4227 
(D) An assessment and evaluation of regu-
latory requirements necessary to guide the devel-
opment of future autonomous, remote, and asso-
ciated technologies in the operation of shipboard 
equipment and safe and secure navigation of ves-
sels. 
(E) An assessment of the extent to which 
such technologies are being used in other coun-
tries and how such countries have regulated such 
technologies. 
(F) Recommendations regarding authoriza-
tion, infrastructure, and other requirements nec-
essary for the implementation of such tech-
nologies in the United States. 
(3) CONSULTATION.—The report required under 
paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, consulta-
tion with the maritime industry including— 
(A) vessel operators, including commercial 
carriers, entities engaged in exploring for, devel-
oping, or producing resources, including non- 
mineral energy resources in its offshore areas, 
and supporting entities in the maritime indus-
try; 
(B) shipboard personnel impacted by any 
change to autonomous vessel operations, in order 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04227
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4228 
to assess the various benefits and risks associated 
with the implementation of autonomous, remote, 
and associated technologies in the operation of 
shipboard equipment and safe and secure navi-
gation of vessels and the impact such technologies 
would have on maritime jobs and maritime 
manpower; 
(C) relevant federally funded research insti-
tutions, non-governmental organizations, and 
academia; and 
(D) the commercial space industry. 
(k) MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘merchant mariner credential’’ means 
a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that 
the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to title 46, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 11505. HISTORIC WOOD SAILING VESSELS. 
(a) REPORT ON HISTORIC WOOD SAILING VESSELS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General of the United States shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a re-
port evaluating the practicability of the application 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04228
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4229 
of section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United States 
Code, to historic wood sailing vessels. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required under 
paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) An assessment of the compliance, as of 
the date on which the report is submitted under 
paragraph (1), of historic wood sailing vessels 
with section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United 
States Code. 
(B) An assessment of the safety record of 
historic wood sailing vessels. 
(C) An assessment of any risk that modi-
fying the requirements under such section would 
have on the safety of passengers and crew of his-
toric wood sailing vessels. 
(D) An evaluation of the economic practica-
bility of requiring the compliance of historic 
wood sailing vessels with such section and wheth-
er such compliance would meaningfully improve 
safety of passengers and crew in a manner that 
is both feasible and economically practicable. 
(E) Any recommendations to improve safety 
in addition to, or in lieu of, applying such sec-
tion to historic wood sailing vessels. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04229
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4230 
(F) Any other recommendations as the 
Comptroller General determines are appropriate 
with respect to the applicability of such section 
to historic wood sailing vessels. 
(G) An assessment to determine if historic 
wood sailing vessels could be provided an exemp-
tion to such section and the changes to legislative 
or rulemaking requirements, including modifica-
tions to section 177.500(q) of title 46, Code of 
Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of 
enactment of this Act), that are necessary to pro-
vide the Commandant the authority to make 
such exemption or to otherwise provide for such 
exemption. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In completing the report re-
quired under subsection (a), the Comptroller General may 
consult with— 
(1) the National Transportation Safety Board; 
(2) the Coast Guard; and 
(3) the maritime industry, including relevant 
federally funded research institutions, nongovern-
mental organizations, and academia. 
(c) WAIVER FOR COVERED HISTORIC VESSELS.—The 
captain of a port may waive the requirements of section 
3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United States Code, with re-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04230
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4231 
spect to covered historic vessels for not more than 2 years 
after the date on which the report required under subsection 
(a) is submitted. 
(d) WAIVER FOR OTHER HISTORIC WOOD SAILING 
VESSELS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The captain of a port may, 
upon the request of the owner or operator of a historic 
wood sailing vessel that is not a covered historic ves-
sel, 
waive 
the 
requirements 
of 
section 
3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United States Code, with 
respect to the historic wood sailing vessel for not more 
than 2 years after date on which the report required 
under subsection (a) is submitted, if the captain of 
the port— 
(A) determines that it is technically infeasi-
ble for the historic wood sailing vessel to comply 
with the requirements described in section 
3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United States Code, 
due to its age; and 
(B) approves the alternative arrangements 
proposed for the historic wood sailing vessel in 
accordance with paragraph (2). 
(2) REQUEST
AND
ALTERNATIVE
ARRANGE-
MENTS.—An owner or operator of a historic wood 
sailing vessel requesting a waiver under paragraph 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04231
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4232 
(1) shall submit such a request to the captain of a 
port that includes the alternative arrangements the 
owner or operator will take to ensure an equivalent 
level of safety, to the maximum extent practicable, to 
the requirements under section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of 
title 46, United States Code. 
(e) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section shall 
limit any authority available, as of the date of enactment 
of this Act, to the captain of a port with respect to safety 
measures or any other authority as necessary for the safety 
of historic wood sailing vessels. 
(f) NOTICE TO PASSENGERS.—Any vessel that receives 
a waiver under subsection (c) or subsection (d) shall, begin-
ning on the date on which the requirements under section 
3306(n)(3)(v) of title 46, United States Code, take effect, 
provide a prominently displayed notice on its website, ticket 
counter, and each ticket for a passenger that the vessel is 
exempt from meeting the Coast Guard safety compliance 
standards concerning egress as described under such section. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COVERED
HISTORIC
VESSELS.—The term 
‘‘covered historic vessels’’ means each of the following: 
(A) Adventuress (Official Number 210877). 
(B) American Eagle (Official Number 
229913). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04232
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4234 
(A) has overnight passenger accommoda-
tions; 
(B) is a wood sailing vessel; 
(C) has a hull constructed of wood; 
(D) is principally equipped for propulsion 
by sail, even if the vessel has an auxiliary means 
of production; 
(E) has no fewer than three masts; and 
(F) was constructed before 1986. 
SEC. 11506. CERTIFICATES OF NUMBERS FOR UNDOCU-
MENTED VESSELS. 
Section 12304(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘shall be pocketsized,’’; and 
(2) by inserting ‘‘in hard copy or digital form. 
Any certificate issued in hard copy under this section 
shall be pocketsized. The certificate shall be’’ after 
‘‘and may be’’. 
SEC. 11507. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW AND REPORT 
ON COAST GUARD OVERSIGHT OF THIRD- 
PARTY ORGANIZATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall initiate a review that assesses the over-
sight of the Coast Guard of third-party organizations. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04234
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4235 
(b) ELEMENTS.—In carrying out the review required 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall analyze 
the following: 
(1) Coast Guard use of third-party organizations 
in the prevention mission of the Coast Guard and the 
extent to which the Coast Guard plans to increase 
such use to enhance prevention mission performance, 
including resource use and specialized expertise. 
(2) The extent to which the Coast Guard has as-
sessed the potential risks and benefits of using third- 
party organizations to support prevention mission ac-
tivities. 
(3) The extent to which the Coast Guard provides 
oversight of third-party organizations authorized to 
support prevention mission activities. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after initiating 
the review required under subsection (a), the Comptroller 
General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives the results of such review. 
SEC. 11508. ARTICULATED TUG-BARGE MANNING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the watch setting 
requirements set forth in section 8104 of title 46, United 
States Code, the Secretary shall authorize an Officer in 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04235
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4236 
Charge, Marine Inspection to issue an amended certificate 
of inspection that does not require engine room watch set-
ting to inspected towing vessels certificated prior to July 
19, 2022, forming part of an articulated tug-barge unit, 
provided that such vessels are equipped with engineering 
control and monitoring systems of a type accepted for no 
engine room watch setting under a previously approved 
minimum safe manning document or certificate of inspec-
tion for articulated tug-barge units. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) CERTIFICATE
OF
INSPECTION.—The term 
‘‘certificate of inspection’’ means a certificate of in-
spection under subchapter M of chapter I of title 46, 
Code of Federal Regulations. 
