Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023

Subjects: Transportation and Public Works


<html><body><pre>[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2741 Introduced in House (IH)]

&lt;DOC&gt;






118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 2741

To authorize and amend authorities, programs, and statutes administered 
                          by the Coast Guard.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 20, 2023

  Mr. Graves of Missouri (for himself, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. 
 Webster of Florida, and Mr. Carbajal) introduced the following bill; 
       which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
                             Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To authorize and amend authorities, programs, and statutes administered 
                          by the Coast Guard.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2023''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Commandant defined.
                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Shoreside infrastructure and facilities and information 
                            technology.
Sec. 103. Availability of amounts for acquisition of additional vessels 
                            and aircraft.
Sec. 104. Authorization for certain programs and services.
Sec. 105. Fishing vessel safety.
Sec. 106. Authorized levels of military strength and training.
                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

Sec. 201. Prohibition on use of lead systems integrators.
Sec. 202. Ports and waterways safety.
Sec. 203. Minor construction increase.
Sec. 204. Uniform funding and management system.
Sec. 205. Tsunami evacuation plans.
Sec. 206. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and 
                            emergency response posture at the Port of 
                            Point Spencer, Alaska.
Sec. 207. Service life extension programs.
Sec. 208. Underwater inspections brief.
Sec. 209. St. Lucie River railroad bridge.
                          TITLE III--MARITIME

            Subtitle A--American Samoa Mariners Act of 2023

Sec. 301. Merchant seamen licenses, certificates, and documents; 
                            manning of vessels.
               Subtitle B--Merchant Mariner Credentialing

Sec. 311. Revising merchant mariner deck training requirements.
Sec. 312. Technical amendments.
Sec. 313. Renewal of merchant mariner licenses and documents.
                       Subtitle C--Vessel Safety

Sec. 321. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel.
Sec. 322. Administrative procedure for security risks.
Sec. 323. Requirements for DUKW amphibious passenger vessels.
                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

Sec. 331. Anchor handling activities.
Sec. 332. Establishment of a national advisory committee on autonomous 
                            maritime systems.
Sec. 333. Controlled substance onboard vessels.
Sec. 334. Nonoperating individual.
Sec. 335. Information on type approval certificates.
Sec. 336. Manning and crewing requirements for certain vessels, 
                            vehicles, and structures.
       TITLE IV--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS

Sec. 401. Technical and conforming amendments.

SEC. 2. COMMANDANT DEFINED.

    In this Act, the term ``Commandant'' means the Commandant of the 
Coast Guard.

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
        ``fiscal years 2022 and 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 
        2024 and 2025'';
            (2) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and 
                (ii) and inserting the following:
                    ``(i) $10,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
                    ``(ii) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025.'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``$23,456,000'' 
                and inserting ``$24,353,000''; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``$24,353,000'' 
                and inserting ``$25,570,000'';
            (3) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and 
                (ii) and inserting the following:
                    ``(i) $3,477,600,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
                    ``(ii) $3,477,600,000 for fiscal year 2025.''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking clauses (i) and 
                (ii) and inserting the following:
                    ``(i) $20,808,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
                    ``(ii) $20,808,000 for fiscal year 2025.'';
            (4) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
        and inserting the following:
                    ``(A) $14,681,084 for fiscal year 2024; and
                    ``(B) $15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025.''; and
            (5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
            ``(4) For retired pay, including the payment of obligations 
        otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for this purpose, 
        payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and 
        Survivor Benefits Plans, payment for career status bonuses, 
        payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, 
        concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and 
        payments for medical care of retired personnel and the 
        dependents of such personnel under chapter 55 of title 10, 
        $1,147,244 for fiscal year 2024.''.

