IIB 
114TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 1987 
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
MAY 19, 2015 
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation 
AN ACT 
To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal 
years 2016 and 2017, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coast Guard Author-
ization Act of 2015’’. 
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
The table of contents for this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title. 
Sec. 2. Table of contents. 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATIONS 
Sec. 101. Authorizations. 
Sec. 102. Conforming amendments. 
TITLE II—COAST GUARD 
Sec. 201. Vice Commandant. 
Sec. 202. Vice admirals. 
Sec. 203. Coast Guard remission of indebtedness. 
Sec. 204. Acquisition reform. 
Sec. 205. Auxiliary jurisdiction. 
Sec. 206. Long-term major acquisitions plan. 
Sec. 207. Coast Guard communities. 
Sec. 208. ‘‘Polar Sea’’ materiel condition assessment and service life extension 
decision. 
Sec. 209. Repeal. 
Sec. 210. Technical corrections to title 14. 
Sec. 211. Digital boat profile pilot program. 
Sec. 212. Discontinuance of an aid to navigation. 
Sec. 213. Mission performance measures. 
Sec. 214. Communications. 
Sec. 215. Coast Guard graduate maritime operations education. 
TITLE III—SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION 
Sec. 301. Treatment of fishing permits. 
Sec. 302. Survival craft. 
Sec. 303. Enforcement. 
Sec. 304. Model years for recreational vessels. 
Sec. 305. Merchant mariner credential expiration harmonization. 
Sec. 306. Marine event safety zones. 
Sec. 307. Technical corrections. 
Sec. 308. Recommendations for improvements of marine casualty reporting. 
Sec. 309. Recreational vessel engine weights. 
Sec. 310. Merchant mariner medical certification reform. 
Sec. 311. Atlantic Coast port access route study. 
Sec. 312. Certificates of documentation for recreational vessels. 
Sec. 313. Program guidelines. 
Sec. 314. Repeals. 
TITLE IV—FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION 
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Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations. 
Sec. 402. Duties of the Chairman. 
Sec. 403. Prohibition on awards. 
TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS 
Sec. 501. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Marin County, California. 
Sec. 502. Elimination of reports. 
Sec. 503. Vessel documentation. 
Sec. 504. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Tok, Alaska. 
Sec. 505. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes. 
Sec. 506. Use of vessel sale proceeds. 
Sec. 507. Fishing vessel and fish tender vessel certification. 
Sec. 508. National Academy of Sciences cost comparison. 
Sec. 509. Penalty wages. 
Sec. 510. Recourse for noncitizens. 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATIONS 
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Title 14, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘PART III—COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATIONS AND 
REPORTS TO CONGRESS 
‘‘Chap.
Sec. 
‘‘27. Authorizations ..........................................................................
2701 
‘‘29. Reports .........................................................................................
2901. 
‘‘CHAPTER 27—AUTHORIZATIONS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2702. Authorization of appropriations. 
‘‘2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training. 
‘‘§ 2702. Authorization of appropriations 
‘‘Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each 
of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for necessary expenses of 
the Coast Guard as follows: 
‘‘(1) For the operation and maintenance of the 
Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for— 
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technologies, materials, and human factors directly 
related to improving the performance of the Coast 
Guard’s mission with respect to search and rescue, 
aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environ-
mental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, 
ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense 
readiness, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, 
and operation of facilities and equipment— 
‘‘(A) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016; and 
‘‘(B) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2017. 
‘‘§ 2704. Authorized levels of military strength and 
training 
‘‘(a) ACTIVE DUTY STRENGTH.—The Coast Guard is 
authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty per-
sonnel of 43,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017. 
‘‘(b) MILITARY TRAINING STUDENT LOADS.—The 
Coast Guard is authorized average military training stu-
dent loads for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(1) For recruit and special training, 2,500 
student years. 
‘‘(2) For flight training, 165 student years. 
‘‘(3) For professional training in military and 
civilian institutions, 350 student years. 
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‘‘(4) For officer acquisition, 1,200 student 
years. 
‘‘CHAPTER 29—REPORTS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2904. Manpower requirements plan. 
‘‘§ 2904. Manpower requirements plan 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—On the date on which the Presi-
dent submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2017 
under section 1105 of title 31, on the date on which the 
President submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 
2019 under such section, and every 4 years thereafter, the 
Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a manpower requirements plan. 
‘‘(b) SCOPE.—A manpower requirements plan sub-
mitted under subsection (a) shall include for each mission 
of the Coast Guard— 
‘‘(1) an assessment of all projected mission re-
quirements for the upcoming fiscal year and for each 
of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; 
‘‘(2) the number of active duty, reserve, and ci-
vilian personnel assigned or available to fulfill such 
mission requirements— 
‘‘(A) currently; and 
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‘‘(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal 
year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; 
‘‘(3) the number of active duty, reserve, and ci-
vilian personnel required to fulfill such mission re-
quirements— 
‘‘(A) currently; and 
‘‘(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal 
year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; 
‘‘(4) an identification of any capability gaps be-
tween mission requirements and mission perform-
ance caused by deficiencies in the numbers of per-
sonnel available— 
‘‘(A) currently; and 
‘‘(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal 
year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; 
and 
‘‘(5) an identification of the actions the Com-
mandant will take to address capability gaps identi-
fied under paragraph (4). 
‘‘(c) CONSIDERATION.—In composing a manpower 
requirements plan for submission under subsection (a), 
the Commandant shall consider— 
‘‘(1) the marine safety strategy required under 
section 2116 of title 46; 
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‘‘(2) information on the adequacy of the acqui-
sition workforce included in the most recent report 
under section 2903 of this title; and 
‘‘(3) any other Federal strategic planning effort 
the Commandant considers appropriate.’’. 
(b) REQUIREMENT FOR PRIOR AUTHORIZATION OF 
APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 662 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating such section as section 
2701; 
(2) by transferring such section to appear be-
fore section 2702 of such title (as added by sub-
section (a) of this section); and 
(3) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(1) For the operation and maintenance of the 
Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for. 
‘‘(2) For the acquisition, construction, renova-
tion, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore 
facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment 
related thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, 
lease, and operation of facilities and equipment. 
‘‘(3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, in-
cluding operations and maintenance of the program, 
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personnel and training costs, equipment, and serv-
ices. 
‘‘(4) For the environmental compliance and res-
toration functions of the Coast Guard under chapter 
19 of this title. 
‘‘(5) For research, development, test, and eval-
uation of technologies, materials, and human factors 
directly related to improving the performance of the 
Coast Guard. 
‘‘(6) For alteration or removal of bridges over 
navigable waters of the United States constituting 
obstructions to navigation, and for personnel and 
administrative costs associated with the Alteration of 
Bridges Program.’’. 
(c) 
AUTHORIZATION
OF
PERSONNEL
END 
STRENGTHS.—Section 661 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating such section as section 
2703; and 
(2) by transferring such section to appear be-
fore section 2704 of such title (as added by sub-
section (a) of this section). 