(2) INSPECTED TOWING VESSEL.—The term ‘‘in-
spected towing vessel’’ means a vessel issued a certifi-
cate of inspection. 
SEC. 11509. FISHING VESSEL SAFETY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 45 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in section 4502(f)(2) by striking ‘‘certain ves-
sels described in subsection (b) if requested by the 
owner or operator; and’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘vessels described in subsection (b) if— 
‘‘(A) requested by an owner or operator; or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04236
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4237 
‘‘(B) the vessel is— 
‘‘(i) at least 50 feet overall in length; 
‘‘(ii) built before July 1, 2013; and 
‘‘(iii) 25 years of age or older; and’’; 
(2) in section 4503(b) by striking ‘‘Except as 
provided in section 4503a, subsection (a)’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘Subsection (a)’’; and 
(3) by repealing section 4503a. 
(b) ALTERNATIVE
SAFETY
COMPLIANCE
AGREE-
MENTS.—Nothing in this section or the amendments made 
by this section shall be construed to affect or apply to any 
alternative compliance and safety agreement entered into 
by the Coast Guard that is in effect on the date of enactment 
of this Act. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—The analysis for 
chapter 45 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
striking the item relating to section 4503a. 
SEC. 11510. EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTAIN PASSENGER VES-
SELS. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, require-
ments authorized under sections 3508 and 3509 of title 46, 
United States Code, shall not apply to any passenger vessel, 
as defined in section 2101 of such title — 
(1) that carries in excess of 250 passengers; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04237
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4238 
(2) that is, or was, in operation exclusively with-
in the inland rivers and internal waters of the United 
States on voyages inside the Boundary Line, as de-
fined in section 103 of such title, on or before July 
27, 2030; and 
(3) the operators or charterers of which operated 
any documented vessels with a coastwise endorsement 
prior to January 1, 2024. 
Subtitle B—Merchant Mariner 
Credentialing 
SEC. 
11511. 
MODERNIZING 
MERCHANT 
MARINER 
CREDENTIALING SYSTEM. 
(a) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant 
shall submit to the Committees on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation and Appropriations of the Sen-
ate, and the Committees on Transportation and In-
frastructure and Appropriations of the House of Rep-
resentatives, a report on the financial, human, and 
information technology infrastructure resources need-
ed to establish an electronic merchant mariner licens-
ing and documentation system. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04238
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4239 
(2) LEGISLATIVE
AND
REGULATORY
SUGGES-
TIONS.—In preparing the report described in para-
graph (1), the Commandant— 
(A) shall include recommendations for any 
legislative or administrative actions as the Com-
mandant determines necessary to establish the 
electronic merchant mariner licensing and docu-
mentation system described in paragraph (1) as 
soon as possible; and 
(B) may include findings, conclusions, or 
recommendations from the study conducted 
under subsection (b). 
(b) STUDY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In preparing the report re-
quired under subsection (a), the Commandant and the 
Administrator of the Maritime Administration, in co-
ordination with the Commander of the United States 
Transportation Command, shall conduct a study on 
the feasibility of developing and maintaining a data-
base as part of an electronic merchant mariner licens-
ing and documentation system that— 
(A) contains records with respect to each 
credentialed mariner, including credential valid-
ity, drug and alcohol testing results, and infor-
mation on any final adjudicated agency action 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04239
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4240 
involving a credentialed mariner or regarding 
any involvement in a marine casualty; and 
(B) maintains such records in a manner 
that allows data to be readily accessed by the 
Federal Government for the purpose of assessing 
workforce needs and for the purpose of the eco-
nomic and national security of the United 
States. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The study required under para-
graph (1) shall— 
(A) include an assessment of the resources, 
including information technology, and authori-
ties necessary to develop and maintain the data-
base described in such paragraph; 
(B) specifically address ways to protect the 
privacy interests of any individual whose infor-
mation may be contained within such database, 
which shall include limiting access to the data-
base or having access to the database be mon-
itored by, or accessed through, a member of the 
Coast Guard; and 
(C) address the feasibility of incorporating 
in such database a reporting mechanism to alert 
the Administrator of the Maritime Administra-
tion each time a mariner’s credential is rein-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04240
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4241 
stated upon completion of a period of suspension 
as the result of a suspension and revocation pro-
ceeding under section 7702 of title 46, United 
States Code, with details about the violation that 
led to such suspension. 
(c) ELECTRONIC MERCHANT MARINER LICENSING AND 
DOCUMENTATION
SYSTEM.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall implement an 
electronic merchant mariner licensing and documentation 
system. 
SEC. 11512. ASSESSMENT REGARDING APPLICATION PROC-
ESS FOR MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall conduct an as-
sessment to determine the resources, including personnel 
and computing resources, required to reduce the amount of 
time necessary to process an application for a merchant 
mariner credential to not more than 2 weeks after the date 
of receipt of such application. 
(b) BRIEFING REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04241
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4242 
resentatives with the results of the assessment required 
under subsection (a). 
SEC. 11513. GAO REPORT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of 
the United States shall prepare and submit a report to Con-
gress that evaluates the processes of the National Maritime 
Center for processing and approving merchant mariner cre-
dentials, as of the date of enactment of this Act. 
(b) CONTENTS.—In preparing the report required 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall— 
(1) analyze the effectiveness of the merchant 
mariner credentialing process, as of the date of enact-
ment of this Act; 
(2) analyze the backlogs relating to the merchant 
mariner credentialing process and the reasons for 
such backlogs; and 
(3) provide recommendations for improving and 
expediting the merchant mariner credentialing proc-
ess, including funding needed to support improved 
processing times. 
SEC. 11514. MILITARY TO MARINERS ACT OF 2022. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the 
‘‘Military to Mariners Act of 2022’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04242
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4243 
(b) MODIFICATION OF SEA SERVICE REQUIREMENTS 
FOR MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS FOR VETERANS 
AND MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES.— 
(1) 
REVIEW
AND
REGULATIONS.—Notwith-
standing any other provision of law, not later than 
2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary shall— 
(A) review and examine— 
(i) the timeframes and impediments 
for veterans and members of the uniformed 
services to receive a merchant mariner cre-
dential; 
(ii) the classifications of sea service ac-
quired through training and service as a 
member of the Uniformed Services and level 
of equivalence such service has with respect 
to sea service on merchant vessels; and 
(iii) the amount of sea service, includ-
ing percent of the total time onboard for 
purposes of equivalent underway service, 
that will be accepted as required experience 
for all endorsements for applicants for a 
merchant mariner credential who are vet-
erans or members of the Uniformed Serv-
ices; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04243
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4244 
(B) issue new regulations to— 
(i) streamline, ensure the accuracy of, 
and expedite the transfer, review and ac-
ceptance of information pertaining to train-
ing and sea time for applicants for a mer-
chant mariner credential who are veterans 
or members of the Uniformed Services; 
(ii) increase the acceptable percentages 
of time equivalent to sea service for such ap-
plicants pursuant to findings of the review 
and examination conducted under subpara-
graph (A); and 
(iii) reduce burdens and create a 
means of alternative compliance to dem-
onstrate instructor competency for Stand-
ards 
of 
Training, 
Certification 
and 
Watchkeeping for Seafarers courses. 
