Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015

To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 2. Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Title I—Authorizations Sec. 101. Authorizations. Sec. 102. Conforming amendments. Title II—Coast Guard Sec. 201. Vice Commandant. Sec. 202. Vice admirals. Sec. 203. Coast Guard remission of indebtedness. Sec. 204. Acquisition reform. Sec. 205. Auxiliary jurisdiction. Sec. 206. Long-term major acquisitions plan. Sec. 207. Coast Guard communities. Sec. 208. Polar Sea Sec. 209. Repeal. Sec. 210. Technical corrections to title 14. Sec. 211. Digital boat profile pilot program. Sec. 212. Discontinuance of an aid to navigation. Sec. 213. Mission performance measures. Sec. 214. Communications. Sec. 215. Coast Guard graduate maritime operations education. Title III—Shipping and Navigation Sec. 301. Treatment of fishing permits. Sec. 302. Survival craft. Sec. 303. Enforcement. Sec. 304. Model years for recreational vessels. Sec. 305. Merchant mariner credential expiration harmonization. Sec. 306. Marine event safety zones. Sec. 307. Technical corrections. Sec. 308. Recommendations for improvements of marine casualty reporting. Sec. 309. Recreational vessel engine weights. Sec. 310. Merchant mariner medical certification reform. Sec. 311. Atlantic Coast port access route study. Sec. 312. Certificates of documentation for recreational vessels. Sec. 313. Program guidelines. Sec. 314. Repeals. Title IV—Federal Maritime Commission Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 402. Duties of the Chairman. Sec. 403. Prohibition on awards. Title V—Miscellaneous Sec. 501. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Marin County, California. Sec. 502. Elimination of reports. Sec. 503. Vessel documentation. Sec. 504. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Tok, Alaska. Sec. 505. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes. Sec. 506. Use of vessel sale proceeds. Sec. 507. Fishing vessel and fish tender vessel certification. Sec. 508. National Academy of Sciences cost comparison. Sec. 509. Penalty wages. Sec. 510. Recourse for noncitizens. I Authorizations 101. Authorizations (a) In general Title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: III Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress Chap. Sec. 27. Authorizations 2701 29. Reports 2901. 27 Authorizations Sec. 2702. Authorization of appropriations. 2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training. 2702. Authorization of appropriations Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard as follows: (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for— (A) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2017. (2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment— (A) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2017. (3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including operations and maintenance of the program, personnel and training costs, equipment, and services— (A) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2017. (4) For the environmental compliance and restoration functions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title— (A) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2017. (5) To the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the Coast Guard's mission with respect to search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment— (A) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (B) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2017. 2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training (a) Active duty strength The Coast Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017. (b) Military training student loads The Coast Guard is authorized average military training student loads for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 as follows: (1) For recruit and special training, 2,500 student years. (2) For flight training, 165 student years. (3) For professional training in military and civilian institutions, 350 student years. (4) For officer acquisition, 1,200 student years. 29 Reports Sec. 2904. Manpower requirements plan. 2904. Manpower requirements plan (a) In general On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2017 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 a manpower requirements plan. (b) Scope A manpower requirements plan submitted under subsection (a) shall include for each mission of the Coast Guard— (1) an assessment of all projected mission requirements for the upcoming fiscal year and for each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; (2) the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel assigned or available to fulfill such mission requirements— (A) currently; and (B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; (3) the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel required to fulfill such mission requirements— (A) currently; and (B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; (4) an identification of any capability gaps between mission requirements and mission performance caused by deficiencies in the numbers of personnel available— (A) currently; and (B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; and (5) an identification of the actions the Commandant will take to address capability gaps identified under paragraph (4). (c) Consideration In composing a manpower requirements plan for submission under subsection (a), the Commandant shall consider— (1) the marine safety strategy required under section 2116 of title 46; (2) information on the adequacy of the acquisition workforce included in the most recent report under section 2903 of this title; and (3) any other Federal strategic planning effort the Commandant considers appropriate. . (b) Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations Section 662 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating such section as section 2701; (2) by transferring such section to appear before section 2702 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section); and (3) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting the following: (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for. (2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment. (3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including operations and maintenance of the program, personnel and training costs, equipment, and services. (4) For the environmental compliance and restoration functions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title. (5) For research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the Coast Guard. (6) For alteration or removal of bridges over navigable waters of the United States constituting obstructions to navigation, and for personnel and administrative costs associated with the Alteration of Bridges Program. . (c) Authorization of personnel end strengths Section 661 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating such section as section 2703; and (2) by transferring such section to appear before section 2704 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section). (d) Reports (1) Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request Section 662a of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating such section as section 2901; (B) by transferring such section to appear before section 2904 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section); and (C) in subsection (b)— (i) in paragraph (1) by striking described in section 661 described in section 2703 (ii) in paragraph (2) by striking described in section 662 described in section 2701 (2) Capital investment plan Section 663 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating such section as section 2902; and (B) by transferring such section to appear after section 2901 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by paragraph (1) of this subsection). (3) Major acquisitions Section 569a of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating such section as section 2903; (B) by transferring such section to appear after section 2902 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by paragraph (2) of this subsection); and (C) in subsection (c)(2) by striking of this subchapter (e) Icebreaking on the Great Lakes For fiscal years 2016 and 2017, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may use funds made available pursuant to section 2702(2) of title 14, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section) for the selection of a design for and the construction of an icebreaker that is capable of buoy tending to enhance icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes. (f) Additional submissions The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives— (1) each plan required under section 2904 of title 14, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section; (2) each plan required under section 2903(e) of title 14, United States Code, as added by section 206 of this Act; (3) each plan required under section 2902 of title 14, United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (d) of this section; and (4) each mission need statement required under section 569 of title 14, United States Code. 102. Conforming amendments (a) Analysis for title 14 The analysis for title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to part II the following: III. Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress 2701 . (b) Analysis for chapter 15 The analysis for chapter 15 (c) Analysis for chapter 17 The analysis for chapter 17 (d) Analysis for chapter 27 The analysis for chapter 27 (1) before the item relating to section 2702 the following: 2701. Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations. ; and (2) before the item relating to section 2704 the following: 2703. Authorization of personnel end strengths. . (e) Analysis for chapter 29 The analysis for chapter 29 2901. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request. 2902. Capital investment plan. 2903. Major acquisitions. . (f) Mission need statement Section 569(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (2) by striking in section 569a(e) in section 2903 (2) in paragraph (3) by striking under section 663(a)(1) under section 2902(a)(1) II Coast Guard 201. Vice Commandant (a) Grades and ratings Section 41 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking an admiral, admirals (two); (b) Vice commandant; appointment Section 47 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking vice admiral admiral (c) Conforming amendment Section 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by inserting admiral or vice admiral, (2) in subsection (b) by inserting admiral or vice admiral, (3) in subsection (c) by inserting admiral or vice admiral, (d) Application Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the officer who, on the date of the enactment of this Act, is serving as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard— (1) shall have the grade of admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade; and (2) shall not be required to be reappointed by reason of the enactment of this Act, including the amendments made by this Act. 202. Vice admirals Section 50 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) The President may— (A) designate, within the Coast Guard, no more than 5 positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade, and shall perform such duties as the Commandant may prescribe (if the President designates 5 such positions, 1 position shall be a Chief of Staff); and (B) designate, within the executive branch, other than within the Coast Guard, positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade. ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking under paragraph (1) under paragraph (1)(A) (2) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking and (B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) at the discretion of the Secretary, while awaiting orders after being relieved from the position, beginning on the day the officer is relieved from the position, but not for more than 60 days; and . 203. Coast Guard remission of indebtedness (a) In general Section 461 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 461. Remission of indebtedness The Secretary may have remitted or cancelled any part of a person’s indebtedness to the United States or any instrumentality of the United States if— (1) the indebtedness was incurred while the person served on active duty as a member of the Coast Guard; and (2) the Secretary determines that remitting or cancelling the indebtedness is in the best interest of the United States. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 13 461. Remission of indebtedness. . 204. Acquisition reform (a) Minimum performance standards Section 572(d)(3) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (H) as subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively; (2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) the performance data to be used to determine whether the key performance parameters have been resolved; ; and (4) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following: (D) the results during test and evaluation that will be required to demonstrate that a capability, asset, or subsystem meets performance requirements; . (b) Capital investment plan Section 2902(a)(1) of title 14, United States Code, as redesignated and otherwise amended by this Act, is further amended— (1) in subparagraph (B) by striking completion; completion based on the proposed appropriations included in the budget; (2) in subparagraph (D) by striking at the projected funding levels; based on the proposed appropriations included in the budget; (c) Days away from homeport Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— (1) implement a standard for tracking operational days at sea for Coast Guard cutters that does not include days during which such cutters are undergoing maintenance or repair; and (2) notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of the standard implemented under paragraph (1). (d) Fixed wing aircraft fleet mix analysis Not later than September 30, 2015, 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 revised fleet mix analysis of Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft. 205. Auxiliary jurisdiction (a) In general Section 822 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking The purpose (a) In general The purpose ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Limitation The Auxiliary may conduct a patrol of a waterway, or a portion thereof, only if— (1) the Commandant has determined such waterway, or portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard; or (2) a State or other proper authority has requested such patrol pursuant to section 141 of this title or section 13109 of title 46. . (b) Notification The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— (1) review the waterways patrolled by the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the most recently completed fiscal year to determine whether such waterways are eligible or ineligible for patrol under section 822(b) of title 14, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)); and (2) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a written notification of— (A) any waterways determined ineligible for patrol under paragraph (1); and (B) the actions taken by the Commandant to ensure Auxiliary patrols do not occur on such waterways. 206. Long-term major acquisitions plan Section 2903 of title 14, United States Code, as redesignated and otherwise amended by this Act, is further amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Long-Term major acquisitions plan Each report under subsection (a) shall include a plan that describes for the upcoming fiscal year, and for each of the 20 fiscal years thereafter— (1) the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be decommissioned; (2) the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be acquired to— (A) replace the cutters and aircraft identified under paragraph (1); or (B) address an identified capability gap; and (3) the estimated level of funding in each fiscal year required to— (A) acquire the cutters and aircraft identified under paragraph (2); (B) acquire related command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; and (C) acquire, construct, or renovate shoreside infrastructure. . 