SEC. 102. SHORESIDE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES AND INFORMATION 
              TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) In General.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under 
section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code--
            (1) for fiscal year 2024, $36,300,000 is authorized to 
        modernize the information technology systems of the Coast 
        Guard; and
            (2) for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025, $400,000,000 is 
        authorized to fund maintenance, construction, and repairs for 
        Coast Guard shoreside infrastructure.
    (b) Information Technology Set-Asides.--Of the amounts authorized 
under subsection (a)(1), $11,000,000 is authorized to fund the 
acquisition, development, and implementation of a new credentialing 
system for the merchant mariner credentialing program.
    (c) Shoreside Infrastructure.--In addition to the amounts 
authorized under subsection (a)(2)--
            (1) for the purposes of improvements to facilities at the 
        United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, 
        New Jersey--
                    (A) for fiscal year 2024--
                            (i) $130,000,000 is authorized to fund the 
                        construction of a new indoor multipurpose 
                        recruit training facility; and
                            (ii) $70,000,000 is authorized to fund 
                        Phase II of the barracks' recapitalization; and
                    (B) for fiscal year 2025, $70,000,000 is authorized 
                to fund Phase III of the barracks' recapitalization;
            (2) for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025, $30,000,000 is 
        authorized to fund Phase I construction of a ship handling 
        facility in the United States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, 
        Maryland; and
            (3) for fiscal year 2024, $130,000,000 is authorized to 
        fund Phase I of the expansion project of Coast Guard Base 
        Seattle in Seattle, Washington.

SEC. 103. AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS FOR ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL VESSELS 
              AND AIRCRAFT.

    Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 
4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2024--
            (1) $400,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of 4 
        Fast Response Cutters;
            (2) $125,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition or 
        procurement of an available commercial icebreaker;
            (3) $55,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of a 
        Great Lakes icebreaker at least as capable as Coast Guard 
        Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB-30);
            (4) $30,500,000 is authorized for the program management, 
        design, and acquisition of Pacific Northwest heavy weather 
        boats that are at least as capable as the Coast Guard 52-foot 
        motor surfboat;
            (5) $138,500,000 is authorized for the acquisition or 
        procurement of 1 missionized HC-130J aircraft; and
            (6) $113,000,000 is authorized to outfit and assemble 4 MH-
        60T Jayhawk aircraft.

SEC. 104. AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

    Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 
4902(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 
2024 and 2025--
            (1) $11,978,000 is authorized to fund additional recruiting 
        personnel and offices for the Coast Guard Recruiting Command; 
        and
            (2) $9,000,000 is authorized to enhance Coast Guard 
        recruiting capabilities.

SEC. 105. FISHING VESSEL SAFETY.

    Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (i)(4) by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' 
        and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 2025''; and
            (2) in subsection (j)(4) by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' 
        and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 2025''.

SEC. 106. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH AND TRAINING.

    Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``fiscal years 2022 and 
        2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 and 2025''; and
            (2) in subsection (b) by striking ``fiscal years 2022 and 
        2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 and 2025''.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

SEC. 201. PROHIBITION ON USE OF LEAD SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS.

    Section 1105 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(c) Definition.--In this section, the term `lead systems 
integrator' has the meaning given such term in section 805(c) of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 
109-163).''.

SEC. 202. PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY.

    (a) Waterfront Safety.--Section 70011(a) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, including damage or 
        destruction resulting from cyber incidents, transnational 
        organized crime, or foreign state threats'' after ``adjacent to 
        such waters''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``or harm resulting from 
        cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign 
        state threats'' after ``loss''.
    (b) Regulation of Anchorage and Movement of Vessels During National 
Emergency.--Section 70051 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting ``or cyber incidents, or transnational organized crime, or 
foreign state threats,'' after ``threatened war, or invasion, or 
insurrection, or subversive activity,''.

SEC. 203. MINOR CONSTRUCTION INCREASE.

    Section 903(d)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``$1,500,000'' and inserting ``$2,000,000''.

SEC. 204. UNIFORM FUNDING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 9 of title 14, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 955. Contracts to provide or obtain goods and services
    ``(a) Authority for Uniform Funding and Management.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Commandant may designate funds 
        appropriated to the Coast Guard and available for morale, well-
        being, and recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange 
        System as nonappropriated funds and expended in accordance with 
        laws applicable to the expenditures of non-appropriated funds.
            ``(2) Availability of funds.--Appropriated funds so 
        designated shall be considered to be nonappropriated funds for 
        all purposes and shall remain available until expended.
    ``(b) Conditions on Availability.--Funds appropriated to the Coast 
Guard may be made available to support morale, well-being, or 
recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange System only in amounts 
the Commandant deems appropriate and consistent with readiness and 
resources.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 9 of such title 
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 954 the 
following:

``955. Contracts to provide or obtain goods and services.''.
    (c) Transfer of Section Text.--
            (1) Redesignation.--Section 955 of title 14, United States 
        Code, (as added by subsection (a)) is amended by redesignating 
        subsections (a) and (b) as subsection (b) and (c), 
        respectively.
            (2) Transfer.--The section text of section 713 of title 14, 
        United States Code, is transferred to appear as subsection (a) 
        of section 955 of such title.
            (3) Subsection heading.--Section 955(a) is amended by 
        striking ``The Coast Guard Exchange System,'' and inserting 
        ``In General.--The Coast Guard Exchange System,''.
    (d) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this 
section shall take effect on the date of enactment of an Act providing 
appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security that is enacted 
after the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 205. TSUNAMI EVACUATION PLANS.