(2) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out paragraph 
(2), the Secretary shall consult with the National 
Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee and 
shall take into account the present and future needs 
of the United States Merchant Marine labor work-
force. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the United States Com-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04244
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4245 
mittee on the Marine Transportation System shall 
submit to the Committees on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation and Armed Services of the Senate and 
the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure 
and Armed Services of the House of Representatives, 
a report that contains an update on the activities car-
ried out to implement— 
(A) the July 2020 report by the Committee 
on the Marine Transportation System to the 
White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing 
Policy on the implementation of Executive Order 
13860 (84 Fed. Reg. 8407; relating to supporting 
the transition of active duty servicemembers and 
military veterans into the Merchant Marine); 
and 
(B) section 3511 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (46 
U.S.C. 3702 note). 
(c) ASSESSMENT OF SKILLBRIDGE FOR EMPLOYMENT 
AS A MERCHANT MARINER.—The Secretary, in collabora-
tion with the Secretary of Defense, shall assess the use of 
the SkillBridge program of the Department of Defense as 
a means for transitioning active duty sea service personnel 
to employment as merchant mariners. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04245
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4246 
SEC. 11515. DEFINITIONS. 
In this subtitle: 
(1) 
CREDENTIALED
MARINER.—The 
term 
‘‘credentialed mariner’’ means an individual with a 
merchant mariner credential. 
(2) MERCHANT
MARINER
CREDENTIAL.—The 
term ‘‘merchant mariner credential’’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 7510(d) of title 46, United 
States Code. 
(3) UNIFORMED
SERVICES.—The term ‘‘uni-
formed services’’ has the meaning given the term 
‘‘uniformed services’’ in section 2101 of title 5, United 
States Code. 
Subtitle C—Other Matters 
SEC. 11516. 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 ‘‘the date 
that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act’’ 
and inserting ‘‘January 1, 2025’’. 
SEC. 11517. OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH VESSELS. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary, shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04246
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4247 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a re-
port detailing the total number of vessels known or esti-
mated to operate or to have operated under section 50503 
of title 46, United States Code, during each of the past 10 
fiscal years. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The report required under subsection 
(a) shall include the following elements: 
(1) The total number of foreign-flagged vessels 
known or estimated to operate or to have operated as 
oceanographic research vessels (as such term is de-
fined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code) 
during each of the past 10 fiscal years. 
(2) The total number of United States-flagged 
vessels known or estimated to operate or to have oper-
ated as oceanographic research vessels (as such term 
is defined section 2101 of title 46, United States 
Code) during each of the past 10 fiscal years. 
SEC. 11518. PORT ACCESS ROUTES BRIEFING. 
(a) ATLANTIC COAST PORT ACCESS ROUTE.—Not 
later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
and not less than every 30 days thereafter until the require-
ments of section 70003 of title 46, United States Code, are 
fully executed with respect to the Atlantic Coast Port Access 
Route, the Secretary shall brief the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04247
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4248 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate on any progress made to execute such 
requirements. 
(b) OTHER COAST PORT ACCESS ROUTES.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and 
not less than every 180 days thereafter until the require-
ments of section 70003 of title 46, United States Code, are 
fully executed with respect to each of the Alaskan Arctic, 
Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Coast port access route studies, 
the Secretary 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 status of each study and the implementa-
tion of any recommendations made in each such study. 
SEC. 11519. DEFINITION OF STATELESS VESSEL. 
Section 70502(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ after 
the semicolon; 
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period 
at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraph: 
‘‘(D) a vessel aboard which no individual, 
on request of an officer of the United States au-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04248
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4249 
thorized to enforce applicable provisions of 
United States law, claims to be the master or is 
identified as the individual in charge, and that 
has no other claim of nationality or registry 
under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (e).’’. 
SEC. 11520. LIMITATION ON RECOVERY FOR CERTAIN INJU-
RIES INCURRED IN AQUACULTURE ACTIVI-
TIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—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: 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION
ON RECOVERY
BY AQUACULTURE 
WORKERS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of subsection 
(a), the term ‘seaman’ does not include an individual 
who— 
‘‘(A) is an aquaculture worker if State 
workers’ compensation is available to such indi-
vidual; and 
‘‘(B) was, at the time of injury, engaged in 
aquaculture in a place where such individual 
had lawful access. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04249
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4250 
‘‘(2) AQUACULTURE WORKER DEFINED.—In this 
subsection, the term ‘aquaculture worker’ means an 
individual who— 
‘‘(A) is employed by a commercial enter-
prise that is involved in the controlled cultiva-
tion and harvest of aquatic plants and animals, 
including— 
‘‘(i) the cleaning, processing, or can-
ning of fish and fish products; 
‘‘(ii) the cultivation and harvesting of 
shellfish; and 
‘‘(iii) the controlled growing and har-
vesting of other aquatic species; 
‘‘(B) does not hold a license issued under 
section 7101(c); and 
‘‘(C) is not required to hold a merchant 
mariner credential under part F of subtitle II.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by this 
section shall apply to an injury incurred on or after the 
date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 11521. REPORT ON SECURING VESSELS AND CARGO. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall conduct a study that assesses the efforts 
of the Coast Guard with respect to securing vessels and mar-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04250
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4251 
itime cargo bound for the United States from national secu-
rity related risks and threats. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—In conducting the study under sub-
section (a), the Comptroller General shall assess the fol-
lowing: 
(1) Programs of the Coast Guard to secure vessels 
and maritime cargo bound for the United States from 
national security related risks and threats and the ex-
tent to which such programs cover the critical compo-
nents of the global supply chain. 
(2) The extent to which the Coast Guard has im-
plemented leading practices in such programs, includ-
ing the extent to which the Coast Guard has collabo-
rated with foreign countries or foreign ports that ship 
goods to the United States to implement such leading 
practices. 
(3) The extent to which the Coast Guard has as-
sessed the effectiveness of such programs. 
(c) REPORT.—Upon completion of the study conducted 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives the re-
sults of the study conducted under this section. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04251
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4252 
SEC. 11522. REPORT ON ENFORCEMENT OF COASTWISE 
LAWS. 
Not later than 1 year of the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Commandant shall submit to Congress a report de-
scribing any changes to the enforcement of chapters 121 and 
551 of title 46, United States Code, as a result of the amend-
ments to section 4(a)(1) of the Outer Continental Shelf 
Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1333(a)(1)) made by section 9503 
of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283). 
SEC. 11523. LAND CONVEYANCE, SHARPE ARMY DEPOT, 
LATHROP, CALIFORNIA. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator of the Maritime Administration 
shall complete the land conveyance required under section 
2833 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116– 
283). 
SEC. 11524. PROHIBITION ON ENTRY AND OPERATION. 
(a) PROHIBITION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise provided 
in this section, during the period in which Executive 
Order 14065 (87 Fed. Reg. 10293, relating to blocking 
certain Russian property or transactions), or any 
successor Executive Order is in effect, no vessel de-
scribed in subsection (b) may enter or operate in the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04252
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4253 
navigable waters of the United States or transfer 
cargo in any port or place under the jurisdiction of 
the United States. 
(2) LIMITATIONS ON APPLICATION.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The prohibition under 
paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a 
vessel described in subsection (b) if the Secretary 
of State determines that— 
(i) the vessel is owned or operated by 
a Russian national or operated by the gov-
ernment of the Russian Federation; and 
(ii) it is in the national security inter-
est not to apply the prohibition to such ves-
sel. 