207. Coast Guard communities Section 409 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 ( 14 U.S.C. 639 The Commandant may recognize any other community in a similar manner if the Commandant determines that such community has demonstrated enduring support of the Coast Guard, Coast Guard personnel, and the dependents of Coast Guard personnel. 208. Polar Sea Section 222 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) In general Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall— (1) complete a materiel condition assessment with respect to the Polar Sea; (2) make a determination of whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea compared with other options to provide icebreaking services as part of a strategy to maintain polar icebreaking services; and (3) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate— (A) the assessment required under paragraph (1); and (B) written notification of the determination required under paragraph (2). ; (2) in subsection (b) by striking analysis written notification (3) by striking subsection (c); (4) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as subsections (c) through (g), respectively; (5) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this section)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking based on the analysis required (ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking analysis written notification (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Decommissioning If the Secretary makes a determination under subsection (a) that it is not cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then, not later than 180 days after written notification of that determination is submitted under that subsection, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea. ; and (C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: (3) Result of no determination If the Secretary does not make a determination under subsection (a) regarding whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then the Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea. ; (6) in subsection (d)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this section) by striking analysis written notification (7) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this section) by striking in subsection (d) in subsection (c) 209. Repeal Section 225(b)(2) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–281 210. Technical corrections to title 14 Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended— (1) in the analysis for part I by striking the item relating to chapter 19 and inserting the following: 19. Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program 690 ; (2) in section 46(a) by striking subsection section (3) in section 47 in the section heading by striking “ commandant Commandant (4) in section 93(f) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Limitation The Commandant may lease submerged lands and tidelands under paragraph (1) only if— (A) the lease is for cash exclusively; (B) the lease amount is equal to the fair market value of the use of the leased submerged lands or tidelands for the period during which such lands are leased, as determined by the Commandant; (C) the lease does not provide authority to or commit the Coast Guard to use or support any improvements to such submerged lands and tidelands, or obtain goods and services from the lessee; and (D) proceeds from the lease are deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under section 687. ; (5) in the analysis for chapter 9 by striking the item relating to section 199 and inserting the following: 199. Marine safety curriculum. ; (6) in section 427(b)(2) by striking this chapter chapter 61 of title 10 (7) in the analysis for chapter 15 before the item relating to section 571 by striking the following: Sec. ; (8) in section 573(c)(3)(A) by inserting and shall maintain such cutter in class (9) in section 581(5)(B) by striking $300,000,0000, $300,000,000, (10) in section 637(c)(3) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting it is any (11) in section 641(d)(3) by striking Guard, installation Guard installation (12) in section 691(c)(3) by striking state State (13) in the analysis for chapter 21— (A) by striking the item relating to section 709 and inserting the following: 709. Reserve student aviation pilots; Reserve aviation pilots; appointments in commissioned grade. ; and (B) by striking the item relating to section 740 and inserting the following: 740. Failure of selection and removal from an active status. ; (14) in section 742(c) by striking subsection subsections (15) in section 821(b)(1) by striking Chapter 26 Chapter 171 (16) in section 823a(b)(1), by striking Chapter 26 Chapter 171 211. Digital boat profile pilot program (a) In general If, during the 1-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that there are at least 2 digital boat profile technologies that are commercially available, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program, in accordance with this section, under which digital boat profiles are utilized for— (1) not less than 2 National Security Cutters; (2) not less than 4 Fast Response Cutters; and (3) not less than 4 Medium Endurance Cutters (270 foot). (b) Timing With respect to the National Security Cutters and Fast Response Cutters participating in the pilot program, a digital boat profile shall be established prior to the commissioning of the cutters. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the establishment of the pilot program, and annually thereafter for the succeeding 4 years, 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 describing— (1) the implementation of the pilot program; and (2) the results of the use of digital boat profiles under the pilot program with respect to— (A) efficient maintenance of the cutters involved; and (B) the post-delivery warranty management of equipment items, the repair and replacement of which are contractually obligated. (d) Digital boat profile defined In this section, the term digital boat profile (1) provides lifecycle management support, including through the incorporation of systems manuals, schematics, and vessel documentation; (2) incorporates all manufacturer recommendations and operator best practices; (3) incorporates the use of real-time analytics of deferred tasks, future tasks, readiness assessments, and budgetary planners; (4) provides advance electronic notification of upcoming maintenance and inspections to multi-level permission-based recipients on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis; (5) facilitates oversight for pre-delivery discrepancy reporting and post-delivery warranty management of equipment items, the repair and replacement of which are contractually obligated; and (6) is accessible by computing devices. 212. Discontinuance of an aid to navigation (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a process for the discontinuance of an aid to navigation established, maintained, or operated by the Coast Guard. (b) Requirement The process established under subsection (a) shall include procedures to notify the public of any discontinuance of an aid to navigation described in that subsection. (c) Consultation In establishing a process under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with and consider any recommendations of the Navigation Safety Advisory Council. (d) Notification Not later than 30 days after establishing a process under subsection (a), 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 of the process established. 213. Mission performance measures Not later than 1 year 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 and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an assessment of the efficacy of the Coast Guard’s Standard Operational Planning Process with respect to annual mission performance measures. 