf of Alaska.
            ``(3) Special rule for replacement of certain vessels.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the requirements 
                of subsections (b)(2), (c)(1), and (c)(2) of section 
                12113 of title 46, United States Code, a vessel that is 
                eligible under subsection (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) 
                (other than paragraph (21)) and that qualifies to be 
                documented with a fishery endorsement pursuant to 
                section 203(g) or 213(g) may be replaced with a 
                replacement vessel under paragraph (1) if the vessel 
                that is replaced is validly documented with a fishery 
                endorsement pursuant to section 203(g) or 213(g) before 
                the replacement vessel is documented with a fishery 
                endorsement under section 12113 of title 46, United 
                States Code.
                    ``(B) Applicability.--A replacement vessel under 
                subparagraph (A) and its owner and mortgagee are 
                subject to the same limitations under section 203(g) or 
                213(g) that are applicable to the vessel that has been 
                replaced and its owner and mortgagee.
            ``(4) Special rules for certain catcher vessels.--
                    ``(A) In general.--A replacement for a covered 
                vessel described in subparagraph (B) is prohibited from 
                harvesting fish in any fishery (except for the Pacific 
                whiting fishery) managed under the authority of any 
                Regional Fishery Management Council (other than the 
                North Pacific Fishery Management Council) established 
                under section 302(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
                    ``(B) Covered vessels.--A covered vessel referred 
                to in subparagraph (A) is--
                            ``(i) a vessel eligible under subsection 
                        (a), (b), or (c) that is replaced under 
                        paragraph (1); or
                            ``(ii) a vessel eligible under subsection 
                        (a), (b), or (c) that is rebuilt to increase 
                        its registered length, gross tonnage, or shaft 
                        horsepower.
            ``(5) Limitation on fishery endorsements.--Any vessel that 
        is replaced under this subsection shall thereafter not be 
        eligible for a fishery endorsement under section 12113 of title 
        46, United States Code, unless that vessel is also a 
        replacement vessel described in paragraph (1).
            ``(6) Gulf of alaska limitation.--Notwithstanding paragraph 
        (1), the Secretary shall prohibit from participation in the 
        groundfish fisheries of the Gulf of Alaska any vessel that is 
        rebuilt or replaced under this subsection and that exceeds the 
        maximum length overall specified on the license that authorizes 
        fishing for groundfish pursuant to the license limitation 
        program under part 679 of title 50, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the 
        Maritime Safety Act of 2009.
            ``(7) Authority of pacific council.--Nothing in this 
        section shall be construed to diminish or otherwise affect the 
        authority of the Pacific Council to recommend to the Secretary 
        conservation and management measures to protect fisheries under 
        its jurisdiction (including the Pacific whiting fishery) and 
        participants in such fisheries from adverse impacts caused by 
        this Act.''.
            (2) Exemption of certain vessels.--Section 203(g) of the 
        American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public Law 
        105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-620) is amended--
                    (A) by inserting ``and'' after ``(United States 
                official number 651041)'';
                    (B) by striking ``, NORTHERN TRAVELER (United 
                States official number 635986), and NORTHERN VOYAGER 
                (United States official number 637398) (or a 
                replacement vessel for the NORTHERN VOYAGER that 
                complies with paragraphs (2), (5), and (6) of section 
                208(g) of this Act)''; and
                    (C) by striking ``, in the case of the NORTHERN'' 
                and all that follows through ``PHOENIX,''.
            (3) Fishery cooperative exit provisions.--Section 210(b) of 
        the American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public 
        Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-629) is amended--
                    (A) by moving the matter beginning with ``the 
                Secretary shall'' in paragraph (1) 2 ems to the right; 
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(7) Fishery cooperative exit provisions.--
                    ``(A) Fishing allowance determination.--For 
                purposes of determining the aggregate percentage of 
                directed fishing allowances under paragraph (1), when a 
                catcher vessel is removed from the directed pollock 
                fishery, the fishery allowance for pollock for the 
                vessel being removed--
                            ``(i) shall be based on the catch history 
                        determination for the vessel made pursuant to 
                        section 679.62 of title 50, Code of Federal 
                        Regulations, as in effect on the date of 
                        enactment of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) shall be assigned, for all purposes 
                        under this title, in the manner specified by 
                        the owner of the vessel being removed to any 
                        other catcher vessel or among other catcher 
                        vessels participating in the fishery 
                        cooperative if such vessel or vessels remain in 
                        the fishery cooperative for at least one year 
                        after the date on which the vessel being 
                        removed leaves the directed pollock fishery.
                    ``(B) Eligibility for fishery endorsement.--Except 
                as provided in subparagraph (C), a vessel that is 
                removed pursuant to this paragraph shall be permanently 
                ineligible for a fishery endorsement, and any claim 
                (including relating to catch history) associated with 
                such vessel that could qualify any owner of such vessel 
                for any permit to participate in any fishery within the 
                exclusive economic zone of the United States shall be 
                extinguished, unless such removed vessel is thereafter 
                designated to replace a vessel to be removed pursuant 
                to this paragraph.
                    ``(C) Limitations on statutory construction.--
                Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed--
                            ``(i) to make the vessels AJ (United States 
                        official number 905625), DONA MARTITA (United 
                        States official number 651751), NORDIC EXPLORER 
                        (United States official number 678234), and 
                        PROVIDIAN (United States official number 
                        1062183) ineligible for a fishery endorsement 
                        or any permit necessary to participate in any 
                        fishery under the authority of the New England 
                        Fishery Management Council or the Mid-Atlantic 
                        Fishery Management Council established, 
                        respectively, under subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
                        of section 302(a)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
                        Act; or
                            ``(ii) to allow the vessels referred to in 
                        clause (i) to participate in any fishery under 
                        the authority of the Councils referred to in 
                        clause (i) in any manner that is not consistent 
                        with the fishery management plan for the 
                        fishery developed by the Councils under section 
                        303 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.''.