(B) NOTICE.—Not later than 15 days after 
making a determination under subparagraph 
(A), the Secretary of State shall submit to the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate written notice of the determination and 
the basis upon which the determination was 
made. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04253
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4254 
(C) PUBLICATION.—The Secretary of State 
shall publish a notice in the Federal Register of 
each determination made under subparagraph 
(A). 
(3) SAVINGS
CLAUSE.—The prohibition under 
paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to vessels 
engaged in passage permitted under international 
law. 
(b) VESSELS DESCRIBED.—A vessel referred to in sub-
section (a) is a vessel owned or operated by a Russian na-
tional or operated by the government of the Russian Federa-
tion. 
(c) INFORMATION AND PUBLICATION.—The Secretary, 
with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, shall— 
(1) maintain timely information on the registra-
tions of all foreign vessels owned or operated by or on 
behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation, 
a Russian national, or a entity organized under the 
laws of the Russian Federation or any jurisdiction 
within the Russian Federation; and 
(2) periodically publish in the Federal Register 
a list of the vessels described in paragraph (1). 
(d) NOTIFICATION OF GOVERNMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State shall 
notify each government, the agents or instrumental-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04254
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4255 
ities of which are maintaining a registration of a for-
eign vessel that is included on a list published under 
subsection (c)(2), not later than 30 days after such 
publication, that all vessels registered under such gov-
ernment’s authority are subject to subsection (a). 
(2) ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION.—In the case of a 
government that continues to maintain a registration 
for a vessel that is included on such list after receiv-
ing an initial notification under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall issue an additional notification to 
such government not later than 120 days after the 
publication of a list under subsection (c)(2). 
(e) NOTIFICATION OF VESSELS.—Upon receiving a no-
tice of arrival under section 70001(a)(5) of title 46, United 
States Code, from a vessel described in subsection (b), the 
Secretary shall notify the master of such vessel that the ves-
sel may not enter or operate in the navigable waters of the 
United States or transfer cargo in any port or place under 
the jurisdiction of the United States, unless— 
(1) the Secretary of State has made a determina-
tion under subsection (a)(2); or 
(2) the Secretary allows provisional entry of the 
vessel, or transfer of cargo from the vessel, under sub-
section (f). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04255
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4256 
(f) PROVISIONAL ENTRY OR CARGO TRANSFER.—Not-
withstanding any other provision of this section, the Sec-
retary may allow provisional entry of, or transfer of cargo 
from, a vessel, if such entry or transfer is necessary for the 
safety of the vessel or persons aboard. 
SEC. 11525. FLOATING DRY DOCKS. 
Section 55122(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(C)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘2015; and’’ and inserting 
‘‘2015; or’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘(C) was’’ and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(C)(i) was’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(ii) had a letter of intent for purchase by 
such shipyard or affiliate signed prior to such 
date of enactment; and’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (2) by inserting ‘‘or, in the 
case of a dry dock described in paragraph (1)(C)(ii), 
occurs between Honolulu, Hawaii, and Pearl Harbor, 
Hawaii’’ before the period at the end. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04256
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4257 
SEC. 11526. UPDATED REQUIREMENTS FOR FISHING CREW 
AGREEMENTS. 
Section 10601(b) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘and’’ after the 
semicolon; 
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para-
graph (4); and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(3) in the case of a seaman employed on a ves-
sel that is a catcher processor or fish processing vessel 
that employs more than 25 crewmembers, include a 
requirement that each crewmember shall be served not 
less than three meals a day that— 
‘‘(A) total not less than 3,100 calories; and 
‘‘(B) include adequate water and minerals 
in accordance with the United States Rec-
ommended Daily Allowances; and’’. 
TITLE CXVI—SEXUAL ASSAULT 
AND 
SEXUAL 
HARASSMENT 
PREVENTION AND RESPONSE 
SEC. 11601. DEFINITIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2101 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04257
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4258 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (45) through 
(54) as paragraphs (47) through (56), respectively; 
and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (44) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(45) ‘sexual assault’ means any form of abuse 
or contact as defined in chapter 109A of title 18, or 
a substantially similar offense under State, local, or 
Tribal law. 
‘‘(46) ‘sexual harassment’ means— 
‘‘(A) conduct that— 
‘‘(i) involves unwelcome sexual ad-
vances, requests for sexual favors, or delib-
erate or repeated offensive comments or ges-
tures of a sexual nature if any— 
‘‘(I) submission to such conduct is 
made either explicitly or implicitly a 
term or condition of employment, pay, 
career, benefits, or entitlements of the 
individual; 
‘‘(II) submission to, or rejection, 
of such conduct by an individual is 
used as a basis for decisions affecting 
that individual’s job, pay, career, bene-
fits, or entitlements; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04258
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4259 
‘‘(III) such conduct has the pur-
pose or effect of unreasonably inter-
fering with an individual’s work per-
formance or creates an intimidating, 
hostile, or offensive work environment; 
or 
‘‘(IV) conduct may have been by 
an individual’s supervisor, a super-
visor in another area, a co-worker, or 
another credentialed mariner; and 
‘‘(ii) is so severe or pervasive that a 
reasonable person would perceive, and the 
victim does perceive, the environment as 
hostile or offensive; 
‘‘(B) any use or condonation associated 
with first-hand or personal knowledge, by any 
individual in a supervisory or command posi-
tion, of any form of sexual behavior to control, 
influence, or affect the career, pay, benefits, enti-
tlements, or employment of a subordinate; and 
‘‘(C) any intentional or repeated unwelcome 
verbal comment or gesture of a sexual nature to-
wards or about an individual by the individual’s 
supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-
worker, or another credentialed mariner.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04259
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4260 
(b) REPORT.—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 describ-
ing any changes the Commandant may propose to the defi-
nitions added by the amendments in subsection (a). 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) AUTHORITY TO EXEMPT CERTAIN VESSELS.— 
Section 2113(3) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘section 2101(51)(A)’’ and in-
serting ‘‘section 2101(53)(A)’’. 
(2) UNINSPECTED
PASSENGER
VESSELS.—Sec-
tion 4105 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(A) in subsections (b)(1) and (c) by striking 
‘‘section 2101(51)’’ each place it appears and in-
serting ‘‘section 2101’’; and 
(B) in subsection (d) by striking ‘‘section 
2101(51)(A)’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘section 
2101(53)(A)’’. 
(3) 
GENERAL
AUTHORITY.—Section 
1131(a)(1)(E) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘section 2101(46)’’ and inserting 
‘‘section 116’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04260
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4261 
SEC. 11602. CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER AS GROUNDS FOR 
DENIAL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 75 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 7511. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial 
‘‘(a) SEXUAL ABUSE.—A license, certificate of registry, 
or merchant mariner’s document authorized to be issued 
under this part shall be denied to an individual who has 
been convicted of a sexual offense prohibited under— 
‘‘(1) chapter 109A of title 18, except for sub-
section (b) of section 2244 of title 18; or 
‘‘(2) a substantially similar offense under State, 
local, or Tribal law. 
