Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024

To authorize and amend authorities, programs, and statutes administered by the Coast Guard. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Commandant defined. Title I—Authorization of Appropriations Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 102. Shoreside infrastructure and facilities and information technology. Sec. 103. Availability of amounts for acquisition of additional vessels and aircraft. Sec. 104. Authorization for certain programs and services. Sec. 105. Authorized levels of military strength and training. Title II—Coast Guard Subtitle A—Organization and Authorities Sec. 201. Prohibition on use of lead systems integrators. Sec. 202. Minor construction increase. Sec. 203. Tsunami evacuation plans. Sec. 204. Service life extension programs. Sec. 205. Maritime domain awareness in Coast Guard sector for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Sec. 206. Public availability of information on monthly drug and migrant interdictions. Sec. 207. Report on establishment of unmanned systems capabilities office. Sec. 208. Great Lakes icebreaker. Sec. 209. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement. Sec. 210. Authorization of certain support for Coast Guard Academy foundations. Sec. 211. National Coast Guard Museum. Sec. 212. Regular Polar Security Cutter updates. Sec. 213. Technology pilot program. Sec. 214. Report on condition of Missouri River dayboards. Sec. 215. Delegation of ports and waterways safety authorities in St. Lawrence seaway. Sec. 216. Study on Coast Guard missions. Sec. 217. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions. Subtitle B—Personnel Sec. 221. Direct hire authority for civilian faculty at the Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 222. Temporary exemption from authorized end strength for Coast Guard enlisted members on active duty. Sec. 223. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards. Sec. 224. Parental leave parity for members of certain reserve components of Coast Guard. Sec. 225. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers. Sec. 226. Report on GAO recommendations on housing program. Title III—Shipping and Navigation Subtitle A—Vessel Operations Sec. 301. Definitions. Sec. 302. Notification. Sec. 303. Publication of fines and penalties. Subtitle B—Merchant Mariner Credentialing Sec. 311. Revising merchant mariner deck training requirements. Sec. 312. Amendments. Sec. 313. Renewal of merchant mariner licenses and documents. Sec. 314. Merchant seamen licenses, certificates, and documents; manning of vessels. Subtitle C—Vessel Safety Sec. 321. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel. Sec. 322. Administrative procedure for security risks. Sec. 323. Requirements for DUKW amphibious passenger vessels. Sec. 324. Risk based examination of tank vessels. Sec. 325. Ports and waterways safety. Sec. 326. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at the port of Point Spencer, Alaska. Sec. 327. Underwater inspections brief. Sec. 328. St. Lucie River railroad bridge. Sec. 329. Rulemaking regarding port access routes. Sec. 330. Articulated tug-barge manning. Subtitle D—Other Matters Sec. 341. Anchor handling activities. Sec. 342. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. Sec. 343. Controlled substance onboard vessels. Sec. 344. Nonoperating individual. Sec. 345. Information on type approval certificates. Sec. 346. Manning and crewing requirements for certain vessels, vehicles, and structures. Sec. 347. Classification societies. Sec. 348. Authority to establish safety zones for special activities in exclusive economic zone. Sec. 349. Fishing vessel and fisherman training safety. Sec. 350. Authority over Deepwater Port Act of 1974. Sec. 351. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee composition. Sec. 352. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring. Sec. 353. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals. Sec. 354. Near shore cable laying barge. Sec. 355. Anchorages. Title IV—Oil Pollution Incident Liability Sec. 401. Vessel response plans. Sec. 402. Use of marine casualty investigations. Sec. 403. Timing of review. Sec. 404. Online incident reporting system. Title V—Implementation of Accountability and Transparency Review Recommendations Sec. 501. Implementation status of directed actions. Sec. 502. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms. Sec. 503. Requirement to maintain certain records. Sec. 504. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight. Sec. 505. Providing for the transfer of a cadet who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense. Sec. 506. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. Sec. 507. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of Coast Guard. Sec. 508. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard. Sec. 509. Modification of delivery date of Coast Guard sexual assault report. Sec. 510. Higher-level review of board of determination decisions. Sec. 511. Review of discharge or dismissal. Sec. 512. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial. Sec. 513. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment. Title VI—Amendments Sec. 601. Amendments. 2. Commandant defined In this Act, the term Commandant I Authorization of Appropriations 101. Authorization of appropriations Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 fiscal years 2025 and 2026 (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ii) $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026. ; (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking $23,456,000 $25,570,000 (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking $24,353,000 $26,848,500 (3) in paragraph (2)(A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) $3,477,600,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ii) $3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026. ; (4) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: (A) $15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (B) $16,185,750 for fiscal year 2026. ; and (5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) For retired pay, including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for purposes of retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan and the Survivor Benefit Plan, payment for career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 . 102. Shoreside infrastructure and facilities and information technology (a) Information technology Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code— (1) for fiscal year 2025, $36,300,000 is authorized to modernize the Coast Guard’s information technology systems, of which $11,000,000 is authorized to fund the acquisition, development, and implementation of a new credentialing system for the Merchant Mariner credentialing program; and (2) for fiscal year 2026, $36,300,000 is authorized to modernize the Coast Guard’s information technology systems. (b) Shoreside infrastructure Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code— (1) for fiscal year 2025, $500,000,000 is authorized to fund maintenance, construction, and repairs for Coast Guard shoreside infrastructure, of which— (A) $225,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of improvements to facilities at the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey; (B) $10,000,000 is authorized to fund the creation of an infrastructure development plan for the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut; (C) $50,000,000 is authorized to complete repairs and improvements of Chase Hall at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, including remediation of asbestos, lead, and mold and upgrading the electric outlet availability and storage space in student rooms, and making changes to house not more than 2 Officer Candidates in a room; (D) $70,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of planning, designing, and building a floating drydock at the United States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland; (E) $40,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of planning, designing, and building a hangar to house, at a minimum, 2 HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft at Air Station Barbers Point in Kapolei, Hawaii; and (F) $90,000,000 is authorized to fund waterfront improvements of Coast Guard Base Seattle; and (2) for fiscal year 2026, $600,000,000 is authorized to fund maintenance, construction, and repairs for Coast Guard shoreside infrastructure, of which— (A) $125,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of improvements to facilities at the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey; (B) $100,000,000 is authorized to execute the infrastructure development plan for the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut developed in paragraph (1)(C); (C) $100,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of planning, designing, and building a floating drydock at the United States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland; (D) $40,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of planning, designing, and building a hangar to house at a minimum 2 HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft at Air Station Barbers Point in Kapolei, Hawaii; and (E) $90,000,000 is authorized to fund waterfront improvements of Coast Guard Base Seattle. 103. Availability of amounts for acquisition of additional vessels and aircraft (a) Fiscal year 2025 Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2025— (1) $138,500,000 is authorized for the acquisition or procurement of 1 missionized HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft; and (2) $36,000,000 is authorized for the service life extension program and any necessary upgrades of the 47-foot Motor Life Boat. (b) Fiscal year 2026 Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2026— (1) $1,200,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of a Polar Security Cutter; (2) $1,100,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of 2 Offshore Patrol Cutters; (3) $138,500,000 is authorized for the acquisition or procurement of 1 missionized HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft; and (4) $153,500,000 is authorized to outfit and assemble 5 MH–60T Jayhawk aircrafts. 104. Authorization for certain programs and services (a) Fiscal year 2025 Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2025— (1) $11,978,000 is authorized to fund additional recruiting personnel and offices for the Coast Guard Recruiting Command; (2) $9,000,000 is authorized to enhance Coast Guard recruiting capabilities; and (3) $25,000,000 is authorized for the implementation of each directed action outlined in enclosure 1 of the memorandum of the Commandant titled Commandant’s Directed Actions-Accountability and Transparency (b) Fiscal year 2026 Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, $35,000,000 is authorized for the implementation of each directed action outlined in enclosure 1 of the memorandum of the Commandant titled Commandant’s Directed Actions-Accountability and Transparency 105. Authorized levels of military strength and training Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 fiscal years 2025 and 2026 (2) in subsection (b) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 fiscal years 2025 and 2026 II Coast Guard A Organization and Authorities 201. Prohibition on use of lead systems integrators Section 1105 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Lead systems integrator defined In this section, the term lead systems integrator Public Law 109–163 . 202. Minor construction increase Section 903(d)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking $1,500,000 $2,000,000 203. Tsunami evacuation plans (a) Tsunami evacuation plans (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall establish location specific tsunami evacuation plans for each unit and sector of the Coast Guard that has facilities, personnel, or assets located within areas— (A) designated by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as high risk or very high risk of a United States tsunami hazard; and (B) that are located inside a tsunami inundation zone. (2) Evacuation plans In establishing the evacuation plans under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall ensure that such plans— (A) are included in the emergency action plans for each unit or sector located inside of a tsunami inundation zone; (B) designate an evacuation route to an assembly area located outside of a tsunami inundation zone; (C) include a map or diagram of all tsunami inundation zone evacuation routes; (D) include evacuation routes for all Coast Guard personnel and dependents of such personnel living in Coast Guard housing; (E) are feasible for all servicemembers and dependents of such servicemembers present on Coast Guard property or living in Coast Guard provided housing; (F) include procedures to begin evacuations once a major seismic event is detected; (G) include evacuation plans for air and water assets that do not impinge on the safety of human life; (H) are able to be completely executed within 15 minutes of detection of a seismic event or, if not possible within 15 minutes, within a reasonable timeframe; (I) are able to be completely executed by servicemembers on foot from any location within the tsunami inundation zone; (J) are exercised biennially by each unit and sector located in a tsunami inundation zone; and (K) are evaluated by leadership at each unit and sector located in a tsunami inundation zone annually. (3) Consultation In establishing the evacuation plans under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall consult local governments. (b) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and provide a briefing to each such Committee on, a report on— (1) the status of the implementation and feasibility of the plans established under subsection (a)(1); (2) a risk evaluation and vulnerability assessment of the infrastructure and assets located within tsunami inundation zones; (3) the need for vertical evacuation structures for units and sectors in which an evacuation of a tsunami inundation zone cannot be completed on foot within 15 minutes of the detection of a seismic event; and (4) whether the plans established under subsection (a)(1) achieve the purpose to protect human life and ensure the ability for the Coast Guard to provide search and rescue operations following a tsunami event in the area. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Seismic event The term seismic event (2) Tsunami inundation zone The term tsunami inundation zone (3) Vertical evacuation structure The term vertical evacuation structure 204. Service life extension programs (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 11 1138. Service life extension programs (a) In general Requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under sections 1131 through 1134 shall not apply to an acquisition by the Coast Guard that is a service life extension program. (b) Service life extension program defined In this section, the term service life extension program . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 section 1137 1138. Service life extension programs. . 205. Maritime domain awareness in Coast Guard sector for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing— (1) an overview of the maritime domain awareness in the area of responsibility of the Coast Guard sector responsible for Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, including— (A) the average volume of known maritime traffic that transited the area during fiscal years 2020 through 2023; (B) current sensor platforms deployed by such sector to monitor illicit activity occurring at sea in such area; (C) the number of illicit activity incidents at sea in such area that the sector responded to during fiscal years 2020 through 2023; (D) an estimate of the volume of traffic engaged in illicit activity at sea in such area and the type and description of any vessels used to carry out illicit activities that such sector responded to during fiscal years 2020 through 2023; and (E) the maritime domain awareness requirements to effectively meet the mission of such sector; (2) a description of current actions taken by the Coast Guard to partner with Federal, regional, State, and local entities to meet the maritime domain awareness needs of such area; (3) a description of any gaps in maritime domain awareness within the area of responsibility of such sector resulting from an inability to meet the enduring maritime domain awareness requirements of the sector or adequately respond to maritime disorder, including illicit drug and migrant activity; (4) an identification of current technology and assets the Coast Guard has to mitigate the gaps identified in paragraph (3); (5) an identification of capabilities needed to mitigate such gaps, including any capabilities the Coast Guard currently possesses that can be deployed to the sector; (6) an identification of technology and assets the Coast Guard does not currently possess and are needed to acquire in order to address such gaps; and (7) an identification of any financial obstacles that prevent the Coast Guard from deploying existing commercially available sensor technology to address such gaps. 206. Public availability of information on monthly drug and migrant interdictions (a) In general Section 11269 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 (1) transferred to appear at the end of subchapter II of chapter 5 (2) redesignated as section 529; and (3) amended— (A) by striking the section enumerator and heading and inserting the following: 529. Public availability of information on monthly drug and migrant interdictions ; (B) by striking Not later than (a) In general Not later than ; (C) by inserting drug and migrant interdictions (D) by adding at the end the following: (b) Contents In making information about interdictions publicly available under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include a description of the following: (1) The number of incidents in which drugs were interdicted, the amount and type of drugs interdicted, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred. (2) The number of incidents in which migrants were interdicted, the number of migrants interdicted, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred. . (b) Clerical amendments (1) The analysis for chapter 5 section 528 529. Public availability of information on monthly drug and migrant interdictions. . (2) The table of sections in section 11001(b) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (division K of Public Law 117–263 207. Report on establishment of unmanned systems capabilities office (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that outlines a plan for establishing an unmanned systems capabilities office within the Coast Guard responsible for the acquisition and development of unmanned system and counter-unmanned system technologies and to expand the capabilities of the Coast Guard with respect to such technologies. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A management strategy for the acquisition, development, and deployment of unmanned system and counter-unmanned system technologies. (2) A service-wide coordination strategy to synchronize and integrate efforts across the Coast Guard in order to— (A) support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 102 of title 14, United States Code; and (B) pursue expanded research, development, testing, and evaluation opportunities and funding to expand and accelerate identification and transition of unmanned system and counter-unmanned system technologies. (3) The identification of contracting and acquisition authorities needed to expedite the development and deployment of unmanned system and counter-unmanned system technologies. (4) A detailed list of commercially available unmanned system and counter-unmanned system technologies with capabilities determined to be useful for the Coast Guard. (5) A cross-agency collaboration plan to engage with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and other relevant agencies to identify common requirements and opportunities to partner in acquiring, contracting, and sustaining unmanned system and counter-unmanned system capabilities. (6) Opportunities to obtain and share unmanned system data from government and commercial sources to improve maritime domain awareness. (7) The development of a concept of operations for a data ecosystem that supports and integrates unmanned system and counter-unmanned system technologies with key enablers, including enterprise communications networks, data storage and management, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and information sharing and dissemination capabilities. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Counter-unmanned system The term counter-unmanned system (2) Unmanned system The term unmanned system 208. Great Lakes icebreaker Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a strategy detailing how the Coast Guard will complete design and construction of the Great Lakes icebreaker at least as capable as the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB–30) in not more than 3 years after funding is provided for such icebreaker. 209. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 11 1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement In carrying out the acquisition and procurement of vessels and aircraft, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall consider the life-cycle cost estimates of vessels and aircraft, as applicable, during the design and evaluation processes to the maximum extent practicable. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 section 1138 1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement. . 210. Authorization of certain support for Coast Guard Academy foundations (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 19 1907. Authorization of certain support for Coast Guard Academy foundations (a) Authority Subject to subsection (b) and pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy may authorize a covered foundation to use, on an unreimbursed basis, facilities or equipment of the Coast Guard Academy. (b) Limitations Use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) may be provided only if such use has been reviewed and approved by an attorney of the Coast Guard and only if such use— (1) is without any liability of the United States to the covered foundation; (2) does not affect the ability of any official or employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces, to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; (3) does not compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in such a program; (4) does not include the participation of any cadet other than participation in an honor guard at an event of the covered foundation; and (5) complies with any applicable ethics regulations. (c) Briefing In any fiscal year during which the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy exercises the authority under subsection (a), the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than the last day of that fiscal year regarding the number of events or activities of a covered foundation supported by such exercise during such fiscal year. (d) Covered foundation defined In this section, the term covered foundation section 501(c)(3) (1) Recruiting. (2) Parent or alumni development. (3) Academic, leadership, or character development. (4) Institutional development. (5) Athletics. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 19 section 1906 1907. Authorization of certain support for Coast Guard Academy foundations. . 211. National Coast Guard Museum Section 316 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1) by striking The Secretary Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary (B) in paragraph (2) by striking engineering and design of a Museum design of a Museum, and engineering, construction administration, and quality assurance services of a Museum (2) by amending subsection (e)(2)(A) to read as follows: (A) lease from the Association for Coast Guard operations the Museum and properties owned by the Association adjacent to the railroad tracks to which the property on which the Museum is located are adjacent; and ; and (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: (g) Services With respect to the services related to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Museum, the Commandant may— (1) solicit and accept services from nonprofit entities, including the Association; and (2) enter into contracts or memorandums of agreement with or make grants to the Association to acquire such services. . 212. Regular Polar Security Cutter updates (a) Report (1) Report to Congress Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of acquisition of the first Polar Security Cutter. (2) Elements The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a detailed timeline for the acquisition process of the first Polar Security Cutter, including expected milestones and projected commissioning date; (B) an accounting of the previously appropriated funds spent to date on the Polar Security Cutter Program, updated cost projections for the first Polar Security Cutter, and projections for when additional funds will be required; (C) potential factors and risks that could further delay or imperil the completion of the first Polar Security Cutter; and (D) a review of the acquisition of the first Polar Security Cutter to date, including factors that led to substantial cost overruns and delivery delays. (b) Briefings (1) Provision to Congress Not later than 60 days after the submission of the report under subsection (a), and not less frequently than every 60 days thereafter, the Commandant shall 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 briefing on the status of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process. (2) Timeline The briefings under paragraph (1) shall occur after any key milestone in the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process, but not less frequently than every 60 days. (3) Elements Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a summary of acquisition progress since the most recent previous briefing conducted pursuant to paragraph (1); (B) an updated timeline and budget estimate for acquisition and building of pending Polar Security Cutters; and (C) an explanation of any delays or additional costs incurred in the acquisition progress. (c) Notifications In addition to the briefings required under subsection (b), the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate within 3 business days of any significant change to the scope or funding level of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition strategy of such change. 