214. Communications (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish and carry out a response capabilities pilot program to assess, at not fewer than 2 Coast Guard command centers, the effectiveness of a radio gateway that— (1) provides for— (A) multiagency collaboration and interoperability; and (B) wide-area, secure, and peer-invitation-and-acceptance-based multimedia communications; (2) is certified by the Department of Defense Joint Interoperability Test Center; and (3) is composed of commercially available, off-the-shelf technology. (b) Assessment Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the succeeding 4 years, 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 an assessment of the pilot program, including the impacts of the program with respect to interagency and Coast Guard response capabilities. 215. Coast Guard graduate maritime operations education Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish an education program, for members and employees of the Coast Guard, that— (1) offers a master’s degree in maritime operations; (2) is relevant to the professional development of such members and employees; (3) provides resident and distant education options, including the ability to utilize both options; and (4) to the greatest extent practicable, is conducted using existing academic programs at an accredited public academic institution that— (A) is located near a significant number of Coast Guard, maritime, and other Department of Homeland Security law enforcement personnel; and (B) has an ability to simulate operations normally conducted at a command center. 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. Survival craft (a) In general Section 3104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 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 the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (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 Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (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 the 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) of title 46, United States Code. 303. Enforcement (a) In general Section 55305(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) Each department or agency that has responsibility for a program under this section shall administer that program consistent with this section and any regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of Transportation concerning this section. ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3), and by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) (A) The Secretary, after consulting with the department, agency, organization, or person involved, shall have exclusive authority for determining the applicability of this section to a program of a Federal department or agency, after consulting with the department, agency, organization, or person involved. (B) The head of a Federal department or agency shall request the Secretary to determine the applicability of this section to a program of such department or agency if the department or agency is uncertain of such applicability. Not later than 30 days after receiving such a request, the Secretary shall make such determination. (C) Subparagraph (B) shall not be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to make a determination regarding the applicability of this section to a program administered by a Federal department or agency. (D) A determination made by the Secretary under this paragraph regarding a program shall remain in effect until the Secretary determines that this section no longer applies to such program. ; (3) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: (A) shall conduct an annual review of the administration of programs subject to the requirements of this section to determine compliance with the requirements of this section; ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (4) On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Secretary shall make available on the Internet website of the Department of Transportation a report that— (A) lists the programs that were subject to determinations made by the Secretary under paragraph (2) in the preceding year; and (B) describes the results of the most recent annual review required by paragraph (3)(A), including identification of the departments and agencies that transported cargo in violation of this section and any action the Secretary took under paragraph (3) with respect to each violation. . (b) Deadline for first review The Secretary of Transportation shall complete the first review required under the amendment made by subsection (a)(1)(C) by not later than December 31, 2015. (c) Conforming amendment Section 3511(c) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 304. Model years for recreational vessels (a) In general Section 4302 of title 46, United States Code is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) (1) If in prescribing regulations under this section the Secretary establishes a model year for recreational vessels and associated equipment, such model year shall, except as provided in paragraph (2)— (A) begin on June 1 of a year and end on July 31 of the following year; and (B) be designated by the year in which it ends. (2) Upon the request of a recreational vessel manufacturer to which this chapter applies, the Secretary may alter a model year for a model of recreational vessel of the manufacturer and associated equipment, by no more than 6 months from the model year described in paragraph (1). . (b) Application This section shall only apply with respect to recreational vessels and associated equipment constructed or manufactured, respectively, on or after June 1, 2015. (c) Guidance Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall publish guidance to implement section 4302(d)(2) of title 46, United States Code. 305. Merchant mariner credential expiration harmonization (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (c) and not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a process to harmonize the expiration dates of merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, and radar observer endorsements for individuals applying to the Secretary for a new merchant mariner credential or for renewal of an existing merchant mariner credential. (b) Requirements The Secretary shall ensure that the process established under subsection (a)— (1) does not require an individual to renew a merchant mariner credential earlier than the date on which the individual’s current credential expires; and (2) results in harmonization of expiration dates for merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, and radar observer endorsements for all individuals by not later than 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Exception The process established under subsection (a) does not apply to individuals— (1) holding a merchant mariner credential with— (A) an active Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping endorsement; or (B) Federal first-class pilot endorsement; or (2) who have been issued a time-restricted medical certificate. 306. Marine event safety zones Section 6 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1225 (c) Marine event safety zones (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall recover all costs the Coast Guard incurs to enforce a safety zone under this section if such safety zone is established for a marine event conducted under a permit or other authorization by the Coast Guard. (2) Exception The Secretary may not recover costs under paragraph (1) from a State or local government. (3) Treatment of recovered costs Costs recovered by the Secretary under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation for operating expenses of the Coast Guard. (4) Marine event defined In this section the term marine event . 