(d) REPORTS.— 
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(1) TRANSMISSION OF ANNUAL COAST GUARD 
AUTHORIZATION
REQUEST.—Section 662a of title 
14, United States Code, is amended— 
(A) by redesignating such section as sec-
tion 2901; 
(B) by transferring such section to appear 
before section 2904 of such title (as added by 
subsection (a) of this section); and 
(C) in subsection (b)— 
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘de-
scribed in section 661’’ and inserting ‘‘de-
scribed in section 2703’’; and 
(ii) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘de-
scribed in section 662’’ and inserting ‘‘de-
scribed in section 2701’’. 
(2) CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN.—Section 663 
of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(A) by redesignating such section as sec-
tion 2902; and 
(B) by transferring such section to appear 
after section 2901 of such title (as so redesig-
nated and transferred by paragraph (1) of this 
subsection). 
(3) MAJOR
ACQUISITIONS.—Section 569a of 
title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
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(A) by redesignating such section as sec-
tion 2903; 
(B) by transferring such section to appear 
after section 2902 of such title (as so redesig-
nated and transferred by paragraph (2) of this 
subsection); and 
(C) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ‘‘of this 
subchapter’’. 
(e) ICEBREAKING ON THE GREAT LAKES.—For fiscal 
years 2016 and 2017, the Commandant of the Coast 
Guard may use funds made available pursuant to section 
2702(2) of title 14, United States Code (as added by sub-
section (a) of this section) for the selection of a design 
for and the construction of an icebreaker that is capable 
of buoy tending to enhance icebreaking capacity on the 
Great Lakes. 
(f) ADDITIONAL SUBMISSIONS.—The Commandant 
of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on 
Homeland Security of the House of Representatives— 
(1) each plan required under section 2904 of 
title 14, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a) of this section; 
(2) each plan required under section 2903(e) of 
title 14, United States Code, as added by section 
206 of this Act; 
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(2) before the item relating to section 2704 the 
following: 
‘‘2703. Authorization of personnel end strengths.’’. 
(e) ANALYSIS FOR CHAPTER 29.—The analysis for 
chapter 29 of title 14, United States Code, as added by 
section 101(a) of this Act, is amended by inserting before 
the item relating to section 2904 the following: 
‘‘2901. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request. 
‘‘2902. Capital investment plan. 
‘‘2903. Major acquisitions.’’. 
(f) MISSION NEED STATEMENT.—Section 569(b) of 
title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘in section 
569a(e)’’ and inserting ‘‘in section 2903’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘under section 
663(a)(1)’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘under 
section 
2902(a)(1)’’. 
TITLE II—COAST GUARD 
SEC. 201. VICE COMMANDANT. 
(a) GRADES AND RATINGS.—Section 41 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘an admiral,’’ 
and inserting ‘‘admirals (two);’’. 
(b) VICE COMMANDANT; APPOINTMENT.—Section 47 
of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘vice admiral’’ and inserting ‘‘admiral’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 51 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended— 
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(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ‘‘admiral or’’ 
before ‘‘vice admiral,’’; 
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting ‘‘admiral or’’ 
before ‘‘vice admiral,’’ each place it appears; and 
(3) in subsection (c) by inserting ‘‘admiral or’’ 
before ‘‘vice admiral,’’. 
(d) APPLICATION.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, the officer who, on the date of the enactment 
of this Act, is serving as Vice Commandant of the Coast 
Guard— 
(1) shall have the grade of admiral, with the 
pay and allowances of that grade; and 
(2) shall not be required to be reappointed by 
reason of the enactment of this Act, including the 
amendments made by this Act. 
SEC. 202. VICE ADMIRALS. 
Section 50 of title 14, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and insert-
ing the following: 
‘‘(1) The President may— 
‘‘(A) designate, within the Coast Guard, no 
more than five positions of importance and responsi-
bility that shall be held by officers who, while so 
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serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with 
the pay and allowances of that grade, and shall per-
form such duties as the Commandant may prescribe 
(if the President designates five such positions, one 
position shall be a Chief of Staff); and 
‘‘(B) designate, within the executive branch, 
other than within the Coast Guard or the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, positions 
of importance and responsibility that shall be held 
by officers who, while so serving, shall have the 
grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances 
of that grade.’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking 
‘‘under paragraph (1)’’ and inserting ‘‘under 
paragraph (1)(A)’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ 
at the end; 
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as 
subparagraph (D); and 
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) 
the following: 
‘‘(C) at the discretion of the Secretary, while 
awaiting orders after being relieved from the posi-
tion, beginning on the day the officer is relieved 
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from the position, but not for more than 60 days; 
and’’. 
SEC. 203. COAST GUARD REMISSION OF INDEBTEDNESS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 461 of title 14, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 461. Remission of indebtedness 
‘‘The Secretary may have remitted or cancelled any 
part of a person’s indebtedness to the United States or 
any instrumentality of the United States if— 
‘‘(1) the indebtedness was incurred while the 
person served on active duty as a member of the 
Coast Guard; and 
‘‘(2) the Secretary determines that remitting or 
cancelling the indebtedness is in the best interest of 
the United States.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 13 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
striking the item relating to section 461 and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘461. Remission of indebtedness.’’. 
SEC. 204. ACQUISITION REFORM. 
(a) MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.—Section 
572(d)(3) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through 
(H) as subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively; 
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(2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as sub-
paragraph (C); 
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(B) the performance data to be used to 
determine whether the key performance param-
eters have been resolved;’’; and 
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as re-
designated by paragraph (2) of this subsection, the 
following: 
‘‘(D) the results during test and evaluation 
that will be required to demonstrate that a ca-
pability, asset, or subsystem meets performance 
requirements;’’. 
(b) 
CAPITAL
INVESTMENT
PLAN.—Section 
2902(a)(1) of title 14, United States Code, as redesig-
nated and otherwise amended by this Act, is further 
amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘comple-
tion;’’ and inserting ‘‘completion based on the pro-
posed appropriations included in the budget;’’; and 
(2) in subparagraph (D) by striking ‘‘at the 
projected funding levels;’’ and inserting ‘‘based on 
the proposed appropriations included in the budg-
et;’’. 
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(c) DAYS AWAY FROM HOMEPORT.—Not later than 
1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— 
(1) implement a standard for tracking oper-
ational days at sea for Coast Guard cutters that 
does not include days during which such cutters are 
undergoing maintenance or repair; and 
(2) notify the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate of the standard imple-
mented under paragraph (1). 
(d) FIXED WING AIRCRAFT FLEET MIX ANALYSIS.— 
Not later than September 30, 2015, the Commandant of 
the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Trans-
portation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a revised fleet mix analysis 
of Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft. 
SEC. 205. AUXILIARY JURISDICTION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 822 of title 14, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The purpose’’ and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The purpose’’; and 
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(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—The Auxiliary may conduct a pa-
trol of a waterway, or a portion thereof, only if— 
‘‘(1) the Commandant has determined such wa-
terway, or portion thereof, is navigable for purposes 
of the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard; or 
‘‘(2) a State or other proper authority has re-
quested such patrol pursuant to section 141 of this 
title or section 13109 of title 46.’’. 