213. Technology pilot program Section 319(b)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 2 4 214. Report on condition of Missouri River dayboards (a) Provision to Congress Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the condition of dayboards and the placement of buoys on the Missouri River. (b) Elements The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (1) a list of the most recent date on which each dayboard and buoy was serviced by the Coast Guard; (2) an overview of the plan of the Coast Guard to systematically service each dayboard and buoy on the Missouri River; and (3) assigned points of contact. 215. Delegation of ports and waterways safety authorities in St. Lawrence seaway Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 70032. Saint Lawrence Seaway (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), the authority granted to the Secretary under sections 70001, 70002, 70003, 70004, and 70011 may not be delegated with respect to the Saint Lawrence Seaway to any agency other than the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Any other authority granted the Secretary under subchapters I through III and this subchapter shall be delegated by the Secretary to the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to the extent the Secretary determines such delegation is necessary for the proper operation of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. (b) Exception The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, or the head of an agency to which the Secretary has delegated the authorities in subsection (a), may— (1) issue and enforce special orders in accordance with section 70002; (2) establish water or waterfront safety zones, or other measures, for limited, controlled, or conditional access and activity when necessary for the protection of any vessel structure, waters, or shore area, as permitted in section 70011(b)(2); and (3) take actions for port, harbor, and coastal facility security in accordance with section 70116. . 216. Study on Coast Guard missions (a) Study (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center with relevant expertise under which such center shall conduct an assessment of the operational capabilities and ability of the Coast Guard to conduct the primary duties of the Coast Guard under section 102 of title 14, United States Code, and missions under section 888 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468 (2) Elements In carrying out the assessment required under paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development center selected under such subsection shall, with respect to the primary duties and missions described in paragraph (1), include the following: (A) An analysis of the extent to which the Coast Guard is able to effectively carry out such duties and missions. (B) Recommendations for the Coast Guard to more effectively carry out such duties and missions, in light of manpower and asset constraints. (C) Recommendations of which such duties and missions should be transferred to other departments or eliminated in light of the manpower and asset constraints of the Coast Guard. (D) An analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of transferring the Coast Guard or any of the duties and missions of the Coast Guard to other appropriate Federal departments or independent agencies. (b) Assessment to Commandant Not later than 1 year after the date on which Commandant enters into an agreement under section (a), the federally funded research and development center selected under such subsection shall submit to the Commandant the assessment required under subsection (a). (c) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 90 days after receipt of the assessment under subsection (b), 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 recommendations included in the assessment to strengthen the ability of the Coast Guard to carry out such duties and missions. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The assessment received by the Commandant under subsection (b). (B) For each recommendation included in the such assessment— (i) an assessment by the Commandant of the feasibility and advisability of implementing such recommendation; and (ii) if the Commandant of the Coast Guard considers the implementation of such recommendation feasible and advisable, a description of the actions taken, or to be taken, to implement such recommendation. 217. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions Section 11221 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 (e) Additional reports on status of use of facilities and helicopter basing Beginning with the first quarterly report required under subsection (a) submitted after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024, the Secretary shall include in each such report— (1) the status of the use of recently renovated Coast Guard housing facilities, food preparation facilities, and maintenance and repair facilities on St. Paul Island, Alaska, including a projected date for full use and occupancy of such facilities in support of Coast Guard missions in the Bering Sea; and (2) a detailed plan for the acquisition and construction of a hangar in close proximity to existing St. Paul airport facilities to house 1 or more Coast Guard helicopters for the prosecution of Coast Guard operational missions, including plans for the use of land needed for such hangar. . B Personnel 221. Direct hire authority for civilian faculty at the Coast Guard Academy Section 1941 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) The Secretary may, without regard to the appointment requirements of title 5, United States Code, noncompetitively appoint a highly qualified candidate to a faculty position in the excepted service. . 222. Temporary exemption from authorized end strength for Coast Guard enlisted members on active duty Notwithstanding section 517 of title 10, United States Code, and until October 1, 2027, the authorized end strength for enlisted members on active duty (other than for training) in the Coast Guard in pay grades E–8 and E–9 may be more than 3.0 percent and 1.25 percent respectively of the number of enlisted members of the Coast Guard who are on active duty other than for training. 223. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards Section 3740(f) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking section 2117 sections 2115 and 2117 224. Parental leave parity for members of certain reserve components of Coast Guard (a) Parental leave (1) In general Subchapter I of chapter 29 2907. Parental leave for members of certain reserve components of Coast Guard (a) (1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard described in subsection (b) is allowed parental leave for a duration of up to 12 inactive-duty training periods, under section 206 of title 37, during the one-year period beginning after the following events: (A) the birth or adoption of a child of the member and to care for such child; or (B) the placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long-term foster care. (2) (A) The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may authorize leave described under subparagraph (A) to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) in the case of a member described in subsection (b) who, except for this subparagraph, would lose unused parental leave at the end of the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) as a result of— (i) operational requirements; (ii) professional military education obligations; or (iii) other circumstances that the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate. (B) The regulations prescribed under clause (i) shall require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) shall be taken within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary in which the department is operating, after cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline. (b) A member described in this subsection is a member of the Coast Guard who is a member of— (1) the selected reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37; or (2) the individual ready reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37 when attending or participating in a sufficient number of periods of inactive-duty training during a year to count the year as a qualifying year of creditable service toward eligibility for retired pay. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 29 section 2906 2907. Parental leave for members of certain reserve components of Coast Guard. . (b) Compensation Section 206(a)(4) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period at the end or parental leave under section 2907 of title 14 225. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers Section 2708 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) The Coast Guard may provide a cash allowance in such amount as the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall determine in regulations to be paid to pregnant officer personnel for the purchase of maternity-related uniform items if such uniform items are not so furnished to the member. . 226. Report on GAO recommendations on housing program Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Coast Guard: Better Feedback Collection and Information Could Enhance Housing Program III Shipping and Navigation A Vessel Operations 301. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Outer Continental Shelf The term outer Continental Shelf 43 U.S.C. 1331 (2) Ruling letter The term ruling letter Jones Act 19 U.S.C. 1502(a) (3) Secretary The term Secretary 302. Notification (a) Advance notification required Prior to engaging in any activity or operations on the outer Continental Shelf, the operator of a foreign vessel used in such activity or operations shall file with the Secretary a notification describing all activities and operations to be performed on the outer Continental Shelf and an identification of applicable ruling letters issued by the Secretary that have approved the use of a foreign vessel in a substantially similar activity or operation. (b) Publication of notices (1) Publication The Secretary shall publish a notification under subsection (a) in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions within 14 days of receipt of such notification. (2) Confidential information The Secretary shall redact any information exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, in a notification published under paragraph (1). 303. Publication of fines and penalties (a) In general Section 55102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Publication of penalty (1) In general Not later than 14 days after the issuance of a pre-penalty notice or a penalty, including a settlement, under subsection (c), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish such pre-penalty notice or a notification of such penalty in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions to the party impacted by the penalty. (2) Contents A pre-penalty notice or penalty notification published under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) the name and the International Maritime Organization identification number of the vessel that is the subject of the penalty; (B) the name of the owner of the vessel that is the subject of the penalty; (C) the amount of the fine or value of merchandise seized; and (D) a summary of the alleged misconduct and justification for imposing a penalty. . (b) Rulemaking Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by subsection (a), including— (1) regulations regarding the information to be contained in a penalty notification under section 55102(d) of title 46, United States Code (as amended by such subsection); and (2) any changes to existing regulations relating to penalties issued by the Secretary. B Merchant Mariner Credentialing 311. Revising merchant mariner deck training requirements (a) General definitions Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (56) as paragraphs (21) through (57), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following: (20) merchant mariner credential . (b) Examinations Section 7116 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c). (c) Merchant mariners documents (1) General requirements Section 7306 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments (a) In general The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes: (1) Able Seaman-Unlimited. (2) Able Seaman-Limited. (3) Able Seaman-Special. (4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels. (5) Able Seaman-Sail. (6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry. (7) Ordinary Seaman. (b) Classification of credentials The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on— (1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels; (2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or (3) other appropriate standards. (c) Considerations In issuing the credential under subsection (a), the Secretary may consider the following qualifications of the merchant mariner: (1) Age. (2) Character. (3) Habits of life. (4) Experience. (5) Professional qualifications demonstrated by satisfactory completion of applicable examinations or other educational requirements. (6) Physical condition, including sight and hearing. (7) Other requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments. . (3) General requirements for members of engine departments Section 7313(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking and coal passer (4) Training Section 7315 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) Graduation from a nautical school program approved by the Secretary may be substituted for the service requirements under sections 7307–7312 and 7314. ; (B) in subsection (b)— (i) by striking one-third one-half (ii) by striking 7307–7311 of this title 7307–7312 and 7314 (C) by striking subsection (c). (d) Reduction of lengths of certain periods of service (1) In general Title 46, United States Code, is amended as follows: (A) Section 7307 is amended by striking 3 years 18 months (B) Section 7308 is amended by striking 18 months 12 months (C) Section 7309 is amended by striking 12 months 6 months (2) Temporary reduction of lengths of certain periods of service Section 3534(j) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 (e) Merchant mariner credentials Section 7510 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d). (f) Implementation The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the amended requirements under subsections (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(6) of this section without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 ( 5 U.S.C. 601 312. Amendments (a) In general The heading for subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking Seamen Seafarer (b) Merchant mariner Credentials The heading for part E of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking MERCHANT SEAMEN LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND DOCUMENTS MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS (c) Able seafarers—unlimited (1) In general The section heading for section 7307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen seafarers (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 seamen seafarers (d) Able seamen—limited (1) In general The section heading for section 7308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen seafarers (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 seamen seafarers (e) Able seafarers—special (1) In general The section heading for section 7309 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen seafarers (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 seamen seafarers (f) Able seafarers—offshore supply vessels (1) In general The section heading for section 7310 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen seafarers (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 seamen seafarers (g) Able seafarers—sail (1) In general The section heading for section 7311 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen seafarers (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 seamen seafarers (h) Able seamen—fishing industry (1) In general The section heading for section 7311a of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen seafarers (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 seamen seafarers (i) Parts E and F Parts E and F of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking seaman seafarer (2) by striking seamen seafarers (j) Clerical amendments (1) The analysis for subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended in the item relating to part E by striking MERCHANT SEAMEN LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND DOCUMENTS MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS (2) The analysis of subtitles at the beginning of title 46, United States Code, is amended in the item relating to subtitle II by striking SEAMEN SEAFARER 313. Renewal of merchant mariner licenses and documents Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Renewal With respect to any renewal of an active merchant mariner credential issued under this part that is not an extension under subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day after the expiration of the active credential of the credential holder. . 314. Merchant seamen licenses, certificates, and documents; manning of vessels (a) Citizenship or noncitizen nationality (1) In general Section 7102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality Citizenship (B) by inserting or noncitizen nationals (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 citizens (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 71 7102. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality. . (b) Citizenship or noncitizen nationality notation on merchant mariners’ documents (1) In general Section 7304 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality Citizenship (B) by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 citizen (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 7304. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality notation on merchant mariners’ documents. . (c) Citizenship or noncitizen nationality (1) In general Section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality Citizenship (B) in subsection (a) by inserting or noncitizen national citizen (C) in subsection (b)— (i) in paragraph (1)(A)(i) by inserting or noncitizen national citizen (ii) in paragraph (3) by inserting or noncitizen nationality citizenship (iii) in paragraph (3)(C) by inserting or noncitizen nationals citizens (D) in subsection (c) by inserting or noncitizen nationals citizens (E) in subsection (d)— (i) in paragraph (1) by inserting or noncitizen nationals citizens (ii) in paragraph (2) by inserting or noncitizen national citizen (F) in subsection (e) by inserting or noncitizen national citizen (G) in subsection (i)(1)(A) by inserting or noncitizen national citizen (H) in subsection (k)(1)(A) by inserting or noncitizen national citizen (I) by adding at the end the following: (l) Noncitizen national defined In this section, the term noncitizen national 8 U.S.C. 1408 . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 81 8103. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality and Navy Reserve requirements. . (d) Command of documented vessels Section 12131(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 citizen (e) Invalidation of certificates of documentation Section 12135(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 citizen C Vessel Safety 321. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel Section 2302(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Grossly negligent operation (1) Misdemeanor A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor. (2) Felony A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that results in serious bodily injury, as defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18— (A) commits a class E felony; and (B) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $35,000. . 322. Administrative procedure for security risks (a) Security risk Section 7702(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) as subclauses (I) through (IV), respectively (and by conforming the margins accordingly); (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively (and by conforming the margins accordingly); (3) by striking an individual if— an individual— (A) if— ; (4) in subparagraph (A)(ii)(IV), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (5) by adding at the end the following: (B) if there is probable cause to believe that the individual has violated company policy and is a security risk that poses a threat to other individuals on the vessel. . (b) Technical amendment Section 2101(47)(B) of title 46, United States Code (as so redesignated), is amended by striking ; and ; or 323. Requirements for DUKW amphibious passenger vessels Section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 (1) in the section header by striking DUKW AMPHIBIOUS PASSENGER VESSELS COMMERCIAL AMPHIBIOUS SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (2) by striking DUKW amphibious passenger vessel commercial amphibious small passenger vessel (3) by striking DUKW amphibious passenger vessels commercial amphibious small passenger vessels (4) in subsection (h)— (A) by striking Definitions The term appropriate congressional committees Appropriate congressional committees defined.— appropriate congressional committees (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (5) by adding at the end the following: (i) Application This section shall apply to amphibious vessels operating as a small passenger vessel in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as such term is defined in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024). . 324. Risk based examination of tank vessels Section 3714 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking The Secretary Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Risk-based examination (1) In general With respect to examinations of foreign-flagged vessels to which this chapter applies, the Secretary may adopt a risk-based examination schedule to which such vessels shall be examined and the frequency with which the examinations occur. (2) Restriction The Secretary may not adopt a risk-based examination schedule under paragraph (1) until the Secretary has— (A) received and reviewed the study by the National Academies required under section 8254(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 (B) conducted the assessment recommended in the report of the Government Accountability Office submitted under section 8254(a) of such Act; (C) concluded through such assessment that a risk-based examination schedule provides not less than the level of safety provided by the annual examinations required under subsection (a)(1); and (D) provided the results of such assessment to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. . 325. Ports and waterways safety (a) Waterfront safety Section 70011(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting , including damage or destruction resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats adjacent to such waters (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting or harm resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats loss (b) Regulation of anchorage and movement of vessels during national emergency Section 70051 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or cyber incidents, or transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats, threatened war, or invasion, or insurrection, or subversive activity, (c) Facility visit by state sponsor of terrorism Section 70011(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3) by striking and (2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) prohibiting a representative of a government of country that the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism under section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2371 . 326. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at the port of Point Spencer, Alaska (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, under which the Marine Board of the Transportation Research Board (in this section referred to as the Board (1) analyze commercial vessel traffic that transits through the Bering Strait and projections for the growth of such traffic during the 10-year period beginning after such date of enactment; and (2) assess the adequacy of emergency response capabilities and infrastructure at the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to address navigation safety risks and geographic challenges necessary to conduct emergency maritime response operations in the Arctic environment. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An analysis of the volume and types of domestic and international commercial vessel traffic through the Bering Strait and the projected growth of such traffic, including a summary of— (A) the sizes, ages, and flag states of vessels; and (B) the oil and product tankers that are— (i) in transit to or from Russia or China; or (ii) owned or operated by a Russian or Chinese entity. (2) An assessment of the state and adequacy of vessel traffic services and oil spill and emergency response capabilities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait, including its approaches. (3) A risk assessment of the projected growth in commercial vessel traffic in the Bering Strait and higher probability of increased frequency in the number of maritime accidents, including spill events, and the potential impacts to the Arctic maritime environment and Native Alaskan village communities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait. (4) An evaluation of the ability of the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to serve as a port of refuge and as a staging, logistics, and operations center to conduct and support maritime emergency and spill response activities. (5) Recommendations for practical actions that can be taken by the Congress, Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, vessel carriers and operators, the marine salvage and emergency response industry, and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate risks, upgrade infrastructure, and improve the posture of the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to function as a strategic staging and logistics center for maritime emergency and spill response operations in the Bering Strait region. (c) Consultation In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Board shall consult with— (1) the Department of Transportation; (2) the Corps of Engineers; (3) the National Transportation Safety Board; (4) relevant ministries of the government of Canada; (5) the Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer; and (6) non-government entities with relevant expertise in monitoring and characterizing vessel traffic in the Arctic. (d) Report Not later than 1 year after initiating the study under subsection (a), the Board shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the findings and recommendations of the study. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Arctic The term Arctic 15 U.S.C. 4111 (2) Port coordination council for the port of Point Spencer The term Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer Public Law 114–120 327. Underwater inspections brief Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, or a designated individual, shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the underwater inspection in lieu of drydock program established under section 176.615 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). 328. St. Lucie River railroad bridge Regarding Docket Number USCG–2022–0222, before adopting a final rule, the Commandant shall conduct an independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River. 329. Rulemaking regarding port access routes Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue a final rule for the Atlantic Coast Port Route Access Study for which an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast 330. Articulated tug-barge manning Section 11508 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 11508. Articulated tug-barge manning (a) In general Notwithstanding the watch setting requirements set forth in section 8104 of title 46, United States Code, or any other provision of law or regulation, an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection may authorize a covered vessel— (1) when engaged on a domestic voyage of more than 600 miles, to be manned with a minimum number of 2 licensed engineers in the engine department; and (2) when engaged on a voyage of less than 600 miles, to be manned with a minimum number of 1 licensed engineer in the engine department. (b) Covered vessel defined In this section, the term covered vessel (1) forms part of an articulated tug-barge unit; and (2) is either— (A) equipped with engineering control and monitoring systems of a type accepted by a recognized classification society for a periodically unmanned machinery space notation or accepted by the Commandant for a periodically unattended machinery space endorsement; or (B) is a vessel that, prior to July 19, 2022, was issued a minimum safe manning document or certificate of inspection that authorized equivalent or less manning levels. . D Other Matters 341. Anchor handling activities Section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting or other energy production or transmission facility, or vessel engaged in the launch, recovery, or support of commercial space transportation or space exploration activities drilling unit (B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting or other energy production or transmission facility, or vessel engaged in the launch, recovery, or support of commercial space transportation or space exploration activities drilling unit (2) by adding at the end the following: (3) Energy production or transmission facility defined In this subsection, the term energy production or transmission facility (A) not a vessel; (B) securely and substantially moored to the seabed, but not by driven pile anchors; and (C) equipped with wind turbines which are used for the generation and transmission of non-mineral energy resources. . 342. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (a) In general Chapter 151 15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (a) Establishment There is established a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (in this section referred to as the Committee (b) Function The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to the regulation and use of Autonomous Systems within the territorial waters of the United States. (c) Membership (1) In general The Committee shall consist of 9 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109. (2) Expertise Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee. (3) Representation Each of the following groups shall be represented by at least 1 member on the Committee: (A) Marine safety or security entities. (B) Vessel design and construction entities. (C) Entities engaged in the production or research of unmanned vehicles, including drones, autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, or any other product or service integral to the provision, maintenance, or management of such products or services. (D) Port districts, authorities, or terminal operators. (E) Vessel operators. (F) National labor unions representing merchant mariners. (G) Maritime pilots. (H) Commercial space transportation operators. (I) Academic institutions. . (b) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 151 15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. . (c) Establishment Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish the Committee under section 15110 of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section). 343. Controlled substance onboard vessels Section 70503(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking While on board a covered vessel, an individual An individual (2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) manufacture or distribute, possess with intent to manufacture or distribute, or place or cause to be placed with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on board a covered vessel; ; and (3) in paragraph (2) by inserting aboard a covered vessel Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 ( 21 U.S.C. 881(a) 344. Nonoperating individual Section 8313(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116– 283) is amended by striking 2025 2027 345. Information on type approval certificates (a) In general Title IX of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 904. Information on type approval certificates The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, upon request by any State, the District of Columbia, or any territory of the United States, provide all data possessed by the Coast Guard pertaining to challenge water quality characteristics, challenge water biological organism concentrations, post-treatment water quality characteristics, and post-treatment biological organism concentrations data for a ballast water management system with a type approval certificate approved by the Coast Guard pursuant to subpart 162.060 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 2 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 Sec. 904. Information on type approval certificates. . 346. Manning and crewing requirements for certain vessels, vehicles, and structures (a) Authorization of limited exemptions from manning and crew requirement Chapter 81 8109. Exemptions from manning and crew requirements (a) In general The Secretary may provide an exemption described in subsection (b) to the owner or operator of a covered facility if each individual who is manning or crewing the covered facility is— (1) a citizen of the United States; (2) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; or (3) a citizen of the nation under the laws of which the vessel is documented. (b) Requirements for eligibility for exemption An exemption under this subsection is an exemption from the regulations established pursuant to section 302(a)(3) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(a)(3) (c) Limitations An exemption under this section— (1) shall provide that the number of individuals manning or crewing the covered facility who are described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) may not exceed two and one- half times the number of individuals required to man or crew the covered facility under the laws of the nation under the laws of which the covered facility is documented; and (2) shall be effective for not more than 12 months, but may be renewed by application to and approval by the Secretary. (d) Application To be eligible for an exemption or a renewal of an exemption under this section, the owner or operator of a covered facility shall apply to the Secretary with an application that includes a sworn statement by the applicant of all information required for the issuance of the exemption. (e) Revocation (1) In general The Secretary— (A) may revoke an exemption for a covered facility under this section if the Secretary determines that information provided in the application for the exemption was false or incomplete, or is no longer true or complete; and (B) shall immediately revoke such an exemption if the Secretary determines that the covered facility, in the effective period of the exemption, was manned or crewed in a manner not authorized by the exemption. (2) Notice required The Secretary shall provides notice of a determination under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) to the owner or operator of the covered facility. (f) Review of compliance The Secretary shall periodically, but not less than once annually, inspect each covered facility that operates under an exemption under this section to verify the owner or operator of the covered facility’s compliance with the exemption. During an inspection under this subsection, the Secretary shall require all crew members serving under the exemption to hold a valid transportation security card issued under section 70105. (g) Penalty In addition to revocation under subsection (e), the Secretary may impose on the owner or operator of a covered facility a civil penalty of $10,000 per day for each day the covered facility— (1) is manned or crewed in violation of an exemption under this subsection; or (2) operated under an exemption under this subsection that the Secretary determines was not validly obtained. (h) Notification of secretary of state The Secretary shall notify the Secretary of State of each exemption issued under this section, including the effective period of the exemption. (i) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered facility The term covered facility (2) Secretary The term Secretary . (b) Annual report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing information on each letter of nonapplicability of section 8109 of title 46, United States Code, with respect to a covered facility that was issued by the Secretary during the preceding year. (2) Contents The report under paragraph (1) shall include, for each covered facility— (A) the name and International Maritime Organization number; (B) the nation in which the covered facility is documented; (C) the nationality of owner or owners; and (D) for any covered facility that was previously issued a letter of nonapplicability in a prior year, any changes in the information described in subparagraphs (A) through (C). (c) Regulations Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations that specify the documentary and other requirements for the issuance of an exemption under the amendment made by this section. (d) Existing exemptions (1) Effect of amendments; termination Each exemption under section 30(c)(2) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(c)(2) (A) shall not be affected by the amendments made by this section during the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) shall not be effective after such period. (2) Notification of holders Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify all persons that hold such an exemption that it will expire as provided in paragraph (1). (e) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 81 of the title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 8109. Exemptions from manning and crew requirements. . 347. Classification societies Section 3316(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (2)(B)(i) to read as follows: (i) the government of the foreign country in which the foreign society is headquartered— (I) delegates that authority to the American Bureau of Shipping; or (II) does not delegate that authority to any classification society; or ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (5) Clarification on authority Nothing in this subsection authorizes the Secretary to make a delegation under paragraph (2) to a classification society from the People’s Republic of China. . 