Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015

To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I—Authorizations Sec. 101. Authorizations. Sec. 102. Conforming amendments. TITLE II—Coast Guard Sec. 201. Vice Commandant. Sec. 202. Vice admirals. Sec. 203. Professional development. Sec. 204. Senior enlisted member continuation boards. Sec. 205. Coast Guard member pay. Sec. 206. Recall. Sec. 207. Exchange of medical goods and services. Sec. 208. Coast Guard remission of indebtedness. Sec. 209. Coast Guard communities. Sec. 210. Major acquisition programs. Sec. 211. Major acquisitions assessment. Sec. 212. Polar Icebreakers. Sec. 213. Participation of the Coast Guard Academy in Federal, State, or other educational research grants. Sec. 214. Venue. Sec. 215. National Coast Guard Museum. Sec. 216. Investigations. Sec. 217. Technical and clerical amendments to title 14, United States Code. TITLE III—Shipping and Navigation Sec. 301. Whistleblower protections. Sec. 302. Maritime drug law enforcement. Sec. 303. Carriage of liquid dangerous cargo. Sec. 304. Maritime transportation of hazardous material. Sec. 305. Recreational vessel operator education. Sec. 306. Nondisclosure of certain information. Sec. 307. Higher volume port area regulatory definition change. Sec. 308. Recognition of port security assessments conducted by other entities. Sec. 309. Model years for recreational vessels. Sec. 310. Recreational vessel engine weights. Sec. 311. Vessel replacement. Sec. 312. Fishing vessel and fish tender vessel certification. Sec. 313. Title 46, United States Code, technical corrections. TITLE IV—Federal Maritime Commission Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 402. Duties of the chairman. TITLE V—Sportfish restoration and recreational boating safety reauthorization Sec. 501. Short title. Sec. 502. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 503. Division of annual appropriations. Sec. 504. Extension of exception to limitation on transfers to fund. Sec. 505. Recreational boating safety allocations. Sec. 506. Recreational boating safety. Sec. 507. National Boating Safety Advisory Council. Sec. 508. Plan evaluation. Sec. 509. Report to Congress. TITLE VI—Conveyance of Coast Guard property Subtitle A—Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Point Spencer, Alaska Sec. 601. Findings. Sec. 602. Definitions. Sec. 603. Authority to convey land in Point Spencer. Sec. 604. Port Coordination Advisory Council for Point Spencer. Sec. 605. Waiver. Subtitle B—Other conveyance of Coast Guard property Sec. 611. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Point Reyes Station, California. Sec. 612. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Tok, Alaska. TITLE VII—Miscellaneous Sec. 701. Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research. Sec. 702. Accident and incident notification. Sec. 703. Technical corrections relating to bridges. Sec. 704. International port and facility inspection coordination. Sec. 705. Reports. Sec. 706. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes. Sec. 707. Coastwise endorsement. Sec. 708. International Ice Patrol. I Authorizations 101. Authorizations (a) In general Title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: III Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress Chap. Sec. 27. Authorizations 2701 29. Reports 2901 27 Authorizations Sec. 2702. Authorization of appropriations. 2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training. 2702. Authorization of appropriations Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard as follows: (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for— (A) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2017. (2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment— (A) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2017. (3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including operations and maintenance of the program, personnel and training costs, equipment, and services— (A) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2017. (4) For the environmental compliance and restoration functions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title— (A) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2017. (5) To the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the Coast Guard's mission with respect to search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment— (A) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2017. 2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training (a) Active duty strength The Coast Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017. (b) Military training student loads The Coast Guard is authorized average military training student loads for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 as follows: (1) For recruit and special training, 2,500 student years. (2) For flight training, 165 student years. (3) For professional training in military and civilian institutions, 350 student years. (4) For officer acquisition, 1,200 student years. 29 Reports Sec. . (b) Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations Section 662 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating such section as section 2701; (2) by transferring such section to appear before section 2702 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section); and (3) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting the following: (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for. (2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment. (3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including operations and maintenance of the program, personnel and training costs, equipment, and services. (4) For the environmental compliance and restoration functions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title. (5) For research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the Coast Guard. (6) For alteration or removal of bridges over navigable waters of the United States constituting obstructions to navigation, and for personnel and administrative costs associated with the Alteration of Bridges Program. . (c) Authorization of personnel end strengths Section 661 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating such section as section 2703; and (2) by transferring such section to appear before section 2704 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section). (d) Reports (1) Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request Section 662a of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating such section as section 2901; (B) by transferring such section to appear as the first section in chapter 29 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section); and (C) in subsection (b)— (i) in paragraph (1) by striking described in section 661 described in section 2703 (ii) in paragraph (2) by striking described in section 662 described in section 2701 (2) Capital investment plan Section 663 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating such section as section 2902; and (B) by transferring such section to appear after section 2901 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by paragraph (1) of this subsection). (3) Major acquisitions Section 569a of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating such section as section 2903; (B) by transferring such section to appear after section 2902 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by paragraph (2) of this subsection); and (C) in subsection (c)(2) by striking of this subchapter (e) Additional submissions The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives— (1) each plan required under section 2904 of title 14, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section; (2) each plan required under section 2903(e) of title 14, United States Code, as added by section 206 of this Act; (3) each plan required under section 2902 of title 14, United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (d) of this section; and (4) each mission need statement required under section 569 of title 14, United States Code. 102. Conforming amendments (a) Analysis for title 14 The analysis for title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to part II the following: III. Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress 2701 . (b) Analysis for chapter 15 The analysis for chapter 15 (c) Analysis for chapter 17 The analysis for chapter 17 (d) Analysis for chapter 27 The analysis for chapter 27 (1) before the item relating to section 2702 the following: 2701. Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations. ; and (2) before the item relating to section 2704 the following: 2703. Authorization of personnel end strengths. . (e) Analysis for chapter 29 The analysis for chapter 29 Sec. 2901. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request. 2902. Capital investment plan. 2903. Major acquisitions. . (f) Mission need statement Section 569(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (2) by striking in section 569a(e) in section 2903 (2) in paragraph (3) by striking under section 663(a)(1) under section 2902(a)(1) II Coast Guard 201. Vice Commandant (a) In general Chapter 3 (1) in section 41, by striking an admiral, admirals; (2) in section 47, by striking vice admiral admiral (3) in section 51— (A) in subsection (a), by striking inserting admiral or vice admiral, (B) in subsection (b), by inserting admiral or vice admiral, (C) in subsection (c), by inserting admiral or vice admiral, (b) Treatment of incumbent; transition Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the officer who, on the date of the enactment of this Act, is serving as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard— (1) shall continue to serve as Vice Commandant; (2) shall have the grade of admiral with pay and allowances of that grade; and (3) shall not be required to be reappointed by reason of the enactment of this Act. 202. Vice admirals Section 50 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph (1): (1) The President may— (A) designate, within the Coast Guard, no more than 5 positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade, and shall perform such duties as the Commandant may prescribe (and if the President designates 5 such positions, 1 position shall be the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard); and (B) designate within the Executive branch, other than within the Coast Guard, positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade. ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking under paragraph (1) under paragraph (1)(A) (2) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and (B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) at the discretion of the Secretary, while awaiting orders after being relieved from the position, beginning on the day the officer is relieved from the position, but not for more than 60 days; and . 203. Professional development (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that toxic leadership can have an adverse effect on subordinates and the service, and result in degraded mission performance and the Coast Guard should develop policies consistent with those of the Department of Defense to prevent, identify, and correct toxic leadership. (b) Report on leadership development (1) In general Chapter 11 429. Multirater assessment of certain personnel (a) Multirater assessment of certain personnel (1) In general Commencing not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (A) Each flag officer of the Coast Guard. (B) Each member of the Senior Executive Staff of the Coast Guard. (C) Each officer of the Coast Guard nominated for promotion to the grade of captain. (2) Post-assessment elements Following an assessment of an individual pursuant to paragraph (1), the individual shall be provided appropriate post-assessment counseling and leadership coaching. (b) Report on leadership development Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (1) An assessment of the feasibility of— (A) all officers (other than officers covered by subsection (a)) completing a multirater assessment; (B) all members (other than officers covered by subsection (a)) in command positions completing a multirater assessment; (C) all enlisted members in a supervisory position completing a multirater assessment; and (D) members completing periodic multirater assessments. (2) Such recommendations as the Commandant considers appropriate for the implementation or expansion of a multirater assessment in the personnel development programs of the Coast Guard. (3) An overview of each of the current leadership development courses of the Coast Guard, an assessment of the feasibility of the expansion of any such course, and a description of the resources, if any, required to expand such courses. (4) An assessment on the state of leadership training in the Coast Guard, and recommendations on the implementation of a policy to combat toxic leadership including— (A) a description of methods that will be used by the Coast Guard to identify, monitor, and counsel individuals who may be identified as toxic leaders; (B) the implementation of toxic leadership recognition training (in self and others); (C) the establishment of procedures for the administrative separation of toxic leaders; and (D) a description of the resources needed to implement this section. (c) Multirater assessment defined In this section, the term multirater assessment . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of such title is amended by inserting after the item related to section 428 the following new item: Sec. 429. Multirater assessment of certain personnel. . (c) Training course on workings of Congress (1) In general Chapter 3 60. Training course on workings of Congress (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (b) Course subject matter The training course required by this section shall cover a variety of subjects related to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including— (1) the history and structure of Congress and the committee systems of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the functions and responsibilities of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (2) the documents used by Congress, including bills, resolutions, committee reports, and conference reports, and the purposes they serve; (3) the legislative processes of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including similarities and differences between the two processes; (4) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process; (5) the congressional budget process; (6) the congressional authorization-appropriation process; (7) the Senate advice and consent process for presidential nominees; (8) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification; (9) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight; and (10) best practices that promote effective and successful interactions with Congress. (c) Lecturers and panelists (1) Outside experts The Commandant shall ensure that not less than 60 percent of the lecturers, panelists, and other individuals providing education and instruction as part of the training course required by this section are experts on Congress and the Federal legislative process who are not employed by the executive branch of the Federal Government, such as the Congressional Research Service. (2) Authority To accept pro bono services In satisfying the requirement under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall seek, and is authorized to accept, educational and instructional services of lecturers, panelists, and other individuals and organizations provided to the Coast Guard on a pro bono basis. (d) Completion of required training (1) Current flag officers and employees A Coast Guard flag officer appointed or assigned to a billet in the National Capital Region on the date of the enactment of this section, and a Coast Guard senior executive service employee employed in the National Capital Region on the date of the enactment of this section, shall complete a training course that meets the requirements of this section within 60 days of the date on which the Commandant completes the development of the training course. (2) New flag officers and employees A Coast Guard flag officer who is newly appointed or assigned to a billet in the National Capital Region, and a Coast Guard senior executive service employee who is newly employed in the National Capital Region, shall complete a training course that meets the requirements of this section not later than 60 days after reporting for duty. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 4 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 60. Training course on workings of Congress. . 204. Senior enlisted member continuation boards (a) In general Section 357 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsections (a) through (h) and subsection (j); (2) in subsection (i), by striking (i) (b) Conforming and clerical amendments (1) Heading amendment The heading of such section is amended to read as follows: 357. Retirement of enlisted members: increase in retired pay . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 357 and inserting the following new item: 357. Retirement of enlisted members: increase in retired pay. . 205. Coast Guard member pay (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on alternative methods for notifying members of the Coast Guard of their monthly earnings. The report shall include— (1) an assessment of the feasibility of providing members a monthly notification of their earnings, categorized by pay and allowance type; and (2) a description and assessment of mechanisms that may be used to provide members with notification of their earnings, categorized by pay and allowance type. (b) Annual audit of pay and allowances of members undergoing permanent change of station (1) In general Chapter 13 519. Annual audit of pay and allowances of members undergoing permanent change of station The Commandant shall conduct each calendar year an audit of member pay and allowances for the members who transferred to new units during such calendar year. The audit for a calendar year shall be completed by the end of the calendar year. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 13 of such title is amended adding at the end the following new item: 519. Annual audit of pay and allowances of members undergoing permanent change of station. . 206. Recall (a) In general Chapter 11 section 421 421. Involuntary recall to active duty The Commandant may recall a retired member of the Coast Guard who is subject to section 802 of title 10 and order that member to active duty, without the member's consent, for the purpose of any of the following: (1) A preliminary hearing under section 832 of title 10. (2) Trial by court-martial under chapter 47 (3) Nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 421 the following new item: 421a. Involuntary recall to active duty. . 207. Exchange of medical goods and services Notwithstanding section 1085 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in lieu of reimbursement, transfer, from amounts appropriated for the operating expenses of the Coast Guard, an amount, determined by the Department of Defense Board of Actuaries established pursuant to section 183 of title 10 United States Code, that represents the value of care that the Department of Defense or a military department, during the fiscal year in which funds are made available, provides to a member or former member of the Coast Guard (or a dependent of such member or former member). 208. Coast Guard remission of indebtedness (a) Expansion of authority To remit indebtedness Section 461 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 461. Remission of indebtedness The Secretary may have remitted or cancelled any part of a person’s indebtedness to the United States or any instrumentality of the United States if— (1) the indebtedness was incurred while the person served on active duty as a member of the Coast Guard; and (2) the Secretary determines that remitting or cancelling the indebtedness is in the best interest of the United States. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 14 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 461 and inserting the following new item: 461. Remission of indebtedness. . 209. Coast Guard communities Section 409 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 ( 14 U.S.C. 639 90 days 30 days 210. Major acquisition programs Section 569a of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection (e): (e) Quarterly reports on risks of programs (1) In general Not later than 15 days after the end of each fiscal year quarter, the Commandant shall submit to the committees of Congress specified in subsection (a) a report setting forth a current assessment of the risks associated with all current major acquisition programs. (2) Elements Each report under this subsection shall set forth, for each current major acquisition program, the following: (A) The top five current risks to such program. (B) Any failure of such program to demonstrate a key performance parameter or threshold during operational test and evaluation conducted during the fiscal year quarter preceding such report. (C) Whether there has been any decision during such fiscal year quarter to order full rate production before all key performance parameters or thresholds are met. (D) Whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program cost (as defined by the Major Systems Acquisition Manual) during such fiscal year quarter. (E) Whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program schedule (as so defined) during such fiscal year quarter. . 211. Major acquisitions assessment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that assesses the effect of any new major acquisition on the stated Program of Record and the Capital Investment Plan of the Coast Guard. The report shall include life-cycle funding requirements, an assessment of impact on delivery dates of current acquisitions projects and programs, an assessment of impact on planned construction or improvement projects, and recommendations on funding levels necessary to simultaneously support any proposed and current acquisitions projects and programs. 212. Polar Icebreakers (a) Classification of Polar Icebreakers Section 573(c) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting or Polar Icebreaker National Security Cutter (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting or Polar Icebreaker National Security Cutter (b) Incremental funding authority for Polar Class Icebreakers In fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Commandant of the Coast Guard is granted the authority to enter into a contract or contracts for the acquisition of Polar Icebreakers and associated equipment using incremental funding. (c) Polar Sea Section 222 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) In general Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall— (1) complete a materiel condition assessment with respect to the Polar Sea; (2) make a determination whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea when compared with other options to provide icebreaking services as part of a strategy to maintain polar icebreaking services; and (3) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representative and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate— (A) the assessment required under paragraph (1); and (B) written notification of the determination required under paragraph (2). ; (2) in subsection (b) by striking analysis written notification (3) by striking subsection (c); (4) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as subsections (c) through (g), respectively; (5) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this section)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking based on the analysis required (ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking analysis written notification (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Decommissioning If the Secretary makes a determination under subsection (a) that it is not cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then, not later than 180 days after written notification of that determination is submitted under that subsection, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea. ; and (C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: (3) Result of no determination If the Secretary does not make a determination under subsection (a) regarding whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then the Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea. ; (6) in subsection (d)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this section) by striking analysis written notification (7) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this section) by striking in subsection (d) in subsection (c) 213. Participation of the Coast Guard Academy in Federal, State, or other educational research grants Section 196 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting (a) In general Notwithstanding (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Authority (1) Contract or cooperative agreement Notwithstanding chapter 63 chapter 137 section 501(c)(3) (2) Lease or license The Commandant may enter into a lease or license with a nonprofit organization, described under section 501(c)(3) (c) Use of Coast Guard personal property The Commandant may allow a nonprofit organization, described under section 501(c)(3) (d) Acceptance of support (1) Support received from a 501 (c) Notwithstanding section 93 of this title, the Commandant may accept funds, supplies, and services from a nonprofit organization, described under section 501(c)(3) (2) Limitation The Commandant shall ensure that contributions under this subsection do not reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast Guard, any of its employees, or any member of the armed forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner, or compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in such a program. (e) Retention and use of funds Funds received under this section may be retained for use in support of academic research and applying for and administering Federal, State, or other educational research grants on behalf of the Coast Guard Academy and shall remain available until expended. (f) Conditions The authority provided in this section with respect to a nonprofit organization, described under section 501(c)(3) (1) qualify as a nonprofit organization, described under section 501(c)(3) (2) operate exclusively to support academic research and applying for and administering Federal, State, or other educational research grants on behalf of the Coast Guard Academy. . 214. Venue Section 311(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1861(d) In the case of Hawaii or any possession of the United States in the Pacific Ocean, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, except that in the case of Guam and Wake Island, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of Guam, and in the case of the Northern Mariana Islands, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands. 215. National Coast Guard Museum Section 98 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsection (b); and (2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively. 216. Investigations (a) In general Chapter 11 430. Investigations of Flag Officers and Senior Executive Service The Commandant shall consult with the Inspector General of the Department of Defense anytime a report of allegations of misconduct are made against senior officials. Investigations into allegations of senior official misconduct shall be consistent with Department of Defense policies. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of such title, as amended by section 203(b), is further amended by inserting after the item related to section 429 the following new item: Sec. 430. Investigations of Flag Officers and Senior Executive Service. . 217. Technical and clerical amendments to title 14, United States Code Title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the table of chapters at the beginning of part I, by striking Coast Guard (2) in section 46(a), by striking subsection section (3) in section 47, by striking the section heading and inserting the following new section heading: 47. Vice Commandant; appointment ; (4) in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 9, by striking Safety safety (5) in section 427(b)(2), by striking this chapter chapter 61 of title 10 (6) in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 15, by striking Sec. (7) in section 581(5)(B), by striking $300,000,0000, $300,000,000, (8) in section 637(c)(3), by inserting it is any (9) in section 641(d)(3), by striking Guard, installation Guard installation (10) in section 691(c)(3), by striking state State (11) in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 21— (A) by striking reserve Reserve (B) by striking from active from an active (12) in section 742(c), by striking subsection (a)and subsections (a) and (13) in section 821(b)(1), by striking 26 171 (14) in section 823a(b)(1), by striking 26 171 III Shipping and Navigation 301. Whistleblower protections Subparagraph (A) of section 2114(a)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (A) the seaman in good faith has reported or is about to report to the Coast Guard, another appropriate Federal department or agency, the vessel owner, the vessel operator, or the seaman’s employer that the seaman believes that a violation of a maritime safety or maritime environmental protection law or regulation prescribed under that law or regulation has occurred; . 302. Maritime drug law enforcement (a) In general Chapter 705 70509. Destruction of evidence during maritime counter-drug operations (a) In general Whoever, while on board a vessel used to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, an offense under section 70503 of this title, knowingly or intentionally destroys (including jettisoning any item or scuttling, burning, or hastily cleaning a vessel), or attempts or conspires to destroy, property that is subject to forfeiture under section 511(a) of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 ( 21 U.S.C. 881(a) (b) Prima facie evidence of violation Practices commonly recognized as smuggling tactics may provide prima facie evidence of intent to use a vessel to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, an offense under section 70503 of this title, even in the absence of controlled substances aboard the vessel. The following indicia, among others, may be considered, in the totality of the circumstances, to be prima facie evidence that a vessel is intended to be used to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, such an offense: (1) The construction or adaptation of the vessel in a manner that facilitates smuggling, including— (A) the configuration of the vessel to ride low in the water or present a low hull profile to avoid being detected visually or by radar; (B) the presence of any compartment or equipment that is built or fitted out for smuggling, not including items such as a safe or lock-box reasonably used for the storage of personal valuables; (C) the presence of an auxiliary tank not installed in accordance with applicable law or installed in such a manner as to enhance the vessel’s smuggling capability; (D) the presence of engines that are excessively overpowered in relation to the design and size of the vessel; (E) the presence of materials used to reduce or alter the heat or radar signature of the vessel and avoid detection; (F) the presence of a camouflaging paint scheme, or of materials used to camouflage the vessel, to avoid detection; or (G) the display of false vessel registration numbers, false indicia of vessel nationality, false vessel name, or false vessel homeport. (2) The presence or absence of equipment, personnel, or cargo inconsistent with the type or declared purpose of the vessel. (3) The presence of excessive fuel, lube oil, food, water, or spare parts, inconsistent with legitimate vessel operation, inconsistent with the construction or equipment of the vessel, or inconsistent with the character of the vessel’s stated purpose. (4) The operation of the vessel without lights during times lights are required to be displayed under applicable law or regulation and in a manner of navigation consistent with smuggling tactics used to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities. (5) The failure of the vessel to stop or respond or heave to when hailed by government authority, especially where the vessel conducts evasive maneuvering when hailed. (6) The declaration to government authority of false information about the vessel, crew, or voyage or the failure to identify the vessel by name or country of registration when requested to do so by government authority. (7) The presence of controlled substance residue on the vessel, on an item aboard the vessel, or on an individual aboard the vessel, of a quantity or other nature that reasonably indicates manufacturing or distribution activity. (8) The use of petroleum products or other substances on the vessel to foil the detection of controlled substance residue. (9) The presence of a controlled substance in the water in the vicinity of the vessel, where given the currents, weather conditions, and course and speed of the vessel, the quantity or other nature is such that it reasonably indicates that the controlled substance was transported in the subject vessel. (c) Extension beyond territorial jurisdiction Subsection (a) applies even though the act is committed outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. 70510. Maritime bulk cash smuggling (a) Criminal offense Whoever, while aboard a vessel used to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, an offense under section 70503 of this title, or whoever, while aboard a vessel outfitted for smuggling, knowingly conceals, attempts to conceal, or conspires to conceal more than $100,000 in currency or other monetary instruments on the person of such individual or in any conveyance, article of luggage, merchandise, or other container, or compartment of or aboard such vessel shall be fined in accordance with section 3571 of title 18, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both. (b) Prima facie evidence of violation Practices commonly recognized as smuggling tactics may provide prima facie evidence of intent to use a vessel to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, an offense under section 70503 of this title or prima facie evidence of a vessel outfitted for smuggling, even in the absence of controlled substances aboard the vessel. The following indicia, among others, may be considered, in the totality of the circumstances, to be prima facie evidence that a vessel is intended to be used to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, such an offense or is outfitted for smuggling: (1) The construction or adaptation of the vessel in a manner that facilitates smuggling, including— (A) the configuration of the vessel to ride low in the water or present a low hull profile to avoid being detected visually or by radar; (B) the presence of any compartment or equipment that is built or fitted out for smuggling, not including items such as a safe or lock-box reasonably used for the storage of personal valuables; (C) the presence of an auxiliary tank not installed in accordance with applicable law or installed in such a manner as to enhance the vessel’s smuggling capability; (D) the presence of engines that are excessively overpowered in relation to the design and size of the vessel; (E) the presence of materials used to reduce or alter the heat or radar signature of the vessel and avoid detection; (F) the presence of a camouflaging paint scheme, or of materials used to camouflage the vessel, to avoid detection; or (G) the display of false vessel registration numbers, false indicia of vessel nationality, false vessel name, or false vessel homeport. (2) The presence or absence of equipment, personnel, or cargo inconsistent with the type or declared purpose of the vessel. (3) The presence of excessive fuel, lube oil, food, water, or spare parts, inconsistent with legitimate vessel operation, inconsistent with the construction or equipment of the vessel, or inconsistent with the character of the vessel’s stated purpose. (4) The operation of the vessel without lights during times lights are required to be displayed under applicable law or regulation and in a manner of navigation consistent with smuggling tactics used to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities. (5) The failure of the vessel to stop or respond or heave to when hailed by government authority, especially where the vessel conducts evasive maneuvering when hailed. (6) The declaration to government authority of false information about the vessel, crew, or voyage or the failure to identify the vessel by name or country of registration when requested to do so by government authority. (c) Forfeiture (1) Criminal forfeiture The court in imposing sentence for any violation of subsection (a), or any attempt or conspiracy to commit such violation, shall order the defendant to forfeit all property, real or personal, involved in the offence and any property traceable thereto. Forfeitures under this paragraph shall be governed by the procedures established in section 413 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 853 (2) Civil forfeiture Any property, real or personal, involved in a violation of subsection (a), or the attempt or a conspiracy to commit such violation, and any property, real or personal, traceable to such violation or conspiracy, may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Forfeitures under this paragraph shall be governed by the procedures governing civil forfeitures in money laundering cases pursuant to section 981(a)(1)(A) of title 18, United States Code. (d) Extension beyond territorial jurisdiction Subsection (a) applies even though the act is committed outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 705 70509. Destruction of evidence during maritime counter-drug operations. 70510. Maritime bulk cash smuggling. . 303. Carriage of liquid dangerous cargo Section 3702(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), this chapter does not apply to a fishing or fish tender vessel of not more 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 when engaged only in the fishing industry. (2) A vessel described in paragraph (1) is subject to regulation by the Secretary under this chapter if the vessel is carrying flammable or combustible liquid cargoes in bulk. . 304. Maritime transportation of hazardous material (a) In general Chapter 51 5129. Maritime transportation of hazardous material For the purposes of enforcing this chapter, the Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish policies and practices to ensure that the authorities set forth in this chapter are enforced in the same manner and to the same extent, and the civil and criminal penalties are assessed or recommended in the same manner and to the same extent. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 5129. Maritime Transportation of Hazardous Material. . 305. Recreational vessel operator education (a) In general Chapter 131 13111. Recreational vessel operator education (a) Authority To Develop Model Curriculum The Secretary may develop and propose a model for a national recreational vessel training curriculum and education standards for operators of recreational vessels equipped with propulsion machinery of any kind. (b) Purpose The purpose of the model curriculum developed under subsection (a) is to promote uniformity of boating safety awareness and education and improve reciprocity of recreational vessel operator certificates and licenses among the States. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 13111. Recreational vessel operator education. . 306. Nondisclosure of certain information (a) Inapplicability of disclosure requirement (1) In general The requirement to make information available under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to— (A) a question from any examination for a merchant seamen license, certificate, or document that the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating is authorized to issue pursuant to title 46, United States Code; (B) the answer to such question, including any correct or incorrect answer that may be presented with such question; and (C) any quality or characteristic of such question, including— (i) the manner in which such question has been, is, or may be selected for an examination; (ii) the frequency of such selection; and (iii) the frequency that an examinee correctly or incorrectly answered such question. (2) Statutory construction This section constitutes a specific exemption within the meaning of section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code. (b) Authority To Release Certain Exam Questions Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating is authorized, for the purpose of exam preparation by the general public, to release an exam question and answer that the Secretary has retired, is not presently on or part of an exam, or that the Secretary determines is appropriate for release. (c) Examinations for merchant seaman licenses, certificates, and documents (1) In general Chapter 71 7116. Examinations for merchant seaman licenses, certificates, and documents (a) Requirement for sample exams The Secretary shall develop a sample merchant mariner exam and outline of merchant mariner exam topics on an annual basis. (b) Public availability Each sample exam and outline of topics developed under subsection (a) shall be readily available to the public. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 7116. Examinations for merchant seaman licenses, certificates, and documents. . (d) Disclosure to Congress Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the withholding of information from an appropriate inspector general or the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 307. Higher volume port area regulatory definition change (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 710 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–281 (a) Higher volume ports (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the requirements of subparts D, F, and G of part 155 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, that apply to the higher volume port area for the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Port Angeles, Washington (including any water area within 50 nautical miles seaward), to and including Puget Sound, shall be deemed to apply, in the same manner, and to the same extent, to the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Cape Flattery, Washington (including any water area within 50 nautical miles seaward), to and including Puget Sound. (2) Effective date This subsection shall take effect on the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015. . (b) Conforming amendment Subsection (b) of such section is amended by striking the modification of the higher volume port area definition required by subsection (a). higher volume port requirements made applicable under subsection (a). 308. Recognition of port security assessments conducted by other entities Section 70108 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Recognition of assessment conducted by other entities (1) Certification and treatment of assessments For the purposes of this section and section 70109, the Secretary may treat an assessment that a foreign government (including, for the purposes of this subsection, an entity of or operating under the auspices of the European Union) or international organization has conducted as an assessment that the Secretary has conducted for the purposes of subsection (a), provided that the Secretary certifies that the foreign government or international organization has— (A) conducted the assessment in accordance with subsection (b); and (B) provided the Secretary with sufficient information pertaining to its assessment (including, but not limited to, information on the outcome of the assessment). (2) Authorization to enter into an agreement For the purposes of this section and section 70109, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may enter into an agreement with a foreign government (including, for the purposes of this subsection, an entity of or operating under the auspices of the European Union) or international organization, under which parties to the agreement— (A) conduct an assessment, required under subsection (a); (B) share information pertaining to such assessment (including, but not limited to, information on the outcome of the assessment); or (C) both. (3) Limitations Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to— (A) require the Secretary to recognize an assessment that a foreign government or an international organization has conducted; or (B) limit the discretion or ability of the Secretary to conduct an assessment under this section. . 309. Model years for recreational vessels (a) In general Section 4302 of title 46, United States Code is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) (1) If in prescribing regulations under this section the Secretary establishes a model year for recreational vessels and associated equipment, such model year shall, except as provided in paragraph (2)— (A) begin on June 1 of a year and end on July 31 of the following year; and (B) be designated by the year in which it ends. (2) Upon the request of a recreational vessel manufacturer to which this chapter applies, the Secretary may alter a model year for a model of recreational vessel of the manufacturer and associated equipment, by no more than 6 months from the model year described in paragraph (1). . (b) Application The amendment made by subsection shall only apply with respect to recreational vessels and associated equipment constructed or manufactured, respectively, on or after June 1, 2015. (c) Guidance Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall publish guidance to implement subsection (e)(2) of section 4302 of title 46, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). 310. Recreational vessel engine weights Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue regulations amending table 4 to subpart H of part 183 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (related to Weights (Pounds) of Outboard Motor and Related Equipment for Various Boat Horsepower Ratings) as appropriate to reflect Standard 30–Outboard Engine and Related Equipment Weights 311. Vessel replacement (a) Loans and guarantees Chapter 537 (1) in section 53701— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (14) as paragraphs (9) through (15), respectively; and (B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: (8) Historical uses The term historical uses (A) refurbishing, repairing, rebuilding, or replacing equipment on a fishing vessel, without materially increasing harvesting capacity; (B) purchasing a used fishing vessel; (C) purchasing, constructing, expanding, or reconditioning a fishery facility; (D) refinancing existing debt; (E) reducing fishing capacity; and (F) making upgrades to a fishing vessel, including upgrades in technology, gear, or equipment, that improve— (i) collection and reporting of fishery-dependent data; (ii) bycatch reduction or avoidance; (iii) gear selectivity; (iv) adverse impacts caused by fishing gear; or (v) safety. ; and (2) in section 53702(b), by adding at the end the following: (3) Minimum obligations available for historic uses Of the direct loan obligations issued by the Secretary under this chapter, the Secretary shall make a minimum of $59,000,000 available each fiscal year for historic uses. (4) Use of obligations in limited access fisheries In addition to the other eligible purposes and uses of direct loan obligations provided for in this chapter, the Secretary is authorized to issue direct loan obligations for the purpose of— (A) financing the construction or reconstruction of a fishing vessel in a fishery managed under a limited access system; or (B) financing the purchase of harvesting rights in a fishery that is federally managed under a limited access system. . (b) Limitation on application to certain fishing vessels of prohibition under vessel construction program Section 302(b)(2) of the Fisheries Financing Act (title III of Public Law 104–297 46 U.S.C. 53706 (1) in the second sentence— (A) by striking or in , in (B) by inserting before the period the following: , in fisheries that are under the jurisdiction of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and managed under a fishery management plan issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. (2) by adding at the end the following: Any fishing vessel operated in fisheries under the jurisdiction of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and managed under a fishery management plan issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. . 312. Fishing vessel and fish tender vessel certification Section 4503(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by designating the existing matter as paragraph (1); and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) This section does not apply to a fishing or fish tender vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title applies, if— (A) the vessel is at least 50 feet overall in length, and not more than 190 feet overall in length; (B) the vessel is built after January 1, 2016; (C) the vessel is designed by a registered professional engineer, and the design incorporates standards equivalent to those prescribed by a classification society designated under section 3316 of this title or another qualified organization approved by the Secretary; (D) construction of such vessel is overseen and certified as being in accordance with its design by a marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary; and (E) the vessel— (i) completes a stability test performed by a qualified individual; (ii) has written stability and loading instructions from a qualified individual that are provided to the owner or operator; and (iii) has an assigned loading mark. (3) The person who owns a vessel meeting the requirements of paragraph (2) shall— (A) not modify or substantially change such vessel unless such modification or change is reviewed and approved by a registered professional engineer prior to beginning any modification or change; (B) complete a condition survey at least biennially to the satisfaction of a marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary; (C) complete an out-of-water survey at least once every five years to the satisfaction of a certified marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary; (D) update the requirements specified in paragraph (2)(E) once every five years or at the time of a modification or substantial change to such vessel; and (E) for the life of the vessel, maintain records to demonstrate compliance with this subsection, and make such records readily available for inspection by an official authorized to enforce this chapter. . 313. Title 46, United States Code, technical corrections Title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 103, by striking ( 33 U.S.C. 151 ( 33 U.S.C. 151(b) (2) in section 2118— (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking title, subtitle, (B) in subsection (b), by striking title subtitle (3) in the analysis for chapter 35— (A) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to section 3507; and (B) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to section 3508; (4) in section 3715(a)(2), by striking and (5) in section 4506, by striking (a) (6) in section 8103(b)(1)(A)(iii), by striking Academy. Academy; and (7) in the analysis for chapter 701— (A) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to section 70107A; (B) in the item relating to section 70112, by striking security advisory committee. Security Advisory Committee. (C) in the item relating to section 70122, by striking watch program. Watch Program. (8) in section 70105(c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B)(xv)— (i) by striking 18, popularly 18 (popularly (ii) by striking Act Act) (B) in paragraph (2), by striking (D) paragraph (D) of paragraph (9) in section 70107— (A) in paragraph (b)(2), by striking 5121(j)(8)), 5196(j)(8)), (B) in paragraph (m)(3)(C)(iii), by striking that is that the applicant (10) in section 70122, in the section header, by striking watch program Watch Program (11) in the analysis for chapter 705, by adding a period at the end of the item relating to section 70508. IV Federal Maritime Commission 401. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general Chapter 3 308. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Maritime Commission $24,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for the activities of the Commission authorized under this chapter and subtitle IV. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 308. Authorization of appropriations. . 402. Duties of the chairman Section 301(c)(3)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in clause (ii) by striking units, but only after consultation with the other Commissioners; units (with such appointments subject to the approval of the Commission); (2) in clause (iv) by striking and (3) in clause (v) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (vi) prepare and submit to the President and Congress requests for appropriations for the Commission (with such requests subject to the approval of the Commission). . V Sportfish restoration and recreational boating safety reauthorization 501. Short title This title may be cited as the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act 502. Authorization of appropriations Section 3 of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act ( 16 U.S.C. 777b 57 percent 57.42 percent 503. Division of annual appropriations (a) In general Section 4 of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act ( 16 U.S.C. 777c (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2014 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on May 31, 2015, 2023, (B) in paragraph (1), by striking 18.5 percent 18.54 percent (C) in paragraph (2), by striking 18.5 percent 18.04 percent (D) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end Not more than 25 percent of such amount may be used for capital improvement and infrastructure projects to support facilities that meet State requirements for minimizing the introduction of pollutants into the waterways. (2) by amending the heading in subsection (b) to read as follows: Set-Asides (3) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2014, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on May 31, 2015, 2023, (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), and inserting the following: (i) for each of the fiscal years 2016 through 2023, 1.8468 percent of total annual collections under this Act for such fiscal year; and (ii) not withstanding clause (i), an amount that is less than or equal to $12,299,000. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) Set-aside for boating safety (i) In general From the annual appropriation made in accordance with section 3, for each fiscal year through 2023, the Secretary shall transfer to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating— (I) (aa) 0.3435 percent of total annual collections under this Act to pay the costs of investigations, personnel, and activities related to administering those programs under section 4(a)(2) ( 16 U.S.C. 777c(a)(2) (bb) notwithstanding item (aa), an amount that is less than or equal to $2,300,000; and (II) $1,500,000 shall be made available for the National Recreational Boating Survey, that shall be available until expended and may be awarded as a contract or grant by the Secretary. (ii) Limitation The amounts specified in clause (i) for a fiscal year may not be included in the amount of the annual appropriation distributed under subsection (a) of this section for the fiscal year. ; (4) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking under paragraph (1) shall remain available for obligation for use under that paragraph under paragraph (1)(B) shall remain available for obligation for use under paragraph (1)(A) (B) in subparagraph (B)— (i) by striking under paragraph (1) under paragraph (1)(B) (ii) by striking subsection (e) subsection (c) (5) in subsection (c), by striking 57 percent 57.42 percent (6) in subsection (d), by striking So much of any sum not allocated Except as otherwise provided in this section, so much of any sum not allocated (7) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking those subsections those paragraphs (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Maximum amount For fiscal year 2016, the Secretary of the Interior may use not more than $1,200,000 in accordance with paragraph (1). For each fiscal year thereafter, the maximum amount that the Secretary of the Interior may use in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be determined under paragraph (3). ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (3) Annual adjusted maximum amount The maximum amount referred to in paragraph (2) for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter shall be the sum of— (A) the available maximum amount for the preceding fiscal year; and (B) the amount determined by multiplying— (i) the available maximum amount for the preceding fiscal year; and (ii) the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 9 of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act ( 16 U.S.C. 777h (1) in subsection (a), by striking section 4(b) section 4(b)(1)(B) (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking section 4(b) section 4(b)(1)(B) 504. Extension of exception to limitation on transfers to fund Section 9504(d)(2) June 1, 2015, October 1, 2023, 505. Recreational boating safety allocations Section 13104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c). 506. Recreational boating safety Section 13107 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking (1) Subject to paragraph (2) and subsection (c), Subject to subsection (c), (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking title, (A) including the funding of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council established under section 13110 of this title and the authorized activities of the Council, including travel for the council; and (B) of the funds referred to in paragraph (1), not less than $2,500,000 shall be available to the Secretary only to ensure compliance with chapter 43 of this title. . 507. National Boating Safety Advisory Council Section 13110(e) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 2020 2023 508. Plan evaluation Section 303(b)(7) of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3952(b)(7) and improvements made to the quality of fish and wildlife habitat conditions enhancing coastal wetlands 509. Report to Congress The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall annually evaluate and report on the administrative services of such Service for the trust fund to the States and the sportfishing community, including the following categories of information: (1) The percent of grant actions completed within 45 days of receipt, average number of days to process new grants, and average number of days to process grant amendments. (2) Which wildlife and sport fish restoration policies are currently being updated, the start time for each update, and the anticipated completion time. (3) The number of Federal assistance workshops held with States and such Service in efforts to communicate fiscal policies and procedures with the State agencies. (4) The response time to States based on initial notification or assistance requests initiated by a State. (5) The number of States with unresolved reconciliation of land records and number of corrective action plans with open actions. (6) The number of employees of such Service with grants management training and outstanding training requirements and the percent of State fish and wildlife staff to have received training from Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Fund Program of such Service. (7) The number of full-time equivalents contributing to grant processing and related grant management in each region. (8) The number of in-field state project reviews and site visits by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Fund Program. (9) The number of audits per year originating from such Service and response time to related actions and correspondence. VI Conveyance of Coast Guard property A Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Point Spencer, Alaska 601. Findings Congress finds as follows: (1) Major shipping traffic is increasing through the Bering Strait, the Bering and Chukchi Seas, and the Arctic Ocean and will continue to increase whether or not development of the outer Continental Shelf of the United States is undertaken in the future and will increase further if such outer Continental Shelf development is undertaken. (2) There is a compelling national, State, Alaska Native, and private sector need for permanent infrastructure development and for a presence in the Arctic region of Alaska by appropriate agencies of the Federal Government, particularly in proximity to the Bering Strait, to support and facilitate search and rescue, shipping safety, economic development, oil spill prevention and response, protection of Alaska Native archaeological and cultural resources, port of refuge, Arctic research, and maritime law enforcement on the Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. (3) The United States owns a parcel of land, known as Point Spencer, located between the Bering Strait and Port Clarence and adjacent to some of the best potential deepwater port sites on the coast of Alaska in the Arctic. (4) Prudent and effective use of Point Spencer may be best achieved through marshaling the energy, resources, and leadership of the public and private sectors. (5) It is in the national interest to develop infrastructure at Point Spencer that would aid the Coast Guard in performing its statutory duties and functions in the Arctic on a more permanent basis and to allow for public and private sector development of facilities and other infrastructure to support purposes that are of benefit to the United States. 602. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Arctic The term Arctic 15 U.S.C. 4111 (2) BSNC The term BSNC 43 U.S.C. 1606 (3) Council The term Council (4) Plan The term Plan (5) Point spencer The term Point Spencer Point Spencer (6) Secretary Except as otherwise specifically provided, the term Secretary (7) State The term State (8) Tract The term Tract (9) Tracts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 The terms Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, and Tract 6 Point Spencer Land Retention and Conveyance Map 603. Authority to convey land in Point Spencer (a) Authority To Convey Tracts 1, 3, and 4 The Secretary of the Interior shall convey, subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface and subsurface estates of Tract 1, Tract 3, and Tract 4 in accordance with subsection (d) if the Secretary notifies the Secretary of the Interior that the Coast Guard no longer needs to retain jurisdiction over any portion of Tract 1, Tract 3, or Tract 4 and the requirements of subsection (f) are met for each such Tract to be conveyed. (b) Authority To Convey Tracts 2 and 5 The Secretary of the Interior shall convey, subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface and subsurface estates of Tract 2 and Tract 5 in accordance with subsection (d) if the requirements of subsection (f) are met for each such Tract to be conveyed. (c) Authority To Transfer Tract 6 The Secretary of the Interior shall convey, subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface and subsurface estates of Tract 6 in accordance with subsection (e) if the requirements of subsection (f) are met. (d) Order of Offer To Convey Tract 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (1) Determination and offer (A) Tract 1, 3, or 4 If the Secretary makes the determination under subsection (a) and the requirements of subsection (f) are met for Tract 1, 3, or 4, or a portion of such Tract, the Secretary of the Interior shall offer such Tract or portion of such Tract for conveyance to BSNC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. (B) Tract 2 or 5 If the requirements of subsection (f) are met for Tract 2 or Tract 5, the Secretary of the Interior shall offer such Tract for conveyance to BSNC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. (2) Offer to BSNC (A) Acceptance by BSNC If BSNC chooses to accept an offer of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider such Tract as within BSNC’s entitlement under section 14(h)(8) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(8) (B) Decline by BSNC If BSNC declines to accept an offer of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall offer such Tract for conveyance to the State under the Act of July 7, 1958 (commonly known as the Alaska Statehood Act Public Law 85–508 (3) Offer to State (A) Acceptance by State If the State chooses to accept an offer of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider such Tract as within the State’s entitlement under the Act of July 7, 1958 (commonly known as the Alaska Statehood Act Public Law 85–508 (B) Decline by State If the State declines to accept an offer of conveyance of a Tract offered under paragraph (2)(B), such Tract shall be disposed of pursuant to applicable public land laws. (e) Order of Offer To Convey Tract 6 (1) Offer If the requirements under subsection (f) are met for Tract 6, the Secretary of the Interior shall offer such Tract for conveyance to the State. (2) Offer to State (A) Acceptance by State If the State chooses to accept an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider Tract 6 as within the State’s entitlement under the Act of July 7, 1958 (commonly known as the Alaska Statehood Act Public Law 85–508 (B) Decline by State If the State declines to accept an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall offer Tract 6 for conveyance to BSNC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. (3) Offer to BSNC (A) Acceptance by BSNC (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), if BSNC chooses to accept an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider Tract 6 as within BSNC’s entitlement under section 14(h)(8) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(8) (ii) Lease by the State The conveyance of Tract 6 to BSNC shall be subject to BSNC negotiating a lease of Tract 6 to the State at no cost to the State, if the State requests such a lease. (B) Decline by BSNC If BSNC declines to accept an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary of the Interior shall dispose of Tract 6 pursuant to the applicable public land laws. (f) Terms of conveyance (1) Environmental compliance (A) Tract 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 (i) In general The Secretary of the Interior shall not convey Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, or Tract 6 under this section until— (I) the Secretary certifies that the applicable requirements under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9620(h) (II) the Board of Directors of BSNC adopts and submits to the Secretary of the Interior a resolution stating that BSNC is willing to accept Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, or Tract 6, as appropriate, as is (ii) As is In this subparagraph, the term as is (B) Land to be conveyed to the State or BSNC (i) Environmental compliance To the extent cleanup and remediation of hazardous substances on land in a Tract to be conveyed to the State or to BSNC are required by existing law, all environmental compliance activities pursuant to section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9620(h) (ii) Monitoring of known contamination Notwithstanding section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and other applicable environmental laws, any known contamination in a Tract to be conveyed that does not pose an immediate or long-term health or environmental risk may be routinely monitored and managed by the State or BSNC, as applicable, through institutional controls in accordance with the laws of the State. (iii) Later found contamination If preexisting contamination from hazardous materials and substances are found to be present in a Tract after the date the Tract is conveyed to the State or BSNC, responsibility for cleanup and remediation of such contamination shall continue to be governed by section 120(h)(3) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9620(h)(3) chapter 19 (C) Land to be retained by the coast guard With respect to land in Tract 1, Tract 3, or Tract 4 to be retained by the Coast Guard, nothing in this section may be construed to limit the obligation