307. Technical corrections (a) Title 46 Title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 103, by striking ( 33 U.S.C. 151 ( 33 U.S.C. 151(b) (2) in section 2118— (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking title, subtitle, (B) in subsection (b), by striking title subtitle (3) in the analysis for chapter 35— (A) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to section 3507; and (B) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to section 3508; (4) in section 3715(a)(2), by striking ; and (5) in section 8103(b)(1)(A)(iii), by striking Academy. Academy; and (6) in section 11113(c)(1)(A)(i), by striking under this Act (b) General Bridge Statutes (1) Act of March 3, 1899 The Act of March 3, 1899, popularly known as the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899, is amended— (A) in section 9 ( 33 U.S.C. 401 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (B) in section 18 ( 33 U.S.C. 502 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (2) Act of March 23, 1906 The Act of March 23, 1906, popularly known as the Bridge Act of 1906, is amended— (A) in the first section ( 33 U.S.C. 491 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (B) in section 4 ( 33 U.S.C. 494 Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (C) in section 5 ( 33 U.S.C. 495 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (3) Act of August 18, 1894 Section 5 of the Act entitled An Act making appropriations for the construction, repair, and preservation of certain public works on rivers and harbors, and for other purposes 33 U.S.C. 499 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (4) Act of June 21, 1940 The Act of June 21, 1940, popularly known as the Truman-Hobbs Act, is amended— (A) in the first section ( 33 U.S.C. 511 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (B) in section 4 ( 33 U.S.C. 514 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (C) in section 7 ( 33 U.S.C. 517 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (D) in section 13 ( 33 U.S.C. 523 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (5) General Bridge Act of 1946 The General Bridge Act of 1946 is amended— (A) in section 502(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 525(b) Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (B) in section 510 ( 33 U.S.C. 533 Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (6) International Bridge Act of 1972 The International Bridge Act of 1972 is amended— (A) in section 5 ( 33 U.S.C. 535c Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (B) in section 8 ( 33 U.S.C. 535e Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 308. Recommendations for improvements of marine casualty reporting Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 the actions the Commandant will take to implement recommendations on improvements to the Coast Guard’s marine casualty reporting requirements and procedures included in— (1) the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General report entitled Marine Accident Reporting, Investigations, and Enforcement in the United States Coast Guard (2) the Towing Safety Advisory Committee report entitled Recommendations for Improvement of Marine Casualty Reporting 309. Recreational vessel engine weights Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue regulations amending Table 4 to Subpart H of Part 183–Weights (Pounds) of Outboard Motor and Related Equipment for Various Boat Horsepower Ratings (33 C.F.R. 183) as appropriate to reflect Standard 30–Outboard Engine and Related Equipment Weights 310. Merchant mariner medical certification reform (a) In general Chapter 75 7509. Medical certification by trusted agents (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a trusted agent may issue a medical certificate to an individual who— (1) must hold such certificate to qualify for a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner’s document, or endorsement thereto under this part; and (2) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the duties of such license, certificate, document, or endorsement, as determined by the trusted agent. (b) Trusted agent defined In this section the term trusted agent . (b) Deadline Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue a final rule implementing section 7509 of title 46, United States Code, as added by this section. (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 7509. Medical certification by trusted agents. . 311. Atlantic Coast port access route study Not later than April 1, 2016, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall conclude the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study and submit the results of such study to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 312. Certificates of documentation for recreational vessels Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue regulations that— (1) make certificates of documentation for recreational vessels effective for 5 years; and (2) require the owner of such a vessel— (A) to notify the Coast Guard of each change in the information on which the issuance of the certificate of documentation is based, that occurs before the expiration of the certificate; and (B) apply for a new certificates of documentation for such a vessel if there is any such change. 313. Program guidelines Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall— (1) develop guidelines to implement the program authorized under section 304(a) of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 ( Public Law 109–241 (A) incentives to encourage partnership agreements with operators of foreign-flag vessels that carry liquified natural gas, that provide no less than one training billet per vessel for United States merchant mariners in order to meet minimum mandatory sea service requirements; (B) development of appropriate training curricula for use by public and private maritime training institutions to meet all United States merchant mariner license, certification, and document laws and requirements under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978; and (C) steps to promote greater outreach and awareness of additional job opportunities for sea service veterans of the United States Armed Forces; and (2) submit such guidelines to the Committee Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 314. Repeals (a) Repeals, Merchant Marine Act, 1936 Sections 601 through 606, 608 through 611, 613 through 616, 802, and 809 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 ( 46 U.S.C. 53101 (b) Conforming amendments Chapter 575 (1) in section 57501, by striking titles V and VI title V (2) in section 57531(a), by striking titles V and VI title V (c) Transfer from Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (1) In general Section 801 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 ( 46 U.S.C. 53101 (A) redesignated as section 57522 of title 46, United States Code, and transferred to appear after section 57521 of such title; and (B) as so redesignated and transferred, is amended— (i) by striking so much as precedes the first sentence and inserting the following: 57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing ; (ii) by striking the provision of title VI or VII of this Act this chapter (iii) by striking That the provisions Commission; (2) (iv) by redesignating clauses (3) and (4) as clauses (2) and (3), respectively. (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 575, of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 57521 the following: 57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing. . (d) Repeals, title 46, U.S.C. Section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended in subsections (c) and (d) by striking or operating IV Federal Maritime Commission 401. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general Chapter 3 308. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Maritime Commission $24,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for the activities of the Commission authorized under this chapter and subtitle IV. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 308. Authorization of appropriations. . 402. Duties of the Chairman Section 301(c)(3)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in clause (ii) by striking units, but only after consultation with the other Commissioners; units (with such appointments subject to the approval of the Commission); (2) in clause (iv) by striking and (3) in clause (v) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (vi) prepare and submit to the President and Congress requests for appropriations for the Commission (with such requests subject to the approval of the Commission). . 403. Prohibition on awards Section 307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking The Federal Maritime Commission (a) In general The Federal Maritime Commission ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Prohibition Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Federal Maritime Commission may not expend any funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it to issue an award, prize, commendation, or other honor to a non-Federal entity. . V Miscellaneous 501. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Marin County, California (a) Conveyance authorized The Commandant of the Coast Guard may convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the covered property, upon payment to the United States of the fair market value of the covered property. (b) Right of first refusal The County of Marin, California shall have the right of first refusal with respect to purchase of the covered property under this section. (c) Survey The exact acreage and legal description of the covered property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Commandant. (d) Fair market value The fair market value of the covered property shall— (1) be determined by appraisal; and (2) be subject to the approval of the Commandant. (e) Costs of conveyance The responsibility for all reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate transaction and environmental documentation costs, associated with a conveyance under this section shall be determined by the Commandant and the purchaser. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Commandant may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with a conveyance under this section as the Commandant considers appropriate and reasonable to protect the interests of the United States. (g) Deposit of proceeds Any proceeds received by the United States in a conveyance under this section shall be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established by section 687 of title 14, United States Code. (h) Covered property defined In this section, the term covered property (1) located at Station Point Reyes in Marin County, California; (2) under the administrative control of the Coast Guard; and (3) described as Parcel A, Tract 1 Parcel B, Tract 2 Parcel C Parcel D 502. Elimination of reports (a) Distant Water Tuna Fleet Section 421 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 ( 46 U.S.C. 8103 (b) Annual Updates on Limits to Liability Section 603(c)(3) of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 ( 33 U.S.C. 2704 on an annual basis. not later than January 30 of the year following each year in which occurs an oil discharge from a vessel or nonvessel source that results or is likely to result in removal costs and damages (as those terms are defined in section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2701 33 U.S.C. 2704 (c) International Bridge Act of 1972 The International Bridge Act of 1972 is amended by striking section 11 ( 33 U.S.C. 535h 503. Vessel documentation Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and infrastructure of the House and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, a description of actions that could be taken to— (1) improve the efficiency of performance of the functions currently carried out by the National Vessel Documentation Center, including by— (A) transferring such functions to Coast Guard headquarters; and (B) reassigning Coast Guard personnel to better meet the Coast Guard’s vessel documentation mission; and (2) strengthen the review of compliance with United States ownership requirements for vessels documented under the laws of the United States. 504. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Tok, Alaska (a) Conveyance authorized The Commandant of the Coast Guard may convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the covered property, upon payment to the United States of the fair market value of the covered property. (b) Right of first refusal The Tanana Chiefs’ Conference shall have the right of first refusal with respect to purchase of the covered property under this section. (c) Survey The exact acreage and legal description of the covered property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Commandant. (d) Fair market value The fair market value of the covered property shall be— (1) determined by appraisal; and (2) subject to the approval of the Commandant. (e) Costs of conveyance The responsibility for all reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate transaction and environmental documentation costs, associated with a conveyance under this section shall be determined by the Commandant and the purchaser. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Commandant may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with a conveyance under this section as the Commandant considers appropriate and reasonable to protect the interests of the United States. (g) Deposit of proceeds Any proceeds received by the United States from a conveyance under this section shall be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under section 687 of title 14, United States Code. (h) Covered property defined (1) In general In this section, the term covered property (A) located in Tok, Alaska; (B) under the administrative control of the Coast Guard; and (C) described in paragraph (2). (2) Description The property described in this paragraph is the following: (A) Lots 11, 12 and 13, block G (B) Beginning at a point being the SE corner of the SE ¼ of the SE ¼ Section 24, Township 18 North, Range 12 East, Copper River Meridian, Alaska; thence running westerly along the south line of said SE ¼ of the NE ¼ 260 feet; thence northerly parallel to the east line of said SE ¼ of the NE ¼ 335 feet; thence easterly parallel to the south line 260 feet; then south 335 feet along the east boundary of Section 24 to the point of beginning; all containing approximately 2.0 acres and commonly known as 4-PLEX – West C 505. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–281 (1) in section 610, by— (A) striking the section enumerator and heading and inserting the following: 610. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes ; (B) striking existing boundaries and any future expanded boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve boundaries of any national marine sanctuary that preserves shipwrecks or maritime heritage in the Great Lakes (C) by inserting before the period at the end the following: , unless the designation documents for such sanctuary do not allow taking up or discharging ballast water in such sanctuary (2) in the table of contents in section 2, by striking the item relating to such section and inserting the following: Sec. 610. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes. . 506. Use of vessel sale proceeds (a) Audit The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an audit of funds credited in each fiscal year after fiscal year 2004 to the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund that are attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103, and 57104 of title 46, United States Code, including— (1) a complete accounting of all vessel sale proceeds attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103 and 57104 of title 46, United States Code, in each fiscal year after fiscal year 2004; (2) the annual apportionment of proceeds accounted for under paragraph (1) among the uses authorized under section 308704 of title 54, United States Code, in each fiscal year after fiscal year 2004, including— (A) for National Maritime Heritage Grants, including a list of all annual National Maritime Heritage Grant grant and subgrant awards that identifies the respective grant and subgrant recipients and grant and subgrant amounts; (B) for the preservation and presentation to the public of maritime heritage property of the Maritime Administration; (C) to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and State maritime academies, including a list of annual awards; and (D) for the acquisition, repair, reconditioning, or improvement of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet; and (3) an accounting of proceeds, if any, attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103, and 57104 of title 46, United States Code, in each fiscal year after fiscal year 2004, that were expended for uses not authorized under section 308704 of title 54, United States Code. (b) Submission to congress Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit the audit conducted in subsection (a) to the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 507. Fishing vessel and fish tender vessel certification Section 4503 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: Subsection (a) does not apply to a fishing vessel or fish tender vessel described in subsection (d)(6), if the vessel complies with an alternative safety compliance program established under that subsection for such a vessel. (2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following: (6) The Secretary shall establish an alternative safety compliance program for fishing vessels or fish tender vessels (or both) that are at least 50 feet overall in length, and not more than 79 feet overall in length, and built after July 1, 2013. . 