Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014

To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2015 and 2016, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Authorization Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training. Title II—Coast Guard Sec. 201. Commissioned officers. Sec. 202. Prevention and response workforces. Sec. 203. Centers of expertise. Sec. 204. Agreements. Sec. 205. Coast Guard housing. Sec. 206. Determinations. Sec. 207. Annual Board of Visitors. Sec. 208. Repeal of limitation on medals of honor. Sec. 209. Mission need statement. Sec. 210. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request. Sec. 211. Inventory of real property. Sec. 212. Active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces. Sec. 213. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority. Sec. 214. Icebreakers. Sec. 215. Multiyear procurement authority for Offshore Patrol Cutters. Sec. 216. Maintaining Medium Endurance Cutter mission capability. Sec. 217. Coast Guard administrative savings. Sec. 218. Technical corrections to title 14. Sec. 219. Flag officers. Sec. 220. Aviation capability in the Great Lakes region. Sec. 221. e-LORAN. Title III—Shipping and Navigation Sec. 301. Treatment of fishing permits. Sec. 302. International ice patrol reform. Sec. 303. Repeal. Sec. 304. Donation of historical property. Sec. 305. Small shipyards. Sec. 306. Drug testing reporting. Sec. 307. Recourse for noncitizens. Sec. 308. Penalty wages. Sec. 309. Crediting time in the sea services. Sec. 310. Treatment of abandoned seafarers. Sec. 311. Clarification of high-risk waters. Sec. 312. Uninspected passenger vessels in the Virgin Islands. Sec. 313. Offshore supply vessel third-party inspection. Sec. 314. Survival craft. Sec. 315. Technical correction to title 46. Sec. 316. Enforcement. Sec. 317. Severe marine debris events. Sec. 318. Minimum tonnage. Sec. 319. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee. Sec. 320. Report on effect of LNG export carriage requirements on job creation in the United States maritime industry. Title IV—Federal Maritime Commission Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 402. Terms of Commissioners. Title V—Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform Sec. 501. Short title. Sec. 502. Discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels. Title VI—Miscellaneous Sec. 601. Distant water tuna fleet. Sec. 602. Vessel determination. Sec. 603. Lease authority. Sec. 604. National maritime strategy. Sec. 605. IMO Polar Code negotiations. Sec. 606. Valley View Ferry. Sec. 607. Competition by United States flag vessels. Sec. 608. Survey. Sec. 609. Fishing safety grant programs. I Authorization 101. Authorization of appropriations Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard as follows: (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard— (A) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (B) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2016. (2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related thereto— (A) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (B) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2016; to remain available until expended. (3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including personnel and training costs, equipment, and services— (A) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (B) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2016. (4) For environmental compliance and restoration of Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and facilities (other than parts and equipment associated with operation and maintenance)— (A) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (B) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2016; to remain available until expended. (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— (A) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (B) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016. 102. 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 2015 and 2016. (b) Military training student loads The Coast Guard is authorized average military training student loads for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016 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. II Coast Guard 201. Commissioned officers Section 42(a) 7,200 6,700 202. Prevention and response workforces Section 57 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (2) by striking or (B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (4) waterways operations manager shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience with respect to marine transportation system management; or (5) port and facility safety and security specialist shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience with respect to the safety, security, and environmental protection responsibilities associated with maritime ports and facilities. ; (2) in subsection (c) by striking or marine safety engineer marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility safety and security specialist (3) in subsection (f)(2) by striking investigator or marine safety engineer. investigator, marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility safety and security specialist. 203. Centers of expertise Section 58(b) (b) Missions Any center established under subsection (a) may— (1) promote, facilitate, and conduct— (A) education; (B) training; and (C) activities authorized under section 93(a)(4); and (2) be a repository of information on operations, practices, and resources related to the mission for which the center was established. . 204. Agreements (a) In general Section 93(a)(4) (1) by striking , investigate and investigate (2) by striking , and cooperate and coordinate such activities with other Government agencies and with private agencies (b) Authority Chapter 5 102. Agreements (a) In general In carrying out section 93(a)(4), the Commandant may— (1) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements with Federal entities and other public or private entities, including academic entities; and (2) impose on and collect from an entity subject to an agreement or contract under paragraph (1) a fee to assist with expenses incurred in carrying out such section. (b) Deposit and use of fees Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting receipts. The fees may be used, to the extent provided in advance in an appropriation law, only to carry out activities under section 93(a)(4). . (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 5 102. Agreements. . 205. Coast Guard housing (a) Commandant; general powers Section 93(a)(13) the Treasury the fund established under section 687 (b) Lighthouse property Section 672a(b) the Treasury the fund established under section 687 (c) Conforming amendment Section 687(b) (4) Monies received under section 93(a)(13). (5) Amounts received under section 672a(b). . 206. Determinations (a) In general Chapter 5 103. Determinations The Secretary may only make a determination that a waterway, or any portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard through a rulemaking that is conducted in a manner consistent with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 5 103. Determinations. . 207. Annual Board of Visitors Section 194 194. Annual Board of Visitors (a) In general A Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy is established to review and make recommendations on the operation of the Academy. (b) Membership (1) In general The membership of the Board shall consist of the following: (A) The chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or the chairman’s designee. (B) The chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, or the chairman’s designee. (C) 3 Members of the Senate designated by the Vice President. (D) 4 Members of the House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (E) 6 individuals designated by the President. (2) Length of service (A) Members of Congress A Member of Congress designated under subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (1) as a member of the Board shall be designated as a member in the First Session of a Congress and serve for the duration of that Congress. (B) Individuals designated by the President Each individual designated by the President under subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) shall serve as a member of the Board for 3 years, except that any such member whose term of office has expired shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed. (3) Death or resignation of a member If a member of the Board dies or resigns, a successor shall be designated for any unexpired portion of the term of the member by the official who designated the member. (c) Academy visits (1) Annual visit The Board shall visit the Academy annually to review the operation of the Academy. (2) Additional visits With the approval of the Secretary, the Board or individual members of the Board may make other visits to the Academy in connection with the duties of the Board or to consult with the Superintendent of the Academy. (d) Scope of review The Board shall review, with respect to the Academy— (1) the state of morale and discipline; (2) the curriculum; (3) instruction; (4) physical equipment; (5) fiscal affairs; and (6) other matters relating to the Academy that the Board determines appropriate. (e) Report Not later than 60 days after the date of an annual visit of the Board under subsection (c)(1), the Board shall submit to the Secretary, 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 the actions of the Board during such visit and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to the Academy. (f) Advisors If approved by the Secretary, the Board may consult with advisors in carrying out this section. (g) Reimbursement Each member of the Board and each adviser consulted by the Board under subsection (f) shall be reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard for actual expenses incurred while engaged in duties as a member or adviser. . 208. Repeal of limitation on medals of honor Section 494 209. Mission need statement (a) In general Section 569 569. Mission need statement (a) In general On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2016 under section 1105 of title 31, on the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2019 under such section, and every 4 years thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an integrated major acquisition mission need statement. (b) Definitions In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Integrated major acquisition mission need statement The term integrated major acquisition mission need statement (A) identifies current and projected gaps in Coast Guard mission capabilities using mission hour targets; (B) explains how each major acquisition program addresses gaps identified under subparagraph (A) if funded at the levels provided for such program in the most recently submitted capital investment plan; and (C) describes the missions the Coast Guard will not be able to achieve, by fiscal year, for each gap identified under subparagraph (A). (2) Major acquisition program The term major acquisition program (3) Capital investment plan The term capital investment plan . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 15 569. Mission need statement. . 210. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request (a) In general Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after section 662 the following: 662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request (a) In general Not later than 30 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 (b) Coast Guard authorization request defined In this section, the term Coast Guard authorization request (1) recommends end strengths for personnel for that fiscal year, as described in section 661; (2) recommends authorizations of appropriations for that fiscal year, including with respect to matters described in section 662; and (3) addresses any other matter that the Secretary determines is appropriate for inclusion in a Coast Guard authorization bill. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 17 662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request. . 211. Inventory of real property (a) In general Chapter 17 679. Inventory of real property (a) In general Not later than September 30, 2014, the Commandant shall establish an inventory of all real property, including submerged lands, under the control of the Coast Guard, which shall include— (1) the size, the location, and any other appropriate description of each unit of such property; (2) an assessment of the physical condition of each unit of such property, excluding lands; (3) an estimate of the fair market value of each unit of such property; (4) a determination of whether each unit of such property should be— (A) retained to fulfill a current or projected Coast Guard mission requirement; or (B) subject to divestiture; and (5) other information the Commandant considers appropriate. (b) Inventory maintenance The Commandant shall— (1) maintain the inventory required under subsection (a) on an ongoing basis; and (2) update information on each unit of real property included in such inventory not later than 30 days after any change relating to such property. (c) Recommendations to Congress Not later than March 30, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes— (1) a list of all real property under the control of the Coast Guard and the location of such property by property type; (2) recommendations for divestiture with respect to any units of such property, including an estimate of— (A) the fair market value of any property recommended for divestiture; and (B) the costs or savings associated with divestiture; and (3) recommendations for consolidating any units of such property, including— (A) an estimate of the costs or savings associated with each recommended consolidation; and (B) a discussion of the impact that such consolidation would have on Coast Guard mission effectiveness. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 17 679. Inventory of real property. . 212. Active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces Section 712(a) not more than 60 days in any 4-month period and 213. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority Section 404(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–281 2015 2017 214. Icebreakers (a) Coast Guard Polar Icebreakers Section 222 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 (1) in subsection (d)(2)— (A) in the paragraph heading by striking ; bridging strategy (B) by striking Commandant of the Coast Guard Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea. (2) by adding at the end of subsection (d) the following: (3) Result of no determination If in the analysis submitted under this section the Secretary does not make a determination under subsection (a)(5) regarding whether it is cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then— (A) the Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea; or (B) the Secretary may make such determination, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and take actions in accordance with this subsection as though such determination was made in the analysis previously submitted. ; (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and (4) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Strategies (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date on which the analysis required under subsection (a) is submitted, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate— (A) a strategy to meet the Coast Guard’s Arctic ice operations needs through September 30, 2050; and (B) unless the Secretary makes a determination under this section that it is cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, a bridging strategy for maintaining the Coast Guard’s polar icebreaking services until at least September 30, 2024. (2) Requirement The strategies required under paragraph (1) shall include a business case analysis comparing the leasing and purchasing of icebreakers to maintain the needs and services described in that paragraph. . (b) Limitation (1) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not expend amounts appropriated for the Coast Guard for any of fiscal years 2015 through 2024, for— (A) design activities related to a capability of a Polar-Class Icebreaker that is based on an operational requirement of another Federal department or agency, except for amounts appropriated for design activities for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2016; or (B) long-lead-time materials, production, or post-delivery activities related to such a capability. (2) Other amounts Amounts made available to the Secretary under an agreement with another Federal department or agency and expended on a capability of a Polar-Class Icebreaker that is based on an operational requirement of that or another Federal department or agency shall not be treated as amounts expended by the Secretary for purposes of the limitation established under paragraph (1). 215. Multiyear procurement authority for Offshore Patrol Cutters In fiscal year 2015 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may enter into, in accordance with section 2306b of title 10, United States Code, multiyear contracts for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters and associated equipment. 216. Maintaining Medium Endurance Cutter mission capability Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes— (1) a schedule and plan for decommissioning, not later than September 30, 2029, each of the 210-foot, Reliance-Class Cutters operated by the Coast Guard on the date of enactment of this Act; (2) a schedule and plan for enhancing the maintenance or extending the service life of each of the 270-foot, Famous-Class Cutters operated by the Coast Guard on the date of enactment of this Act— (A) to maintain the capability of the Coast Guard to carry out sea-going missions with respect to such Cutters at the level of capability existing on September 30, 2013; and (B) for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the final Offshore Patrol Cutter is scheduled and planned to be commissioned under paragraph (4); (3) an identification of the number of Offshore Patrol Cutters capable of sea state 5 operations that, if 8 National Security Cutters are commissioned, are necessary to return the sea state 5 operating capability of the Coast Guard to the level of capability that existed prior to the decommissioning of the first High Endurance Cutter in fiscal year 2011; (4) a schedule and plan for commissioning the number of Offshore Patrol Cutters identified under paragraph (3); and (5) a schedule and plan for commissioning, not later than September 30, 2034, a number of Offshore Patrol Cutters not capable of sea state 5 operations that is equal to— (A) 25; less (B) the number of Offshore Patrol Cutters identified under paragraph (3). 217. Coast Guard administrative savings (a) Elimination of outdated and duplicative reports (1) Marine industry training Section 59 (A) by striking (a) In general The Commandant (B) by striking subsection (b). (2) Operations and expenditures Section 651 (3) Drug interdiction Section 103 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 ( 14 U.S.C. 89 (4) National defense Section 426 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 ( 14 U.S.C. 2 (5) Living marine resources Section 4(b) of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 ( 16 U.S.C. 1828 (b) Consolidation and reform of reporting requirements (1) Marine safety (A) In general Section 2116(d)(2)(B) (B) on the program’s mission performance in achieving numerical measurable goals established under subsection (b), including— (i) the number of civilian and military Coast Guard personnel assigned to marine safety positions; and (ii) an identification of marine safety positions that are understaffed to meet the workload required to accomplish each activity included in the strategy and plans under subsection (a); and . (B) Conforming amendment Section 57 (i) by striking subsection (e); and (ii) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (e), (f), and (g) respectively. (2) Minor construction Section 656(d)(2) (2) Report Not later than the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget under section 1105 of title 31 each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing each project carried out under paragraph (1), in the most recently concluded fiscal year, for which the amount expended under such paragraph for such project was more than $1,000,000. If no such project was carried out during a fiscal year, no report under this paragraph shall be required with respect to that fiscal year. . (3) Rescue 21 Section 346 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 ( 14 U.S.C. 88 346. Modernization of National Distress and Response System (a) Report Not later than March 30, 2014, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the implementation of the Rescue 21 project in Alaska and in Coast Guard sectors Upper Mississippi River, Lower Mississippi River, and Ohio River Valley. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall— (1) describe what improvements are being made to the distress response system in the areas specified in subsection (a), including information on which areas will receive digital selective calling and direction finding capability; (2) describe the impediments to installing digital selective calling and direction finding capability in areas where such technology will not be installed; (3) identify locations in the areas specified in subsection (a) where communication gaps will continue to present a risk to mariners after completion of the Rescue 21 project; (4) include a list of all reported marine accidents, casualties, and fatalities occurring in the locations identified under paragraph (3) since 1990; and (5) provide an estimate of the costs associated with installing the technology necessary to close communication gaps in the locations identified under paragraph (3). . 218. Technical corrections to title 14 Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended— (1) in section 93(b)(1) by striking Notwithstanding subsection (a)(14) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(13) (2) in section 197(b) by striking of Homeland Security (3) in section 573(c)(3)(A) by inserting and shall maintain such cutter in such class 219. Flag officers (a) In general Title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 295 the following: 296. Flag officers During any period in which the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, section 1216(d) of title 10 does not apply with respect to flag officers of the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 296. Flag officers. . 220. Aviation capability in the Great Lakes region The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may— (1) request and accept through a direct military-to-military transfer under section 2571 (2) use funds provided under section 101 of this Act to convert such helicopters to Coast Guard MH–60T configuration. 221. e-LORAN (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not carry out activities related to the dismantling or disposal of infrastructure that supported the former LORAN system until the later of— (1) the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) the date on which the Secretary provides to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate notice of a determination by the Secretary that such infrastructure is not required to provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system to provide redundant capability in the event GPS signals are disrupted. (b) Exception Subsection (a) does not apply to activities necessary for the safety of human life. (c) Agreements The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements with Federal entities and other public or private entities, including academic entities, to develop a positioning, timing, and navigation system, including an enhanced LORAN system, to provide redundant capability in the event GPS signals are disrupted. III Shipping and Navigation 301. Treatment of fishing permits (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 313 31310. Treatment of fishing permits (a) Limitation on maritime liens This chapter— (1) does not establish a maritime lien on a fishing permit; and (2) does not authorize any civil action to enforce a maritime lien on a fishing permit. (b) Treatment of fishing permits under State and Federal law A fishing permit— (1) is governed solely by the State or Federal law under which it is issued; and (2) shall not be treated as part of a vessel, or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel, for any purpose under Federal law. (c) Authority of Secretary of Commerce not affected Nothing in this section shall be construed as imposing any limitation upon the authority of the Secretary of Commerce— (1) to modify, suspend, revoke, or impose a sanction on any fishing permit issued by the Secretary of Commerce; or (2) to bring a civil action to enforce such a modification, suspension, revocation, or sanction. (d) Fishing permit defined In this section the term fishing permit . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31309 the following: 31310. Treatment of fishing permits. . 302. International ice patrol reform (a) In general Section 80301 (c) Payments Payments received pursuant to subsection (b)(1) shall be credited to the appropriation for operating expenses of the Coast Guard. (d) Limitation (1) In general A Coast Guard vessel or aircraft may not be used to carry out an agreement under subsection (a) in fiscal year 2015 and any fiscal year thereafter unless payments are received by the United States Government pursuant to subsection (b)(1) in the preceding fiscal year in a total amount that is not less than difference between— (A) the cost incurred by the Coast Guard in maintaining the services; minus (B) the amount of the proportionate share of the expense generated by vessels documented under the laws of the United States. (2) Exception Notwithstanding paragraph (1), Coast Guard aircraft may be used to carry out an agreement under subsection (a) if the President determines it necessary in the interest of national security. (3) Notification The President shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of a determination made under paragraph (2) within 15 days after such determination. . (b) Repeal Section 80302 303. Repeal Chapter 555 (1) by repealing section 55501; (2) by redesignating section 55502 as section 55501; and (3) in the analysis by striking the items relating to sections 55501 and 55502 and inserting the following: 55501. United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System. . 304. Donation of historical property Section 51103 (e) Donation for historical purposes (1) In general The Secretary may convey the right, title, and interest of the United States Government in any property administered by the Maritime Administration, except real estate or vessels, if— (A) the Secretary determines that such property is not needed by the Maritime Administration; and (B) the recipient— (i) is a nonprofit organization, a State, or a political subdivision of a State; (ii) agrees to hold the Government harmless for any claims arising from exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, or lead paint, after conveyance of the property; (iii) provides a description and explanation of the intended use of the property to the Secretary for approval; (iv) has provided to the Secretary proof, as determined by the Secretary, of resources sufficient to accomplish the intended use provided under clause (iii) and to maintain the property; (v) agrees that when the recipient no longer requires the property, the recipient shall— (I) return the property to the Secretary, at the recipient’s expense and in the same condition as received except for ordinary wear and tear; or (II) subject to the approval of the Secretary, retain, sell, or otherwise dispose of the property in a manner consistent with applicable law; and (vi) agree to any additional terms the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Reversion The Secretary shall include in any conveyance under this subsection terms under which all right, title, and interest conveyed by the Secretary shall revert to the Government if the Secretary determines the property has been used other than as approved by the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B)(iii). . 305. Small shipyards Section 54101(i) 2009 through 2013 2015 and 2016 306. Drug testing reporting Section 7706 (1) in subsection (a), by inserting an applicant for employment by a Federal agency, Federal agency, (2) in subsection (c), by— (A) inserting or an applicant for employment by a Federal agency an employee (B) striking the employee. the employee or the applicant. 307. Recourse for noncitizens Section 30104 (1) by inserting (a) In General.— (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Restriction on recovery for nonresident aliens employed on foreign passenger vessels A claim for damages or expenses relating to personal injury, illness, or death of a seaman who is a citizen of a foreign nation, arising during or from the engagement of the seaman by or for a passenger vessel duly registered under the laws of a foreign nation, may not be brought under the laws of the United States if— (1) such seaman was not a permanent resident alien of the United States at the time the claim arose; (2) the injury, illness, or death arose outside the territorial waters of the United States; and (3) the seaman or the seaman’s personal representative has or had a right to seek compensation for the injury, illness, or death in, or under the laws of— (A) the nation in which the vessel was registered at the time the claim arose; or (B) the nation in which the seaman maintained citizenship or residency at the time the claim arose. . 308. Penalty wages (a) Foreign and intercoastal voyages Section 10313(g) (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking all claims in a class action suit by seamen each claim by a seaman (B) by striking the seamen the seaman (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking class action (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking , by a seaman who is a claimant in the suit, by the seaman (b) Coastwise voyages Section 10504(c) of such title is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking all claims in a class action suit by seamen each claim by a seaman (B) by striking the seamen the seaman (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking class action (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking , by a seaman who is a claimant in the suit, by the seaman 309. Crediting time in the sea services (a) Endorsements for veterans Section 7101 (j) The Secretary may issue a license under this section in a class under subsection (c) to an applicant that— (1) has at least 3 months of qualifying service on vessels of the uniformed services (as that term is defined in section 101(a) (2) satisfies all other requirements for such a license. . (b) Sea service letters (1) In general Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after section 427 the following: 428. Sea service letters (a) In general The Secretary shall provide a sea service letter to a member or former member of the Coast Guard who— (1) accumulated sea service on a vessel of the armed forces (as such term is defined in section 101(a) of title 10); and (2) requests such letter. (b) Deadline Not later than 30 days after receiving a request for a sea service letter from a member or former member of the Coast Guard under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide such letter to such member or former member if such member or former member satisfies the requirement under subsection (a)(1). . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 428. Sea service letters. . (c) Crediting of United States Armed Forces service, training, and qualifications (1) Maximizing creditability The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in implementing United States merchant mariner license, certification, and document laws and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, shall maximize the extent to which United States Armed Forces service, training, and qualifications are creditable toward meeting the requirements of such laws and such Convention. (2) Notification Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the steps taken to implement this subsection. 