(b) NOTIFICATION.—The Commandant of the Coast 
Guard shall— 
(1) review the waterways patrolled by the Coast 
Guard Auxiliary in the most recently completed fis-
cal year to determine whether such waterways are 
eligible or ineligible for patrol under section 822(b) 
of title 14, United States Code (as added by sub-
section (a)); and 
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, provide to the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a written 
notification of— 
(A) any waterways determined ineligible 
for patrol under paragraph (1); and 
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(B) the actions taken by the Commandant 
to ensure Auxiliary patrols do not occur on such 
waterways. 
SEC. 206. LONG-TERM MAJOR ACQUISITIONS PLAN. 
Section 2903 of title 14, United States Code, as re-
designated and otherwise amended by this Act, is further 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as sub-
section (f); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(e) LONG-TERM MAJOR ACQUISITIONS PLAN.— 
Each report under subsection (a) shall include a plan that 
describes for the upcoming fiscal year, and for each of the 
20 fiscal years thereafter— 
‘‘(1) the numbers and types of cutters and air-
craft to be decommissioned; 
‘‘(2) the numbers and types of cutters and air-
craft to be acquired to— 
‘‘(A) replace the cutters and aircraft iden-
tified under paragraph (1); or 
‘‘(B) address an identified capability gap; 
and 
‘‘(3) the estimated level of funding in each fis-
cal year required to— 
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‘‘(A) acquire the cutters and aircraft iden-
tified under paragraph (2); 
‘‘(B) acquire related command, control, 
communications, computer, intelligence, surveil-
lance, and reconnaissance systems; and 
‘‘(C) acquire, construct, or renovate shore-
side infrastructure.’’. 
SEC. 207. COAST GUARD COMMUNITIES. 
Section 409 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 1998 (14 U.S.C. 639 note) is amended by striking the 
second sentence and inserting the following: ‘‘The Com-
mandant may recognize any other community in a similar 
manner if the Commandant determines that such commu-
nity has demonstrated enduring support of the Coast 
Guard, Coast Guard personnel, and the dependents of 
Coast Guard personnel.’’. 
SEC. 208. ‘‘POLAR SEA’’ MATERIEL CONDITION ASSESSMENT 
AND SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION DECISION. 
Section 222 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Trans-
portation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–213; 126 Stat. 
1560) is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authoriza-
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tion Act of 2015, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall— 
‘‘(1) complete a materiel condition assessment 
with respect to the Polar Sea; 
‘‘(2) make a determination of whether it is cost 
effective to reactivate the Polar Sea compared with 
other options to provide icebreaking services as part 
of a strategy to maintain polar icebreaking services; 
and 
‘‘(3) submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Represent-
atives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate— 
‘‘(A) the assessment required under para-
graph (1); and 
‘‘(B) written notification of the determina-
tion required under paragraph (2).’’; 
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ‘‘analysis’’ and 
inserting ‘‘written notification’’; 
(3) by striking subsection (c); 
(4) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) 
as subsections (c) through (g), respectively; 
(5) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by para-
graph (4) of this section)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
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(i) in subparagraph (A) by striking 
‘‘based on the analysis required’’; and 
(ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking 
‘‘analysis’’ and inserting ‘‘written notifica-
tion’’; 
(B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(2) 
DECOMMISSIONING.—If 
the 
Secretary 
makes a determination under subsection (a) that it 
is not cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, 
then, not later than 180 days after written notifica-
tion of that determination is submitted under that 
subsection, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
may decommission the Polar Sea.’’; and 
(C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(3) RESULT OF NO DETERMINATION.—If the 
Secretary does not make a determination under sub-
section (a) regarding whether it is cost effective to 
reactivate the Polar Sea, then the Commandant of 
the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea.’’; 
(6) in subsection (d)(1) (as redesignated by 
paragraph (4) of this section) by striking ‘‘analysis’’ 
and inserting ‘‘written notification’’; and 
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(7) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by para-
graph (4) of this section) by striking ‘‘in subsection 
(d)’’ and inserting ‘‘in subsection (c)’’. 
SEC. 209. REPEAL. 
Section 225(b)(2) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard 
and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 
113–281; 128 Stat. 3039) is repealed. 
SEC. 210. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO TITLE 14. 
Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, 
is further amended— 
(1) in the analysis for part I by striking the 
item relating to chapter 19 and inserting the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘19. Environmental Compliance and Restoration Pro-
gram ............................................................................
690’’; 
(2) in section 46(a) by striking ‘‘subsection’’ 
and inserting ‘‘section’’; 
(3) in section 47 in the section heading by 
striking ‘‘commandant’’ and inserting ‘‘Com-
mandant’’; 
(4) in section 93(f) by striking paragraph (2) 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘(2) 
LIMITATION.—The 
Commandant 
may 
lease submerged lands and tidelands under para-
graph (1) only if— 
‘‘(A) the lease is for cash exclusively; 
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(9) 
in 
section 
581(5)(B) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$300,000,0000,’’ and inserting ‘‘$300,000,000,’’; 
(10) in section 637(c)(3) in the matter pre-
ceding subparagraph (A) by inserting ‘‘it is’’ before 
‘‘any’’; 
(11) in section 641(d)(3) by striking ‘‘Guard, 
installation’’ and inserting ‘‘Guard installation’’; 
(12) in section 691(c)(3) by striking ‘‘state’’ 
and inserting ‘‘State’’; 
(13) in the analysis for chapter 21— 
(A) by striking the item relating to section 
709 and inserting the following: 
‘‘709. Reserve student aviation pilots; Reserve aviation pilots; appointments in 
commissioned grade.’’; 
and 
(B) by striking the item relating to section 
740 and inserting the following: 
‘‘740. Failure of selection and removal from an active status.’’; 
(14) in section 742(c) by striking ‘‘subsection’’ 
and inserting ‘‘subsections’’; 
(15) in section 821(b)(1) by striking ‘‘Chapter 
26’’ and inserting ‘‘Chapter 171’’; and 
(16) in section 823a(b)(1), by striking ‘‘Chap-
ter 26’’ and inserting ‘‘Chapter 171’’. 
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SEC. 211. DIGITAL BOAT PROFILE PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—If, during the 1-year period begin-
ning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is op-
erating determines that there are at least two digital boat 
profile technologies that are commercially available, the 
Secretary shall establish a pilot program, in accordance 
with this section, under which digital boat profiles are uti-
lized for— 
(1) not less than two National Security Cutters; 
(2) not less than four Fast Response Cutters; 
and 
(3) not less than four Medium Endurance Cut-
ters (270 foot). 
(b) TIMING.—With respect to the National Security 
Cutters and Fast Response Cutters participating in the 
pilot program, a digital boat profile shall be established 
prior to the commissioning of the cutters. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the estab-
lishment of the pilot program, and annually thereafter for 
the succeeding 4 years, the Secretary of the department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
describing— 
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(1) the implementation of the pilot program; 
and 
(2) the results of the use of digital boat profiles 
under the pilot program with respect to— 
(A) efficient maintenance of the cutters in-
volved; and 
(B) the post-delivery warranty manage-
ment of equipment items, the repair and re-
placement of which are contractually obligated. 