SEC. 3. COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL TRAINING.

    (a) Report.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall report to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate on the efficacy of cold weather survival 
training conducted by the Coast Guard in Coast Guard District 17 over 
the preceding 5 years. The report shall include plans for conducting 
such training in fiscal years 2010 through 2013.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations for Training.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security 
$150,000 to carry out cold weather survival training in Coast Guard 
District 17.

SEC. 4. FISHING VESSEL SAFETY.

    (a) Safety Standards.--Section 4502 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by--
                    (A) striking paragraphs (6) and (7) and inserting 
                the following:
            ``(6) other equipment required to minimize the risk of 
        injury to the crew during vessel operations, if the Secretary 
        determines that a risk of serious injury exists that can be 
        eliminated or mitigated by that equipment; and''; and
                    (B) redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (7);
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) in the matter preceding 
                subparagraph (A), by striking ``documented'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``the Boundary 
                Line'' and inserting ``3 nautical miles from the 
                baseline from which the territorial sea of the United 
                States is measured or beyond 3 nautical miles from the 
                coastline of the Great Lakes'';
                    (C) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``lifeboats or 
                liferafts'' and inserting ``a survival craft that 
                ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in 
                water'';
                    (D) in paragraph (2)(D), by inserting ``marine'' 
                before ``radio'';
                    (E) in paragraph (2)(E), by striking ``radar 
                reflectors, nautical charts, and anchors'' and 
                inserting ``nautical charts, and publications'';
                    (F) in paragraph (2)(F), by striking ``, including 
                medicine chests'' and inserting ``and medical supplies 
                sufficient for the size and area of operation of the 
                vessel'' and
                    (G) by amending paragraph (2)(G) to read as 
                follows:
            ``(G) ground tackle sufficient for the vessel.'';
            (3) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
    ``(f) To ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter, 
the Secretary--
            ``(1) shall require the individual in charge of a vessel 
        described in subsection (b) to keep a record of equipment 
        maintenance, and required instruction and drills; and
            ``(2) shall examine at dockside a vessel described in 
        subsection (b) at least once every 2 years, and shall issue a 
        certificate of compliance to a vessel meeting the requirements 
        of this chapter.''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(g)(1) The individual in charge of a vessel described in 
subsection (b) must pass a training program approved by the Secretary 
that meets the requirements in paragraph (2) of this subsection and 
hold a valid certificate issued under that program.
    ``(2) The training program shall--
            ``(A) be based on professional knowledge and skill obtained 
        through sea service and hands-on training, including training 
        in seamanship, stability, collision prevention, navigation, 
        fire fighting and prevention, damage control, personal 
        survival, emergency medical care, emergency drills, and 
        weather;
            ``(B) require an individual to demonstrate ability to 
        communicate in an emergency situation and understand 
        information found in navigation publications;
            ``(C) recognize and give credit for recent past experience 
        in fishing vessel operation; and
            ``(D) provide for issuance of a certificate to an 
        individual that has successfully completed the program.
    ``(3) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations implementing this 
subsection. The regulations shall require that individuals who are 
issued a certificate under paragraph (2)(D) must complete refresher 
training at least once every 5 years as a condition of maintaining the 
validity of the certificate.
    ``(4) The Secretary shall establish a publicly accessible 
electronic database listing the names of individuals who have 
participated in and received a certificate confirming successful 
completion of a training program approved by the Secretary under this 
section.
    ``(h) A vessel to which this chapter applies shall be constructed 
in a manner that provides a level of safety equivalent to the minimum 
safety standards the Secretary may established for recreational vessels 
under section 4302, if--
            ``(1) subsection (b) of this section applies to the vessel;
            ``(2) the vessel is less than 50 feet overall in length; 
        and
            ``(3) the vessel is built after January 1, 2010.
    ``(i)(1) The Secretary shall establish a Fishing Safety Training 
Grants Program to provide funding to municipalities, port authorities, 
other appropriate public entities, not-for-profit organizations, and 
other qualified persons that provide commercial fishing safety 
training--
            ``(A) to conduct fishing vessel safety training for vessel 
        operators and crewmembers that--
                    ``(i) in the case of vessel operators, meets the 
                requirements of subsection (g); and
                    ``(ii) in the case of crewmembers, meets the 
                requirements of subsection (g)(2)(A), such requirements 
                of subsection (g)(2)(B) as are appropriate for 
                crewmembers, and the requirements of subsections 
                (g)(2)(D), (g)(3), and (g)(4); and
            ``(B) for purchase of safety equipment and training aids 
        for use in those fishing vessel safety training programs.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection on a 
competitive basis.
    ``(3) The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out 
with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent.
    ``(4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2010 through 2014 for grants under this subsection.
    ``(j)(1) The Secretary shall establish a Fishing Safety Research 
Grant Program to provide funding to individuals in academia, members of 
non-profit organizations and businesses involved in fishing and 
maritime matters, and other persons with expertise in fishing safety, 
to conduct research on methods of improving the safety of the 
commercial fishing industry, including vessel design, emergency and 
survival equipment, enhancement of vessel monitoring systems, 
communications devices, de-icing technology, and severe weather 
detection.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection on a 
competitive basis.
    ``(3) The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out 
with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent.
    ``(4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each 
fiscal years 2010 through 2014 for activities under this subsection.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 4506(b) of title 46, United 
States Code, is repealed.
    (c) Advisory Committee.--
            (1) Change of name.--Section 4508 of title 46, United 
        States Code, is amended--
                    (A) by striking the section heading and inserting 
                the following:
``Sec. 4508. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee'';
                and
                    (B) in subsection (a) by striking ``Industry 
                Vessel''.
            (2) Membership requirements.--Section 4508(b)(1) of that 
        title is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``seventeen'' and inserting 
                ``eighteen'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 
                        striking ``from the commercial fishing industry 
                        who--'' and inserting ``who shall represent the 
                        commercial fishing industry and who--''; and
                            (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``an 
                        uninspected'' and inserting ``a'';
                    (C) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(B) three members who shall represent the general public, 
        including, whenever possible--
                    ``(i) an independent expert or consultant in 
                maritime safety;
                    ``(ii) a marine surveyor who provides services to 
                vessels to which this chapter applies; and
                    ``(iii) a person familiar with issues affecting 
                fishing communities and families of fishermen;''; and
                    (D) in subparagraph (C)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 
                        striking ``representing each of--'' and 
                        inserting ``each of whom shall represent--'';
                            (ii) in clause (i), by striking ``or marine 
                        surveyors;'' and inserting ``and marine 
                        engineers;'';
                            (iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' 
                        after the semicolon at the end;
                            (iv) in clause (iv), by striking the period 
                        at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (v) by adding at the end the following new 
                        clause:
                            ``(v) owners of vessels to which this 
                        chapter applies.''.
            (3) Termination.--Section 4508(e)(1) of that title is 
        amended by striking ``September 30, 2010.'' and inserting 
        ``September 30, 2020.''.
            (4) Clerical amendment.--The table of section at the 
        beginning of chapter 45 of title 46, United States Code, is 
        amended by striking the item relating to such section and 
        inserting the following:

``4508. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee.''.
    (d) Loadlines for Vessels 79 Feet or Greater in Length.--Section 
5102(b)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
after ``vessel'' the following ``, unless the vessel is built or 
undergoes a major conversion completed after July 1, 2010''.
    (e) Classing of Vessels.--
            (1) In general.--Section 4503 of title 46, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) by striking the section heading and inserting 
                the following:
``Sec. 4503. Fishing, fish tender, and fish processing vessel 
              certification'';
                    (B) in subsection (a) by striking ``fish 
                processing''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) This section applies to a vessel to which section 4502(b) of 
this title applies that is at least 50 feet overall in length and--
            ``(1) is built after July 1, 2010; or
            ``(2) undergoes a major conversion completed after that 
        date.
    ``(d)(1) After January 1, 2020, a fishing vessel, fish processing 
vessel, or fish tender vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title 
applies shall comply with an alternate safety compliance program that 
is developed in cooperation with the commercial fishing industry and 
prescribed by the Secretary, if the vessel--
            ``(A) is at least 50 feet overall in length;
            ``(B) is built before July 1, 2010; and
            ``(C) is 25 years of age or older.
    ``(2) Alternative safety compliance programs may be developed for 
purposes of paragraph (1) for specific regions and fisheries.
    ``(3) A fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender 
vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title applies that was classed 
before July 1, 2010, shall--
            ``(A) remain subject to the requirements of a 
        classification society approved by the Secretary; and
            ``(B) have on board a certificate from that society.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of section at the 
        beginning of chapter 45 of title 46, United States Code, is 
        amended by striking the item relating to such section and 
        inserting the following:

``4503. Fishing, fish tender, and fish processing vessel 
                            certification.''.
    (f) Alternative Safety Compliance Program.--No later than January 
1, 2017, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating shall prescribe an alternative safety compliance program 
referred to in section 4503(d) of the title 46, United States Code, as 
amended by this section.

SEC. 5. MARINER RECORDS.