of the Coast Guard to comply with applicable environmental law, including section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9620(h) (2) Airstrip use (A) Use by Coast Guard All conveyances under this section shall be subject to— (i) an easement granting unlimited use of all existing and future landing pads, airstrips, runways, and taxiways that are located on such Tract conveyed, at no cost to the Coast Guard; and (ii) the right to access such landing pads, airstrips, runways, and taxiways, at no cost to the Coast Guard. (B) Use by State (i) In general For any Tract conveyed to BSNC under this section, BSNC shall provide to the State, if requested and pursuant to negotiated terms with the State, for no compensation— (I) an easement over all existing and future airstrips, runways, and taxiways located on such Tract; and (II) a right of access to and from such airstrips, runways, and taxiways. (ii) Right of access If the State requests a right of access for a road from the airstrip to the southern tip of Point Spencer, the location of such right of access shall be determined by the State, in consultation with the Secretary and BSNC, so that such access is compatible with other existing or planned infrastructure development at Point Spencer. (3) Relationship to Public Land Order 2650 (A) Tracts not conveyed Any Tract that is not conveyed under this section shall remain withdrawn pursuant to Public Land Order 2650 (published in the Federal Register on April 12, 1962). (B) Tracts conveyed For any Tract conveyed under this section, Public Land Order 2650 shall automatically terminate upon issuance of a conveyance document for such Tract. (4) Archeological and cultural resources Conveyance of any Tract under this section shall not affect criminal jurisdiction and responsibilities regarding the potential theft or vandalism of archeological or cultural resources located in or on such tracts. (5) Personal property (A) Cash sales authorized The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to make cash sales of personal property that is located on Tract 4 to BSNC or to the State. (B) Value The total value of the personal property referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be deemed to be $5,580,000. (C) Proceeds Pursuant to section 559 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 ( Public Law 111–83 (i) shall be deposited as offsetting collections into the Coast Guard Environmental Compliance and Restoration Account; (ii) shall be available without further appropriation for environmental compliance and restoration activities associated with any tract conveyed or to be conveyed under this Act; and (iii) shall remain available until expended. (D) Unexpended balances If unexpended balances remain in the Coast Guard Environmental Compliance and Restoration Account after the completion of the activities described in subparagraph (C)(ii), such balances may be expended for any other environmental compliance and restoration activities of the Coast Guard. (g) Maps and legal descriptions (1) Preparation of maps and legal description As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare maps and legal descriptions of Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, and Tract 6. In doing so, the Secretary of the Interior may use metes and bounds legal descriptions based upon the official survey plats of Point Spencer accepted on December 6, 1978. (2) Legal effect The maps and legal descriptions shall have the same force and effect as if the maps and legal descriptions were included in this Act, except that the Secretary of the Interior may correct any clerical and typographical errors in the maps and legal descriptions. (3) Availability Copies of the maps and legal descriptions shall be available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of— (A) the Bureau of Land Management; and (B) the United States Coast Guard. (4) Survey Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall survey Tracts conveyed and patent the Tracts in accordance with the official plats of survey. (h) Public access easements No public access easements may be reserved to the United States under section 17(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1616(b) 604. Port Coordination Advisory Council for Point Spencer (a) Establishment There is established the Port Coordination Advisory Council for the Port of Point Spencer. (b) Membership The Council shall consist of a representative appointed by each of the following: (1) The State. (2) BSNC. (c) Duties The duties of the Council are as follows: (1) To develop a Port Management Coordination Plan to help coordinate infrastructure development and operations at the Port of Point Spencer, that includes plans for— (A) construction; (B) funding eligibility; (C) land use planning and development; and (D) public interest use and access, emergency preparedness, law enforcement, protection of Alaska Native archaeological and cultural resources, and other matters that are necessary for public and private entities to function in proximity together in a remote location. (2) Update the Plan annually for the first 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and biennially thereafter. (3) Facilitate coordination among stakeholders at Point Spencer, including the Coast Guard, on the development and use of the land and coastline as such development relates to activities at the Port of Point Spencer. (4) Assess the need, benefits, efficacy, and desirability of establishing in the future a port authority at Point Spencer under State law and act upon that assessment, as appropriate, including taking steps for the potential formation of such a port authority. (d) Plan The Plan shall be developed and implemented by the Council in such a manner so as to facilitate and support, and not interfere with nor impede, the statutory missions, duties, and operations of the Coast Guard in the Arctic. (e) Costs Operations and management costs for airstrips, runways, and taxiways at Point Spencer shall be determined pursuant to provisions of the Plan, as negotiated by the Council. 605. Waiver Section 229 of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–281 B Other conveyance of Coast Guard property 611. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Point Reyes Station, California (a) Conveyance (1) In general The Commandant of the Coast Guard may convey to the County of Marin all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the covered property— (A) for fair market value, provided for in paragraph (2); (B) subject to the conditions required by this section; and (C) subject to any other term or condition that the Commandant considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. (2) Fair market value The fair market value of the covered property shall be— (A) determined by a real estate appraiser, who has been selected by the County and is licensed to practice in California; and (B) approved by the Commandant, who shall base such approval on considerations of equity and fairness, including the use required under this section of the covered property. (3) Proceeds The Commandant shall deposit the proceeds from a conveyance under paragraph (1) in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established by section 687 of title 14, United States Code. (b) Condition of conveyance As a condition of any conveyance of covered property under this section, the Commandant shall require that all right, title, and interest in and to the covered property revert to the United States if the covered property or any part thereof ceases to be used for affordable housing, as defined by the County and the Commandant at conveyance, or to provide a public benefit approved by the County. (c) Rules of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to affect or limit the application of or obligation to comply with any environmental law, including section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9620(h) (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Commandant The term Commandant (2) County The term County (3) Covered property The term covered property CAMSPAC Housing (e) Expiration The authority to convey the covered property under this section shall expire on the date that is four years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 612. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Tok, Alaska (a) Conveyance authorized The Commandant of the Coast Guard may convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the covered property, upon payment to the United States of the fair market value of the covered property. (b) Right of first refusal The Tanana Chiefs’ Conference shall have the right of first refusal with respect to purchase of the covered property under this section. (c) Survey The exact acreage and legal description of the covered property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Commandant. (d) Fair market value The fair market value of the covered property shall be— (1) determined by appraisal; and (2) subject to the approval of the Commandant. (e) Costs of conveyance The responsibility for all reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate transaction and environmental documentation costs, associated with a conveyance under this section shall be determined by the Commandant and the purchaser. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Commandant may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with a conveyance under this section as the Commandant considers appropriate and reasonable to protect the interests of the United States. (g) Deposit of proceeds Any proceeds received by the United States from a conveyance under this section shall be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under section 687 of title 14, United States Code. (h) Covered property defined (1) In general In this section, the term covered property (A) located in Tok, Alaska; (B) under the administrative control of the Coast Guard; and (C) described in paragraph (2). (2) Description The property described in this paragraph is the following: (A) Lots 11, 12, and 13, block G (B) Beginning at a point being the SE corner of the SE 1⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄4 C VII Miscellaneous 701. Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research (a) In general Section 7001(a) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2761(a) (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking Minerals Management Service Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, (B) by inserting the United States Arctic Research Commission, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, (2) by adding at the end the following: (5) Vice chairperson A representative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a representative of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency shall serve, on a rotating basis, as vice chairperson of the Committee. . (b) Technical amendments Section 7001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2761 (1) in subsection (b)(2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Department of Transportation department in which the Coast Guard is operating (2) in subsection (c)(8)(A), by striking (1989) (2010) 702. Accident and incident notification Section 9 of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ( 49 U.S.C. 60117 Public Law 112–90 703. Technical corrections relating to bridges (a) Act of March 3, 1899 The Act of March 3, 1899 (commonly known as the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 (1) in section 9 ( 33 U.S.C. 401 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (2) in section 12 ( 33 U.S.C. 406 (A) by striking the section designation and all that follows through the first sentence and inserting the following: 12. Penalty for wrongful construction; removal of structures (a) Penalty for wrongful construction Each individual or entity that violates an applicable provision of section 9, 10, or 11, or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating pursuant to section 9 or the Secretary of the Army pursuant to section 11, shall be— (1) guilty of a misdemeanor; and (2) on conviction, punished by, at the discretion of the applicable court— (A) a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $2,500; (B) imprisonment (in the case of an individual) for not more than 1 year; or (C) both the punishments described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). ; and (B) in the second sentence— (i) by striking And further, the removal (b) Removal of structures The removal ; and (ii) by striking the provisions of exercising a provision described in subsection (a) may be enforced by the injunction of any district court exercising (3) in subsections (a) and (c) of section 18 ( 33 U.S.C. 502 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (b) Act of March 23, 1906 The Act of March 23, 1906 (commonly known as the Bridge Act of 1906 (1) in the first section ( 33 U.S.C. 491 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (2) in section 4 ( 33 U.S.C. 494 Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (3) in section 5 ( 33 U.S.C. 495 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (c) Act of August 18, 1894 Section 5 of the Act of August 18, 1894 ( 33 U.S.C. 499 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (d) Act of June 21, 1940 The Act of June 21, 1940 (commonly known as the Truman-Hobbs Act (1) in section 1 ( 33 U.S.C. 511 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (2) in section 3 ( 33 U.S.C. 513 (A) in the section heading, by striking hearing meeting (B) in the first sentence— (i) by striking hearing meeting (ii) by striking evidence supporting data (C) in the second sentence, by striking hearing a meeting (3) in section 4 ( 33 U.S.C. 514 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (4) in