(d) DIGITAL BOAT PROFILE DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘digital boat profile’’ means a commercially 
available off-the-shelf technology that creates an electronic 
data source with respect to a vessel that— 
(1) provides lifecycle management support, in-
cluding through the incorporation of systems manu-
als, schematics, and vessel documentation; 
(2) incorporates all manufacturer recommenda-
tions and operator best practices; 
(3) incorporates the use of real-time analytics 
of deferred tasks, future tasks, readiness assess-
ments, and budgetary planners; 
(4) provides advance electronic notification of 
upcoming maintenance and inspections to multi-level 
permission-based recipients on a daily, weekly, or 
monthly basis; 
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(5) facilitates oversight for pre-delivery discrep-
ancy reporting and post-delivery warranty manage-
ment of equipment items, the repair and replace-
ment of which are contractually obligated; and 
(6) is accessible by computing devices. 
SEC. 212. DISCONTINUANCE OF AN AID TO NAVIGATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall 
establish a process for the discontinuance of an aid to 
navigation established, maintained, or operated by the 
Coast Guard. 
(b) REQUIREMENT.—The process established under 
subsection (a) shall include procedures to notify the public 
of any discontinuance of an aid to navigation described 
in that subsection. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In establishing a process under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with and con-
sider any recommendations of the Navigation Safety Advi-
sory Council. 
(d) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after es-
tablishing a process under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
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mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate of the process established. 
SEC. 213. MISSION PERFORMANCE MEASURES. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and In-
frastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an as-
sessment of the efficacy of the Coast Guard’s Standard 
Operational Planning Process with respect to annual mis-
sion performance measures. 
SEC. 214. COMMUNICATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish and 
carry out a response capabilities pilot program to assess, 
at not fewer than two Coast Guard command centers, the 
effectiveness of a radio gateway that— 
(1) provides for— 
(A) multiagency collaboration and inter-
operability; and 
(B) wide-area, secure, and peer-invitation- 
and-acceptance-based multimedia communica-
tions; 
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(2) is certified by the Department of Defense 
Joint Interoperability Test Center; and 
(3) is composed of commercially available, off- 
the-shelf technology. 
(b) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter 
for the succeeding 4 years, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an as-
sessment of the pilot program, including the impacts of 
the program with respect to interagency and Coast Guard 
response capabilities. 
SEC. 215. COAST GUARD GRADUATE MARITIME OPER-
ATIONS EDUCATION. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall establish an education pro-
gram, for members and employees of the Coast Guard, 
that— 
(1) offers a master’s degree in maritime oper-
ations; 
(2) is relevant to the professional development 
of such members and employees; 
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(3) provides resident and distant education op-
tions, including the ability to utilize both options; 
and 
(4) to the greatest extent practicable, is con-
ducted using existing academic programs at an ac-
credited public academic institution that— 
(A) is located near a significant number of 
Coast Guard, maritime, and other Department 
of Homeland Security law enforcement per-
sonnel; and 
(B) has an ability to simulate operations 
normally conducted at a command center. 
TITLE III—SHIPPING AND 
NAVIGATION 
SEC. 301. TREATMENT OF FISHING PERMITS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter I of chapter 313 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘§ 31310. Treatment of fishing permits 
‘‘(a) LIMITATION ON MARITIME LIENS.—This chap-
ter— 
‘‘(1) does not establish a maritime lien on a 
fishing permit; and 
‘‘(2) does not authorize any civil action to en-
force a maritime lien on a fishing permit. 
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‘‘(b) TREATMENT
OF FISHING PERMITS UNDER 
STATE AND FEDERAL LAW.—A fishing permit— 
‘‘(1) is governed solely by the State or Federal 
law under which it is issued; and 
‘‘(2) shall not be treated as part of a vessel, or 
as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel, for any 
purpose under Federal law. 
‘‘(c) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF COMMERCE NOT 
AFFECTED.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
imposing any limitation upon the authority of the Sec-
retary of Commerce— 
‘‘(1) to modify, suspend, revoke, or impose a 
sanction on any fishing permit issued by the Sec-
retary of Commerce; or 
‘‘(2) to bring a civil action to enforce such a 
modification, suspension, revocation, or sanction. 
‘‘(d) FISHING PERMIT DEFINED.—In this section the 
term ‘fishing permit’ means any authorization of a person 
or vessel to engage in fishing that is issued under State 
or Federal law.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 31309 the following: 
‘‘31310. Treatment of fishing permits.’’. 
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SEC. 302. SURVIVAL CRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3104 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 3104. Survival craft 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT TO EQUIP.—The Secretary shall 
require that a passenger vessel be equipped with survival 
craft that ensures that no part of an individual is im-
mersed in water, if— 
‘‘(1) such vessel is built or undergoes a major 
conversion after January 1, 2016; and 
‘‘(2) operates in cold waters as determined by 
the Secretary. 
‘‘(b) HIGHER STANDARD
OF SAFETY.—The Sec-
retary may revise part 117 or part 180 of title 46, Code 
of Federal Regulations, as in effect before January 1, 
2016, if such revision provides a higher standard of safety 
than is provided by the regulations in effect on or before 
the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authoriza-
tion Act of 2015. 
‘‘(c) INNOVATIVE AND NOVEL DESIGNS.—The Sec-
retary may, in lieu of the requirements set out in part 
117 or part 180 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, 
as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Coast 
Guard Authorization Act of 2015, allow a passenger vessel 
to be equipped with a life saving appliance or arrangement 
of an innovative or novel design that— 
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‘‘(1) ensures no part of an individual is im-
mersed in water; and 
‘‘(2) provides an equal or higher standard of 
safety than is provided by such requirements as in 
effect before such date of the enactment. 
‘‘(d) BUILT DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘built’ has the meaning that term has under section 
4503(e).’’. 
(b) REVIEW; REVISION OF REGULATIONS.— 
(1) REVIEW.—Not later than December 31, 
2015, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate a review of— 
(A) the number of casualties for individ-
uals with disabilities, children, and the elderly 
as a result of immersion in water, reported to 
the Coast Guard over the preceding 30-year pe-
riod, by vessel type and area of operation; 
(B) the risks to individuals with disabil-
ities, children, and the elderly as a result of im-
mersion in water, by passenger vessel type and 
area of operation; 
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(C) the effect that carriage of survival 
craft that ensure that no part of an individual 
is immersed in water has on— 
(i) passenger vessel safety, including 
stability and safe navigation; 
(ii) improving the survivability of indi-
viduals, including individuals with disabil-
ities, children, and the elderly; and 
(iii) the costs, the incremental cost 
difference to vessel operators, and the cost 
effectiveness of requiring the carriage of 
such survival craft to address the risks to 
individuals with disabilities, children, and 
the elderly; 
(D) the efficacy of alternative safety sys-
tems, devices, or measures in improving surviv-
ability of individuals with disabilities, children, 
and the elderly; and 
(E) the number of small businesses and 
nonprofit vessel operators that would be af-
fected by requiring the carriage of such survival 
craft on passenger vessels to address the risks 
to individuals with disabilities, children, and the 
elderly. 