310. Treatment of abandoned seafarers (a) In General The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships ( 33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq. (1) by adding at the end the following: 18. Treatment of abandoned seafarers (a) Abandoned seafarers fund (1) Establishment There is established in the Treasury a separate account to be known as the Abandoned Seafarers Fund. (2) Crediting of amounts to fund (A) In general There shall be credited to the Fund the following: (i) Penalties deposited in the Fund under section 9, except as provided in subparagraph (B). (ii) Amounts reimbursed or recovered under subsection (d). (B) Limitation Amounts may be credited to the Fund under subparagraph (A)(i) only if the unobligated balance of the Fund is less than $2,000,000. (3) Report required On the date on which the President submits each budget for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that describes— (A) the amounts credited to the Fund under paragraph (2) for the preceding fiscal year; and (B) amounts in the Fund that were expended for the preceding fiscal year. (b) Authorization of appropriations from fund Amounts in the Fund may be appropriated to the Secretary for use to— (1) pay necessary support of— (A) a seafarer that— (i) enters, remains, or is paroled into the United States; and (ii) is involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of this Act by the Coast Guard; and (B) a seafarer that the Secretary determines was abandoned in the United States and has not applied for asylum under section 208 or 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158, 1225); and (2) reimburse a vessel owner or operator that has provided necessary support of a seafarer who has been paroled into the United States to facilitate an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of this Act by the Coast Guard, for the costs of such necessary support. (c) Limitation Nothing in this section shall be construed— (1) to create a private right of action or any other right, benefit, or entitlement to necessary support for any person; or (2) to compel the Secretary to pay or reimburse the cost of necessary support. (d) Reimbursement; recovery (1) In general A vessel owner or operator shall reimburse the Fund an amount equal to the total amount paid from the Fund for necessary support of a seafarer, if— (A) the vessel owner or operator— (i) during the course of an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter under this Act that the Coast Guard referred to a United States attorney or the Attorney General, fails to provide necessary support of a seafarer who was paroled into the United States to facilitate the investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication; and (ii) subsequently is— (I) convicted of a criminal offense related to such matter; or (II) required to reimburse the Fund pursuant to a court order or negotiated settlement related to such matter; or (B) the vessel owner or operator abandons a seafarer in the United States, as determined by the Secretary based on substantial evidence. (2) Enforcement If a vessel owner or operator fails to reimburse the Fund under paragraph (1), the Secretary may— (A) proceed in rem against the vessel on which the affected seafarer served in the Federal district court for the district in which the vessel is found; and (B) withhold or revoke the clearance required under section 60105 (3) Remedy A vessel may obtain clearance from the Secretary after it is withheld or revoked under paragraph (2)(B) if the vessel owner or operator— (A) reimburses the Fund the amount required under paragraph (1); or (B) provides a bond, or other evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the amount required to be reimbursed under paragraph (1). (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Abandons; abandoned Each of the terms abandons abandoned (A) a vessel owner’s or operator’s unilateral severance of ties with a seafarer; and (B) a vessel owner’s or operator’s failure to provide necessary support of a seafarer. (2) Fund The term Fund (3) Necessary support The term necessary support (4) Seafarer The term seafarer ; and (2) in section 9, by adding at the end the following: (g) Any penalty collected under subsection (a) or (b) that is not paid under that subsection to the person giving information leading to the conviction or assessment of such penalties shall be deposited in the Abandoned Seafarers Fund established under section 18, subject to the limitation in subsection (a)(2)(B) of such section. . 311. Clarification of high-risk waters Section 55305(e) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking provide armed personnel aboard reimburse, subject to the availability of appropriations, the owners or operators of (B) by inserting for the cost of providing armed personnel aboard such vessels if (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: (2) In this subsection, the term high-risk waters (A) so designated by the Commandant of the Coast Guard in the maritime security directive issued by the Commandant and in effect on the date on which an applicable voyage begins; and (B) in which the Secretary of Transportation determines an act of piracy is likely to occur based on documented acts of piracy that occurred in such waters during the 12-month period preceding the date on which an applicable voyage begins. . 312. Uninspected passenger vessels in the Virgin Islands (a) In general Section 4105 (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) In applying this title with respect to an uninspected vessel of less than 24 meters overall in length that carries passengers to or from a port in the United States Virgin Islands, the Secretary shall substitute 12 passengers 6 passengers (1) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels (commonly referred to as the Yellow Code (2) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Sailing Vessels (commonly referred to as the Blue Code . (b) Technical correction Section 4105(c) Within twenty-four months of the date of enactment of this subsection, the The 313. Offshore supply vessel third-party inspection Section 3316 (f) (1) Upon request of an owner or operator of an offshore supply vessel, the Secretary shall delegate the authorities set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) with respect to such vessel to a classification society to which a delegation is authorized under that paragraph. A delegation by the Secretary under this subsection shall be used for any vessel inspection and examination function carried out by the Secretary, including the issuance of certificates of inspection and all other related documents. (2) If the Secretary determines that a certificate of inspection or related document issued under authority delegated under paragraph (1) of this subsection with respect to a vessel has reduced the operational safety of that vessel, the Secretary may terminate the certificate or document, respectively. (3) Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (A) the number of vessels for which a delegation was made under paragraph (1); (B) any savings in personnel and operational costs incurred by the Coast Guard that resulted from the delegations; and (C) based on measurable marine casualty and other data, any impacts of the delegations on the operational safety of vessels for which the delegations were made, and on the crew on those vessels. . 314. Survival craft (a) In general Section 3104 3104. Survival craft (a) Requirement to Equip The Secretary shall require that a passenger vessel be equipped with survival craft that ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water, if— (1) such vessel is built or undergoes a major conversion after January 1, 2016; and (2) operates in cold waters as determined by the Secretary. (b) Higher Standard of Safety The Secretary may revise part 117 or part 180 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect before January 1, 2016, if such revision provides a higher standard of safety than is provided by the regulations in effect on or before the date of enactment of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (c) Innovative and Novel Designs The Secretary may, in lieu of the requirements set out in part 117 or part 180 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (1) ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water; and (2) provides an equal or higher standard of safety than is provided by such requirements as in effect before such date of enactment. (d) Built Defined In this section, the term built . (b) Review; revision of regulations (1) Review Not later than December 31, 2015, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a review of— (A) the number of casualties for individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly as a result of immersion in water, reported to the Coast Guard over the preceding 30-year period, by vessel type and area of operation; (B) the risks to individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly as a result of immersion in water, by passenger vessel type and area of operation; (C) the effect that carriage of survival craft that ensure that no part of an individual is immersed in water has on— (i) passenger vessel safety, including stability and safe navigation; (ii) improving the survivability of individuals, including individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly; and (iii) the costs, the incremental cost difference to vessel operators, and the cost effectiveness of requiring the carriage of such survival craft to address the risks to individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly; (D) the efficacy of alternative safety systems, devices, or measures in improving survivability of individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly; and (E) the number of small businesses and nonprofit vessel operators that would be affected by requiring the carriage of such survival craft on passenger vessels to address the risks to individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly. (2) Revision Based on the review conducted under paragraph (1), the Secretary may revise regulations concerning the carriage of survival craft pursuant to section 3104(c) 315. Technical correction to title 46 Section 2116(b)(1)(D) section 93(c) section 93(c) of title 14 316. Enforcement (a) In general (1) Determination of covered programs Section 55305(d) (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) The