    Section 7502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``The'';
            (2) by striking ``computerized records'' and inserting 
        ``records, including electronic records,''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) The Secretary may prescribe regulations requiring a vessel 
owner or managing operator of a commercial vessel, or the employer of a 
seaman on that vessel, to maintain records of each individual engaged 
on the vessel on matters of engagement, discharge, and service for not 
less than 5 years after the date of the completion of the service of 
that individual on the vessel. The regulations may require that a 
vessel owner, managing operator, or employer shall make these records 
available to the individual and the Coast Guard on request.
    ``(c) A person violating this section, or a regulation prescribed 
under this section, is liable to the United States Government for a 
civil penalty of not more than $5,000.''.

SEC. 6. DELETION OF EXEMPTION OF LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR OPERATORS OF 
              CERTAIN TOWING VESSELS.

    Section 8905 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (b); and
            (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

SEC. 7. LOG BOOKS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 113 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 11304. Additional logbook and entry requirements
    ``(a) A vessel of the United States that is subject to inspection 
under section 3301 of this title, except a vessel on a voyage from a 
port in the United States to a port in Canada, shall have an official 
logbook, which shall be kept available for review by the Secretary on 
request.
    ``(b) The log book required by subsection (a) shall include the 
following entries:
            ``(1) The time when each seaman and each officer assumed or 
        relieved the watch.
            ``(2) The number of hours in service to the vessels of each 
        seaman and each officer.
            ``(3) An account of each accident, illness, and injury that 
        occurs during each watch.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

``11304. Additional logbook and entry requirements.''.

SEC. 8. SAFE OPERATIONS AND EQUIPMENT STANDARDS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 21 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new sections:
``Sec. 2116. Termination for unsafe operation
    ``An individual authorized to enforce this title--
            ``(1) may remove a certificate required by this title from 
        a vessel that is operating in a condition that does not comply 
        with the provisions of the certificate;
            ``(2) may order the individual in charge of a vessel that 
        is operating that does not have on board the certificate 
        required by this title to return the vessel to a mooring and to 
        remain there until the vessel is in compliance with this title; 
        and
            ``(3) may direct the individual in charge of a vessel to 
        which this title applies to immediately take reasonable steps 
        necessary for the safety of individuals on board the vessel if 
        the official observes the vessel being operated in an unsafe 
        condition that the official believes creates an especially 
        hazardous condition, including ordering the individual in 
        charge to return the vessel to a mooring and to remain there 
        until the situation creating the hazard is corrected or ended.
``Sec. 2117. Establishment of equipment standards
    ``(a) In establishing standards for approved equipment required on 
vessels subject to part B of this title, the Secretary shall establish 
standards that are--
            ``(1) based on performance using the best available 
        technology that is economically achievable; and
            ``(2) operationally practical.
    ``(b) Using the standards established under subsection (a), the 
Secretary may also certify lifesaving equipment that is not required to 
be carried on vessels subject to part B of this title to ensure that 
such equipment is suitable for its intended purpose.
    ``(c) At least once every 10 years the Secretary shall review and 
revise the standards established under subsection (a) to ensure that 
the standards meet the requirements of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
that title is amended by adding at the end the following:

``2116. Termination for unsafe operation.
``2117. Establishment of equipment standards.''.

SEC. 9. APPROVAL OF SURVIVAL CRAFT.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 31 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3104. Survival craft
    ``(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may not 
approve a survival craft as a safety device for purposes of this part, 
unless the craft ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in 
water.
    ``(b) The Secretary may authorize a survival craft that does not 
provide protection described in subsection (a) to remain in service 
until not later than January 1, 2015, if--
            ``(1) it was approved by the Secretary before January 1, 
        2010; and
            ``(2) it is in serviceable condition.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
that title is amended by adding at the end the following:

``3104. Survival craft.''.

SEC. 10. SAFETY MANAGEMENT.

    (a) Vessels to Which Requirements Apply.--Section 3202 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking the heading and inserting 
        ``Foreign Voyages and Foreign Vessels.--'';
            (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
        (c) and (d), respectively;
            (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
    ``(b) Other Passenger Vessels.--This chapter applies to a vessel 
that is--
            ``(1) a passenger vessel or small passenger vessel; and
            ``(2) is transporting more passengers than a number 
        prescribed by the Secretary based on the number of individuals 
        on the vessel that could be killed or injured in a marine 
        casualty.'';
            (4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking 
        ``subsection (b)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)'';
            (5) in subsection (d)(4), as so redesignated, by inserting 
        ``that is not described in subsection (b) of this section'' 
        after ``waters''.
    (b) Safety Management System.--Section 3203 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(c) In prescribing regulations for passenger vessels and small 
passenger vessels, the Secretary shall consider--
            ``(1) the characteristics, methods of operation, and nature 
        of the service of these vessels; and
            ``(2) with respect to vessels that are ferries, the sizes 
        of the ferry systems within which the vessels operate.''.