‘‘(b) ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT.—A license, certifi-
cate of registry, or merchant mariner’s document authorized 
to be issued under this part may be denied to an individual 
who within 5 years before applying for the license, certifi-
cate, or document, has been convicted of a sexual offense 
prohibited under subsection (b) of section 2244 of title 18, 
or a substantially similar offense under State, local, or 
Tribal law.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
75 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘7511. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04261
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6213
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4262 
SEC. 11603. SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR SEXUAL ASSAULT AS 
GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCA-
TION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 77 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7704 the 
following: 
‘‘§ 7704a. Sexual harassment or sexual assault as 
grounds for suspension or revocation 
‘‘(a) SEXUAL HARASSMENT.—If it is shown at a hear-
ing under this chapter that a holder of a license, certificate 
of registry, or merchant mariner’s document issued under 
this part, within 5 years before the beginning of the suspen-
sion and revocation proceedings, is the subject of an official 
finding of sexual harassment, then the license, certificate 
of registry, or merchant mariner’s document may be sus-
pended or revoked. 
‘‘(b) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—If it is shown at a hearing 
under this chapter that a holder of a license, certificate of 
registry, or merchant mariner’s document issued under this 
part, within 10 years before the beginning of the suspension 
and revocation proceedings, is the subject of an official find-
ing of sexual assault, then the license, certificate of registry, 
or merchant mariner’s document shall be revoked. 
‘‘(c) OFFICIAL FINDING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In this section, the term ‘of-
ficial finding’ means— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04262
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4263 
‘‘(A) a legal proceeding or agency finding 
or decision that determines the individual com-
mitted sexual harassment or sexual assault in 
violation of any Federal, State, local, or Tribal 
law or regulation; or 
‘‘(B) a determination after an investigation 
by the Coast Guard that, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, the individual committed sexual 
harassment or sexual assault if the investigation 
affords appropriate due process rights to the sub-
ject of the investigation. 
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE REVIEW.— 
‘‘(A) COAST GUARD INVESTIGATION.—A de-
termination under paragraph (1)(B) shall be re-
viewed and affirmed by an administrative law 
judge within the same proceeding as any suspen-
sion or revocation of a license, certificate of reg-
istry, or merchant mariner’s document under 
subsection (a) or (b). 
‘‘(B) LEGAL
PROCEEDING.—A determina-
tion under paragraph (1)(A) that an individual 
committed sexual harassment or sexual assault is 
conclusive in suspension and revocation pro-
ceedings.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04263
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4264 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
77 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 7704 the following: 
‘‘7704a. Sexual harassment or sexual assault as grounds for suspension or revoca-
tion.’’. 
SEC. 11604. ACCOMMODATION; NOTICES. 
Section 11101 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(3) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(2) in subsection (a)(4) by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; 
(3) in subsection (a) by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(5) each crew berthing area shall be equipped 
with information regarding— 
‘‘(A) vessel owner or company policies pro-
hibiting sexual assault and sexual harassment, 
retaliation, and drug and alcohol usage; and 
‘‘(B) procedures and resources to report 
crimes, including sexual assault and sexual har-
assment, including information— 
‘‘(i) on the telephone number, website 
address, and email address for reporting al-
legations of sexual assault and sexual har-
assment to the Coast Guard; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04264
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4265 
‘‘(ii) on vessel owner or company pro-
cedures to report violations of company pol-
icy and access resources; 
‘‘(iii) on resources provided by outside 
organizations such as sexual assault hot-
lines and counseling; 
‘‘(iv) on the retention period for sur-
veillance video recording after an incident 
of sexual harassment or sexual assault is re-
ported; and 
‘‘(v) additional items specified in regu-
lations issued by, and at the discretion of, 
the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating.’’; and 
(4) in subsection (d) by adding at the end the 
following: ‘‘In each washing space in a visible loca-
tion there shall be information regarding procedures 
and resources to report crimes upon the vessel, includ-
ing sexual assault and sexual harassment, and vessel 
owner or company policies prohibiting sexual assault 
and sexual harassment, retaliation, and drug and al-
cohol usage.’’. 
SEC. 11605. PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION. 
Section 2114(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04265
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4266 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) 
through (G) as subparagraphs (C) through (H), 
respectively; and 
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the 
following: 
‘‘(B) the seaman in good faith has reported or is 
about to report to the vessel owner, Coast Guard or 
other appropriate Federal agency or department sex-
ual harassment or sexual assault against the seaman 
or knowledge of sexual harassment or sexual assault 
against another seaman;’’; and 
(2) in paragraphs (2) and (3) by striking ‘‘para-
graph (1)(B)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (1)(C)’’. 
SEC. 11606. ALCOHOL AT SEA. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant shall seek to 
enter into an agreement with the National Academy of 
Sciences not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act under which the National Academy of Sciences 
shall prepare an assessment to determine safe levels of alco-
hol consumption and possession by crew members aboard 
vessels of the United States engaged in commercial service, 
except when such possession is associated with the commer-
cial sale to individuals aboard the vessel who are not crew 
members. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04266
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4267 
(b) ASSESSMENT.—The assessment prepared pursuant 
to subsection (a) shall— 
(1) take into account the safety and security of 
every individual on the vessel; 
(2) take into account reported incidences of sex-
ual harassment or sexual assault, as defined in sec-
tion 2101 of title 46, United States Code; and 
(3) provide any appropriate recommendations 
for any changes to laws, regulations, or employer 
policies. 
(c) SUBMISSION.—Upon completion of the assessment 
under this section, the National Academy of Sciences shall 
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Trans-
portation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the 
Commandant, and the Secretary the assessment prepared 
pursuant to subsection (a). 
(d) REGULATIONS.—The Commandant— 
(1) shall, not later than 180 days after receiving 
the submission of the assessment under subsection (c), 
review the changes to regulations recommended in 
such assessment; and 
(2) taking into account the safety and security 
of every individual on vessels of the United States en-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04267
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4268 
gaged in commercial service, may issue regulations 
relating to alcohol consumption on such vessels. 
(e) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—To the extent the Commandant 
issues regulations establishing safe levels of alcohol con-
sumption in accordance with subsection (d), the Com-
mandant may not issue regulations which prohibit— 
(1) the owner or operator of a vessel from impos-
ing additional restrictions on the consumption of al-
cohol, including the prohibition of the consumption of 
alcohol on such vessels; and 
(2) possession of alcohol associated with the com-
mercial sale to individuals aboard the vessel who are 
not crew members. 
(f) REPORT REQUIRED.—If, by the date that is 2 years 
after the receipt of the assessment under subsection (c), the 
Commandant does not issue regulations under subsection 
(d), the Commandant shall provide a report by such date 
to the committees described in subsection (c)— 
(1) containing the rationale for not issuing such 
regulations; and 
(2) providing other recommendations as nec-
essary to ensure safety at sea. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04268
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4269 
SEC. 11607. SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Part B of subtitle II of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 49—OCEANGOING NON- 
PASSENGER COMMERCIAL VESSELS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘4901. Surveillance requirements. 
‘‘§ 4901. Surveillance requirements 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—A vessel engaged in commercial 
service that does not carry passengers, shall maintain a 
video surveillance system. 
‘‘(b) APPLICABILITY.—The requirements in this section 
shall apply to— 
‘‘(1) documented vessels with overnight accom-
modations for at least 10 individuals on board that 
are— 
‘‘(A) on a voyage of at least 600 miles and 
crosses seaward of the Boundary Line; or 
‘‘(B) at least 24 meters (79 feet) in overall 
length and required to have a load line under 
chapter 51; 
‘‘(2) documented vessels of at least 500 gross tons 
as measured under section 14502, or an alternate ton-
nage measured under section 14302 as prescribed by 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04269
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4270 
the Secretary under section 14104 on an inter-
national voyage; and 
‘‘(3) vessels with overnight accommodations for 
at least 10 individuals on board that are operating 
for no less than 72 hours on waters superjacent to the 
outer Continental Shelf (as defined in section 2(a) of 
the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 
1331(a)). 