Secretary of Transportation shall annually review programs administered by other departments and agencies and determine whether each such program is subject to the requirements of this section. ; (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (5), and by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) The Secretary shall have the sole responsibility to make determinations described in paragraph (1). (3) A determination made by the Secretary under paragraph (1) regarding a program shall remain in effect until the Secretary determines that such program is no longer subject to the requirements of this section. (4) Each department or agency administering a program determined by the Secretary under paragraph (1) to be subject to the requirements of this section shall administer such program in accordance with this section and any rules or guidance issued by the Secretary. The issuance of such rules or guidance is not a prerequisite to the issuance of final determinations under paragraph (1). ; (C) in paragraph (5)(A), as so redesignated, by striking section; section, to determine compliance with the requirements of this section; (D) by adding at the end the following: (6) On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that— (A) lists the programs determined under paragraph (1) to be subject to the requirements of this section; and (B) describes the results of the most recent annual review required by paragraph (5)(A), including identification of the departments and agencies that transported cargo in violation of this section and any action the Secretary took under paragraph (5) with respect to each violation. . (2) Deadline for first review The Secretary of Transportation shall complete the first review and make the determinations required under the amendment made by paragraph (1)(A) by not later than December 31, 2015. (b) Rulemaking (1) Authority Section 55305(d) (7) The Secretary may prescribe rules, including interim rules, necessary to carry out paragraph (5). An interim rule prescribed under this paragraph shall remain in effect until superseded by a final rule. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 3511(c) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (46 U.S.C. 55305 note) is repealed. 317. Severe marine debris events (a) NOAA Marine Debris Program Section 3 of the Marine Debris Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1952 (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in the subsection heading by striking and contracts contracts, and other agreements (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general To carry out the purposes set forth in section 2, the Administrator, acting through the Program, may— (A) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements with Federal agencies, States, local governments, regional agencies, interstate agencies, and other entities, including agreements to use the personnel, services, equipment, or facilities of such entities on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis; and (B) make grants to— (i) State, local, and tribal governments; and (ii) institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and commercial organizations with the expertise or responsibility to identify, determine sources of, assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine debris. ; and (C) by striking paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) and inserting the following: (4) Grants (A) Eligibility To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1)(B), an entity specified in that paragraph shall submit to the Administrator a marine debris project proposal. (B) Review and approval The Administrator shall— (i) review each marine debris project proposal submitted under subparagraph (A) to determine if the proposal meets grant criteria established by the Administrator and supports the purposes set forth in section 2; (ii) after considering any written comments and recommendations with respect to the review conducted under clause (i), approve or disapprove a grant for the proposal; and (iii) provide notification of that approval or disapproval to the entity that submitted the proposal. (C) Reporting Each entity receiving a grant under paragraph (1)(B) shall provide reports to the Administrator as required by the Administrator. Each report provided shall include all information determined necessary by the Administrator for evaluating the progress and success of the project for which the grant was provided and describe the impact of the grant on the identification, determination of sources, assessment, prevention, reduction, or removal of marine debris. (D) Training The Administrator may require a recipient of a grant under this subsection to provide training to persons engaged in marine debris response efforts funded by such grant with respect to the potential impacts of marine debris, including nonindigenous species related to the debris, on the economy of the United States, the marine environment, and navigation safety. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (d) Severe marine debris events (1) Grant preference In evaluating proposals for grants under subsection (c), the Administrator may give preference in approving grants to proposals that address a severe marine debris event. (2) Request for a declaration (A) In general For purposes of paragraph (1), the Governor of a State may request that the Administrator declare a severe marine debris event in such State or a region that includes such State. (B) Response to requests Not later than 30 days after the Administrator receives a request under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall either— (i) declare a severe marine debris event with respect to the request; or (ii) submit a response to the Governor who submitted the request, explaining why the Administrator has not declared a severe marine debris event with respect to the request. . (b) Definitions Section 7 of the Marine Debris Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1956 (1) by moving paragraph (5) to appear before paragraph (6); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) Nonindigenous species The term nonindigenous species 16 U.S.C. 4702 . (c) Severe marine debris event determination (1) Authority to provide funds (A) In general The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may provide funds to an eligible entity impacted by the covered severe marine debris event to assist such entity with the costs of any activity carried out to address the effects of such event. (B) Funding The Administrator may provide funds under subparagraph (A) using any funds provided by the Government of Japan for activities to address the effects of the covered severe marine debris event. (C) Definitions In this subsection, the following definitions apply: (i) Covered severe marine debris event The term covered severe marine debris event (ii) Eligible entity The term eligible entity 33 U.S.C. 1956 (2) Repeal The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 (A) in the table of contents in section 1(b) by striking the item relating to section 609; and (B) by striking section 609. 318. Minimum tonnage Section 55305 (f) Minimum tonnage With respect to commodities transported under the activities specified in section 55314(b), the percentage specified in subsection (b) of this section shall be treated as 75 percent. . 319. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (a) Establishment of advisory committee (1) Establishment Chapter 81 8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the Committee (1) shall act solely in an advisory capacity to the Secretary through the Commandant of the Coast Guard on matters relating to personnel in the United States merchant marine, including training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and fitness standards, and other matters as assigned by the Commandant; (2) shall review and comment on proposed Coast Guard regulations and policies relating to personnel in the United States merchant marine, including training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and fitness standards; (3) may be given special assignments by the Secretary and may conduct studies, inquiries, workshops, and fact finding in consultation with individuals and groups in the private sector and with State or local governments; (4) shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations reflecting its independent judgment to the Secretary; (5) shall meet not less than twice each year; and (6) may make available to the Congress recommendations that the Committee makes to the Secretary. (b) Membership (1) In general The Committee shall consist of not more than 19 members who are appointed by and serve terms of a duration determined by the Secretary. Before filling a position on the Committee, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee. (2) Required members The Secretary shall appoint as members of the Committee— (A) 9 United States citizens with active licenses or certificates issued under chapter 71 or merchant mariner documents issued under chapter 73, including— (i) 3 deck officers who represent the viewpoint of merchant marine deck officers, of whom— (I) 2 shall be licensed for oceans any gross tons; (II) 1 shall be licensed for inland river route with a limited or unlimited tonnage; (III) 2 shall have a master’s license or a master of towing vessels license; (IV) 1 shall have significant tanker experience; and (V) to the extent practicable— (aa) 1 shall represent the viewpoint of labor; and (bb) another shall represent a management perspective; (ii) 3 engineering officers who represent the viewpoint of merchant marine engineering officers, of whom— (I) 2 shall be licensed as chief engineer any horsepower; (II) 1 shall be licensed as either a limited chief engineer or a designated duty engineer; and (III) to the extent practicable— (aa) 1 shall represent a labor viewpoint; and (bb) another shall represent a management perspective; (iii) 2 unlicensed seamen, of whom— (I) 1 shall represent the viewpoint of able-bodied seamen; and (II) another shall represent the viewpoint of qualified members of the engine department; and (iv) 1 pilot who represents the viewpoint of merchant marine pilots; (B) 6 marine educators, including— (i) 3 marine educators who represent the viewpoint of maritime academies, including— (I) 2 who represent the viewpoint of State maritime academies and are jointly recommended by such State maritime academies; and (II) 1 who represents either the viewpoint of the State maritime academies or the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and (ii) 3 marine educators who represent the viewpoint of other maritime training institutions, 1 of whom shall represent the viewpoint of the small vessel industry; (C) 2 individuals who represent the viewpoint of shipping companies employed in ship operation management; and (D) 2 members who are appointed from the general public. (c) Chairman and vice chairman The Committee shall elect one of its members as the Chairman and one of its members as the Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman in the absence or incapacity of the Chairman, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Chairman. (d) Subcommittees The Committee may establish and disestablish subcommittees and working groups for any purpose consistent with this section, subject to conditions imposed by the Committee. Members of the Committee and additional persons drawn from the general public may be assigned to such subcommittees and working groups. Only Committee members may chair subcommittee or working groups. (e) Termination The Committee shall terminate on September 30, 2020. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee. . (b) Competitiveness of the U.S. (1) Requirement Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee established under the amendment made by subsection (a) shall— (A) review— (i) the merchant mariner licensing, certification, and documentation programs and STCW Convention implementation programs of the 3 flag-states; and (ii) State maritime academy problems regarding implementation of the STCW Convention; and (B) report to the Commandant of the Coast Guard— (i) a description of each specific provision for which United States merchant mariner license, certification, and document and STCW Convention implementation requirements are more stringent than the requirements of such flag-state programs, and a recommendation of whether such United States provision should be retained, modified, or eliminated; (ii) a description of which United States merchant mariner license, certification, and document evaluation requirements must be complied with separately from similar STCW Convention evaluation requirements, any statutory requirement for such separate compliance, and steps that can be taken by the Coast Guard or by the Congress to minimize such redundant requirements; and (iii) a description of problems State maritime academies are having in implementing the STCW Convention and recommendations on how to address such problems. (3) Report to Congress Within 6 months from the date the Commandant receives the report under paragraph (1)(B), the Commandant shall forward to the Congress a copy of the report with recommendations for actions to implement the report’s recommendations. (4) Definitions In this subsection: (A) 3 flag states The term 3 flag states (B) STCW convention The term STCW Convention 320. Report on effect of LNG export carriage requirements on job creation in the United States maritime industry No later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the number of jobs, including vessel construction and vessel operating jobs, that would be created in the United States maritime industry each year in 2015 through 2025 if liquified natural gas exported from the United States were required to be carried— (1) before December 31, 2018, on vessels documented under the laws of the United States; and (2) after such date, on vessels documented under the laws of the United States and constructed in the United States. IV Federal Maritime Commission 401. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Maritime Commission $24,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016. 402. Terms of Commissioners (a) In general Section 301(b) (1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Terms The term of each Commissioner is 5 years. When the term of a Commissioner ends, the Commissioner may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified, but for a period not to exceed one year. Except as provided in paragraph (3), no individual may serve more than 2 terms. ; and (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5), and inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Vacancies A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy is appointed only for the unexpired term of the individual being succeeded. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy may serve 2 terms in addition to the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of that individual was appointed. (4) Conflicts of interest (A) Limitation on relationships with regulated entities A Commissioner may not have a pecuniary interest in, hold an official relation to, or own stocks or bonds of any entity the Commission regulates under chapter 401 of this title. (B) Limitation on other activities A Commissioner may not engage in another business, vocation, or employment. . (b) Applicability The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) does not apply with respect to a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission appointed and confirmed by the Senate before the date of enactment of this Act. V Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform 501. Short title This title may be cited as the Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform Act of 2014 502. Discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels Section 2(a) of Public Law 110–299 33 U.S.C. 1342 during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on December 18, 2014, VI Miscellaneous 601. Distant water tuna fleet Section 421 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 ( Public Law 109–241 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) In general Subsection (a) only applies to a foreign citizen who holds a credential to serve as an officer on a fishing vessel or vessel of similar tonnage. ; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking An equivalent credential A credential (2) by striking subsections (c), (e), and (f) and redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c). 602. Vessel determination The vessel assigned United States official number 1205366 is deemed a new vessel effective on the date of delivery of the vessel after January 1, 2012, from a privately owned United States shipyard, if no encumbrances are on record with the Coast Guard at the time of the issuance of the new certificate of documentation for the vessel. 603. Lease authority (a) Authority The Commandant of the Coast Guard may lease under section 93(a)(13) (b) Limitation The Commandant may lease submerged lands and tidelands under subsection (a) only if— (1) lease payments are— (A) received exclusively in the form of cash; (B) equal to the fair market value of the leased submerged lands or tidelands, as determined by the Commandant; and (C) deposited in the fund established under section 687 (2) the lease does not provide authority to or commit the Coast Guard to use or support any improvements to such submerged lands or tidelands, or obtain goods or services from the lessee. 604. National maritime strategy (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a national maritime strategy. (b) Contents The strategy required under subsection (a) shall— (1) identify— (A) Federal regulations and policies that reduce the competitiveness of United States flag vessels in the international trade; and (B) the impact of reduced cargo flow due to reductions in the number of members of the United States Armed Forces stationed or deployed outside of the United States; and (2) include recommendations to— (A) make United States flag vessels more competitive in shipping routes between United States and foreign ports; (B) increase the use of United States flag vessels to carry cargo imported to and exported from the United States; (C) assure compliance by Federal agencies with chapter 553 (D) increase the use of third-party inspection and certification authorities to inspect and certify vessels; (E) increase the use of short sea transportation routes designated under section 55601(c) (F) enhance United States shipbuilding capability. 605. IMO Polar Code negotiations Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and thereafter with the submission of the budget proposal submitted for each of fiscal years 2016, 2017, and 2018 under section 1105 (1) the status of the negotiations at the International Maritime Organization regarding the establishment of a draft international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters, popularly known as the Polar Code, and any amendments proposed by such a code to be made to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships; (2) the coming into effect of such a code and such amendments for nations that are parties to those conventions; (3) impacts, for coastal communities located in the Arctic (as that term is defined in the section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 ( 15 U.S.C. 4111 (A) the costs of delivering fuel and freight; and (B) the safety of maritime transportation; and (4) actions the Secretary must take to implement the requirements of such a code and such amendments. 606. Valley View Ferry (a) Exemption Section 8902 (b) Application Subsection (a) shall apply on and after the date on which the Secretary determines that a licensing requirement has been established under Kentucky State law that applies to an operator of the vessel John Craig. 607. Competition by United States flag vessels (a) In general The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an assessment of authorities under subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, that have been delegated to the Coast Guard that impact the ability of vessels documented under the laws of the United States to effectively compete in the carriage of merchandise and passengers in the international trade. (b) Review of differences with IMO standards The assessment under subsection (a) shall include a review of differences between United States laws, policies, regulations, and guidance governing the inspection of vessels documented under the laws of the United States and standards set by the International Maritime Organization governing the inspection of vessels. (c) Deadline Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Commandant enters into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit the assessment required under such subsection to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 608. Survey Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a survey of the parcel of real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard, consisting of approximately 1.95 acres (measured at the mean low-water mark) located at the entrance to Gig Harbor, Washington, and commonly known as the Gig Harbor Sand Spit Area. 609. Fishing safety grant programs (a) Fishing safety training grant program Section 4502(i)(4) 2010 through 2014 2015 and 2016 (b) Fishing safety research grant program Section 4502(j)(4) 2010 through 2014 2015 and 2016 March 25, 2014 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Summary: Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 - Title I: Authorization - (Sec. 101) Authorizes FY2015-FY2016 appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) the Coast Guard Reserve program; (4) environmental compliance and restoration of vessels, aircraft, and facilities; and (5) the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors relating to search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness. (Sec. 102) Authorizes, for each such fiscal year, an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 and specified average military training student loads. Title II: Coast Guard - (Sec. 201) Reduces from 7,200 to 6,700 the number of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, subject to current exceptions. (Sec. 202) Sets forth the skills and qualifications necessary for an individual to be assigned as a waterways operations manager or a facility safety and security specialist. (Sec. 203) Revises authorities under which Coast Guard centers of expertise conduct education, training, and other mission activities. Authorizes such centers to conduct investigations and evaluate intelligence systems and capabilities. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Commandant to enter into cooperative agreements with federal, public, and private entities, including academic entities. (Sec. 205) Permits monies received from the rental or lease of certain Coast Guard property to be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund for the construction and renovation of servicemember housing. (Currently, such monies are deposited in the Treasury.) (Sec. 206) Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) from making a determination that a waterway is navigable for purposes of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction without conducting a rulemaking under appropriate administrative procedures. (Sec. 207) Modifies the membership and duties of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy. Requires the Board to be composed of: (1) the chairmen of specified House and Senate committees, (2) six individuals designated by the President, (3) four Members of the House designated by the Speaker, and (4) three Members of the Senate designated by the Vice President. Directs the Board, after each annual Academy visit, to report to the Secretary and Congress. (Sec. 208) Repeals a limitation that prohibits the issuance of more than one medal of honor to any one person. (Sec. 209) Requires the Commandant, at specified intervals through the President’s submittal of a budget for FY2019, and every four years thereafter, to submit to Congress an integrated major acquisition mission need statement that identifies current and projected gaps in Coast Guard capabilities using mission hour targets. (Sec. 210) Directs the Secretary to submit an authorization request to Congress for each fiscal year. (Sec. 211) Requires the Commandant to: (1) establish, and update on an ongoing basis, an inventory of real property, including submerged lands, under Coast Guard control; and (2) make divestiture and consolidation recommendations to Congress every five years. (Sec. 212) Modifies the limitation on the number of days within a specified period that an organized training unit or member of the Coast Guard Ready Reserve may be ordered, without consent, to serve in active duty for an emergency augmentation of regular forces. (Sec. 213) Extends through September 30, 2017, the Commandant’s acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority under which acquisition positions may be designated as positions for which there is a shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Commandant to decommission the icebreaker Polar Sea if the Secretary does not make a determination regarding whether it is cost-effective to reactivate such icebreaker. Requires the Commandant to submit to Congress: (1) a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's Arctic ice operations needs through September 30, 2050; and (2) unless the Secretary determines that it is cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, a bridging strategy for maintaining the Coast Guard's polar icebreaking services until at least September 30, 2024 (currently, a bridging strategy for maintaining operations until at least September 30, 2022, is required only if the Secretary determines that it is not cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea). (Sec. 215) Allows the Secretary, each fiscal year beginning in FY2015, to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters and associated equipment. (Sec. 216) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress with schedules and plans for decommissioning, maintaining or extending, and commissioning specified categories of cutters. (Sec. 217) Revises, repeals, and consolidates various reporting requirements. (Sec. 219) Makes inapplicable to Coast Guard flag officers, during any period in which the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, an Armed Forces personnel provision that prohibits the Secretary concerned (the Secretary of the military department concerned or the Secretary of Homeland Security [DHS]) from determining, without approval of the Secretary of Defense (DOD), that a flag officer being processed for retirement by reason of age or length of service should, by reason of unfitness to perform duties, be retired because of physical disability, placed on the temporary disability retired list, or separated with severance pay (thus permits the DHS Secretary to make such retirement determinations with respect to Coast Guard flag officers without DOD approval). (Sec. 220) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) request and accept through a direct military-to-military transfer such H-60 helicopters as necessary to establish a year-round operational capability in the Coast Guard's ninth district (headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and responsible for a region including the Great Lakes); and (2) use appropriations to convert the configuration of such helicopters. (Sec. 221) Prohibits the Secretary from dismantling or disposing of infrastructure that supported the former LORAN system (long range radio aid to navigation system) until the later of: (1) one year after enactment of this Act; or (2) the date on which the Secretary notifies Congress that such infrastructure is not required to provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system as a redundant capability in the event Global Positioning System signals are disrupted. Provides an exception for activities necessary for the safety of human life. Permits the Secretary to enter agreements with federal entities and other public and private entities to develop another system to provide such redundant capability, including an enhanced LORAN system. Title III: Shipping and Navigation - (Sec. 301) Bars specified federal shipping laws related to maritime liability from: (1) establishing maritime liens on state or federal fishing permits, and (2) authorizing civil actions to enforce maritime liens on such permits. Specifies that a "fishing permit" is governed solely by the state or federal law under which it was issued and shall not be treated as part of a vessel, or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel, for any purpose under federal law. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the Coast Guard from carrying out international ice patrol agreements with other maritime countries unless a specified minimum reimbursement amount is received from such countries for their proportionate share of the expense of maintaining the service. Exempts from such prohibition the use of Coast Guard aircraft to carry out such agreements if the President determines it to be necessary for national security. (Sec. 303) Repeals a requirement that the Secretary of Commerce promote the development and use of mobile trade fairs to show and sell products of U.S. business and agriculture at foreign ports and commercial centers. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to convey U.S. government property administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), except real estate or vessels, to nonprofit organizations, states, or political subdivisions (thus allows DOT to donate property for historical purposes). (Sec. 305) Reauthorizes through FY2016 appropriations to MARAD for small shipyard grant programs. (Sec. 306) Directs federal agencies that operate vessels to report drug test violations by employment applicants to the Commandant. (Sec. 307) Prohibits a claim for damages or expenses relating to personal injury, illness, or death of a seaman who is a citizen of a foreign nation, arising during or from the engagement of the seaman by or for a passenger vessel duly registered under the laws of a foreign nation, from being brought under U.S. laws if: (1) such seaman was not a permanent resident alien of the United States when the claim arose; (2) the injury, illness, or death arose outside U.S. territorial waters; and (3) the seaman, at the time the claim arose, had a right to seek compensation under the laws of either the nation in which the vessel was registered or in which the seaman maintained citizenship or residency. (Sec. 308) Applies the existing cap of 10 times unpaid wages as the maximum penalty payable to each seaman claiming delayed payment of wages on certain foreign, intercoastal, and coastwise passenger vessels. (Current law applies the cap to all claims in a class action suit by seamen.) (Sec. 309) Permits merchant mariner licenses for masters, mates, engineers, pilots, operators, and radio officers to be issued to applicants with at least three months of qualifying service on vessels of the uniformed services of appropriate tonnage or horsepower within the preceding seven-year period. Sets forth deadlines for the Coast Guard to provide sea service letters to members or former members. Requires the Secretary to maximize the extent to which armed forces service, training, and qualifications are creditable toward meeting merchant mariner licensing requirements and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention). (Sec. 310) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to establish an Abandoned Seafarers Fund from which amounts may be appropriated to the Secretary to pay the necessary support of: (1) seafarers who enter, remain, or are paroled into the United States and are involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of such Act by the Coast Guard; and (2) seafarers who were abandoned in the United States and have not applied for asylum under specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Provides for the reimbursement of vessel owners or operators who provide necessary support to seafarers paroled into the United States to facilitate such investigations, reporting, documentation, or adjudications. Defines “seafarer” as an alien crewman who is employed or engaged in any capacity on board a vessel subject to such Act. (Sec. 311) Redefines “high-risk waters,” for purposes of determining when owners or operators of U.S. vessels carrying government-impelled cargo are to be reimbursed for the cost of providing armed on-board safety personnel, as waters: (1) so designated by the Commandant in the appropriate maritime security directive, and (2) in which DOT determines an act of piracy is likely to occur based on documented acts of piracy that occurred in such waters during the 12-month period preceding the applicable voyage. (Sec. 312) Provides for uninspected passenger vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands that meet certain safety requirements to carry up to 12 passengers. (Currently, vessels under a certain weight may only carry up to 6 passengers.) (Sec. 313) Sets forth a process for the Secretary to delegate to classification societies the authority to inspect offshore supply vessels. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within specified periods regarding: (1) the number of vessels for which such a delegation was made, (2) any savings in personnel and operational costs incurred by the Coast Guard, and (3) any impacts of the delegations on the operational safety of vessels and vessel crews. (Sec. 314) Directs the Secretary to require a passenger vessel to be equipped with survival craft to ensure that no part of an individual is immersed in water if the vessel: (1) is built or undergoes a major conversion after January 1, 2016, and (2) operates in cold waters. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide a higher safety standard under agency regulations, and (2) allow innovative or novel designs. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a review of: (1) the number of casualties for individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly as a result of immersion in water over the preceding 30-year period; (2) the risks to such categories of individuals; (3) the effect that carriage of survival craft has on passenger safety, survivability, and costs; (4) the efficacy of alternative safety measures; and (5) the number of small businesses and nonprofit vessel operators that would be affected by requiring the carriage of such survival craft on passenger vessels. (Sec. 316) Revises the enforcement authority of the DOT Secretary with respect to whether programs administered by federal agencies comply with the requirement that at least a specified percentage of the gross tonnage of certain cargos procured or financed by the U.S. government are transported on privately-owned commercial vessels of the United States. Directs the DOT Secretary, on an annual basis, to: (1) determine whether agency programs are subject to such requirements; and (2) submit a report to Congress that identifies such programs and actions taken by DOT in response to violations. (Sec. 317) Amends the Marine Debris Act to permit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), when evaluating grant proposals for marine debris projects, to give preference to proposals that address a severe marine debris event (atypically large amounts of marine debris caused by a tsunamis, floods, landslides, hurricanes, or other natural disasters or sources). Establishes a process for the governor of a state to request that NOAA declare a severe marine debris event in such state or a region including such state. Authorizes NOAA to provide funds to state, local, or tribal governments impacted by events resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in the Tohoku region of Japan, including marine debris impacts. Permits the use of funds provided by the government of Japan for such purposes. (Sec. 318) Increases from 50% to 75% the portion of commodities that must be transported on privately-owned commercial vessels of the United States when such cargo is related to the export activities of the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Commodity Credit Corporation (such cargo includes activities carried out under the Food for Peace Act and the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act). (Sec. 319) Directs the Secretary to establish a Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee to: (1) advise the Secretary on personnel matters relating to the U.S. merchant marine, including training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and fitness standards; and (2) comment on personnel regulations proposed by the Coast Guard. Permits the Committee to conduct studies and make its recommendations available to Congress. Requires the Committee to report to the Commandant regarding: (1) merchant mariner licensing, certification, and documentation programs; and (2) state maritime academy problems with implementation of amendments to the STCW Convention that entered into force on January 1, 2012. Directs the Commandant to forward such report to Congress with recommendations for actions to implement the report's recommendations. Terminates such Committee on September 30, 2020. (Sec. 320) Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress regarding the number of jobs (including vessel construction and vessel operating jobs) that would be created in the U.S. maritime industry in each of years 2015-2025 if liquefied natural gas exported from the United States were required to be carried: (1) before December 31, 2018, on vessels documented under the laws of the United States; and (2) after such date, on vessels documented under U.S. laws and constructed in the United States. Title IV: Federal Maritime Commission - (Sec. 401) Authorizes FY2015-FY2016 appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). (Sec. 402) Revises terms of office requirements for FMC Commissioners to: (1) limit to one year the period during which a Commissioner whose term has ended may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified; and (2) prohibit an individual from serving more than two terms, subject to an exception for individuals who had been appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term of a predecessor. Sets forth conflict of interest requirements applicable to FMC Commissioners. Title V: Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform - Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform Act of 2014 - (Sec. 502) Makes permanent a provision prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or a state with an approved National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), from requiring an NPDES permit for a covered vessel (a vessel that is less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel) for any discharge: (1) of effluent from properly functioning marine engines; (2) of laundry, shower, and galley sink wastes; or (3) that is incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel. (Currently, such prohibition ends on December 18, 2014.) Title VI: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 601) Revises licensing restrictions and credential requirements relating to foreign citizens who may be engaged to meet the manning requirement for U.S. purse seine fishing vessels (commonly referred to as the distant water tuna fleet): (1) fishing exclusively for highly migratory species in the treaty area under a fishing license issued pursuant to the 1987 Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Islands States and the Government of the United States of America, or (2) transiting to or from the treaty area exclusively for such purpose. Modifies safety inspection requirements for such vessels and removes a provision that limits the vessels permitted to engage such foreign citizens to vessels operating in and out of American Samoa or Guam. (Sec. 602) Deems the vessel assigned U.S. official number 1205366 (rebuilt after a fire) to be a new vessel on the date of delivery after January 1, 2012, from a privately owned U.S. shipyard if no encumbrances are on record with the Coast Guard at the time of the issuance of the new certificate of documentation. (Sec. 603) Authorizes the Commandant to lease submerged lands and tidelands under the control of the Coast Guard for periods longer than five years. (Sec. 604) Directs DOT to submit to Congress a national maritime strategy that: (1) identifies federal regulations that reduce the competitiveness of U.S. flag vessels in the international trade, (2) identifies the impact of reduced cargo flow due to reductions in the number of Armed Forces members stationed or deployed outside the United States, and (3) includes recommendations to make U.S. flag vessels more competitive in shipping routes and to enhance U.S. shipbuilding capability. Requires DOT to recommend strategies to increase the use of: (1) U.S. flag vessels to carry imports and exports, (2) third-party inspection and certification authorities, and (3) short sea transportation routes. (Sec. 605) Directs the Secretary, after enactment of this Act and annually for each of fiscal years FY2016-FY2018, to report to Congress concerning negotiations at the International Maritime Organization regarding the establishment of a draft international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters (commonly referred to as the Polar Code). Requires such report to address the impacts, for coastal communities located in the Arctic, on: (1) the costs of delivering fuel and freight, and (2) maritime transportation safety. (Sec. 606) Exempts the vessel John Craig (a vessel utilized by the Valley View Ferry on a specified portion of the Kentucky River) from a requirement that passenger vessel operators be licensed by the Coast Guard, provided that Kentucky has implemented a similar licensing requirement. (Sec. 607) Directs the Commandant to arrange for an assessment by the National Academy of Sciences of authorities concerning vessels and seamen that: (1) have been delegated to the Coast Guard, and (2) impact the ability of vessels documented under the U.S. laws to compete in the carriage of merchandise and passengers in international trade. Requires the Commandant to submit such assessment to Congress. (Sec. 608) Requires the Commandant to submit to Congress a survey of a specified parcel of real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard located at the entrance to Gig Harbor, Washington (commonly referred to as the Gig Harbor Sand Spit Area). (Sec. 609) Reauthorizes through FY2016: (1) the Fishing Safety Training Grant Program, and (2) the Fishing Safety Research Grant Program.