508. National Academy of Sciences cost comparison (a) Cost comparison The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy, by no later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 comparison of the costs incurred by the Federal Government for each of the following alternatives: (1) Transferring the Polar Sea (2) The reactivation and operation by the Coast Guard of the Polar Sea (3) Acquiring and operating a new icebreaker through the Coast Guard’s acquisition process that is capable of such breaking out and missions. (4) Construction by a non-Federal entity of an icebreaker capable of such breaking out and missions, that will be leased by the Federal Government and operated using a Coast Guard crew. (5) Construction by a non-Federal entity of an icebreaker capable of such breaking out and missions, that will be leased by the Federal Government and operated by a crew of non-Federal employees. (6) The acquisition of services from a non-Federal entity to perform such breaking out and missions. (b) Included costs For purposes of subsection (a), the cost of each alternative includes costs incurred by the Federal Government for— (1) the lease or operation and maintenance of the vessel concerned; (2) disposal of such vessel at the end of the useful life of the vessel; (3) retirement and other benefits for Federal employees who operate such vessel; and (4) interest payments assumed to be incurred for Federal capital expenditures. (c) Assumptions For purposes of comparing the costs of such alternatives, the Academy shall assume that— (1) each vessel under consideration is— (A) capable of breaking out of McMurdo Station, and conducting Coast Guard missions in the United States territory in the Arctic (as that term is defined in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 ( 15 U.S.C. 4111 (B) operated for a period of 20 years; (2) the acquisition of services and the operation of each vessel begin on the same date; and (3) the periods for conducting Coast Guard missions in the Arctic are of equal lengths. 509. Penalty wages (a) Foreign and intercoastal voyages Section 10313(g) of title 46, United States Code, 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 (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 510. Recourse for noncitizens Section 30104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (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. . May 15, 2015 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 Authorization Act of 2015 TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS (Sec. 101) This bill authorizes FY2016-FY2017 appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard; (2) the acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) the Coast Guard Reserve program; (4) the Coast Guard's environmental compliance and restoration functions; and (5) research, development, test, and evaluation. The Coast Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 and average military training student loads for FY2016-FY2017. The Coast Guard must submit to Congress a manpower requirements plan when the President submits a budget to Congress for FY2017 and for FY2019 and every four years thereafter. The Coast Guard Reserve program must receive congressional approval prior to funds being appropriated to the program. Appropriations for offshore establishments are no longer subject to this requirement for prior authorization of appropriations. The Coast Guard may use funds authorized for FY2016-FY2017 for designing and constructing an icebreaker that is capable of buoy tending to enhance ice breaking capacity on the Great Lakes. TITLE II--COAST GUARD (Sec. 201) The rank of the Coast Guard's Vice Commandant is changed from vice admiral to admiral. (Sec. 202) The President may designate an additional position with the grade of vice admiral who will serve as the Coast Guard's Chief of Staff. The President may also designate additional vice admiral positions within the executive branch, other than within the Coast Guard. (Sec. 203) The Coast Guard may remit or cancel federal debts incurred by its members on active duty if it would be in the best interest of the United States. (Sec. 204) Test and evaluation master plans for the Coast Guard's acquisition projects must identify: (1) the performance data to be used to determine whether the key performance parameters have been resolved; and (2) the results during test and evaluation that will be required to demonstrate that a capability, asset, or subsystem meets performance requirements. The Coast Guard must implement a standard for tracking operational days at sea for Coast Guard cutters that does not include days during which the cutters are undergoing maintenance or repair and notify Congress of the standard implemented. The Coast Guard must submit to Congress a revised fleet mix analysis of Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft. (Sec. 205) The Coast Guard Auxiliary may conduct a patrol of a waterway, or a portion of it, only if: (1) the Coast Guard has determined that the waterway is navigable for purposes of the Coast Guard's jurisdiction, or (2) a state or other proper authority has requested the patrol. The Coast Guard must: (1) review the waterways patrolled by the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the most recently completed fiscal year to determine whether the waterways are eligible or ineligible for patrol, and (2) notify Congress of any waterways that are ineligible for patrol and the actions taken Coast Guard to ensure that the Auxiliary patrols do not occur on those waterways. (Sec. 206) Each report on the status of its major acquisition programs must include a plan that describes the upcoming fiscal year as well as a long-term major acquisitions plan for the next 20 fiscal years. (Sec. 207) The bill amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 to eliminate a requirement to notify Congress prior to designating Coast Guard communities. (Sec. 208) The Coast Guard is given 270 days to complete and submit to Congress its materiel condition assessment of the Polar Sea icebreaker and its determination of whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea compared with other options to provide ice breaking services. If a determination is not made by that deadline, the Coast Guard is authorized to decommission the Polar Sea. (Sec. 209) The bill amends the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 to make permanent a limitation on the Coast Guard's authority to close air facilities or reassign certain aviation assets. (Sec. 211) If the Coast Guard determines that there are at least two digital boat profile technologies that are commercially available, the Coast Guard must establish a pilot program under which digital boat profiles are utilized for at least two national security cutters, four fast response cutters, and four medium endurance cutters. A digital boat profile is a commercially available off-the-shelf technology that creates an electronic data source with respect to a vessel that: (1) provides lifecycle management support; (2) incorporates all manufacturer recommendations and operator best practices; (3) incorporates the use of real-time analytics of deferred tasks, future tasks, readiness assessments, and budgetary planners; (4) provides advance electronic notification of upcoming maintenance and inspections to multi-level permission-based recipients on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis; (5) facilitates