348. Authority to establish safety zones for special activities in exclusive economic zone (a) Repeal Section 8343 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 (b) Special activities in exclusive economic zone Subchapter I of chapter 700 70008. Special activities in exclusive economic zone (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may establish safety zones to address special activities in the exclusive economic zone. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Safety zone The term safety zone (A) means a water area, shore area, or water and shore area to which, for safety or environmental purposes, access is limited to authorized persons, vehicles, or vessels; and (B) may be stationary and described by fixed limits or may be described as a zone around a vessel in motion. (2) Special activities The term special activities (A) space activities, including launch and reentry (as such terms are defined in section 50902 of title 51) carried out by United States citizens; and (B) offshore energy development activities, as described in section 8(p)(1)(C) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(1)(C) (3) United States citizen The term United States citizen eligible owners . (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 700 section 70007 70008. Special activities in exclusive economic zone. . 349. Fishing vessel and fisherman training safety Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (i)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ; and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) to conduct safety and prevention training that addresses behavioral and physical health risks, to include substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing fishing vessel operators and crewmembers; and ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking , in consultation with and based on criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard (ii) by striking subsection on a competitive basis subsection— (A) on a competitive basis; and (B) based on criteria developed in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard ; and (C) in paragraph (4) by striking $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 (2) in subsection (j)— (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting , and understanding and mitigating behavioral and physical health risks, to include substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing members of the commercial fishing industry weather detection (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking , in consultation with and based on criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, (ii) by striking subsection on a competitive basis subsection— (A) on a competitive basis; and (B) based on criteria developed in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard ; and (C) in paragraph (4) by striking $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 350. Authority over Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (a) In general Section 5(a) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1504(a) Notwithstanding section 888(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468(b) (b) Affirming the authority of Secretary of Transportation over environmental reviews Section 5(f) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1504(f) (f) Compliance Notwithstanding section 888(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468(b) 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. . (c) Regulations (1) In general Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall transfer the authorities provided to the Coast Guard in part 148 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act), except as provided in paragraph (2), to the Secretary of Transportation. (2) Retention of authority The Commandant shall retain responsibility for authorities pertaining to design, construction, equipment, and operation of deepwater ports and navigational safety. (3) Updates to authority As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are necessary to reflect the updates to authorities prescribed by this subsection. (d) Rule of construction Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, may be construed to limit the authorities of other governmental agencies previously delegated authorities of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. (e) Applications Nothing in this section shall apply to any application submitted before the date of enactment of this Act. 351. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee composition Section 15106(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 15 members 17 members (2) in paragraph (3) by adding at the end the following: (L) 2 members shall represent entities engaged in non-mineral energy activities on the Outer Continental Shelf. . 352. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring (a) Proximity of anchorages to pipelines (1) Implementation of restructuring plan Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall implement the November 2021 proposed plan of the Vessel Traffic Service Los Angeles-Long Beach for restructuring the Federal anchorages in San Pedro Bay described on page 54 of the Report of the National Transportation Safety Board titled Anchor Strike of Underwater Pipeline and Eventual Crude Oil Release (2) Study The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall conduct a study to identify any anchorage grounds other than the San Pedro Bay Federal anchorages in which the distance between the center of an approved anchorage ground and a pipeline is less than 1 mile. (3) Report (A) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study required under paragraph (2). (B) Contents The report under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) a list of the anchorage grounds described under paragraph (2); (ii) whether it is possible to move each such anchorage ground to provide a minimum distance of 1 mile; and (iii) a recommendation of whether to move any such anchorage ground and explanation for the recommendation. (b) Proximity to pipeline alerts (1) Audible and visual alarms The Commandant shall consult with the providers of vessel monitoring systems to add to the monitoring systems for vessel traffic services audible and visual alarms that alert the watchstander when an anchored vessel is encroaching on a pipeline. (2) Notification procedures Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop procedures for all vessel traffic services to notify pipeline and utility operators following potential incursions on submerged pipelines within the vessel traffic service area of responsibility. (3) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 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 on the implementation of paragraphs (1) and (2). 353. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals (a) In general Chapter 47 (1) in the chapter heading by striking Barges Vessels (2) by inserting before section 4701 the following: I Barges ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: II Non-Barge Vessels 4710. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Abandon The term abandon (2) Covered vessel The term covered vessel (3) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe 25 U.S.C. 5304 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited (a) In general An owner or operator of a covered vessel may not abandon such vessel on the navigable waters of the United States. (b) Determination of abandonment (1) Notification (A) In general With respect to a covered vessel that appears to be abandoned, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— (i) attempt to identify the owner using the vessel registration number, hull identification number, or any other information that can be reasonably inferred or gathered; and (ii) notify such owner— (I) of the penalty described in subsection (c); and (II) that the vessel will be removed at the expense of the owner if the Commandant determines that the vessel is abandoned and the owner does not remove or account for the vessel. (B) Form The Commandant shall provide the notice required under subparagraph (A)— (i) if the owner can be identified, via certified mail or other appropriate forms determined by the Commandant; or (ii) if the owner cannot be identified, via an announcement in a local publication and on a website maintained by the Coast Guard. (2) Determination The Commandant shall make a determination not earlier than 45 days after the date on which the Commandant provides the notification required under paragraph (1) of whether a covered vessel described in such paragraph is abandoned. (c) Penalty (1) In general The Commandant may assess a civil penalty of not more than $500 against an owner or operator of a covered vessel determined to be abandoned under subsection (b) for a violation of subsection (a). (2) Liability in rem The owner or operator of a covered vessel shall also be liable in rem for a penalty imposed under paragraph (1). (d) Vessels not abandoned The Commandant may not determine that a covered vessel is abandoned under this section if— (1) such vessel is located at a federally approved or State approved mooring area; (2) such vessel is located on private property with the permission of the owner of such property; (3) the owner or operator of such vessel provides a notification to the Commandant that— (A) indicates the location of the vessel; (B) indicates that the vessel is not abandoned; and (C) contains documentation proving that the vessel is allowed to be in such location; or (4) the Commandant determines that such an abandonment determination would not be in the public interest. 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and relevant State agencies, shall establish and maintain a national inventory of covered vessels that are abandoned. (b) Contents The inventory established and maintained under subsection (a) shall include data on each vessel, including geographic information system data related to the location of each such vessel. (c) Publication The Commandant shall make the inventory established under subsection (a) publicly available on a website of the Coast Guard. (d) Reporting of potentially abandoned vessels In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall develop a process by which— (1) a State, Indian Tribe, or person may report a covered vessel that may be abandoned to the Commandant for potential inclusion in the inventory established under subsection (a); and (2) the Commandant shall review any such report and add such vessel to the inventory if the Commandant determines that the reported vessel is abandoned pursuant to section 4711. . (b) Rulemaking The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall issue regulations with respect to the procedures for determining that a vessel is abandoned for the purposes of subchapter II of chapter 47 (c) Conforming amendments Chapter 47 (1) in section 4701— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking chapter subchapter (B) in paragraph (2) by striking chapter subchapter (2) in section 4703 by striking chapter subchapter (3) in section 4704 by striking chapter subchapter (4) in section 4705 by striking chapter subchapter (d) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 47 (1) by inserting before the item relating to section 4701 the following: Subchapter I—Barges ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: Subchapter II—Vessels 4710. Definitions. 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited. 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels. . 354. Near shore cable laying barge (a) In general Until the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding subsection (b), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not enforce citizenship requirements under section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, or the credentialing requirements under section 8701 of title 46, United States Code, with respect to a covered individual. (b) Training Until the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that operators of near shore cable lay vertical trenching injector equipment on barges on which covered individuals serve— (1) develop processes and requirements for conducting certification and training such individuals; and (2) certify and train a sufficient cadre of qualified individuals. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered individual The term covered individual (A) engaged on board a barge for the purpose of operating specialized equipment, including a vertical trenching injector, necessary to lay near shore power cable in support of non-mineral energy exploration, development, and production; and (B) not— (i) included in the complement of licensed individuals to be stated in the certificate of inspection issued under chapter 33 (ii) a member of the steward’s department on such a barge. (2) Qualified individual The term qualified individual (A) serve on a vessel documented under chapter 121 of the title 46, United States Code, under section 8103 of such title; (B) receive a merchant mariner credential under section 8701 of title 46, United States Code; and (C) available to operate and support the operation of specialized near shore cable lay vertical trenching injectors on United States-documented barges in support of United States offshore non-mineral energy exploration, development, and production. 