section 7 ( 33 U.S.C. 517 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (5) in section 13 ( 33 U.S.C. 523 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (e) Act of July 16, 1952 Section 3 of the Act of July 16, 1952 ( 33 U.S.C. 524 hearings meetings (f) General Bridge Act of 1946 The General Bridge Act 1946 is amended— (1) in section 502(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 525(b) Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (2) in section 510 ( 33 U.S.C. 533 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (g) International Bridge Act of 1972 The International Bridge Act of 1972 is amended— (1) in section 5 ( 33 U.S.C. 535c Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (2) in section 8 ( 33 U.S.C. 535e (A) by striking Secretary of Transportation the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (B) in subsection (b), in the second sentence, by striking , and the provisions of section 6 of this Act shall not apply (3) by striking section 11 ( 33 U.S.C. 535h 704. International port and facility inspection coordination Section 825(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 ( 6 U.S.C. 945 Public Law 111–281 (1) by striking the department in which the Coast Guard is operating Homeland Security (2) by striking they are integrated and conducted by the Coast Guard the assessments are coordinated between the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection 705. Reports (a) Distant water tuna fleet Section 421(d) of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 ( Public Law 109–241 46 U.S.C. 8103 On March 1, 2007, and annually thereafter Not later than July 1 of each year, (b) Elimination of reports (1) Annual updates on limits to liability Section 603(c)(3) of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 ( 33 U.S.C. 2704 on an annual basis. not later than January 30 of the year following each year in which an oil discharge from a vessel or nonvessel source that results or is likely to result in removal costs and damages (as those terms are defined in section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2701 33 U.S.C. 2704 (2) International Bridge Act of 1972 The International Bridge Act of 1972 is amended by striking section 11 ( 33 U.S.C. 535h 706. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–281 (1) in section 610, by— (A) striking the section enumerator and heading and inserting the following: 610. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes ; (B) striking existing boundaries and any future expanded boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve boundaries of any National Marine Sanctuary that preserves shipwrecks or maritime heritage in the Great Lakes (C) by inserting before the period at the end the following: , unless the designation documents for such Sanctuary do not allow taking up or discharging ballast water in such Sanctuary (2) in the table of contents in section 2, by striking the item relating to section 610 and inserting the following: Sec. 610. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes. . 707. Coastwise endorsement Notwithstanding section 12132 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the F/V RONDYS (O.N. 291085). 708. International Ice Patrol (a) Requirement for report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that describes the current operations to perform the International Ice Patrol mission and on alternatives for carrying out that mission, including satellite surveillance technology. (b) Alternatives The report required by subsection (a) shall include whether an alternative— (1) provides timely data on ice conditions with the highest possible resolution and accuracy; (2) is able to operate in all weather conditions or any time of day; and (3) is more cost effective than the cost of current operations.

Summary: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS (Sec. 101) This bill authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY2016-FY2017 as well as an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 for each of them. Prior authorization of appropriations shall be required for the Coast Guard Reserve program. Additional appropriations are authorized for FY2016-FY2017 for preacquisition activities for a new polar icebreaker, including initial specification development and feasibility studies. TITLE II--COAST GUARD (Sec. 201) The grade of the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard shall be increased from vice admiral to admiral, and the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard shall be a vice admiral. (Sec. 202) The President may designate within the Executive branch, outside the Coast Guard, positions of importance and responsibility held by officers with the grade of vice admiral. (Sec. 203) The Coast Guard shall develop and implement a plan to conduct every two years a multirater assessment for each Coast Guard: (1) flag officer, (2) member of the Senior Executive Staff, and (3) officer nominated for promotion to the grade of captain. A multirater assessment is a review that seeks opinion from members senior to the reviewee as well as the reviewee's peers and subordinates. The Coast Guard shall report to Congress on the feasibility of including a multirater assessment as part of its personnel development programs. The Coast Guard shall also develop an annual training course for all Coast Guard flag officers newly appointed or assigned to billets in the National Capital Region, and all Coast Guard senior executive service personnel employed in the National Capital Region, to educate them on the workings of Congress. (Sec. 204) The bill repeals certain requirements and Enlisted Personnel Board procedures for the involuntary retirement of enlisted Coast Guard members with 20 or more years of active military service. (Sec. 205) The Coast Guard shall: (1) report to Congress on alternative methods for notifying members of the Coast Guard of their monthly earnings, and (2) audit annually the pay and allowances for the members transferred to new units during the year. (Sec. 206) The Coast Guard may recall and order to active duty, without the member's consent, a retired Coast Guard member subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for the purpose of a preliminary hearing under the UCMJ, trial by court-martial, and nonjudicial punishment. (Sec. 207) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall, in lieu of reimbursement, transfer, from amounts appropriated for the operating expenses of the Coast Guard, an amount, determined by the Department of Defense (DOD) Board of Actuaries, that represents the value of care that the DOD or a military department, during the fiscal year in which funds are made available, provides to a member or former member of the Coast Guard (or a dependent). (Sec. 208) DHS may have remitted or cancelled any part of a person's indebtedness to the United States or any instrumentality of the United States if: the indebtedness was incurred while the person served on active duty as a member of the Coast Guard; and DHS determines that remitting or cancelling the indebtedness is in the best interest of the United States. (Sec. 209) The bill reduces from 90 to 30 days the deadline for the Coast Guard to notify Congress before approving a community as Coast Guard City, USA. (Sec. 210) The Coast Guard shall report quarterly to Congress a current assessment of the risks associated with all current major acquisition programs. (Sec. 211) The Coast Guard shall assess for Congress the effect of any new major acquisition on its stated Program of Record and Capital Investment Plan. (Sec. 212) A Polar Icebreaker shall be exempt from the requirement that it be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping before final acceptance by the Coast Guard. On the other hand the Coast Guard shall cause the design and construction of each Polar Icebreaker to be assessed by an independent third party with expertise in vessel design and construction certification. The Coast Guard may contract for the acquisition of Polar Icebreakers and associated equipment using incremental funding. The Department in which the Coast Guard is operating (the Department, unless otherwise indicated) shall: complete a materiel condition assessment with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea, and determine whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea when compared with other options to provide icebreaking services as part of a strategy to maintain polar icebreaking services. The Coast Guard may also decommission the Polar Sea if reactivation is not cost effective. (Sec. 213) The Coast Guard may enter into a contract or cooperative agreement on a sole source basis, or into a lease or license, with a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association may establish in order to apply for and administer federal, state, or other educational research grants on behalf of the Coast Guard Academy. For the support of such research the Coast Guard may also: allow that organization to use, at no cost, personal property of the Coast Guard; accept, retain, and use funds, supplies, and services from the organization (Sec. 214) The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is amended, with respect to enforcement of national fishery management program requirements, to specify the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii as the appropriate court for Hawaii (as under current law) or any U.S. possession of in the Pacific Ocean, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Guam as the appropriate court for Wake Island. (Sec. 215) The bill repeals the prohibition against (and so shall allow) expending appropriated federal funds for the engineering, design, or construction of a National Coast Guard Museum. (Sec. 216) The DHS Inspector General shall consult with the DOD Inspector General anytime a report of allegations of misconduct are made against senior officials (flag officers and Senior Executive Service). Investigations of misconduct must be consistent with DOD policies. (Sec. 217) DHS shall issue guidance and procedures for Coast Guard boards and personnel necessary to ensure that, in determining whether the disability of a Coast Guard member is combat-related and so eligible for combat-related special compensation, those boards and personnel consider DOD criteria in the same manner as boards and personnel of the military departments consider such criteria in making similar determinations. Such a disability shall include one incurred in the performance of combat-related eligible duties while permanently or temporarily assigned to a combatant command or other DOD unit or while executing a mission or training in support of DOD. Such a disability shall also include one incurred by a member of the Coast Guard when it was not operating as a service in the Navy: while engaged in hazardous service, including aviation duty, diving duty, rescue swimmer or similar duty, and hazardous service duty onboard a small vessel (such as surfman duty) in the performance of duties for which certain special or incentive pay was paid; in the performance of a homeland security mission or of a search and rescue mission; or while engaged in a training exercise for the performance of such a mission or duty. (Sec. 218) Within a year after DOD or the Navy promulgates a new rule, policy, or memorandum regarding maternity leave, the Department shall promulgate a similar rule, policy, or memorandum, consistent with whichever maternity leave policy is greater in terms of both duration and compensation. TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION (Sec. 301) Whistleblower protections for seamen reporting possible violations of a maritime safety or environmental protection law or regulation shall extend to reports to a vessel owner, a vessel operator, or the seaman's employer. (Sec. 302) The bill prescribes criminal penalties for destruction of evidence and other property subject to forfeiture during maritime counter-drug operations. Practices commonly recognized as smuggling tactics, including specified indicia, may provide prima facie evidence of intent to use a vessel to commit, or to facilitate the commission of, an controlled substances offense, even in the absence of controlled substances aboard the vessel. The bill prescribes criminal penalties also for knowing concealment of over $100,000 in currency or other monetary instruments in the course of maritime bulk cash smuggling. (Sec. 303) Requirements and prohibitions for the carriage of liquid bulk dangerous cargoes shall apply to fishing or fish tender vessels of 500 gross tons or less if they are carrying flammable or combustible liquid cargoes in bulk. (Sec. 304) The Department and the Department of Transportation (DOT) shall establish policies and practices to ensure that the authorities relating to maritime transportation of hazardous materials are enforced in the same manner and to the same extent, and the civil and criminal penalties are assessed or recommended in the same manner and to the same extent. (Sec. 305) The Department may develop and propose a model for a national recreational vessel training curriculum and education standards for operators of recreational vessels equipped with propulsion machinery of any kind. (Sec. 306) Freedom of Information requirements for federal agencies shall not apply to a question from any examination for a merchant seamen license, certificate, or document, let alone the answer. The Secretary shall develop a sample merchant mariner exam and outline of merchant mariner exam topics on an annual basis. (Sec. 307) The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 is revised with regard to the application to Cape Flattery, Washington, of certain requirements for tank vessel response plans for oil, response plan