    (a) Tsunami Evacuation Plans.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
        Management Agency, shall establish location specific tsunami 
        evacuation plans for each unit and sector of the Coast Guard 
        that has facilities, personnel, or assets located within 
        areas--
                    (A) designated by the Administrator of the National 
                Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as high risk or 
                very high risk of a United States tsunami hazard; and
                    (B) that are located inside a tsunami inundation 
                zone.
            (2) Evacuation plans.--In establishing the evacuation plans 
        under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall ensure that such 
        plans--
                    (A) are included in the emergency action plans for 
                each unit or sector located inside of a tsunami 
                inundation zone;
                    (B) designate an evacuation route to an assembly 
                area located outside of a tsunami inundation zone;
                    (C) include a map or diagram of all tsunami 
                inundation zone evacuation routes;
                    (D) include evacuation routes for all Coast Guard 
                personnel and dependents of such personnel living in 
                Coast Guard housing;
                    (E) are feasible for all servicemembers and 
                dependents of such servicemembers present on Coast 
                Guard property or living in Coast Guard provided 
                housing;
                    (F) include procedures to begin evacuations once a 
                major seismic event is detected;
                    (G) include evacuation plans for air and water 
                assets that do not impinge on the safety of human life;
                    (H) are able to be completely executed within 15 
                minutes of detection of a seismic event or, if not 
                possible within 15 minutes, within a reasonable 
                timeframe;
                    (I) are able to be completely executed by 
                servicemembers on foot from any location within the 
                tsunami inundation zone;
                    (J) are exercised biennially by each unit and 
                sector located in a tsunami inundation zone; and
                    (K) are evaluated by leadership at each unit and 
                sector located in a tsunami inundation zone annually.
            (3) Consultation.--In establishing the evacuation plans 
        under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall consult local 
        governments.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Commandant 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, 
and provide a briefing to each such Committee on, a report on--
            (1) the status of the implementation and feasibility of the 
        plans established under subsection (a)(1);
            (2) a risk evaluation and vulnerability assessment of the 
        infrastructure and assets located within tsunami inundation 
        zones;
            (3) the need for vertical evacuation structures for units 
        and sectors in which an evacuation of a tsunami inundation zone 
        cannot be completed on foot within 15 minutes of the detection 
        of a seismic event; and
            (4) whether the plans established under subsection (a)(1) 
        achieve the purpose to protect human life and ensure the 
        ability for the Coast Guard to provide search and rescue 
        operations following a tsunami event in the area.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Seismic event.--The term ``seismic event'' means an 
        earthquake, volcanic eruption, submarine landslide, coastal 
        rockfall, or other event with the magnitude to cause a tsunami.
            (2) Tsunami inundation zone.--The term ``tsunami inundation 
        zone'' means an area of inland flooding modeled, predicted, or 
        forecasted as a potential result of a tsunami or seismic event.
            (3) Vertical evacuation structure.--The term ``vertical 
        evacuation structure'' means an elevated structure above the 
        tsunami inundation zone designated as a place of refuge from 
        flood waters.