SEC. 11. PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 2114 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(1)(A), by striking ``or'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking the period at the 
        end and inserting a semicolon;
            (3) by adding at the end of subsection (a)(1) the following 
        new subparagraphs:
            ``(C) the seaman testified in a proceeding brought to 
        enforce a maritime safety law or regulation prescribed under 
        that law;
            ``(D) the seaman notified, or attempted to notify, the 
        vessel owner or the Secretary of a work-related personal injury 
        or work-related illness of a seaman;
            ``(E) the seaman cooperated with a safety investigation by 
        the Secretary or the National Transportation Safety Board;
            ``(F) the seaman furnished information to the Secretary, 
        the National Transportation Safety Board, or any other public 
        official as to the facts relating to any marine casualty 
        resulting in injury or death to an individual or damage to 
        property occurring in connection with vessel transportation; or
            ``(G) the seaman accurately reported hours of duty under 
        this part.''; and
            (4) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
    ``(b) A seaman alleging discharge or discrimination in violation of 
subsection (a) of this section, or another person at the seaman's 
request, may file a complaint with respect to such allegation in the 
same manner as a complaint may be filed under subsection (b) of section 
31105 of title 49. Such complaint shall be subject to the procedures, 
requirements, and rights described in that section, including with 
respect to the right to file an objection, the right of a person to 
file for a petition for review under subsection (c) of that section, 
and the requirement to bring a civil action under subsection (d) of 
that section.''.
    (b) Existing Actions.--This section shall not affect the 
application of section 2114(b) of title 46, United States Code, as in 
effect before the date of enactment of this Act, to an action filed 
under that section before that date.

SEC. 12. OIL FUEL TANK PROTECTION.

    Section 3306 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(k)(1) Each vessel of the United States that is constructed under 
a contract entered into after the date of enactment of the Maritime 
Safety Act of 2009, or that is delivered after January 1, 2011, with an 
aggregate capacity of 600 cubic meters or more of oil fuel, shall 
comply with the requirements of Regulation 12A under Annex I to the 
Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the 
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, entitled `Oil Fuel Tank 
Protection.'
    ``(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to apply the 
requirements described in Regulation 12A to vessels described in 
paragraph (1) that are not otherwise subject to that convention. Any 
such regulation shall be considered to be an interpretive rule for the 
purposes of section 553 of title 5.
    ``(3) In this subsection the term `oil fuel' means any oil used as 
fuel in connection with the propulsion and auxiliary machinery of the 
vessel in which such oil is carried.''.

SEC. 13. OATHS.

    Sections 7105 and 7305 of title 46, United States Code, and the 
items relating to such sections in the analysis for chapters 71 and 73 
of such title, are repealed.

SEC. 14. DURATION OF CREDENTIALS.

    (a) Merchant Mariner's Documents.--Section 7302(f) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(f) Periods of Validity and Renewal of Merchant Mariners' 
Documents.--
            ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (g), a 
        merchant mariner's document issued under this chapter is valid 
        for a 5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year 
        periods.
            ``(2) Advance renewals.--A renewed merchant mariner's 
        document may be issued under this chapter up to 8 months in 
        advance but is not effective until the date that the previously 
        issued merchant mariner's document expires or until the 
        completion of any active suspension or revocation of that 
        previously issued merchant mariner's document, whichever is 
        later.''.
    (b) Duration of Licenses.--Section 7106 of such title is amended to 
read as follows:
``Sec. 7106. Duration of licenses
    ``(a) In General.--A license issued under this part is valid for a 
5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods; except 
that the validity of a license issued to a radio officer is conditioned 
on the continuous possession by the holder of a first-class or second-
class radiotelegraph operator license issued by the Federal 
Communications Commission.
    ``(b) Advance Renewals.--A renewed license issued under this part 
may be issued up to 8 months in advance but is not effective until the 
date that the previously issued license expires or until the completion 
of any active suspension or revocation of that previously issued 
merchant mariner's document, whichever is later.''.
    (c) Certificates of Registry.--Section 7107 of such title is 
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 7107. Duration of certificates of registry
    ``(a) In General.--A certificate of registry issued under this part 
is valid for a 5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year 
periods; except that the validity of a certificate issued to a medical 
doctor or professional nurse is conditioned on the continuous 
possession by the holder of a license as a medical doctor or registered 
nurse, respectively, issued by a State.
    ``(b) Advance Renewals.--A renewed certificate of registry issued 
under this part may be issued up to 8 months in advance but is not 
effective until the date that the previously issued certificate of 
registry expires or until the completion of any active suspension or 
revocation of that previously issued merchant mariner's document, 
whichever is later.''.

SEC. 15. FINGERPRINTING.

    (a) Merchant Mariner Licenses and Documents.--Chapter 75 of title 
46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 7507. Fingerprinting
    ``The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating may not require an individual to be fingerprinted for the 
issuance or renewal of a license, a certificate of registry, or a 
merchant mariner's document under chapter 71 or 73 if the individual 
was fingerprinted when the individual applied for a transportation 
security card under section 70105.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended 
by adding at the end the following:

``7507. Fingerprinting.''.

SEC. 16. AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND THE DURATION OF LICENSES, CERTIFICATES 
              OF REGISTRY, AND MERCHANT MARINERS' DOCUMENTS.

