H. R. 7776—1725 
(10) A requirement that, not later than 7 days after receipt 
of a report of a delay described in paragraph (9), the Personnel 
Service Center shall take corrective action, which shall ensure 
that the Coast Guard exercises maximum discretion to continue 
the Physical Disability Evaluation System of such a member 
in a timely manner, unless such delay is caused by the member. 
(11) A requirement that— 
(A) a member of the Coast Guard shall be allowed 
to make a request for a reasonable delay in the Physical 
Disability Evaluation System to obtain additional input 
and consultation from a medical or legal professional; and 
(B) any such request for delay shall be approved by 
the Commandant based on a showing of good cause by 
the member. 
(c) REPORT ON TEMPORARY POLICY.—Not later than 60 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives a copy of the policy developed 
under subsection (a). 
(d) PERMANENT POLICY.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall publish a 
Commandant Instruction making the policy developed under sub-
section (a) a permanent policy of the Coast Guard. 
(e) BRIEFING.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives a briefing on, and a copy of, the permanent policy. 
(f) ANNUAL REPORT ON COSTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than annually, the 
Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report that, for the preceding fiscal year— 
(A) details the total aggregate service-wide costs 
described in subsection (b)(7)(A)(ii) for members of the 
Coast Guard whose Physical Disability Evaluation System 
process has exceeded 90 days; and 
(B) includes for each such member— 
(i) an accounting of such costs; and 
(ii) the number of days that elapsed between the 
initiation and completion of the Physical Disability 
Evaluation System process. 
(2) PERSONALLY
IDENTIFIABLE
INFORMATION.—A report 
under paragraph (1) shall not include the personally identifiable 
information of any member of the Coast Guard. 
SEC. 11412. EXPANSION OF ACCESS TO COUNSELING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall hire, train, and 
deploy not fewer than an additional 5 behavioral health specialists. 
(b) REQUIREMENT.—Through the hiring process required under 
subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that at least 35 per-
cent of behavioral health specialists employed by the Coast Guard 
have experience in behavioral healthcare for the purpose of sup-
porting members of the Coast Guard with needs for perinatal
H. R. 7776—1726 
mental health care and counseling service for miscarriage, child 
loss, and postpartum depression. 
(c) ACCESSIBILITY.—The support provided by the behavioral 
health specialists described in subsection (a)— 
(1) may include care delivered via telemedicine; and 
(2) shall be made widely available to members of the Coast 
Guard. 
SEC. 11413. EXPANSION OF POSTGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR 
MEMBERS OF COAST GUARD IN MEDICAL AND RELATED 
FIELDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant shall expand opportunities 
for members of the Coast Guard to secure postgraduate degrees 
in medical and related professional disciplines for the purpose of 
supporting Coast Guard clinics and operations. 
(b) APPLICATION OF LAW.—Individuals who receive assistance 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall be subject to the service obligations 
required under section 2114 of title 10, United States Code. 
(c) MILITARY TRAINING STUDENT LOADS.—Section 4904(b)(3) of 
title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘350’’ and 
inserting ‘‘385’’. 
SEC. 11414. STUDY ON COAST GUARD MEDICAL FACILITIES NEEDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall commence a study on Coast Guard medical facilities needs. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) A list of Coast Guard medical facilities, including clinics, 
sickbays, and shipboard facilities. 
(2) A summary of capital needs for Coast Guard medical 
facilities, including construction and repair. 
(3) A summary of equipment upgrade backlogs of Coast 
Guard medical facilities. 
(4) An assessment of improvements to Coast Guard medical 
facilities, including improvements to information technology 
infrastructure, required to enable the Coast Guard to fully 
use telemedicine and implement other modernization initia-
tives. 
(5) An evaluation of the process used by the Coast Guard 
to identify, monitor, and construct Coast Guard medical facili-
ties. 
(6) A description of the resources necessary to fully address 
all Coast Guard medical facilities needs. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after commencing the study 
required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the 
study. 