SEC. 206. STUDY ON BERING STRAIT VESSEL TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS AND 
              EMERGENCY RESPONSE POSTURE AT THE PORT OF POINT SPENCER, 
              ALASKA.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into an 
agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and 
Medicine, under which the Marine Board of the Transportation Research 
Board (in this section referred to as the ``Board'') shall conduct a 
study to--
            (1) analyze commercial vessel traffic that transits through 
        the Bering Strait and projections for the growth of such 
        traffic during the 10-year period beginning after such date of 
        enactment; and
            (2) assess the adequacy of emergency response capabilities 
        and infrastructure at the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to 
        address navigation safety risks and geographic challenges 
        necessary to conduct emergency maritime response operations in 
        the Arctic environment.
    (b) Elements.--The study required under subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
            (1) An analysis of the volume and types of domestic and 
        international commercial vessel traffic through the Bering 
        Strait and the projected growth of such traffic, including a 
        summary of--
                    (A) the sizes, ages, and flag states of vessels; 
                and
                    (B) the oil and product tankers that are--
                            (i) in transit to or from Russia or China; 
                        or
                            (ii) owned or operated by a Russian or 
                        Chinese entity.
            (2) An assessment of the state and adequacy of vessel 
        traffic services and oil spill and emergency response 
        capabilities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait, including 
        its approaches.
            (3) A risk assessment of the projected growth in commercial 
        vessel traffic in the Bering Strait and higher probability of 
        increased frequency in the number of maritime accidents, 
        including spill events, and the potential impacts to the Arctic 
        maritime environment and Native Alaskan village communities in 
        the vicinity of the Bering Strait.
            (4) An evaluation of the ability of the Port of Point 
        Spencer, Alaska to serve as a port of refuge and as a staging, 
        logistics, and operations center to conduct and support 
        maritime emergency and spill response activities.
            (5) Recommendations for practical actions that can be taken 
        by the Congress, Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, vessel 
        carriers and operators, the marine salvage and emergency 
        response industry, and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate 
        risks, upgrade infrastructure, and improve the posture of the 
        Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to function as a strategic 
        staging and logistics center for maritime emergency and spill 
        response operations in the Bering Strait region.
    (c) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Board shall consult with--
            (1) the Department of Transportation;
            (2) the Corps of Engineers;
            (3) the National Transportation Safety Board;
            (4) relevant ministries of the government of Canada;
            (5) the Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point 
        Spencer; and
            (6) non-government entities with relevant expertise in 
        monitoring and characterizing vessel traffic in the Arctic.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after initiating the study under 
subsection (a), the Board shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report containing the findings and recommendations of the 
study.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
        ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
                    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate; and
                    (B) Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
                of the House of Representatives.
            (2) Arctic.--The term ``Arctic'' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 
        1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).
            (3) Port coordination council for the port of point 
        spencer.--The term ``Port Coordination Council for the Port of 
        Point Spencer'' means the Council established under section 541 
        of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-
        120).

SEC. 207. SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 14, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 1138. Service life extension programs
    ``(a) In General.--Requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2 
acquisition project or program under sections 1131 through 1134 shall 
not apply to an acquisition by the Coast Guard that is a service life 
extension program.
    ``(b) Definition.--In this section, the term `service life 
extension program' means a capital investment that is solely intended 
to extend the service life and address obsolescence of components or 
systems of a particular capability or asset.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of such title 
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1137 the 
following:

``1138. Service life extension programs.''.

SEC. 208. UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS BRIEF.

    Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Commandant, or a designated individual, shall brief the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
underwater inspection in lieu of drydock program established under 
section 176.615 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect 
on the date of enactment of this Act).

SEC. 209. ST. LUCIE RIVER RAILROAD BRIDGE.

    Regarding Docket Number USCG-2022-0222, before adopting a final 
deviation, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall conduct an 
independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River.

                          TITLE III--MARITIME

            Subtitle A--American Samoa Mariners Act of 2023

SEC. 301. MERCHANT SEAMEN LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND DOCUMENTS; 
              MANNING OF VESSELS.

    (a) Citizenship or Noncitizen Nationality.--
            (1) In general.--Section 7102 of title 46, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in the section heading by inserting ``or 
                noncitizen nationality'' after ``Citizenship''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``or noncitizen nationals (as such 
                term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and 
                Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408)'' after ``citizens''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 71 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 7102 and inserting the following:

``7102. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality.''.
    (b) Citizenship or Noncitizen Nationality Notation on Merchant 
Mariners' Documents.--
            (1) In general.--Section 7304 of title 46, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in the section heading by inserting ``or 
                noncitizen nationality'' after ``Citizenship''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``or noncitizen national (as such 
                term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and 
                Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408)'' after ``citizen''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 7304 and inserting the following:

``7304. Citizenship or nationalization notation on merchant mariners' 
                            documents.''.
    (c) Citizenship or Noncitizen Nationality and Navy Reserve 
Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--Section 8103 of title 46, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in the section heading by inserting ``or 
                noncitizen nationality'' after ``Citizenship'';
                    (B) in subsection (a) by inserting ``or noncitizen 
                national'' after ``citizen'';
                    (C) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) in paragraph (1)(A)(i) by inserting 
                        ``or noncitizen national'' after ``citizen'';
                            (ii) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or 
                        noncitizen nationality'' after ``citizenship''; 
                        and
                            (iii) in paragraph (3)(C) by inserting ``or 
                        noncitizen nationals'' after ``citizens'' each 
                        place it appears;
                    (D) in subsection (c) by inserting ``or noncitizen 
                nationals'' after ``citizens'';
                    (E) in subsection (d)--
                            (i) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or 
                        noncitizen nationals'' after ``citizens''; and
                            (ii) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``or 
                        noncitizen national'' after ``citizen'' each 
                        place it appears;
                    (F) in subsection (e) by inserting ``or noncitizen 
                national'' after ``citizen'' each place it appears;
                    (G) in subsection (i)(1)(A) by inserting ``or 
                noncitizen national'' after ``citizen'';
                    (H) in subsection (k)(1)(A) by inserting ``or 
                noncitizen national'' after ``citizen''; and
                    (I) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(l) Noncitizen National Defined.--In this section, the term 
`noncitizen national' means an individual described in section 308 of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408).''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 81 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 8103 and inserting the following:

``8103. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality and Navy Reserve 
                            requirements.''.
    (d) Command of Documented Vessels.--Section 12131(a) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``or noncitizen national 
(as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))'' after ``citizen''.
    (e) Invalidation of Certificates of Documentation.--Section 
12135(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``or 
noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))'' after ``citizen''.

               Subtitle B--Merchant Mariner Credentialing

SEC. 311. REVISING MERCHANT MARINER DECK TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) General Definitions.--Section 2101 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (56) as 
        paragraphs (21) through (57), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following:
            ``(20) `merchant mariner credential' means a merchant 
        mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is 
        authorized to issue pursuant to this title.''.
    (b) Examinations.--Section 7116 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by striking subsection (c).
    (c) Merchant Mariners Documents.--
            (1) General requirements.--Section 7306 of title 46, United 
        States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of 
              deck departments
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner 
credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes:
            ``(1) Able Seaman-Unlimited.
            ``(2) Able Seaman-Limited.
            ``(3) Able Seaman-Special.
            ``(4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels.
            ``(5) Able Seaman-Sail.
            ``(6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry.
            ``(7) Ordinary Seaman.
    ``(b) Classification of Credentials.--The Secretary may classify 
the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on--
            ``(1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels;
            ``(2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or
            ``(3) other appropriate standards.
    ``(c) Considerations.--In issuing the credential under subsection 
(a), the Secretary may consider the following qualifications of the 
merchant mariner:
            ``(1) Age.
            ``(2) Character.
            ``(3) Habits of life.
            ``(4) Experience.
            ``(5) Professional qualifications demonstrated by 
        satisfactory completion of applicable examinations or other 
        educational requirements.
            ``(6) Physical condition, including sight and hearing.
            ``(7) Other requirements established by the Secretary, 
        including career patterns and service appropriate to the 
        particular service, industry, or job functions the individual 
        is engaged.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 7306 and inserting the following:

``7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck 
                            departments.''.
            (3) Able seamen-unlimited.--Section 7307 of title 46, 
        United States Code, is amended by striking ``3 years''' and 
        inserting ``18 months'''.
            (4) Able seamen-limited.--Section 7308 of title 46, United 
        States Code, is amended by striking ``18 months''' and 
        inserting ``12 months'''.
            (5) General requirements for members of engine 
        departments.--Section 7313(b) of title 46, United States Code, 
        is amended by striking ``and coal passer''.
            (6) Training.--Section 7315 of title 46, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
    ``(a) Graduation from a nautical school program approved by the 
Secretary may be substituted for the service requirements under 
sections 7307-7312 and 7314.'';
                    (B) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) by striking ``one-third'' and inserting 
                        ``one-half''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``7307-7311 of this 
                        title'' and inserting ``7307-7312 and 7314''; 
                        and
                    (C) by striking subsection (c).
    (d) Merchant Mariner Credentials.--Section 7510 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d).
    (e) Implementation.--The Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall implement the amended requirements under 
subsections (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(6) of this section without regard 
to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive 
Orders 12866 and 13563 (5 U.S.C. 601 note).