355. Anchorages Section 8437 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 (1) by striking subsections (d) and (e); (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Prohibition The Commandant shall prohibit any vessel anchoring on the reach of the Hudson River described in subsection (a) unless such anchoring is within any anchorage established before January 1, 2021. . IV Oil Pollution Incident Liability 401. Vessel response plans (a) In general Section 311(j)(6) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(6) (6) Equipment requirements, verification, and inspection (A) In general The President may require— (i) periodic inspection of containment booms, skimmers, vessels, and other major equipment used to remove discharges; (ii) periodic inspection of vessels, salvage and marine firefighting equipment, and other major equipment used to respond to marine casualties or prevent discharges; (iii) periodic verification of capabilities to appropriately, and in a timely manner, respond to a marine casualty, a worst case discharge, or a substantial threat of a discharge, including— (I) drills, with or without prior notice; (II) review of contracts and relevant third-party agreements; (III) testing of equipment; (IV) review of training; and (V) other evaluations of response capabilities, as determined appropriate by the President; and (iv) vessels operating on navigable waters and carrying oil or a hazardous substance in bulk as cargo, and nontank vessels carrying oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion, to carry appropriate removal equipment that employs the best technology economically feasible and that is compatible with the safe operation of the vessel. (B) Marine casualty In this paragraph, the term marine casualty . (b) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of 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 state of marine firefighting authorities, jurisdiction, plan review, and other considerations with respect to vessel fires at waterfront facilities and within the navigable waters of the United States up to 3 nautical miles from the shoreline. (2) Contents In carrying out paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— (A) examine factors that affect Federal and non-Federal collaboration aimed at reducing vessel and waterfront facility fire risk to local communities; (B) focus on the prevalence and frequency of vessel fires described in paragraph (1); and (C) make recommendations for preparedness, responses to, training for, and other items for consideration. 402. Use of marine casualty investigations Section 6308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking initiated conducted (2) by adding at the end the following: (e) For purposes of this section, an administrative proceeding conducted by the United States includes proceedings under section 7701 and claims adjudicated under section 1013 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2713 . 403. Timing of review Section 1017 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2717 (g) Timing of review Before the date of completion of a removal action, no person may bring an action under this Act, section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321 chapter 7 . 404. Online incident reporting system (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Response Center shall— (1) develop an online capacity through a web-based application to receive a notification of an oil discharge or release of a hazardous substance; and (2) allow any such notification to the National Response Center that is required under Federal law or regulation to be made online using the application. (b) Use of application In carrying out subsection (a), the National Response Center may not require the notification of an oil discharge or release of a hazardous substance to be made using the application developed under such subsection. V Implementation of Accountability and Transparency Review Recommendations 501. Implementation status of directed actions (a) In general Chapter 51 5116. Implementation status of directed actions (a) In general Not later than March 1, 2025, and not later than March 1 of each of the 3 subsequent 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 on the status of the implementation of each directed action outlined in enclosure 1 of the memorandum of the Commandant titled Commandant’s Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency (b) Contents The report required under section (a) shall contain the following: (1) The status of the implementation of each directed action from enclosure 1 of the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency (2) A plan and timeline for the next steps to be taken to complete outstanding directed actions in enclosure 1 of the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency (3) Metrics to determine the effectiveness of each directed action in such enclosure. (4) Any additional actions the Commandant is taking to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 51 5116. Implementation status of directed actions. . 502. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms (a) Government Accountability Office report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the efforts of the Coast Guard to mitigate cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the service. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall— (A) evaluate— (i) the efforts of the Commandant to implement the directed actions from enclosure 1 of the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency (ii) whether the Commandant met the reporting requirements under section 5112 of title 14, United States Code; and (iii) the effectiveness of the actions of the Coast Guard, including efforts outside of the actions described in the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency (B) make recommendations to the Commandant for improvements to the efforts of the service to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard; and (C) make recommendations to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard, including proposed changes to any legislative authorities. (b) Report by Commandant Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Comptroller General completes all actions under subsection (a), 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 the following: (1) A plan for Coast Guard implementation, including interim milestones and timeframes, of any recommendation made by the Comptroller General under subsection (a)(2)(B) with which the Commandant concurs. (2) With respect to any recommendation made under subsection (a)(2)(B) with which the Commandant does not concur, an explanation of the reasons why the Commandant does not concur. 503. Requirement to maintain certain records (a) In general Chapter 9 955. Requirement to maintain certain records (a) In general The Commandant shall maintain all work product related to final action documenting a disposition decision on an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service or other law enforcement entity investigating a Coast Guard member accused of misconduct for not less than 7 years from date of the disposition decision. (b) Final action memo Upon a final action documenting a disposition decision described in subsection (a), the convening authority or final decision making authority, as applicable, shall sign a final action memo that includes the following: (1) A reference section listing the materials reviewed in making a disposition decision. (2) The Coast Guard Investigative Service report of investigation listed as either a reference or an enclosure. (3) The prosecution memo, signed by the convening authority or the final decision making authority, listed and included as an enclosure. (4) The completed Coast Guard Investigative Service report of adjudication listed and included as an enclosure. (5) The disposition decision. (c) Work product In this section, the term work product (1) a prosecution memo; (2) emails, notes, and other correspondence related to a disposition decision; and (3) the content described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b). . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 9 955. Requirement to maintain certain records. . 504. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight (a) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall conduct a study on the governance of the Coast Guard Academy, including examining the roles, responsibilities, authorities, advisory functions, and membership qualifications and expertise of the Board of Visitors and Board of Trustees of such Academy. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a written report that contains— (1) the results of the study required under subsection (a); and (2) recommendations to improve governance at the Coast Guard Academy. 505. Providing for the transfer of a cadet who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Consideration of request for transfer of cadet who is the victim of sexual assault or related offense (1) In general The Commandant shall provide for timely consideration of and action on a request submitted by a cadet appointed to the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of an alleged sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920, 920c, or 930 of title 10 (article 120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) for transfer to a Service Academy or to enroll in a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education. (2) Rulemaking The Commandant shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subsection that— (A) ensure that any cadet who has been appointed to the Coast Guard Academy is informed of the right to request a transfer pursuant to this subsection, and that any formal request submitted by a cadet is processed as expeditiously as practicable for review and action by the Superintendent; (B) direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, in coordination with the Superintendent of the Service Academy to which the cadet requests to transfer— (i) to act on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal request from the cadet; (ii) to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request; and (iii) upon approval of such request, to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the transfer of the cadet to the Service Academy concerned as expeditiously as possible; and (C) direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, in coordination with the Secretary of the military department that sponsors the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at the institution of higher education to which the cadet requests to transfer— (i) to act on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal request from the cadet; (ii) subject to the cadet’s acceptance for admission to the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer, to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request; and (iii) to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the cadet’s enrollment in the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer and to process the cadet for participation in the relevant Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program as expeditiously as possible. (3) Denial of transfer request If the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy denies a request for transfer under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the denial by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, who shall act on such request not later than 72 hours after receipt of the formal request for review. (4) Confidentiality of records The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall ensure that all records of any request, determination, transfer, or other action under this subsection remain confidential, consistent with applicable law and regulation. (5) Appointment to Service Academy A cadet who transfers under this subsection may retain the cadet’s appointment to the Coast Guard Academy or may be appointed to the Service Academy to which the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations and requirements described in sections 7442, 8454, and 9442 of title 10. (6) Appointment upon graduation (A) Preference A cadet who transfers under this subsection to a Service Academy, is entitled, before graduating from such Academy, to state the preference of the cadet for appointment, upon graduation, as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard. (B) Manner of appointment Upon graduation, a cadet described in subparagraph (A) is entitled to be accepted for appointment as a permanent commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard in the same manner as graduates of the Coast Guard Academy as described in section 2101. (7) Commission into Coast Guard A cadet who transfers under this subsection to a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education is entitled upon graduation from the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training program to commission into the Coast Guard as described in section 3738a. (8) Service Academy defined In this subsection, the term Service Academy . 506. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 21 2132. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare (a) Secretary designation The Secretary may designate a limited number of officers of the Coast Guard as having particular expertise in— (1) military justice; or (2) healthcare. (b) Promotion and grade An individual designated under this section— (1) shall not be included on the active duty promotion list; (2) shall be promoted under section 2126; and (3) may not be promoted to a grade higher than captain. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 21 section 2131 2132. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 2102(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence, by striking and officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy, and officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 2132 (2) Subsection (e) of section 2103 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) Secretary to prescribe numbers for certain officers The Secretary shall prescribe the number of officers authorized to be serving on active duty in each grade of— (1) the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy; (2) the officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 2132; and (3) the officers of the Reserve serving in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components. . (3) Section 2126 of title 14, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting and as to officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 2132 reserve components (4) Section 3736(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the first sentence by striking promotion list and the promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 2132, and the officers on the (B) in the second sentence by striking promotion list or the promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 2132, or the officers on the 507. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of Coast Guard (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of Coast Guard (a) In general The Commandant may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 (b) Sunset Effective on September 30, 2034, the authority provided under subsection (a) shall cease. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of United States Coast Guard. . 508. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 19 1908. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, issue such regulations as are necessary to establish the safe-to-report policy described in subsection (b) that applies with respect to all members of the Coast Guard (including members of the reserve and auxiliary components of the Coast Guard) and cadets at the Coast Guard Academy. (b) Safe-to-report policy The safe-to-report policy described in this subsection is a policy that prescribes the handling of minor collateral misconduct involving a member of the Coast Guard who is the alleged victim or reporting witness of a sexual assault. (c) Mitigating and aggravating circumstances In issuing regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary shall specify mitigating circumstances that decrease the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline and aggravating circumstances that increase the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline for purposes of the safe-to-report policy. (d) Tracking of collateral misconduct incidents In conjunction with the issuance of regulations under subsection (a), Secretary shall develop and implement a process to anonymously track incidents of minor collateral misconduct that are subject to the safe-to-report policy established under such regulations. (e) Minor collateral misconduct defined In this section, the term minor collateral misconduct chapter 47 (1) is committed close in time to or during a sexual assault and directly related to the incident that formed the basis of the sexual assault allegation; (2) is discovered as a direct result of the report of sexual assault or the ensuing investigation into such sexual assault; and (3) does not involve aggravating circumstances (as specified in the regulations issued under subsection (a)) that increase the gravity of the minor misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 19 1908. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard. . 509. Modification of delivery date of Coast Guard sexual assault report Section 5112(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking January 15 March 1 510. Higher-level review of board of determination decisions (a) In general Section 2158 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the first sentence by striking The Secretary (a) In general The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Higher-level review of sexual assault cases (1) In general If a board convened under this section determines that the officer should be retained when the officer’s record indicates that the officer has committed a sexual assault offense, the board shall forward the record of the proceedings and recommendation of the board for higher-level review, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Authority The official exercising higher-level review shall have authority to forward the case for consideration by a Board of Inquiry in accordance with section 2159. (c) Sexual assault offense defined In this section, the term sexual assault offense . 511. Review of discharge or dismissal (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 2518. Review of discharge or dismissal (a) Downgrade (1) In general In addition to the requirements of section 1553 of title 10, a board of review for a former member of the Coast Guard established pursuant to such section may, upon a motion of the board and subject to review by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, downgrade an honorable discharge or dismissal to a general (under honorable conditions) discharge or dismissal upon a finding that a former member of the Coast Guard, while serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces, committed sexual assault or sexual harassment in violation of section 920, 920b, or 934 of this title (article 120, 120b, or 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (2) Evidence Any downgrade under paragraph (1) shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence. (3) Limitation The review board under paragraph (1) may not downgrade a discharge or dismissal of a former member of the Coast Guard if the same action described in paragraph (1) was considered prior to separation from active duty by an administrative board in determining the characterization of discharge as otherwise provided by law and in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (b) Procedural rights (1) In general A review by a board established under section 1553 of title 10 shall be based on the records of the armed forces concerned and such other evidence as may be presented to the board. (2) Evidence by witness A witness may present evidence to the board in person or by affidavit. (3) Appearance before board A person who requests a review under this section may appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 (4) Notification A former member of the Coast Guard who is subject to a downgrade in discharge characterization review under subsection (b)(3) shall be notified in writing of such proceedings, afforded the right to obtain copies of records and documents relevant to the proceedings, and the right to appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 2518. Review of discharge or dismissal. . 512. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial Section 7511(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking or (2) in paragraph (2) by striking State, local, or Tribal law Federal, State, local, or Tribal law (3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) section 920 or 920b of title 10 (article 120 and 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); or . 513. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Room reassignment Coast Guard Academy Cadets may request room reassignment if experiencing discomfort due to Coast Guard Academy rooming assignments. VI Amendments 601. Amendments (a) Prohibition on entry and operation Section 70022(b)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking Federal Register the Federal Register (b) Port, harbor, and coastal facility security Section 70116(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking terrorism cyber terrorism, cyber (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting a comma after acts of terrorism (c) Enforcement by state and local officers Section 70118(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking section 1 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 (chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 191 section 70051 (2) by striking section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1226(b) section 70116(b) (d) Chapter 701 definitions Section 70131(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking section 1 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 ( 50 U.S.C. 191 section 70051 (2) by striking section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1226(b) section 70116(b) (e) Notice of arrival requirements for vessels on the outer continental shelf (1) Preparatory conforming amendment Section 70001 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by redesignating subsections (l) and (m) as subsections (m) and (n), respectively. (2) Transfer of provision Section 704 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 46 U.S.C. 70001 (A) amended by striking of title 46, United States Code, (B) transferred to appear after 70001(k) of title 46, United States Code; and (C) redesignated as subsection (l). (f) Title 46 Title 46, United States Code, is amended as follows: (1) Section 2101(2) is amended by striking section 1 section 101 (2) Section 2116(b)(1)(D) is amended by striking section 93(c) section 504(c) (3) In the analysis for subtitle VII by striking the period after 70001 (4) In the analysis for chapter 700 by striking the item relating to section 70006 and inserting the following: 70006. Establishment by Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating of anchorage grounds and regulations generally. . (5) In the heading for subchapter IV in the analysis for chapter 700 by inserting a comma after Definitions (6) In the heading for subchapter VI in the analysis for chapter 700 by striking of the United of United (7) Section 70052(e)(1) is amended by striking section 4197 of the Revised Statutes of the United States ( 46 U.S.C. App. 91 section 60105 (g) Oil pollution act of 1990 The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq. (1) Section 1001(32)(G) ( 33 U.S.C. 2701(32)(G) pipeline offshore facility pipeline, offshore facility (2) Section 1016 ( 33 U.S.C. 2716 (A) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as subsections (d) through (h), respectively; and (B) in subsection (e)(1)(B), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (e) subsection (d) (3) Section 1012(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 2712(b)(2) section 1016(f)(1) section 1016(e)(1) (4) Section 1005(b)(5)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 2705(b)(5)(B) section 1016(g) section 1016(f) (5) Section 1018(c) ( 33 U.S.C. 2718(c) the Act of March 3, 1851 ( 46 U.S.C. 183 et seq. chapter 305 of title 46, United States Code (6) Section 7001(h)(1) ( 33 U.S.C. 2761(h)(1) subsection (c)(4) subsection (e)(4) May 8, 2024 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 2024This bill reauthorizes certain Coast Guard authorities and programs through FY2026, including by extending current levels for active-duty personnel and military training student loads. The bill also modifies several existing policies and programs. Among other provisions, the bill authorizes the Coast Guard to act to protect against damage or destruction resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats;  exempts service life extension programs from certain requirements for acquisition projects or programs; provides the Coast Guard with direct hire authority to appoint Coast Guard Academy civilian faculty; provides members of certain reserve components with up to 12 inactive-duty training periods of parental leave; andexpands benefits for individuals who are participating in the Career Intermission Program to include benefits such as disability and death benefits.The bill also requires the Coast Guard to establish location specific tsunami evacuation plans for units and sectors located in areas that have a high or very high risk of a tsunami,establishes certain notice requirements for foreign vessels operating on the Outer Continental Shelf,amends the requirements for certain merchant mariner credentials, andrequires higher-level review for certain determinations regarding the retention of an officer whose record includes a sexual assault offense.Further, the bill requires the Coast Guard to provide Congress reports detailing the status of the Polar Security Cutter program, among other reporting requirements.Additionally, the bill authorizes appropriations for the acquisition of additional vessels and aircraft, information technology modernization, and shoreside infrastructure.