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(2) REVISION.—Based on the review conducted 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary may revise regu-
lations concerning the carriage of survival craft pur-
suant to section 3104(c) of title 46, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 303. ENFORCEMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 55305(d) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(1) Each department or agency that has re-
sponsibility for a program under this section shall 
administer that program consistent with this section 
and any regulations promulgated pursuant to sub-
chapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, issued by the Sec-
retary of Transportation, and developed in consulta-
tion with each department and agency subject to 
this section.’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para-
graph (3), and by inserting after paragraph (1) the 
following: 
‘‘(2)(A) The Secretary, after consulting with 
the department, agency, organization, or person in-
volved, shall have sole responsibility for determining 
the applicability of this section to a program of a 
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Federal department or agency, after consulting with 
the department, agency, organization, or person in-
volved. 
‘‘(B) The head of a Federal department or 
agency shall request the Secretary to determine the 
applicability of this section to a program of such de-
partment or agency if the department or agency is 
uncertain of such applicability. Not later than 30 
days after receiving such a request, the Secretary 
shall make such determination. 
‘‘(C) Subparagraph (B) shall not be construed 
to limit the authority of the Secretary to make a de-
termination regarding the applicability of this sec-
tion to a program administered by a Federal depart-
ment or agency. 
‘‘(D) A determination made by the Secretary 
under this paragraph regarding a program shall re-
main in effect until the Secretary determines that 
this section no longer applies to such program.’’; 
(3) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by 
amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: 
‘‘(A) shall conduct an annual review of the 
administration of programs subject to the re-
quirements of this section to determine compli-
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ance with the requirements of this section;’’; 
and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) On the date on which the President sub-
mits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 
of title 31, the Secretary shall make available on the 
Internet website of the Department of Transpor-
tation a report that— 
‘‘(A) lists the programs that were subject 
to determinations made by the Secretary under 
paragraph (2) in the preceding year; and 
‘‘(B) describes the results of the most re-
cent annual review required by paragraph 
(3)(A), including identification of the depart-
ments and agencies that transported cargo in 
violation of this section and any action the Sec-
retary took under paragraph (3) with respect to 
each violation.’’. 
(b) DEADLINE FOR FIRST REVIEW.—The Secretary 
of Transportation shall complete the first review required 
under the amendment made by subsection (a)(1)(C) by 
not later than December 31, 2015. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 3511(c) of 
the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2009 (46 U.S.C. 55305 note) is repealed. 
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SEC. 304. MODEL YEARS FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4302 of title 46, United 
States Code is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(e)(1) If in prescribing regulations under this sec-
tion the Secretary establishes a model year for recreational 
vessels and associated equipment, such model year shall, 
except as provided in paragraph (2)— 
‘‘(A) begin on June 1 of a year and end on July 
31 of the following year; and 
‘‘(B) be designated by the year in which it ends. 
‘‘(2) Upon the request of a recreational vessel manu-
facturer to which this chapter applies, the Secretary may 
alter a model year for a model of recreational vessel of 
the manufacturer and associated equipment, by no more 
than 6 months from the model year described in para-
graph (1).’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—This section shall only apply with 
respect to recreational vessels and associated equipment 
constructed or manufactured, respectively, on or after 
June 1, 2015. 
(c) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall 
publish guidance to implement section 4302(d)(2) of title 
46, United States Code. 
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SEC. 305. MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL EXPIRATION 
HARMONIZATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsection 
(c) and not later than 1 year after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a process to 
harmonize the expiration dates of merchant mariner cre-
dentials, mariner medical certificates, and radar observer 
endorsements for individuals applying to the Secretary for 
a new merchant mariner credential or for renewal of an 
existing merchant mariner credential. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall ensure 
that the process established under subsection (a)— 
(1) does not require an individual to renew a 
merchant mariner credential earlier than the date on 
which the individual’s current credential expires; and 
(2) results in harmonization of expiration dates 
for merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical 
certificates, and radar observer endorsements for all 
individuals by not later than 6 years after the date 
of the enactment of this Act. 
(c) EXCEPTION.—The process established under sub-
section (a) does not apply to individuals— 
(1) holding a merchant mariner credential 
with— 
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(A) an active Standards of Training, Cer-
tification, and Watchkeeping endorsement; or 
(B) Federal first-class pilot endorsement; 
or 
(2) who have been issued a time-restricted med-
ical certificate. 
SEC. 306. MARINE EVENT SAFETY ZONES. 
Section 6 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 
U.S.C. 1225) is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(c) MARINE EVENT SAFETY ZONES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the Secretary shall recover all costs the 
Coast Guard incurs to enforce a safety zone under 
this section if such safety zone is established for a 
marine event conducted under a permit or other au-
thorization by the Coast Guard. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary may not re-
cover costs under paragraph (1) from a State or 
local government. 
‘‘(3) TREATMENT
OF
RECOVERED
COSTS.— 
Costs recovered by the Secretary under this sub-
section shall be credited to the appropriation for op-
erating expenses of the Coast Guard. 
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‘‘(4) MARINE EVENT DEFINED.—In this section 
the term ‘marine event’ means a planned activity of 
limited duration that by its nature, circumstances, 
or location, will introduce extra or unusual hazards 
to the safety of life on the navigable waters of the 
United States.’’. 
SEC. 307. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. 
(a) TITLE 46.—Title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in section 103, by striking ‘‘(33 U.S.C. 
151).’’ and inserting ‘‘(33 U.S.C. 151(b)).’’; 
(2) in section 2118— 
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter pre-
ceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘title,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘subtitle,’’; and 
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘title’’ 
and inserting ‘‘subtitle’’; 
(3) in the analysis for chapter 35— 
(A) by adding a period at the end of the 
item relating to section 3507; and 
(B) by adding a period at the end of the 
item relating to section 3508; 
(4) in section 3715(a)(2), by striking ‘‘; and’’ 
and inserting a semicolon; 
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(5) in section 8103(b)(1)(A)(iii), by striking 
‘‘Academy.’’ and inserting ‘‘Academy; and’’; and 
(6) in section 11113(c)(1)(A)(i), by striking 
‘‘under this Act’’. 
(b) GENERAL BRIDGE STATUTES.— 
(1) ACT OF MARCH 3, 1899.—The Act of March 
3, 1899, popularly known as the Rivers and Harbors 
Appropriations Act of 1899, is amended— 
(A) in section 9 (33 U.S.C. 401), by strik-
ing ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
and 
(B) in section 18 (33 U.S.C. 502), by 
striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is oper-
ating’’. 
(2) ACT OF MARCH 23, 1906.—The Act of March 
23, 1906, popularly known as the Bridge Act of 
1906, is amended— 
(A) in the first section (33 U.S.C. 491), by 
striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ and in-
serting ‘‘Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
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(B) in section 4 (33 U.S.C. 514), by strik-
ing ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ and inserting 
‘‘Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating’’; 
(C) in section 7 (33 U.S.C. 517), by strik-
ing ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
and 
(D) in section 13 (33 U.S.C. 523), by 
striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ and in-
serting ‘‘Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating’’. 