SEC. 312. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

    (a) In General.--The heading for part E of subtitle II of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``merchant seamen licenses, 
certificates, and documents'' and inserting ``merchant mariner 
credentials''.
    (b) General Requirements and Classifications for Able Seafarers.--
            (1) In general.--The section heading for section 7306 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seamen'' 
        and inserting ``seafarers''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended in the item relating 
        to section 7306 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting 
        ``seafarers''.
    (c) Able Seafarers--Unlimited.--
            (1) In general.--The section heading for section 7307 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seamen'' 
        and inserting ``seafarers''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item 
        relating to section 7307 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting 
        ``seafarers''.
    (d) Able Seamen--Limited.--
            (1) In general.--The section heading for section 7308 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seamen'' 
        and inserting ``seafarers''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item 
        relating to section 7308 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting 
        ``seafarers''.
    (e) Able Seafarers--Special.--
            (1) In general.--The section heading for section 7309 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seamen'' 
        and inserting ``seafarers''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item 
        relating to section 7309 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting 
        ``seafarers''.
    (f) Able Seafarers--Offshore Supply Vessels.--
            (1) In general.--The section heading for section 7310 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seamen'' 
        and inserting ``seafarers''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item 
        relating to section 7310 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting 
        ``seafarers''.
    (g) Able Seafarers--Sail.--
            (1) In general.--The section heading for section 7311 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seamen'' 
        and inserting ``seafarers''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item 
        relating to section 7311 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting 
        ``seafarers''.
    (h) Able Seamen--Fishing Industry.--
            (1) In general.--The section heading for section 7311a of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seamen'' 
        and inserting ``seafarers''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of 
        title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item 
        relating to section 7311a by striking ``seamen'' and inserting 
        ``seafarers''.
    (i) Parts E and F.--Parts E and F of subtitle II of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``seaman'' and inserting ``seafarer'' each 
        place it appears; and
            (2) by striking ``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers'' each 
        place it appears.
    (j) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for subtitle II of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the item relating to subtitle II by striking 
        ``Seamen'' and inserting ``Seafarer''; and
            (2) in the item relating to part E by striking ``merchant 
        seamen licenses, certificates, and documents'' and inserting 
        ``merchant mariner credentials''.

SEC. 313. RENEWAL OF MERCHANT MARINER LICENSES AND DOCUMENTS.

    Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(d) Renewal.--With respect to any renewal of an active merchant 
mariner credential issued under this part that is not an extension 
under subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day after 
the expiration of the active credential of the credential holder.''.

                       Subtitle C--Vessel Safety

SEC. 321. GROSSLY NEGLIGENT OPERATIONS OF A VESSEL.

    Section 2302(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(b) Grossly Negligent Operation.--
            ``(1) Misdemeanor.--A person operating a vessel in a 
        grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or 
        property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor.
            ``(2) Felony.--A person operating a vessel in a grossly 
        negligent manner that results in serious bodily injury, as 
        defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18--
                    ``(A) commits a class E felony; and
                    ``(B) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more 
                than $35,000.''.

SEC. 322. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR SECURITY RISKS.

    (a) Security Risk.--Section 7702(d)(1) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B) by redesignating clauses (i) 
        through (iv) as subclauses (I) through (IV), respectively;
            (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
        (i) and (ii), respectively;
            (3) by striking ``an individual if--'' and inserting the 
        following: ``an individual--
                    ``(A) if--'';
            (4) in subparagraph (A)(ii)(IV), as so redesignated, by 
        striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
            (5) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(B) if there is probable cause to believe that 
                the individual has violated company policy and is a 
                security risk that poses a threat to other individuals 
                on the vessel.''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 2101(47)(B) of title 46, United 
States Code (as so redesignated), is amended by striking ``; and'' and 
inserting ``; or''.

SEC. 323. REQUIREMENTS FOR DUKW AMPHIBIOUS PASSENGER VESSELS.

    Section 11502 of the James H. Inhofe National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263) is amended--
            (1) in the section header by striking ``dukw amphibious 
        passenger vessels'' and inserting ``commercial amphibious small 
        passenger vessels'';
            (2) by striking ``DUKW amphibious passenger vessel'' each 
        place it appears and inserting ``commercial amphibious small 
        passenger vessel'';
            (3) by striking ``DUKW amphibious passenger vessels'' each 
        place it appears and inserting ``commercial amphibious small 
        passenger vessels'';
            (4) in subsection (h)--
                    (A) by striking ``Definitions'' and all that 
                follows through ``The term `appropriate congressional 
                committees''' and inserting ``Appropriate Congressional 
                Committees Defined.--In this section, the term 
                `appropriate congressional committees'''; and
                    (B) by striking paragraph (2); and
            (5) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Application.--This section shall apply to amphibious vessels 
operating as a small passenger vessel in waters subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States, as such term is defined in section 
2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation).''.