‘‘(c) PLACEMENT OF VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE 
EQUIPMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The owner of a vessel to 
which this section applies shall install video and 
audio surveillance equipment aboard the vessel not 
later than 2 years after enactment of the Don Young 
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, or during the 
next scheduled drydock, whichever is later. 
‘‘(2) LOCATIONS.—Video and audio surveillance 
equipment shall be placed in passageways on to which 
doors from staterooms open. Such equipment shall be 
placed in a manner ensuring the visibility of every 
door in each such passageway. 
‘‘(d) NOTICE OF VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE.— 
The owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall 
provide clear and conspicuous signs on board the vessel no-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04270
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4271 
tifying the crew of the presence of video and audio surveil-
lance equipment. 
‘‘(e) ACCESS TO VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDS.—The 
owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall ensure 
that access to records of video and audio surveillance is not 
used as part of a labor action against a crew member or 
employment dispute unless used in a criminal or civil ac-
tion. 
‘‘(f) RETENTION REQUIREMENTS.—The owner of a ves-
sel to which this section applies shall retain all records of 
audio and video surveillance for not less than 1 year after 
the footage is obtained. Any video and audio surveillance 
found to be associated with an alleged incident should be 
preserved for not less than 5 years from the date of the al-
leged incident. 
‘‘(g) PERSONNEL TRAINING.—A vessel owner or em-
ployer of a seafarer shall provide training for all individ-
uals employed by the owner or employer for the purpose 
of responding to incidents of sexual assault or sexual har-
assment, including— 
‘‘(1) such training to ensure the individuals— 
‘‘(A) retain audio and visual records and 
other evidence objectively; and 
‘‘(B) act impartially without influence from 
the company or others; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04271
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4272 
‘‘(2) training on applicable Federal, State, Trib-
al, and local laws and regulations regarding sexual 
assault and sexual harassment investigations and re-
porting requirements. 
‘‘(g) DEFINITION OF OWNER.—In this section, the term 
‘owner’ means the owner, charterer, managing operator, 
master, or other individual in charge of a vessel. 
‘‘(h) EXEMPTION.—Fishing vessels, fish processing ves-
sels, and fish tender vessels are exempt from this section.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of chapters for 
subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
adding after the item related to chapter 47 the following: 
‘‘49. Oceangoing Non-Passenger Commercial Vessels .......... 4901’’. 
SEC. 11608. MASTER KEY CONTROL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 31 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 3106. Master key control system 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The owner of a vessel subject to 
inspection under section 3301 shall— 
‘‘(1) ensure that such vessel is equipped with a 
vessel master key control system, manual or elec-
tronic, which provides controlled access to all copies 
of the vessel’s master key of which access shall only 
be available to the individuals described in paragraph 
(2); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04272
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4273 
‘‘(2) establish a list of all crew, identified by po-
sition, allowed to access and use the master key and 
maintain such list upon the vessel, within owner 
records and included in the vessel safety management 
system; 
‘‘(3) record in a log book information on all ac-
cess and use of the vessel’s master key, including— 
‘‘(A) dates and times of access; 
‘‘(B) the room or location accessed; and 
‘‘(C) the name and rank of the crew member 
that used the master key; and 
‘‘(4) make the list under paragraph (2) and the 
log book under paragraph (3) available upon request 
to any agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 
any member of the Coast Guard, and any law en-
forcement officer performing official duties in the 
course and scope of an investigation. 
‘‘(b) PROHIBITED USE.—Crew not included on the list 
described in subsection (a)(2) shall not have access to or 
use the master key unless in an emergency and shall imme-
diately notify the master and owner of the vessel following 
use of such key. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR LOG BOOK.—The log book 
described in subsection (a)(3) and required to be included 
in a safety management system under section 3203(a)(6)— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04273
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4274 
‘‘(1) may be electronic; and 
‘‘(2) shall be located in a centralized location 
that is readily accessible to law enforcement per-
sonnel. 
‘‘(d) PENALTY.—Any crew member who uses the mas-
ter key without having been granted access pursuant to sub-
section (a)(2) shall be liable to the United States Govern-
ment for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 and may 
be subject to suspension or revocation under section 7703. 
‘‘(e) EXEMPTION.—This section shall not apply to ves-
sels subject to section 3507(f).’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
31 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘3106. Master key control system.’’. 
SEC. 11609. REQUIREMENT TO REPORT SEXUAL ASSAULT 
AND HARASSMENT. 
Section 10104 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(a) MANDATORY REPORTING BY RESPONSIBLE ENTI-
TY OF A VESSEL.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The responsible entity of a 
vessel shall report to the Commandant any complaint 
or incident of harassment, sexual harassment, or sex-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04274
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4275 
ual assault in violation of employer policy or law, of 
which such entity is made aware. 
‘‘(2) PENALTY.—A responsible entity of a vessel 
who knowingly fails to report in compliance with 
paragraph (1) is liable to the United States Govern-
ment for a civil penalty of not more than $50,000. 
‘‘(b) REPORTING PROCEDURES.— 
‘‘(1) RESPONSIBLE
ENTITY
OF
A
VESSEL
RE-
PORTING.—A report required under subsection (a) 
shall be made immediately after the responsible entity 
of a vessel gains knowledge of a sexual assault or sex-
ual harassment incident by the fastest telecommuni-
cation channel available to— 
‘‘(A) a single entity in the Coast Guard des-
ignated by the Commandant to receive such re-
ports; and 
‘‘(B) the appropriate officer or agency of the 
government of the country in whose waters the 
incident occurs. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—Such shall include, to the best 
of the knowledge of the individual making the re-
port— 
‘‘(A) the name, official position or role in 
relation to the vessel, and contact information of 
such individual; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04275
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4276 
‘‘(B) the name and official number of the 
documented vessel; 
‘‘(C) the time and date of the incident; 
‘‘(D) the geographic position or location of 
the vessel when the incident occurred; and 
‘‘(E) a brief description of the alleged sexual 
harassment or sexual assault being reported. 
‘‘(3) RECEIVING REPORTS; COLLECTION OF IN-
FORMATION.— 
‘‘(A) RECEIVING REPORTS.—With respect to 
reports submitted under subsection (a), the Com-
mandant— 
‘‘(i) may establish additional reporting 
procedures, including procedures for receiv-
ing reports through— 
‘‘(I) a single telephone number 
that is continuously manned at all 
times; and 
‘‘(II) a single email address that 
is continuously monitored; and 
‘‘(ii) shall use procedures that include 
preserving evidence in such reports and pro-
viding emergency service referrals. 
‘‘(B) COLLECTION OF INFORMATION.—After 
receipt of the report made under subsection (a), 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04276
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4277 
the Coast Guard shall collect information related 
to the identity of each alleged victim, alleged per-
petrator, and any witnesses identified in the re-
port through means designed to protect, to the 
extent practicable, the personal identifiable infor-
mation of such individuals. 
‘‘(c) SUBPOENA AUTHORITY.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant may com-
pel the testimony of witnesses and the production of 
any evidence by subpoena to determine compliance 
with this section. 
‘‘(2) JURISDICTIONAL
LIMITS.—The jurisdic-
tional limits of a subpoena issued under this section 
are the same as, and are enforceable in the same 
manner as, subpoenas issued under chapter 63 of this 
title. 