    (a) Merchant Mariner Licenses and Documents.--Chapter 75 of title 
46, United States Code, as amended by section 15(a) of this Act, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 7508. Authority to extend the duration of licenses, certificates 
              of registry, and merchant mariner documents
    ``(a) Licenses and Certificates of Registry.--Notwithstanding 
sections 7106 and 7107, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating may--
            ``(1) extend for not more than one year an expiring license 
        or certificate of registry issued for an individual under 
        chapter 71 if the Secretary determines that the extension is 
        required to enable the Coast Guard to eliminate a backlog in 
        processing applications for those licenses or certificates of 
        registry or in response to a national emergency or natural 
        disaster, as deemed necessary by the Secretary; or
            ``(2) issue for not more than five years an expiring 
        license or certificate of registry issued for an individual 
        under chapter 71 for the exclusive purpose of aligning the 
        expiration date of such license or certificate of registry with 
        the expiration date of a merchant mariner's document.
    ``(b) Merchant Mariner Documents.--Notwithstanding section 7302(g), 
the Secretary may--
            ``(1) extend for not more than one year an expiring 
        merchant mariner's document issued for an individual under 
        chapter 71 if the Secretary determines that the extension is 
        required to enable the Coast Guard to eliminate a backlog in 
        processing applications for those licenses or certificates of 
        registry or in response to a national emergency or natural 
        disaster, as deemed necessary by the Secretary; or
            ``(2) issue for not more than five years an expiring 
        merchant mariner's document issued for an individual under 
        chapter 71 for the exclusive purpose of aligning the expiration 
        date of such merchant mariner's document with the expiration 
        date of a merchant mariner's document.
    ``(c) Manner of Extension.--Any extensions granted under this 
section may be granted to individual seamen or a specifically 
identified group of seamen.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter, as amended 
by section 15(b), is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``7508. Authority to extend the duration of licenses, certificates of 
                            registry, and merchant mariner 
                            documents.''.

SEC. 17. MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENTATION.

    (a) Interim Clearance Process.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall develop an interim clearance process 
for issuance of a merchant mariner document to enable a newly hired 
seaman to begin working on an offshore supply vessel or towing vessel 
if the Secretary makes an initial determination that the seaman does 
not pose a safety and security risk.
    (b) Contents of Process.--The process under subsection (a) shall 
include a check against the consolidated and integrated terrorist watch 
list maintained by the Federal Government, review of the seaman's 
criminal record, and review of the results of testing the seaman for 
use of a dangerous drug (as defined in section 2101 of title 46, United 
States Code) in violation of law or Federal regulation.

SEC. 18. MERCHANT MARINER ASSISTANCE REPORT.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
report regarding the feasibility of--
            (1) expanding the streamlined evaluation process program 
        that was affiliated with the Houston Regional Examination 
        Center of the Coast Guard to all processing centers of the 
        Coast Guard nationwide;
            (2) including proposals to simplify the application process 
        for a license as an officer, staff officer, or operator and for 
        a merchant mariner's document to help eliminate errors by 
        merchant mariners when completing the application form (CG-
        719B), including instructions attached to the application form 
        and a modified application form for renewals with questions 
        pertaining only to the period of time since the previous 
        application;
            (3) providing notice to an applicant of the status of the 
        pending application, including a process to allow the applicant 
        to check on the status of the application by electronic means; 
        and
            (4) ensuring that all information collected with respect to 
        applications for new or renewed licenses, merchant mariner 
        documents, and certificates of registry is retained in a secure 
        electronic format.

SEC. 19. PILOT REQUIRED.

    Section 8502(g) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and Buzzards Bay, 
        Massachusetts'' before ``, if any,''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) In any area of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, where a 
        single-hull tanker or tank vessel carrying 5,000 or more 
        barrels of oil or other hazardous material is required to be 
        under the direction and control of a pilot, the pilot may not 
        be a member of the crew of that vessel, and shall be a pilot 
        licensed--
                    ``(A) by the State of Massachusetts who is 
                operating under a Federal first class pilot's license; 
                or
                    ``(B) under section 7101 of this title who has made 
                at least 20 round trips on a vessel as a quartermaster, 
                wheelsman, able seaman, or apprentice pilot, or in an 
                equivalent capacity, including--
                            ``(i) at least 1 round trip through 
                        Buzzards Bay in the preceding 12-month period; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) if the vessel will be navigating in 
                        periods of darkness in an area of Buzzards Bay 
                        where a vessel is required by regulation to 
                        have a pilot, at least 5 round trips through 
                        Buzzards Bay during periods of darkness.''.

SEC. 20. OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS.