requirements for vessels carrying animal fats and vegetable oils as a primary cargo, and response plan requirements for vessels carrying other non-petroleum oils as a primary cargo. The application of these requirements to the higher volume port area for the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Port Angeles, Washington (including any water area within 50 nautical miles seaward), to and including Puget Sound, shall be deemed also to apply, in the same manner, and to the same extent, to the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Cape Flattery, Washington (including any water area within 50 nautical miles seaward), to and including Puget Sound. (Sec. 308) The Department may treat as one of its own any assessment of the effectiveness of a foreign port's antiterrorism measures conducted by a foreign government (including an entity of or operating under the auspices of the European Union) or by an international organization if certain requirements are met. The Department may enter into an agreement with a foreign government (including one under European Union auspices) or an international organization for the conduct of such assessments and the sharing of information. (Sec. 309) In establishing a model year for recreational vessels and associated equipment, the Department shall begin it on June 1 of one year and end it on July 31 of the following year, which shall also be the year designated. (Sec. 310) The Department shall amend regulations relating to weights (pounds) of outboard motor and related equipment for various boat horsepower ratings to reflect Standard 30-Outboard Engine and Related Equipment Weights published by the American Boat and Yacht Council. (Sec. 311) The Secretary shall make a minimum of $59 million of direct loan obligations available each fiscal year for repairs or replacements of fishing vessels according to historic uses. The Fisheries Financing Act is amended to declare that the prohibition against federal direct loans or loan guarantees for the construction or rebuilding of fishing vessels exceeding specified dimensions shall not apply to vessels in fisheries under the jurisdiction of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and managed under a fishery management plan issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, or in the Pacific whiting fishery under the jurisdiction of the Pacific Fishery Management Council and managed under a fishery management plan issued under that Act. Any fishing vessel operated in fisheries under such jurisdictions and managed under such plans, and that is replaced by a vessel constructed or rebuilt with a federal loan or loan guarantee, may not be used to harvest fish in any fishery under the jurisdiction of any regional fishery management council but the North Pacific Fishery Management Council or the Pacific Fishery Management Council. (Sec. 312) Certain fishing or fish tender vessels of between 50 and 190 feet in length, which are built after January 1, 2016, which meet other specified criteria shall be exempted from American Bureau of Shipping certification requirements. Any modification or substantial change to such a vessel must meet specified requirements, including review and approval by a registered professional engineer before the modification or change is begun. TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION (Sec. 401) The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is reauthorized for FY2016-FY2017. (Sec. 402) All appointments by the FMC Chairman of the heads of major organizational units, and all requests to the President and Congress for appropriations, must be approved by the entire FMC. TITLE V--SPORTFISH RESTORATION AND RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY REAUTHORIZATION Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act (Sec. 502) The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act is amended to: revise a formula to increase from 57% to 57.42% of certain appropriations the supplemental amount of unexpended or unobligated funds available to be apportioned among the states; increase percentages in the division of appropriations for coastal wetlands, boating safety, and boating infrastructure, among other things; and require a special set-aside to the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating for recreational boating safety. (Sec. 504) The Internal Revenue Code is amended to extend through FY2023 the exception to the limit on transfers to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund for expenditures to pay certain contracts. (Sec. 505) This bill repeals: the 5% limitation on fiscal year allocations for national boating safety activities of national nonprofit public service organizations; and the 2% limitation on available fiscal year amounts for state recreational boating safety programs to pay specified administrative and investigative costs. (Sec. 506) Funds are made available for the National Boating Safety Advisory Council and to ensure compliance with federal recreational boating safety requirements, including the Coast Guard Manufacturing Compliance Program. (Sec. 507) The National Boating Safety Advisory Council is reauthorized through FY2023. (Sec. 508) The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act is amended to require the triennial report of the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force on the effectiveness of the coastal wetlands restoration projects to evaluate any improvements made to the quality of fish and wildlife habitat conditions. (Sec. 509) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall report annually to the states and the sportfishing community on its administrative services for the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. TITLE VI--CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY Subtitle A--Conveyance of Coast Guard Property in Point Spencer, Alaska (Sec. 603) The Department of the Interior shall convey the surface and subsurface estates of Tracts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 as identified on the map titled &quot;Point Spencer Land Retention and Conveyance Map,&quot; dated January 2015, to the Bering Straits Native Corporation and tract 6 surface and subsurface estates to Alaska in accordance with specified terms. (Sec. 604) The bill establishes the Port Coordination Advisory Council for the Port of Point Spencer. Subtitle B--Other Conveyance of Coast Guard Property (Sec. 611) The Coast Guard may convey: 32 acres of federal land (including all buildings, structures, utilities, and facilities on the land) known as CAMSPAC Housing in Point Reyes Station to Marin County, California, to be used for affordable housing or to provide a public benefit approved by the County, and 3.25 acres of real property under Coast Guard administrative control (including all improvements located on the property) in Tok, Alaska, upon payment to the United States of the property's fair market value. TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS (Sec. 701) The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 is amended to name the U.S. Arctic Research Commission as a member of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research. Representatives of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall serve, on a rotating basis, as vice chairperson of the Committee. (Sec. 702) The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 is amended to repeal the requirement that the National Response Center, after receiving from owners and operators of pipeline facilities any revisions to an initial telephonic or electronic notification of a pipeline facility accident or incident, update the initial report instead of generating a new report. (Sec. 703) The bill makes technical corrections to the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 with respect to the Coast Guard to specify the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating instead of the DOT. (Sec. 704) The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 is amended with respect to international port and facility inspection coordination to shift assessment authority from the Secretary to DHS and require DHS to develop a process by which the assessments are coordinated between the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection. (Sec. 705) The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 is amended to: change to July 1 of each year the deadline for annual reports of the Coast Guard and the National Marine Fisheries Service on the distant water tuna fleet, and replace the requirement for an annual update to a certain report on limits to liability with one for an update only after an oil discharge from a vessel or nonvessel source that results or is likely to result in removal costs and damages exceeding liability limits under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. (Sec. 706) The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 is amended to revise the declaration that bars the Department and the EPA from prohibiting a vessel operating within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve from taking up or discharging ballast water to allow for safe and efficient vessel operation if the uptake or discharge meets all federal and state ballast water management requirements that would apply if the area were not a marine sanctuary. The bar on such a prohibition shall extend to any national marine sanctuary that preserves shipwrecks or maritime heritage in the Great Lakes, unless the sanctuary designation documents do not allow taking up or discharging ballast water in the sanctuary. (Sec. 707) The Department may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the F/V RONDYS. (Sec. 708) The Coast Guard shall report to Congress on current operations to perform the International Ice Patrol mission as well as alternatives for carrying out that mission, including satellite surveillance technology. (Sec. 709) The Department of Commerce shall convey all right, title, and interest in specified property in Alaska to the native Village Corporation for St. Paul Island. The Department in which the Coast Guard is operating may operate, maintain, keep, locate, inspect, repair, and replace any federal aid to navigation located on the property as long as the aid is needed for navigational purposes. The Department of Commerce and the presiding officer of the Alaska Native Village Corporation for St. Paul Island shall enter into an agreement to exchange of certain other property on St. Paul Island. A procedure is prescribed for transfer to the Village Corporation of any other property not specified in a certain document. (Sec. 710) The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 is amended with respect to the allowance of parking spaces at the DHS St. Elizabeths Campus to Coast Guard members or employees to require that parking be at no cost to the Coast Guard, its members, or employees. (Sec. 711) The Coast Guard shall: assess the effectiveness of oil spill response activities specific to the Great Lakes, and report to Congress on the status of technology for immediately detecting cruise ship passengers who have fallen overboard TITLE VIII--VESSEL INCIDENTAL DISCHARGE ACT Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (Sec. 804) The Coast Guard shall establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards for the regulation of discharges into navigable waters incidental to the normal operation of a vessel. (Sec. 805) The Coast Guard's 2012 rule for ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel are adopted until those performance standards are revised or a more stringent state standard is adopted. Ballast water is water taken aboard a vessel to control stability or during the operation of a vessel's ballast water treatment technology. Within two years, the Coast Guard must establish best management practices for discharges other than ballast water which are also incidental to the normal operation of a vessel. By January 1, 2020, the Coast Guard must complete a feasibility review to determine whether revising ballast water performance standards will result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. By January 1, 2022, the Coast Guard must establish a revised standard based on the ballast water treatment technology available. Further revisions to the performance standards shall be considered every 10 years. (Sec. 806) This bill establishes a certification requirement for ballast water treatment technology. The Department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not approve a technology if it uses a biocide or generates a biocide that is a pesticide. (Sec. 807) The bill permanently exempts certain vessels from permit requirements for those discharges, including fishing vessels, recreational vessels, or vessels that are less than 79 feet and engaged in commercial service. (Sec. 808) The Department may establish one or more compliance programs as an alternative to ballast water management regulations issued under this Act for a vessel that: has a maximum ballast water capacity of less than 8 cubic meters, is less than 3 years from the end of the useful life of the vessel, or discharges ballast water into a facility for the reception of ballast water that meets certain standards. (Sec. 809) Interested persons may petition within 120 days for review of a final regulation promulgated under this title in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. (Sec. 810) This bill also establishes a petition process for a state seeking to enforce a state or local statute or regulation related to ballast water discharges more stringent than federal performance standards. (Sec. 811) This title is declared the exclusive statutory authority for federal regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel to which this title applies.