                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

SEC. 331. ANCHOR HANDLING ACTIVITIES.

    Section 12111(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``or other energy 
        production or transmission facility, or any vessel engaged in 
        the launch, recovery, or support of commercial space 
        transportation or space exploration activities'' after 
        ``drilling unit''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``or other energy 
        production or transmission facility, or any vessel engaged in 
        the launch, recovery, or support of commercial space 
        transportation or space exploration activities'' after 
        ``drilling unit''.

SEC. 332. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AUTONOMOUS 
              MARITIME SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 151 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 15110. Establishment of a national advisory committee on 
              autonomous maritime systems
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a National Autonomous 
Maritime Systems Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the 
`Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to the regulation and use of Autonomous Systems within 
the territorial waters of the United States.
    ``(c) Membership.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 8 members 
        appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and 
        section 15109.
            ``(2) Expertise.--Each member of the Committee shall have 
        particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
        relating to the function of the Committee.
            ``(3) Representation.--Each of the following groups shall 
        be represented by at least 1 member on the Committee:
                    ``(A) Marine safety or security entities.
                    ``(B) Vessel design and construction entities.
                    ``(C) Entities engaged in the production or 
                research of unmanned vehicles, including drones, 
                autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, or any other 
                product or service integral to the provision, 
                maintenance, or management of such products or 
                services.
                    ``(D) Port districts, authorities, or terminal 
                operators.
                    ``(E) Vessel operators.
                    ``(F) National labor unions representing merchant 
                mariners.
                    ``(G) Maritime pilots.
                    ``(H) Commercial space transportation operators.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 151 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``15110. Establishment of a national advisory committee on autonomous 
                            maritime systems.''.
    (c) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall establish the Committee under section 
15110 of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section).

SEC. 333. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ONBOARD VESSELS.

    Section 70503(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
        ``While on board a covered vessel, an individual'' and 
        inserting ``An individual'';
            (2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
            ``(1) manufacture or distribute, possess with intent to 
        manufacture or distribute, or place or cause to be placed with 
        intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on 
        board a covered vessel;''; and
            (3) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``aboard a covered 
        vessel'' after ``Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and 
        Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 881(a))''.

SEC. 334. NONOPERATING INDIVIDUAL.

    Section 8313(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283) is amended 
by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2027''.

SEC. 335. INFORMATION ON TYPE APPROVAL CERTIFICATES.

    (a) In General.--Title IX of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:

``SEC. 904. INFORMATION ON TYPE APPROVAL CERTIFICATES.

    ``The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, upon request by any 
State, the District of Columbia, or any territory of the United States, 
provide all data possessed by the Coast Guard pertaining to challenge 
water quality characteristics, challenge water biological organism 
concentrations, post-treatment water quality characteristics, and post-
treatment biological organism concentrations data for a ballast water 
management system with a type approval certificate approved by the 
Coast Guard pursuant to subpart 162.060 of title 46, Code of Federal 
Regulations.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Frank 
LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 903 the 
following:

``Sec. 904. Information on type approval certificates.''.

SEC. 336. MANNING AND CREWING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN VESSELS, 
              VEHICLES, AND STRUCTURES.