(5) GENERAL BRIDGE ACT OF 1946.—The Gen-
eral Bridge Act of 1946 is amended— 
(A) in section 502(b) (33 U.S.C. 525(b)), 
by striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating’’; and 
(B) in section 510 (33 U.S.C. 533), by 
striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is oper-
ating’’. 
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(6) INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE ACT OF 1972.—The 
International Bridge Act of 1972 is amended— 
(A) in section 5 (33 U.S.C. 535c), by 
striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ and in-
serting ‘‘Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating’’; and 
(B) in section 8 (33 U.S.C. 535e), by 
striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is oper-
ating’’. 
SEC. 308. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS OF MA-
RINE CASUALTY REPORTING. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate of the actions the Commandant will take to imple-
ment recommendations on improvements to the Coast 
Guard’s marine casualty reporting requirements and pro-
cedures included in— 
(1) the Department of Homeland Security Of-
fice of Inspector General report entitled ‘‘Marine Ac-
cident Reporting, Investigations, and Enforcement 
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in the United States Coast Guard’’, released on May 
23, 2013; and 
(2) the Towing Safety Advisory Committee re-
port entitled ‘‘Recommendations for Improvement of 
Marine Casualty Reporting’’, released on March 26, 
2015. 
SEC. 309. RECREATIONAL VESSEL ENGINE WEIGHTS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall issue regulations 
amending Table 4 to Subpart H of Part 183–Weights 
(Pounds) of Outboard Motor and Related Equipment for 
Various Boat Horsepower Ratings (33 CFR 183) as ap-
propriate to reflect ‘‘Standard 30–Outboard Engine and 
Related Equipment Weights’’ published by the American 
Boat and Yacht Council, as in effect on the date of the 
enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 310. MERCHANT MARINER MEDICAL CERTIFICATION 
REFORM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 75 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 7509. Medical certification by trusted agents 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of law and pursuant to regulations prescribed by 
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the Secretary, a trusted agent may issue a medical certifi-
cate to an individual who— 
‘‘(1) must hold such certificate to qualify for a 
license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner’s 
document, or endorsement thereto under this part; 
and 
‘‘(2) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and phys-
ical condition to perform the duties of such license, 
certificate, document, or endorsement, as determined 
by the trusted agent. 
‘‘(b) TRUSTED AGENT DEFINED.—In this section the 
term ‘trusted agent’ means a medical practitioner certified 
by the Secretary to perform physical examinations of an 
individual for purposes of a license, certificate of registry, 
or merchant mariner’s document under this part.’’. 
(b) DEADLINE.—Not later than 3 years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall 
issue a final rule implementing section 7509 of title 46, 
United States Code, as added by this section. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such 
chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘7509. Medical certification by trusted agents.’’. 
SEC. 311. ATLANTIC COAST PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY. 
Not later than April 1, 2016, the Commandant of the 
Coast Guard shall conclude the Atlantic Coast Port Access 
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Route Study and submit the results of such study to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 
SEC. 312. CERTIFICATES OF DOCUMENTATION FOR REC-
REATIONAL VESSELS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of the Department in 
which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue regulations 
that— 
(1) make certificates of documentation for rec-
reational vessels effective for 5 years; and 
(2) require the owner of such a vessel— 
(A) to notify the Coast Guard of each 
change in the information on which the 
issuance of the certificate of documentation is 
based, that occurs before the expiration of the 
certificate; and 
(B) apply for a new certificates of docu-
mentation for such a vessel if there is any such 
change. 
SEC. 313. PROGRAM GUIDELINES. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall— 
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(1) develop guidelines to implement the pro-
gram authorized under section 304(a) of the Coast 
Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 
(Public Law 109–241), including specific actions to 
ensure 
the 
future 
availability 
of 
able 
and 
credentialed United States licensed and unlicensed 
seafarers including— 
(A) incentives to encourage partnership 
agreements with operators of foreign-flag ves-
sels that carry liquified natural gas, that pro-
vide no less than one training billet per vessel 
for United States merchant mariners in order 
to meet minimum mandatory sea service re-
quirements; 
(B) development of appropriate training 
curricula for use by public and private maritime 
training institutions to meet all United States 
merchant mariner license, certification, and 
document laws and requirements under the 
International Convention on Standards of 
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for 
Seafarers, 1978; and 
(C) steps to promote greater outreach and 
awareness of additional job opportunities for 
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sea service veterans of the United States Armed 
Forces; and 
(2) submit such guidelines to the Committee 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 
SEC. 314. REPEALS. 
(a) REPEALS, MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1936.—Sec-
tions 601 through 606, 608 through 611, 613 through 
616, 802, and 809 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 
U.S.C. 53101 note) are repealed. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Chapter 575 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in section 57501, by striking ‘‘titles V and 
VI’’ and inserting ‘‘title V’’; and 
(2) in section 57531(a), by striking ‘‘titles V 
and VI’’ and inserting ‘‘title V’’. 
(c) TRANSFER FROM MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 
1936.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 801 of the Merchant 
Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. 53101 note) is— 
(A) redesignated as section 57522 of title 
46, United States Code, and transferred to ap-
pear after section 57521 of such title; and 
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(B) as so redesignated and transferred, is 
amended— 
(i) by striking so much as precedes 
the first sentence and inserting the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and in-
spection and auditing’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘the provision of title 
VI or VII of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘this 
chapter’’; 
(iii) by striking ‘‘That the provisions’’ 
and all that follows through ‘‘Commission; 
(2)’’; and 
(iv) by redesignating clauses (3) and 
(4) as clauses (2) and (3), respectively. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for 
chapter 575, of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to sec-
tion 57521 the following: 
‘‘57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing.’’. 
(d) REPEALS, TITLE 46, U.S.C.—Section 8103 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended in subsections 
(c) and (d) by striking ‘‘or operating’’ each place it ap-
pears. 
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TITLE IV—FEDERAL MARITIME 
COMMISSION 
SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 308. Authorization of appropriations 
‘‘There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fed-
eral Maritime Commission $24,700,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2016 and 2017 for the activities of the Commission 
authorized under this chapter and subtitle IV.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 3 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by add-
ing at the end the following: 
‘‘308. Authorization of appropriations.’’. 
SEC. 402. DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN. 
Section 301(c)(3)(A) of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in clause (ii) by striking ‘‘units, but only 
after consultation with the other Commissioners;’’ 
and inserting ‘‘units (with such appointments sub-
ject to the approval of the Commission);’’; 
(2) in clause (iv) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(3) in clause (v) by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
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(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(vi) prepare and submit to the Presi-
dent and Congress requests for appropria-
tions for the Commission (with such re-
quests subject to the approval of the Com-
mission).’’. 
SEC. 403. PROHIBITION ON AWARDS. 