‘‘(d) COMPANY AFTER-ACTION SUMMARY.— 
‘‘(1) A responsible entity of a vessel that makes 
a report under subsection (a) shall— 
‘‘(A) submit to the Commandant a docu-
ment with detailed information to describe the 
actions taken by such entity after becoming 
aware of the sexual assault or sexual harassment 
incident, including the results of any investiga-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04277
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4278 
tion into the complaint or incident and any ac-
tion taken against the offending individual; and 
‘‘(B) make such submission not later than 
10 days after such entity made the report under 
subsection (a). 
‘‘(2) CIVIL PENALTY.—A responsible entity of a 
vessel that fails to comply with paragraph (1) is lia-
ble to the United States Government for a civil pen-
alty of $25,000 and $500 shall be added for each day 
of noncompliance, except that the total amount of a 
penalty with respect to a complaint or incident shall 
not exceed $50,000 per violation. 
‘‘(e) INVESTIGATORY AUDIT.—The Commandant shall 
periodically perform an audit or other systematic review 
of the submissions made under this section to determine if 
there were any failures to comply with the requirements of 
this section. 
‘‘(f) APPLICABILITY; REGULATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) REGULATIONS.— The Secretary may issue 
regulations to implement the requirements of this sec-
tion. 
‘‘(2) INTERIM REPORTS.—Any report required to 
be made to the Commandant under this section shall 
be made to the Coast Guard National Command Cen-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04278
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4279 
ter, until regulations implementing the procedures re-
quired by this section are issued. 
‘‘(g) DEFINITION OF RESPONSIBLE ENTITY OF A VES-
SEL.—In this section, the term ‘responsible entity of a ves-
sel’ means— 
‘‘(1) the owner, master, or managing operator of 
a documented vessel engaged in commercial service; or 
‘‘(2) the employer of a seafarer on such a ves-
sel.’’. 
SEC. 11610. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. 
(a) SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.—Section 3203 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and 
(6) as paragraphs (7) and (8); and 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(5) with respect to sexual harassment and sex-
ual assault, procedures for, and annual training re-
quirements for all responsible persons and vessels to 
which this chapter applies on— 
‘‘(A) prevention; 
‘‘(B) bystander intervention; 
‘‘(C) reporting; 
‘‘(D) response; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04279
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4280 
‘‘(E) investigation; 
‘‘(6) the list required under section 3106(a)(2) 
and the log book required under section 3106(a)(3);’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as 
subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and 
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(b) PROCEDURES AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.— 
In prescribing regulations for the procedures and training 
requirements described in subsection (a)(5), such procedures 
and requirements shall be consistent with the requirements 
to report sexual harassment or sexual assault under section 
10104. 
‘‘(c) AUDITS.— 
‘‘(1) CERTIFICATES.— 
‘‘(A) SUSPENSION.—During an audit of a 
safety management system of a vessel required 
under section 10104(e), the Secretary may sus-
pend the Safety Management Certificate issued 
for the vessel under section 3205 and issue a sep-
arate Safety Management Certificate for the ves-
sel to be in effect for a 3-month period beginning 
on the date of the issuance of such separate cer-
tificate. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04280
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4281 
‘‘(B) REVOCATION.—At the conclusion of an 
audit of a safety management system required 
under section 10104(e), the Secretary shall re-
voke the Safety Management Certificate issued 
for the vessel under section 3205 if the Secretary 
determines— 
‘‘(i) that the holder of the Safety Man-
agement Certificate knowingly, or repeat-
edly, failed to comply with section 10104; or 
‘‘(ii) other failure of the safety man-
agement system resulted in the failure to 
comply with such section. 
‘‘(2) DOCUMENTS OF COMPLIANCE.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Following an audit of 
the safety management system of a vessel re-
quired under section 10104(e), the Secretary 
may audit the safety management system of the 
responsible person for the vessel. 
‘‘(B) SUSPENSION.—During an audit under 
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may suspend 
the Document of Compliance issued to the re-
sponsible person under section 3205 and issue a 
separate Document of Compliance to such person 
to be in effect for a 3-month period beginning on 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04281
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4282 
the date of the issuance of such separate docu-
ment. 
‘‘(C) REVOCATION.—At the conclusion of an 
assessment or an audit of a safety management 
system under subparagraph (A), the Secretary 
shall revoke the Document of Compliance issued 
to the responsible person if the Secretary deter-
mines— 
‘‘(i) that the holder of the Document of 
Compliance knowingly, or repeatedly, failed 
to comply with section 10104; or 
‘‘(ii) that other failure of the safety 
management system resulted in the failure 
to comply with such section.’’. 
(b) 
VERIFICATION
OF
COMPLIANCE.—Section 
3205(c)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ‘‘, or upon discovery from other sources of infor-
mation acquired by the Coast Guard, including a discovery 
made during an audit or systematic review conducted 
under section 10104(e) of a failure of a responsible person 
or vessel to comply with a requirement of a safety manage-
ment system for which a Safety Management Certificate 
and a Document of compliance has been issued under this 
section, including a failure to comply with regulations pre-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04282
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4283 
scribed under section 3203(a)(7) and (8),’’ after ‘‘periodi-
cally’’. 
SEC. 11611. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 101 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 10105. Reports to Congress 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Author-
ization Act of 2022, and on an annual basis thereafter, the 
Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives a report that includes— 
‘‘(1) the number of reports received under section 
10104; 
‘‘(2) the number of penalties issued under such 
section; 
‘‘(3) the number of open investigations under 
such section, completed investigations under such sec-
tion, and the outcomes of such open or completed in-
vestigations; 
‘‘(4) the number of assessments or audits con-
ducted under section 3203 and the outcome of those 
assessments or audits; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04283
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4284 
‘‘(5) a statistical analysis of compliance with the 
safety management system criteria under section 
3203; 
‘‘(6) the number of credentials denied or revoked 
due to sexual harassment, sexual assault, or related 
offenses; and 
‘‘(7) recommendations to support efforts of the 
Coast Guard to improve investigations and oversight 
of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the mari-
time sector, including funding requirements and legis-
lative change proposals necessary to ensure compli-
ance with title CXVI of the Don Young Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2022 and the amendments made 
by such title. 
‘‘(b) PRIVACY.—In collecting the information required 
under subsection (a), the Commandant shall collect such in-
formation in a manner that protects the privacy rights of 
individuals who are subjects of such information.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘10105. Reports to Congress.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04284
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6213
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4285 
TITLE 
CXVII—NATIONAL 
OCE-
ANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC AD-
MINISTRATION 
Subtitle A—National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric 
Administration 
Commissioned Officer Corps 
SEC. 11701. DEFINITIONS. 
Section 212(b) of the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 
2002 (33 U.S.C. 3002(b)) is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘(8) UNDER SECRETARY.—The term ‘Under Sec-
retary’ means the Under Secretary of Commerce for 
Oceans and Atmosphere.’’. 
SEC. 11702. REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENTS. 
Section 221(c) of the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 
2002 (33 U.S.C. 3021(c)) is amended by striking ‘‘may not 
be given’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘may— 
‘‘(1) be given only to an individual who is a cit-
izen of the United States; and 
‘‘(2) not be given.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04285
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4286 
SEC. 11703. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT TO PROMOTE EN-
SIGNS AFTER 3 YEARS OF SERVICE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 223 of the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Offi-
cer Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3023) is amended to read 
as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 223. SEPARATION OF ENSIGNS FOUND NOT FULLY 
QUALIFIED. 