    (a) Definition.--Section 2101(19) of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``of more than 15 gross tons but less than 500 
gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an 
alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as 
prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title''.
    (b) Exemption.--Section 5209(b)(1) of the Oceans Act of 1992 
(Public Law 102-587; 46 U.S.C. 2101 note) is amended by inserting 
before the period at the end the following: ``of less than 500 gross 
tons as measured under section 14502, or an alternate tonnage measured 
under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under 
section 14104 of this title.''.
    (c) Removal of Tonnage Limits.--
            (1) Able seamen-offshore supply vessels.--Section 7310 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``of less 
        than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this 
        title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of 
        this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 
        of this title''.
            (2) Scale of employment: able seamen.--Section 7312(d) of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``of less 
        than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this 
        title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of 
        this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 
        of this title''.
    (d) Watches.--Section 8104 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (g), by inserting after ``offshore supply 
        vessel'' the following: ``of less than 500 gross tons as 
        measured under section 14502 of this title, or less than 6,000 
        gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title as 
        prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this 
        title,'';
            (2) in subsection (d), by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(d)'', 
        and by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to an offshore supply vessel of 
at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title 
if the individuals engaged on the vessel are in compliance with hours 
of service requirements (including recording and record-keeping of that 
service) prescribed by the Secretary.''; and
            (3) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection (d)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (d)(1)''.
    (e) Minimum Number of Licensed Individuals.--Section 8301(b) of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b)(1) An offshore supply vessel of less than 6,000 gross tons, 
as measured under section 14302 of this title, on a voyage of less than 
600 miles shall have at least one licensed mate. Such a vessel on a 
voyage of 600 miles or more shall have two licensed mates.
    ``(2) An offshore supply vessel of more than 200 gross tons as 
measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage 
measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the 
Secretary under section 14104 of this title, may not be operated 
without a licensed engineer.
    ``(3) An offshore supply vessel shall have at least one mate. 
Additional mates on an offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 gross 
tons as measured under section 14302 of this title shall be prescribe 
in accordance with hours of service requirements (including recording 
and record-keeping of that service) prescribed by the Secretary.''.
    (f) Regulations.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which 
        the Coast Guard is operating shall promulgate regulations to 
        implement the amendments enacted by this section and chapter 37 
        of title 46, United States Code, for offshore supply vessels of 
        at least 6,000 gross tons, before January 1, 2010.
            (2) Interim final rule authority.--The Secretary shall 
        issue an interim final rule as a temporary regulation 
        implementing this section (including the amendments made by 
        this section), and chapter 37 of title 46, United States Code, 
        for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons, as 
        soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this 
        section, without regard to the provisions of chapter 5 of title 
        5, United States Code. All regulations prescribed under the 
        authority of this paragraph that are not earlier superseded by 
        final regulations shall expire not later than 1 year after the 
        date of enactment of this Act.
            (3) Initiation of rulemaking.--The Secretary may initiate a 
        rulemaking to implement this section (including the amendments 
        made by this section), and chapter 37 of title 46, United 
        States Code, for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 
        gross tons, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment 
        of this section. The final rule issued pursuant to that 
        rulemaking may supersede the interim final rule promulgated 
        under this subsection.
            (4) Interim period.--After the date of enactment of this 
        Act and prior to the effective date of the regulations 
        promulgated to implement the amendments enacted by this section 
        under paragraph (2), and notwithstanding the tonnage limits of 
        applicable regulations promulgated prior to the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary may--
                    (A) issue a certificate of inspection under section 
                3309 of title 46, United States Code, to an offshore 
                supply vessel of at least 500 gross tons as measured 
                under section 14502 of title 46, United States Code, or 
                of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 
                14302 of title 46, United States Code, if the Secretary 
                determines that such vessel's arrangements, equipment, 
                classification, and certifications provide for the safe 
                carriage of individuals in addition to the crew and oil 
                and hazardous substances, taking into consideration the 
                characteristics of offshore supply vessels, their 
                methods of operation, and their service in support of 
                exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore 
                mineral or energy resources;
                    (B) for the purpose of enforcing chapter 37 of 
                title 46, United States Code, use tank vessel standards 
                for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross 
                tons after considering the characteristics, methods of 
                operation, and nature of the service of the vessel; and
                    (C) authorize a master, mate, or engineer whom the 
                Secretary decides possesses the experience on an 
                offshore supply vessel under 6,000 gross tons to serve 
                on an offshore supply vessel over at least 6,000 gross 
                tons.

SEC. 21. ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    Section 2101(1)(B) of title 46, United States Coded, is amended by 
inserting ``with the exception of emergency locator beacons,'' before 
``does''.

SEC. 22. LIFESAVING DEVICES ON UNINSPECTED VESSELS.

    Section 4102(b) of 46, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
    ``(b) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations requiring the 
installation, maintenance, and use of life preservers and other 
lifesaving devices for individuals on board uninspected vessels.''.

SEC. 23. STUDY OF BLENDED FUELS IN MARINE APPLICATION.