SEC. 11415. STUDY ON COAST GUARD TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall commence a study on the Coast Guard telemedicine program. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study required under subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) An assessment of—
H. R. 7776—1727 
(A) the current capabilities and limitations of the Coast 
Guard telemedicine program; 
(B) the degree of integration of such program with 
existing electronic health records; 
(C) the capability and accessibility of such program, 
as compared to the capability and accessibility of the tele-
medicine programs of the Department of Defense and 
commercial medical providers; 
(D) the manner in which the Coast Guard telemedicine 
program may be expanded to provide better clinical and 
behavioral medical services to members of the Coast Guard, 
including such members stationed at remote units or 
onboard Coast Guard cutters at sea; and 
(E) the costs savings associated with the provision 
of— 
(i) care through telemedicine; and 
(ii) preventative care. 
(2) An identification of barriers to full use or expansion 
of such program. 
(3) A description of the resources necessary to expand 
such program to its full capability. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after commencing the study 
required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the 
study. 
Subtitle C—Housing 
SEC. 11416. STUDY ON COAST GUARD HOUSING ACCESS, COST, AND 
CHALLENGES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall commence a study on housing access, cost, and associated 
challenges facing members of the Coast Guard. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study required under subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) An assessment of— 
(A) the extent to which— 
(i) the Commandant has evaluated the sufficiency, 
availability, and affordability of housing options for 
members of the Coast Guard and their dependents; 
and 
(ii) the Coast Guard owns and leases housing for 
members of the Coast Guard and their dependents; 
(B) the methods used by the Commandant to manage 
housing data, and the manner in which the Commandant 
uses such data— 
(i) to inform Coast Guard housing policy; and 
(ii) to guide investments in Coast Guard-owned 
housing capacity and other investments in housing, 
such as long-term leases and other housing options; 
and
H. R. 7776—1728 
(C) the process used by the Commandant to gather 
and provide information used to calculate housing allow-
ances for members of the Coast Guard and their depend-
ents, including whether the Commandant has established 
best practices to manage low-data areas. 
(2) An assessment as to whether the Department of Defense 
basic allowance for housing is sufficient for members of the 
Coast Guard. 
(3) Recommendations for actions the Commandant should 
take to improve the availability and affordability of housing 
for members of the Coast Guard and their dependents who 
are stationed in— 
(A) remote units located in areas in which members 
of the Coast Guard and their dependents are eligible for 
TRICARE Prime Remote; or 
(B) units located in areas with a high number of vaca-
tion rental properties. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after commencing the study 
required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the 
study. 
(d) STRATEGY.—Not later than 180 days after the submission 
of the report required under subsection (c), the Commandant shall 
publish a Coast Guard housing strategy that addresses the findings 
set forth in the report. Such strategy shall, at a minimum— 
(1) address housing inventory shortages and affordability; 
and 
(2) include a Coast Guard-owned housing infrastructure 
investment prioritization plan. 
SEC. 11417. AUDIT OF CERTAIN MILITARY HOUSING CONDITIONS OF 
ENLISTED MEMBERS OF COAST GUARD IN KEY WEST, 
FLORIDA. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination with the 
Secretary of the Navy, shall commence an audit to assess— 
(1) the conditions of housing units of enlisted members 
of the Coast Guard located at Naval Air Station Key West 
Sigsbee Park Annex; 
(2) the percentage of such units that are considered unsafe 
or unhealthy housing units for enlisted members of the Coast 
Guard and their families; 
(3) the process used by enlisted members of the Coast 
Guard and their families to report housing concerns; 
(4) the extent to which enlisted members of the Coast 
Guard and their families experience unsafe or unhealthy 
housing units, relocate, receive a per diem, or expend similar 
expenses as a direct result of displacement that are not covered 
by a landlord, insurance, or claims process; 
(5) the feasibility of providing reimbursement for uncovered 
expenses described in paragraph (4); and 
(6) what resources are needed to provide appropriate and 
safe housing for enlisted members of the Coast Guard and 
their families in Key West, Florida.
H. R. 7776—1729 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after the date of enact-
ment of this section , the Commandant shall submit to the appro-
priate committees of Congress a report on the results of the audit. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS.—The term 
‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and 
(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House 
of Representatives. 