‘‘If an officer in the permanent grade of ensign is at 
any time found not fully qualified, the officer’s commission 
shall be revoked and the officer shall be separated from the 
commissioned service.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents in 
section 1 of the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to reauthorize the Hy-
drographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other 
purposes’’ (Public Law 107–372) is amended by striking 
the item relating to section 223 and inserting the following: 
‘‘Sec. 223. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified.’’. 
SEC. 11704. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE AWARDS AND DECORA-
TIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle A of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer 
Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04286
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4287 
‘‘SEC. 220. AWARDS AND DECORATIONS. 
‘‘The Under Secretary may provide ribbons, medals, 
badges, trophies, and similar devices to members of the com-
missioned officer corps of the Administration and to mem-
bers of other uniformed services for service and achievement 
in support of the missions of the Administration.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents in 
section 1 of the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to reauthorize the Hy-
drographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other 
purposes’’ (Public Law 107–372) is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 219 the following: 
‘‘Sec. 220. Awards and decorations.’’. 
SEC. 11705. RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION. 
(a) INVOLUNTARY RETIREMENT
OR SEPARATION.— 
Section 241(a)(1) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 
(33 U.S.C. 3041(a)(1)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(1) an officer in the permanent grade of cap-
tain or commander may— 
‘‘(A) except as provided by subparagraph 
(B), be transferred to the retired list; or 
‘‘(B) if the officer is not qualified for retire-
ment, be separated from service; and’’. 
(b) RETIREMENT FOR AGE.—Section 243(a) of that 
Act (33 U.S.C. 3043(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘be retired’’ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04287
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4288 
and inserting ‘‘be retired or separated (as specified in sec-
tion 1251(e) of title 10, United States Code)’’. 
(c) RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION BASED ON YEARS OF 
CREDITABLE SERVICE.—Section 261(a) of that Act (33 
U.S.C. 3071(a)) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (17) through 
(26) as paragraphs (18) through (27), respectively; 
and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (16) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(17) Section 1251(e), relating to retirement or 
separation based on years of creditable service.’’. 
SEC. 11706. IMPROVING PROFESSIONAL MARINER STAFF-
ING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle E of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer 
Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.) is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 269B. SHORE LEAVE FOR PROFESSIONAL MARINERS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary may pre-
scribe regulations relating to shore leave for professional 
mariners without regard to the requirements of section 6305 
of title 5, United States Code. 
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The regulations prescribed 
under subsection (a) shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04288
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4289 
‘‘(1) require that a professional mariner serving 
aboard an ocean-going vessel be granted a leave of ab-
sence of 4 days per pay period; and 
‘‘(2) provide that a professional mariner serving 
in a temporary promotion position aboard a vessel 
may be paid the difference between such mariner’s 
temporary and permanent rates of pay for leave ac-
crued while serving in the temporary promotion posi-
tion. 
‘‘(c) PROFESSIONAL MARINER DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘professional mariner’ means an individual 
employed on a vessel of the Administration who has the nec-
essary expertise to serve in the engineering, deck, steward, 
electronic technician, or survey department.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents in 
section 1 of the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to reauthorize the Hy-
drographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other 
purposes’’ (Public Law 107–372) is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 269A the following: 
‘‘Sec. 269B. Shore leave for professional mariners.’’. 
SEC. 11707. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. 
Section 1044(a)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ‘‘or the commissioned officer corps 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’’ 
after ‘‘Public Health Service’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04289
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4290 
SEC. 11708. ACQUISITION OF AIRCRAFT FOR AGENCY AIR, 
ATMOSPHERE, AND WEATHER RECONNAIS-
SANCE AND RESEARCH MISSION. 
(a) INCREASED FLEET CAPACITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary of Com-
merce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall acquire ade-
quate aircraft platforms with the necessary observa-
tion and modification requirements— 
(A) to meet agency-wide air reconnaissance 
and research mission requirements, particularly 
with respect to hurricanes and tropical cyclones, 
and also for atmospheric chemistry, climate, air 
quality for public health, full-season fire weather 
research and operations, full-season atmospheric 
river air reconnaissance observations, and other 
mission areas; and 
(B) to ensure data and information col-
lected by the aircraft are made available to all 
users for research and operations purposes. 
(2) CONTRACTS.—In carrying out paragraph 
(1), the Under Secretary shall negotiate and enter 
into 1 or more contracts or other agreements, to the 
extent practicable and necessary, with 1 or more gov-
ernmental or nongovernmental entities. 
(b) ACQUISITION OF AIRCRAFT TO REPLACE WP–3D 
AIRCRAFT.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04290
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4291 
the Under Secretary may enter into a contract for the ac-
quisition of up to 6 aircraft to replace the WP–3D aircraft 
that provides for— 
(1) the first newly acquired aircraft to be fully 
operational before the retirement of the last WP–3D 
aircraft operated by the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration; and 
(2) the second newly acquired aircraft to be fully 
operational not later than 1 year after the first such 
aircraft is required to be fully operational under sub-
paragraph (A). 
(c) ACQUISITION OF AIRCRAFT TO REPLACE END OF 
LIFE-CYCLE AIRCRAFT.—Subject to the availability of ap-
propriations, the Under Secretary shall maintain the abil-
ity of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion to meet agency air reconnaissance and research mis-
sion requirements by acquiring new aircraft prior to the 
end of the service life of the aircraft being replaced with 
sufficient lead time that the replacement aircraft is fully 
operation prior to the retirement of the aircraft it is replac-
ing. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—For fiscal 
year 2023, there is authorized to be appropriated to the 
Under Secretary $800,000,000 for the acquisition of air-
craft under this section. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04291
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4292 
SEC. 11709. REPORT ON PROFESSIONAL MARINER STAFF-
ING MODELS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Represent-
atives a report on staffing issues relating to professional 
mariners within the Office of Marine and Aviation Oper-
ations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
tration. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—In conducting the report required 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall con-
sider— 
(1) the challenges the Office of Marine and Avia-
tion Operations faces in recruiting and retaining 
qualified professional mariners; 
(2) workforce planning efforts to address such 
challenges; and 
(3) other models or approaches that exist, or are 
under consideration, to provide incentives for the re-
tention of qualified professional mariners. 
(c) PROFESSIONAL MARINER DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘professional mariner’’ means an individual 
employed on a vessel of the National Oceanic and Atmos-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04292
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE
4293 
pheric Administration who has the necessary expertise to 
serve in the engineering, deck, steward, or survey depart-
ment. 
Subtitle B—Other Matters 
SEC. 11710. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY OF NA-
TIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMIN-
ISTRATION IN JUNEAU, ALASKA. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) CITY.—The term ‘‘City’’ means the City and 
Borough of Juneau, Alaska. 
(2) MASTER
PLAN.—The term ‘‘Master Plan’’ 
means the Juneau Small Cruise Ship Infrastructure 
Master Plan released by the Docks and Harbors 
Board and Port of Juneau for the City and dated 
March 2021. 
(3) PROPERTY.—The term ‘‘Property’’ means the 
parcel of real property consisting of approximately 
2.4 acres, including tidelands, owned by the United 
States and under administrative custody and control 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion and located at 250 Egan Drive, Juneau, Alaska, 
including any improvements thereon that are not au-
thorized or required by another provision of law to be 
conveyed to a specific individual or entity. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:43 Dec 08, 2022
Jkt 000000
PO 00000
Frm 04293
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
Z:\XMLBILLS\H7776.EAH
NODE