Section 307 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The Federal Maritime Commis-
sion’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Maritime Commis-
sion’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) PROHIBITION.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), 
the Federal Maritime Commission may not expend any 
funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it to 
issue an award, prize, commendation, or other honor to 
a non-Federal entity.’’. 
TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS 
SEC. 501. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN 
MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. 
(a) CONVEYANCE AUTHORIZED.—The Commandant 
of the Coast Guard may convey all right, title, and interest 
of the United States in and to the covered property, upon 
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payment to the United States of the fair market value of 
the covered property. 
(b) RIGHT
OF FIRST REFUSAL.—The County of 
Marin, California shall have the right of first refusal with 
respect to purchase of the covered property under this sec-
tion. 
(c) SURVEY.—The exact acreage and legal descrip-
tion of the covered property shall be determined by a sur-
vey satisfactory to the Commandant. 
(d) FAIR MARKET VALUE.—The fair market value 
of the covered property shall— 
(1) be determined by appraisal; and 
(2) be subject to the approval of the Com-
mandant. 
(e) COSTS OF CONVEYANCE.—The responsibility for 
all reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate 
transaction and environmental documentation costs, asso-
ciated with a conveyance under this section shall be deter-
mined by the Commandant and the purchaser. 
(f) ADDITIONAL TERMS
AND CONDITIONS.—The 
Commandant may require such additional terms and con-
ditions in connection with a conveyance under this section 
as the Commandant considers appropriate and reasonable 
to protect the interests of the United States. 
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(g) DEPOSIT OF PROCEEDS.—Any proceeds received 
by the United States in a conveyance under this section 
shall be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund es-
tablished by section 687 of title 14, United States Code. 
(h) COVERED PROPERTY DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘covered property’’ means the approximately 32 
acres of real property (including all improvements located 
on the property) that are— 
(1) located at Station Point Reyes in Marin 
County, California; 
(2) under the administrative control of the 
Coast Guard; and 
(3) described as ‘‘Parcel A, Tract 1’’, ‘‘Parcel 
B, Tract 2’’, ‘‘Parcel C’’, and ‘‘Parcel D’’ in the 
Declaration of Taking (Civil No. C–71–1245 SC) 
filed June 28, 1971, in the United States District 
Court for the Northern District of California. 
SEC. 502. ELIMINATION OF REPORTS. 
(a) DISTANT WATER TUNA FLEET.—Section 421 of 
the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
2006 (46 U.S.C. 8103 note) is amended by striking sub-
section (d). 
(b) ANNUAL UPDATES ON LIMITS TO LIABILITY.— 
Section 603(c)(3) of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2006 (33 U.S.C. 2704 note) is 
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amended by striking ‘‘on an annual basis.’’ and inserting 
‘‘not later than January 30 of the year following each year 
in which occurs an oil discharge from a vessel or nonvessel 
source that results or is likely to result in removal costs 
and damages (as those terms are defined in section 1001 
of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701)) that 
exceed liability limits established under section 1004 of the 
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2704).’’. 
(c) INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE ACT OF 1972.—The 
International Bridge Act of 1972 is amended by striking 
section 11 (33 U.S.C. 535h). 
SEC. 503. VESSEL DOCUMENTATION. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
and infrastructure of the House and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, a 
description of actions that could be taken to— 
(1) improve the efficiency of performance of the 
functions currently carried out by the National Ves-
sel Documentation Center, including by— 
(A) transferring such functions to Coast 
Guard headquarters; and 
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(B) reassigning Coast Guard personnel to 
better meet the Coast Guard’s vessel docu-
mentation mission; and 
(2) strengthen the review of compliance with 
United States ownership requirements for vessels 
documented under the laws of the United States. 
SEC. 504. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN 
TOK, ALASKA. 
(a) CONVEYANCE AUTHORIZED.—The Commandant 
of the Coast Guard may convey all right, title, and interest 
of the United States in and to the covered property, upon 
payment to the United States of the fair market value of 
the covered property. 
(b) RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.—The Tanana Chiefs’ 
Conference shall have the right of first refusal with respect 
to purchase of the covered property under this section. 
(c) SURVEY.—The exact acreage and legal descrip-
tion of the covered property shall be determined by a sur-
vey satisfactory to the Commandant. 
(d) FAIR MARKET VALUE.—The fair market value 
of the covered property shall be— 
(1) determined by appraisal; and 
(2) subject to the approval of the Commandant. 
(e) COSTS OF CONVEYANCE.—The responsibility for 
all reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate 
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transaction and environmental documentation costs, asso-
ciated with a conveyance under this section shall be deter-
mined by the Commandant and the purchaser. 
(f) ADDITIONAL TERMS
AND CONDITIONS.—The 
Commandant may require such additional terms and con-
ditions in connection with a conveyance under this section 
as the Commandant considers appropriate and reasonable 
to protect the interests of the United States. 
(g) DEPOSIT OF PROCEEDS.—Any proceeds received 
by the United States from a conveyance under this section 
shall be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund es-
tablished under section 687 of title 14, United States 
Code. 
(h) COVERED PROPERTY DEFINED.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—In this section, the term 
‘‘covered property’’ means the approximately 3.25 
acres of real property (including all improvements 
located on the property) that are— 
(A) located in Tok, Alaska; 
(B) under the administrative control of the 
Coast Guard; and 
(C) described in paragraph (2). 
(2) DESCRIPTION.—The property described in 
this paragraph is the following: 
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(A) Lots 11, 12 and 13, block ‘‘G’’, Sec-
ond Addition to Hartsell Subdivision, Section 
20, Township 18 North, Range 13 East, Cop-
per River Meridian, Alaska as appears by Plat 
No. 72-39 filed in the Office of the Recorder 
for the Fairbanks Recording District of Alaska, 
bearing seal dated 25 September 1972, all con-
taining approximately 1.25 acres and commonly 
known as 2-PLEX – Jackie Circle, Units A and 
B. 
(B) Beginning at a point being the SE cor-
ner of the SE 1⁄4 of the SE 1⁄4 Section 24, 
Township 18 North, Range 12 East, Copper 
River Meridian, Alaska; thence running west-
erly along the south line of said SE 1⁄4 of the 
NE 1⁄4 260 feet; thence northerly parallel to the 
east line of said SE 1⁄4 of the NE 1⁄4 335 feet; 
thence easterly parallel to the south line 260 
feet; then south 335 feet along the east bound-
ary of Section 24 to the point of beginning; all 
containing approximately 2.0 acres and com-
monly known as 4-PLEX – West ‘‘C’’ and Wil-
low, Units A, B, C and D. 
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SEC. 505. SAFE VESSEL OPERATION IN THE GREAT LAKES. 