(2) UNSAFE
OR
UNHEALTHY
HOUSING
UNIT.—The term 
‘‘unsafe or unhealthy housing unit’’ means a unit of housing 
unit in which is present, at levels exceeding relevant govern-
mental health or housing standards or guidelines, at least 
1 of the following hazards: 
(A) Physiological hazards, including the following: 
(i) Dampness or microbial growth. 
(ii) Lead-based paint. 
(iii) Asbestos or manmade fibers. 
(iv) Ionizing radiation. 
(v) Biocides. 
(vi) Carbon monoxide. 
(vii) Volatile organic compounds. 
(viii) Infectious agents. 
(ix) Fine particulate matter. 
(B) Psychological hazards, including the following: 
(i) Ease of access by unlawful intruders. 
(ii) Lighting issues. 
(iii) Poor ventilation. 
(iv) Safety hazards. 
(v) Other hazards similar to the hazards specified 
in clauses (i) through (iv). 
SEC. 11418. STUDY ON COAST GUARD HOUSING AUTHORITIES AND 
PRIVATIZED HOUSING. 
(a) STUDY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
States shall commence a study that— 
(A) evaluates the authorities of the Coast Guard 
relating to construction, operation, and maintenance of 
housing provided to members of the Coast Guard and their 
dependents; and 
(B) assesses other options to meet Coast Guard housing 
needs in rural and urban housing markets, including 
public-private partnerships, long-term lease agreements, 
privately owned housing, and any other housing option 
the Comptroller General identifies. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The study required under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following: 
(A) A review of authorities, regulations, and policies 
available to the Secretary with respect to construction, 
maintenance, and operation of housing for members of 
the Coast Guard and their dependents, including unaccom-
panied member housing, that considers—
H. R. 7776—1730 
(i) housing that is owned and managed by the 
Coast Guard; 
(ii) long-term leasing or extended-rental housing; 
(iii) public-private partnerships or other privatized 
housing options for which the Secretary may enter 
into 1 or more contracts with a private entity to build, 
maintain, and manage privatized housing for members 
of the Coast Guard and their dependents; 
(iv) on-installation and off-installation housing 
options, and the availability of, and authorities relating 
to, such options; and 
(v) housing availability near Coast Guard units, 
readiness needs, and safety. 
(B) A review of the housing-related authorities, regula-
tions, and policies available to the Secretary of Defense, 
and an identification of the differences between such 
authorities afforded to the Secretary of Defense and the 
housing-related 
authorities, 
regulations, 
and 
policies 
afforded to the Secretary. 
(C) A description of lessons learned, or recommenda-
tions for, the Coast Guard based on the use of private 
housing by the Department of Defense, including the rec-
ommendations set forth in the report of the Government 
Accountability Office titled ‘‘Privatized Military Housing: 
Update on DOD’s Efforts to Address Oversight Challenges’’ 
(GAO–22–105866), issued in March 2022. 
(D) An assessment of the extent to which the Secretary 
uses the authorities provided in subchapter IV of chapter 
169 of title 10, United States Code. 
(E) An analysis of immediate and long-term costs asso-
ciated with housing owned and operated by the Coast 
Guard, as compared to opportunities for long-term leases, 
private housing, and other public-private partnerships in 
urban and remote locations. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study con-
ducted under subsection (a). 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which 
the report required under subsection (b) is submitted, the Com-
mandant or the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the appropriate 
committees of Congress on— 
(1) the actions the Commandant has, or has not, taken 
with respect to the results of the study; 
(2) a plan for addressing areas identified in the report 
that present opportunities for improving the housing options 
available to members of the Coast Guard and their dependents; 
and 
(3) the need for, or potential manner of use of, any authori-
ties the Coast Guard does not have with respect to housing, 
as compared to the Department of Defense. 
(d) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives.
H. R. 7776—1731 
SEC. 11419. STRATEGY TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE AT REMOTE 
UNITS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not more than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop a strategy 
to improve the quality of life for members of the Coast Guard 
and their dependents who are stationed in remote units. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The strategy developed under subsection (a) 
shall address the following: 
(1) Methods to improve the availability or affordability 
of housing options for such members and their dependents 
through— 
(A) Coast Guard-owned housing; or 
(B) Coast Guard-facilitated housing. 