oversight for pre-delivery discrepancy reporting and post-delivery warranty management of equipment items; and (6) is accessible by computing devices. (Sec. 212) The Coast Guard must establish a process for the discontinuance of an aid to navigation that it established, maintained, or operated. Adequate public notification of the discontinuance must be included in the process. (Sec. 213) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report an assessment of the efficacy of the Coast Guard's Standard Operational Planning Process with respect to annual mission performance measures. (Sec. 214) The Coast Guard must establish, carry out, and report on a response capabilities pilot program to access the response capabilities of certain radio communication gateways that are commercially available. (Sec. 215) The Coast Guard must establish a graduate education program for its members and employees. TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION (Sec. 301) Federal shipping laws governing maritime liability are revised to prohibit: (1) maritime liens (liens on vessels) from being imposed on state or federal fishing permits, or (2) civil actions to enforce maritime liens on the permits. A fishing permit is not considered to be part of a vessel, so it does not pass with a vessel upon the vessel's sale or transfer. (Sec. 302) Safety regulations that require passenger vessels that operate in cold waters to carry survival craft are established. (Sec. 303) The Department of Transportation (DOT) must respond within 30 days of receiving a request by a federal agency for DOT to determine if the agency's programs are subject to cargo preference requirements, which specify the percentage of cargo financed by taxpayers that must be transported on U.S. flagged vessels crewed with U.S. mariners. DOT must make a report available online that lists the programs that were subject to those determinations and describes the results of its most recent annual review of programs subject to cargo preference requirements. (Sec. 304) The date on which a model year for a recreational vessel must begin is revised to begin on June 1 instead of August 1. Upon the request of a recreational vessel manufacturer, the Coast Guard may alter a model year for a recreational vessel by a prescribed amount. (Sec. 305) The Coast Guard must harmonize the expiration dates of merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, and radar observer endorsements for individuals applying for new or renewed merchant mariner credentials. (Sec. 306) If a safety zone is established for a marine event, all costs incurred by the Coast Guard to enforce the zone must be recovered. (Sec. 307) Specified Acts are amended to transfer certain DOT authority to the Coast Guard with respect to: (1) constructing bridges, causeways, dams, or dikes; (2) alternating, removing, or repairing bridges or accessory obstructions to navigation; (3) opening drawbridges; and (4) relocating, maintaining, and operating bridges. (Sec. 308) The Coast Guard must notify Congress of the actions it will take to implement specified recommendations on improvements to the Coast Guard's marine casualty reporting requirements and procedures. (Sec. 309) The Coast Guard must update its references to recreational vessel's engine weights in regulations. (Sec. 310) Certified medical practitioners may issue medical certificates for merchant mariners. (Sec. 311) The Coast Guard must conclude the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study and submit the results of the study to Congress. (Sec. 312) The Coast Guard must make certificates of documentation for recreational vessels effective for five years. Owners of recreational vessels must notify the Coast Guard of each change in the information on which the issuance of the certificate of documentation is based and apply for a new certificate of documentation if there is a change in information. (Sec. 313) DOT must develop and report on guidelines to implement a program to promote the transportation of liquefied natural gas on U.S. flag vessels. TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION (Sec. 401) The bill authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission for FY2016-FY2017. (Sec. 402) The duties of the Chairman of the Commission are expanded to include preparing and submitting requests for appropriations for the Commission. (Sec. 403) The Commission may not expend any funds to issue an award, prize, commendation, or other honor to a nonfederal entity. TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS (Sec. 501) The Coast Guard may convey approximately 32 acres of specified property in Station Point Reyes to Marin County, California. (Sec. 502) The bill amends the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 to eliminate certain reporting requirements for the Coast Guard and the National Marine Fisheries Service to provide information concerning the distant water tuna fleet. Certain reporting requirements concerning the DOT's approvals of plans for constructing and maintain bridges under the International Bridge Act of 1972 are also eliminated. Reporting requirements under the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 are revised by replacing an annual reporting deadline with a deadline that is triggered by an oil discharge that will result in removal costs and damages that exceed certain liability limits. (Sec. 503) The GAO must submit to Congress a description of actions that could be taken to: (1) improve the efficiency of performance of the functions carried out by the National Vessel Documentation Center, and (2) strengthen the review of compliance with U.S. ownership requirements for vessels documented under U.S. law. (Sec. 504) The Coast Guard may provide the Tanana Chiefs Council, a nonprofit intertribal consortium of federally recognized Alaska tribes, the right of first refusal in the conveyance of approximately 3.25 acres in Tok, Alaska. (Sec. 505) The Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency may not prohibit the uptake or discharge of ballast water from a vessel operating in any national marine sanctuary that preserves shipwrecks or maritime heritage in the Great Lakes if the uptake and discharge meets all federal and state requirements and the designation documents for the sanctuary do not prohibit the uptake and discharge. Currently, this prohibition is limited to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve. (Sec. 506) The GAO must conduct and report on an audit of funds credited in each fiscal year after FY2004 to the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund that are attributable to certain sales of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold. (Sec. 507) The Coast Guard must establish an alternative safety compliance program for fishing vessels, fish tender vessels, or both that are at least 50 feet overall in length, and no more than 79 feet overall in length, and built after July 1, 2013. (Sec. 508) The Coast Guard may enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for the Academy to report on a comparison of the certain costs incurred by the federal government associated with acquiring, operating, constructing, or leasing a new polar class icebreaker as well as coast associated with reactivating the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea. (Sec. 509) Certain caps on penalties for not paying a seaman under an employment contract awarded under class action lawsuits are expanded by applying the caps to penalties awarded under all lawsuits. (Sec. 510) Claims by a seaman who is a citizen of a foreign nation for damages or expenses relating to personal injury, illness, or death that arise during engagement by a foreign passenger vessel may be brought in the United States if: (1) the seaman was a permanent resident alien of the United States at the time the claim arose; (2) the injury, illness, or death arose inside U.S. waters; or (3) the seaman does not have a right to seek compensation under the laws of the nation in which the vessel was registered at the time the claim arose or the nation in which the seaman maintained citizenship or residency at the time the claim arose.