The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Trans-
portation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–281) is amend-
ed— 
(1) in section 610, by— 
(A) striking the section enumerator and 
heading and inserting the following: 
‘‘SEC. 610. SAFE VESSEL OPERATION IN THE GREAT 
LAKES.’’; 
(B) striking ‘‘existing boundaries and any 
future expanded boundaries of the Thunder 
Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Under-
water Preserve’’ and inserting ‘‘boundaries of 
any national marine sanctuary that preserves 
shipwrecks or maritime heritage in the Great 
Lakes’’; and 
(C) by inserting before the period at the 
end the following: ‘‘, unless the designation doc-
uments for such sanctuary do not allow taking 
up or discharging ballast water in such sanc-
tuary’’; and 
(2) in the table of contents in section 2, by 
striking the item relating to such section and insert-
ing the following: 
‘‘Sec. 610. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes.’’. 
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SEC. 506. USE OF VESSEL SALE PROCEEDS. 
(a) AUDIT.—The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct an audit of funds credited in each 
fiscal year after fiscal year 2004 to the Vessel Operations 
Revolving Fund that are attributable to the sale of obso-
lete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that 
were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103, and 
57104 of title 46, United States Code, including— 
(1) a complete accounting of all vessel sale pro-
ceeds attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in 
the National Defense Reserve Fleet that were 
scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103, and 
57104 of title 46, United States Code, in each fiscal 
year after fiscal year 2004; 
(2) the annual apportionment of proceeds ac-
counted for under paragraph (1) among the uses au-
thorized under section 308704 of title 54, United 
States Code, in each fiscal year after fiscal year 
2004, including— 
(A) 
for 
National 
Maritime 
Heritage 
Grants, including a list of all annual National 
Maritime Heritage Grant grant and subgrant 
awards that identifies the respective grant and 
subgrant recipients and grant and subgrant 
amounts; 
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(B) for the preservation and presentation 
to the public of maritime heritage property of 
the Maritime Administration; 
(C) to the United States Merchant Marine 
Academy and State maritime academies, includ-
ing a list of annual awards; and 
(D) for the acquisition, repair, recondi-
tioning, or improvement of vessels in the Na-
tional Defense Reserve Fleet; and 
(3) an accounting of proceeds, if any, attrib-
utable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National 
Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold 
under sections 57102, 57103, and 57104 of title 46, 
United States Code, in each fiscal year after fiscal 
year 2004, that were expended for uses not author-
ized under section 308704 of title 54, United States 
Code. 
(b) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment this Act, the Comptroller 
General shall submit the audit conducted in subsection (a) 
to the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
Natural Resources, and the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 
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SEC. 507. FISHING VESSEL AND FISH TENDER VESSEL CER-
TIFICATION. 
Section 4503 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the 
following: ‘‘Subsection (a) does not apply to a fish-
ing vessel or fish tender vessel described in sub-
section (d)(6), if the vessel complies with an alter-
native safety compliance program established under 
that subsection for such a vessel.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(6) The Secretary shall establish an alternative safe-
ty compliance program for fishing vessels or fish tender 
vessels (or both) that are at least 50 feet overall in length, 
and not more than 79 feet overall in length, and built after 
July 1, 2013.’’. 
SEC. 508. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES COST COM-
PARISON. 
(a) COST COMPARISON.—The Secretary of the de-
partment in which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek 
to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy 
of Sciences under which the Academy, by no later than 
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
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mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate a comparison of the costs incurred by the Federal 
Government for each of the following alternatives: 
(1) Transferring the Polar Sea to a non-govern-
mental entity at no cost, and leasing back the vessel 
beginning on the date on which the Coast Guard 
certifies that the vessel is capable of the breaking 
out and missions described in subsection (c)(1). 
(2) The reactivation and operation by the Coast 
Guard of the Polar Sea to an operational level at 
which the vessel is capable of such breaking out and 
missions. 
(3) Acquiring and operating a new icebreaker 
through the Coast Guard’s acquisition process that 
is capable of such breaking out and missions. 
(4) Construction by a non-Federal entity of an 
icebreaker capable of such breaking out and mis-
sions, that will be leased by the Federal Government 
and operated using a Coast Guard crew. 
(5) Construction by a non-Federal entity of an 
icebreaker capable of such breaking out and mis-
sions, that will be leased by the Federal Government 
and operated by a crew of non-Federal employees. 
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(6) The acquisition of services from a non-Fed-
eral entity to perform such breaking out and mis-
sions. 
(b) INCLUDED COSTS.—For purposes of subsection 
(a), the cost of each alternative includes costs incurred by 
the Federal Government for— 
(1) the lease or operation and maintenance of 
the vessel concerned; 
(2) disposal of such vessel at the end of the 
useful life of the vessel; 
(3) retirement and other benefits for Federal 
employees who operate such vessel; and 
(4) interest payments assumed to be incurred 
for Federal capital expenditures. 
(c) ASSUMPTIONS.—For purposes of comparing the 
costs of such alternatives, the Academy shall assume 
that— 
(1) each vessel under consideration is— 
(A) capable of breaking out of McMurdo 
Station, and conducting Coast Guard missions 
in the United States territory in the Arctic (as 
that term is defined in section 112 of the Arctic 
Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 
4111)); and 
(B) operated for a period of 20 years; 
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(2) the acquisition of services and the operation 
of each vessel begin on the same date; and 
(3) the periods for conducting Coast Guard 
missions in the Arctic are of equal lengths. 
SEC. 509. PENALTY WAGES. 
(a) FOREIGN AND INTERCOASTAL VOYAGES.—Sec-
tion 10313(g) of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘all claims in a class action 
suit by seamen’’ and inserting ‘‘each claim by 
a seaman’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘the seamen’’ and inserting 
‘‘the seaman’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (3)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘class action’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘, by 
a seaman who is a claimant in the suit,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘by the seaman’’. 
(b) COASTWISE VOYAGES.—Section 10504(c) of such 
title is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘all claims in a class action 
suit by seamen’’ and inserting ‘‘each claim by 
a seaman’’; and 
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(B) by striking ‘‘the seamen’’ and inserting 
‘‘the seaman’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (3)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘class action’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘, by 
a seaman who is a claimant in the suit,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘by the seaman’’. 
SEC. 510. RECOURSE FOR NONCITIZENS. 
Section 30104 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’ before 
the first sentence; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(b) RESTRICTION
ON
RECOVERY
FOR
NON-
RESIDENT ALIENS EMPLOYED ON FOREIGN PASSENGER 
VESSELS.—A claim for damages or expenses relating to 
personal injury, illness, or death of a seaman who is a 
citizen of a foreign nation, arising during or from the en-
gagement of the seaman by or for a passenger vessel duly 
registered under the laws of a foreign nation, may not be 
brought under the laws of the United States if— 
‘‘(1) such seaman was not a permanent resident 
alien of the United States at the time the claim 
arose; 
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‘‘(2) the injury, illness, or death arose outside 
the territorial waters of the United States; and 
‘‘(3) the seaman or the seaman’s personal rep-
resentative has or had a right to seek compensation 
for the injury, illness, or death in, or under the laws 
of— 
‘‘(A) the nation in which the vessel was 
registered at the time the claim arose; or 
‘‘(B) the nation in which the seaman main-
tained citizenship or residency at the time the 
claim arose.’’. 
Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2015. 
Attest: 
KAREN L. HAAS, 
Clerk. 
By ROBERT F. REEVES, 
Deputy Clerk. 
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