    (a) Authorization of Limited Exemptions From Manning and Crew 
Requirement.--Chapter 81 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 8109. Exemptions from manning and crew requirements
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may provide an exemption described 
in subsection (b) to the owner or operator of a covered facility if 
each individual who is manning or crewing the covered facility is--
            ``(1) a citizen of the United States;
            ``(2) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for 
        permanent residence; or
            ``(3) a citizen of the nation under the laws of which the 
        vessel is documented.
    ``(b) Requirements for Eligibility for Exemption.--An exemption 
under this subsection is an exemption from the regulations established 
pursuant to section 302(a)(3) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 
(43 U.S.C. 1356(a)(3)).
    ``(c) Limitations.--An exemption under this section--
            ``(1) shall provide that the number of individuals manning 
        or crewing the covered facility who are described in paragraphs 
        (2) and (3) of subsection (a) may not exceed two and one- half 
        times the number of individuals required to man or crew the 
        covered facility under the laws of the nation under the laws of 
        which the covered facility is documented; and
            ``(2) shall be effective for not more than 12 months, but 
        may be renewed by application to and approval by the Secretary.
    ``(d) Application.--To be eligible for an exemption or a renewal of 
an exemption under this section, the owner or operator of a covered 
facility shall apply to the Secretary with an application that includes 
a sworn statement by the applicant of all information required for the 
issuance of the exemption.
    ``(e) Revocation.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary--
                    ``(A) may revoke an exemption for a covered 
                facility under this section if the Secretary determines 
                that information provided in the application for the 
                exemption was false or incomplete, or is no longer true 
                or complete; and
                    ``(B) shall immediately revoke such an exemption if 
                the Secretary determines that the covered facility, in 
                the effective period of the exemption, was manned or 
                crewed in a manner not authorized by the exemption.
            ``(2) Notice required.--The Secretary shall provides notice 
        of a determination under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph 
        (1) to the owner or operator of the covered facility.
    ``(f) Review of Compliance.--The Secretary shall periodically, but 
not less than once annually, inspect each covered facility that 
operates under an exemption under this section to verify the owner or 
operator of the covered facility's compliance with the exemption. 
During an inspection under this subsection, the Secretary shall require 
all crew members serving under the exemption to hold a valid 
transportation security card issued under section 70105.
    ``(g) Penalty.--In addition to revocation under subsection (e), the 
Secretary may impose on the owner or operator of a covered facility a 
civil penalty of $10,000 per day for each day the covered facility--
            ``(1) is manned or crewed in violation of an exemption 
        under this subsection; or
            ``(2) operated under an exemption under this subsection 
        that the Secretary determines was not validly obtained.
    ``(h) Notification of Secretary of State.--The Secretary shall 
notify the Secretary of State of each exemption issued under this 
section, including the effective period of the exemption.
    ``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Covered facility.--The term `covered facility' means 
        any vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure, over 
        50 percent of which is owned by citizens of a foreign nation or 
        with respect to which the citizens of a foreign nation have the 
        right effectively to control, except to the extent and to the 
        degree that the President determines that the government of 
        such foreign nation or any of its political subdivisions has 
        implemented, by statute, regulation, policy, or practice, a 
        national manning requirement for equipment engaged in the 
        exploring for, developing, or producing resources, including 
        non-mineral energy resources in its offshore areas.
            ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
        of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.''.
    (b) Annual Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
        shall submit to Congress a report containing information on 
        each letter of nonapplicability of section 8109 of title 46, 
        United States Code, with respect to a covered facility that was 
        issued by the Secretary during the preceding year.
            (2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall 
        include, for each covered facility--
                    (A) the name and International Maritime 
                Organization number;
                    (B) the nation in which the covered facility is 
                documented;
                    (C) the nationality of owner or owners; and
                    (D) for any covered facility that was previously 
                issued a letter of nonapplicability in a prior year, 
                any changes in the information described in 
                subparagraphs (A) through (C).
    (c) Regulations.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations that 
specify the documentary and other requirements for the issuance of an 
exemption under the amendment made by this section.
    (d) Existing Exemptions.--
            (1) Effect of amendments; termination.--Each exemption 
        under section 30(c)(2) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 
        (43 U.S.C. 1356(c)(2)) issued before the date of the enactment 
        of this Act--
                    (A) shall not be affected by the amendments made by 
                this section during the 120-day period beginning on the 
                date of the enactment of this Act; and
                    (B) shall not be effective after such period.
            (2) Notification of holders.--Not later than 60 days after 
        the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
        notify all persons that hold such an exemption that it will 
        expire as provided in paragraph (1).
    (e) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 81 of the title 
46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``8109. Exemptions from manning and crew requirements.''.

       TITLE IV--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS

SEC. 401. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Prohibition on Entry and Operation.--Section 70022(b)(1) of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Federal 
Register'' and inserting ``the Federal Register''.
    (b) Enforcement by State and Local Officers.--Section 70118(a) of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``section 1 of title II of the Act of June 
        15, 1917 (chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 191)'' and inserting ``section 
        70051''; and
            (2) by striking ``section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways 
        Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1226(b))'' and inserting ``section 
        70116(b)''.
    (c) Chapter 701 Definitions.--Section 70131(2) of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``section 1 of title II of the Act of June 
        15, 1917 (50 U.S.C. 191)'' and inserting ``section 70051''; and
            (2) by striking ``section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways 
        Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1226(b))'' and inserting ``section 
        70116(b)''.
                                 &lt;all&gt;
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