    (a) Survey.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
        acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall submit 
        a survey of published data and reports, pertaining to the use, 
        safety, and performance of blended fuels in marine 
        applications, to the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate.
            (2) Included information.--To the extent possible, the 
        survey required in subsection (a), shall include data and 
        reports on--
                    (A) the impact of blended fuel on the operation, 
                durability, and performance of recreational and 
                commercial marine engines, vessels, and marine engine 
                and vessel components and associated equipment;
                    (B) the safety impacts of blended fuels on 
                consumers that own and operate recreational and 
                commercial marine engines and marine engine components 
                and associated equipment; and
                    (C) to the extent available, fires and explosions 
                on board vessels propelled by engines using blended 
                fuels.
    (b) Study.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 36 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the 
        Commandant, shall conduct a comprehensive study on the use, 
        safety, and performance of blended fuels in marine 
        applications. The Secretary is authorized to conduct such study 
        in conjunction with--
                    (A) any other Federal agency;
                    (B) any State government or agency;
                    (C) any local government or agency, including local 
                police and fire departments; and
                    (D) any private entity, including engine and vessel 
                manufacturers.
            (2) Evaluation.--The study shall include an evaluation of--
                    (A) the impact of blended fuel on the operation, 
                durability and performance of recreational and 
                commercial marine engines, vessels, and marine engine 
                and vessel components and associated equipment;
                    (B) the safety impacts of blended fuels on 
                consumers that own and operate recreational and 
                commercial marine engines and marine engine components 
                and associated equipment; and
                    (C) fires and explosions on board vessels propelled 
                by engines using blended fuels.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out the 
survey and study under this section $1,000,000.

SEC. 24. RENEWAL OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

    (a) Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee.--Section 9307(f)(1) of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 
2010.'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020.''.
    (b) National Boating Safety Advisory Council.--Section 13110 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (d), by deleting the first sentence; and
            (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``September 30, 2010.'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2020.''.
    (c) Houston-Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee.--
Section 18(h) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 
102-241 as amended by Public Law 104-324) is amended by striking 
``September 30, 2010.'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020.''.
    (d) Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee.--
Section 19 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 
102-241) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                striking ``twenty-four'' and inserting ``twenty-five''; 
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:
            ``(12) One member representing the Associated Federal 
        Pilots and Docking Masters of Louisiana.''; and
            (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``September 30, 2010.'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2020.''.
    (e) Towing Safety Advisory Committee.--The Act to Establish a 
Towing Safety Advisory Committee in the Department of Transportation 
(33 U.S.C. 1231a) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) There is established a Towing Safety Advisory Committee 
(hereinafter referred to as the `Committee'). The Committee shall 
consist of eighteen members with particular expertise, knowledge, and 
experience regarding shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway 
navigation and towing safety as follows:
            ``(1) Seven members representing the barge and towing 
        industry, reflecting a regional geographic balance.
            ``(2) One member representing the offshore mineral and oil 
        supply vessel industry.
            ``(3) One member representing holders of active licensed 
        Masters or Pilots of towing vessels with experience on the 
        Western Rivers and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
            ``(4) One member representing the holders of active 
        licensed Masters of towing vessels in offshore service.
            ``(5) One member representing Masters who are active ship-
        docking or harbor towing vessel.
            ``(6) One member representing licensed or unlicensed towing 
        vessel engineers with formal training and experience.
            ``(7) Two members representing each of the following 
        groups:
                    ``(A) Port districts, authorities, or terminal 
                operators.
                    ``(B) Shippers (of whom at least one shall be 
                engaged in the shipment of oil or hazardous materials 
                by barge).
            ``(8) Two members representing the general public.''; and
            (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``September 30, 2010.'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2020.''.
    (f) Navigation Safety Advisory Council.--Section 5 of the Inland 
Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 2073) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the 
        following:
    ``(a) Establishment of Council.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which 
        the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a Navigation 
        Safety Advisory Council (hereinafter referred to as the 
        `Council'), consisting of not more than 21 members. All members 
        shall have expertise in Inland and International vessel 
        navigation Rules of the Road, aids to maritime navigation, 
        maritime law, vessel safety, port safety, or commercial diving 
        safety. Upon appointment, all non-Federal members shall be 
        designated as representative members to represent the 
        viewpoints and interests of one of the following groups or 
        organizations:
                    ``(A) Commercial vessel owners or operators.
                    ``(B) Professional mariners.
                    ``(C) Recreational boaters.
                    ``(D) The recreational boating industry.
                    ``(E) State agencies responsible for vessel or port 
                safety.
                    ``(F) The Maritime Law Association.
            ``(2) Panels.--Additional persons may be appointed to 
        panels of the Council to assist the Council in performance of 
        its functions.
            ``(3) Nominations.--The Secretary, through the Coast Guard 
        Commandant, shall not less often than once a year publish a 
        notice in the Federal Register soliciting nominations for 
        membership on the Council.
    ``(b) Functions.--The Council shall advise, consult with, and make 
recommendations to the Secretary, through the Coast Guard Commandant, 
on matters relating to maritime collisions, rammings, groundings, 
Inland Rules of the Road, International Rules of the Road, navigation 
regulations and equipment, routing measures, marine information, diving 
safety, and aids to navigation systems. Any advice and recommendations 
made by the Council to the Secretary shall reflect the independent 
judgment of the Council on the matter concerned. The Council shall meet 
at the call of the Coast Guard Commandant, but in any event not less 
than twice during each calendar year. All proceedings of the Council 
shall be public, and a record of the proceedings shall be made 
available for public inspection.''; and
            (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``September 30, 2010.'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2020.''.
                                 <all>
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