(2) A review of whether current methods for determining 
the amount of basic housing allowances received by such mem-
bers of the Coast Guard accurately reflect the costs of privately 
owned or privately rented housing in such areas. 
(3) Methods to improve access by such members and their 
dependents to— 
(A) medical, dental, and pediatric care; and 
(B) behavioral health care that is covered under the 
TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, 
United States Code). 
(4) Methods to increase access to child care services in 
such areas, including recommendations for increasing child care 
capacity and opportunities for care within the Coast Guard 
and in the private sector. 
(5) Methods to improve non-Coast Guard network internet 
access at remote units— 
(A) to improve communications between members of 
the Coast Guard on active duty who are assigned or 
attached to a remote unit and the family members of 
such members who are not located in the same location 
as such member; and 
(B) for other purposes such as education and training. 
(6) Methods to support spouses and other dependents of 
members serving in such areas who face challenges specific 
to remote locations. 
(7) Any other matter the Commandant considers appro-
priate. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the strategy devel-
oped under subsection (a) is completed, the Commandant shall 
provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the 
strategy. 
(d) REMOTE UNIT DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘remote 
unit’’ means a unit located in an area in which members of the 
Coast Guard and their dependents are eligible for TRICARE Prime 
Remote.
H. R. 7776—1732 
Subtitle D—Other Matters 
SEC. 11420. REPORT ON AVAILABILITY OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES FOR 
COAST GUARD PERSONNEL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the 
availability of appropriate emergency supplies at Coast Guard units. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required under subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) An assessment of the extent to which— 
(A) the Commandant ensures that Coast Guard units 
assess risks and plan accordingly to obtain and maintain 
appropriate emergency supplies; and 
(B) Coast Guard units have emergency food and water 
supplies available according to local emergency prepared-
ness needs. 
(2) A description of any challenge the Commandant faces 
in planning for and maintaining adequate emergency supplies 
for Coast Guard personnel. 
(c) PUBLICATION.—Not later than 90 days after the date of 
submission of the report required by subsection (a), the Com-
mandant shall publish a strategy and recommendations in response 
to the report that includes— 
(1) a plan for improving emergency preparedness and emer-
gency supplies for Coast Guard units; and 
(2) a process for periodic review and engagement with 
Coast Guard units to ensure emerging emergency response 
supply needs are achieved and maintained. 
SEC. 11421. FLEET MIX ANALYSIS AND SHORE INFRASTRUCTURE 
INVESTMENT PLAN. 
(a) FLEET MIX ANALYSIS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commandant shall conduct an 
updated fleet mix analysis that provides for a fleet mix suffi-
cient, as determined by the Commandant— 
(A) to carry out— 
(i) the missions of the Coast Guard; and 
(ii) emerging mission requirements; and 
(B) to address— 
(i) national security threats; and 
(ii) the global deployment of the Coast Guard to 
counter great power competitors. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to Congress 
a report on the results of the updated fleet mix analysis 
required under paragraph (1). 
(b) SHORE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PLAN.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commandant shall develop an 
updated shore infrastructure investment plan that includes— 
(A) the construction of additional facilities to accommo-
date the updated fleet mix described in subsection (a)(1); 
(B) improvements necessary to ensure that existing 
facilities meet requirements and remain operational for
H. R. 7776—1733 
the lifespan of such fleet mix, including necessary improve-
ments to information technology infrastructure; 
(C) a timeline for the construction and improvement 
of the facilities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B); 
and 
(D) a cost estimate for construction and life-cycle sup-
port of such facilities, including for necessary personnel. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date on which 
the report under subsection (a)(2) is submitted, the Com-
mandant shall submit to Congress a report on the plan required 
under paragraph (1). 
TITLE CXV—MARITIME 
Subtitle A—Vessel Safety 
SEC. 11501. RESPONSES TO SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 721. Responses to safety recommendations 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the National 
Transportation Safety Board submits to the Commandant a rec-
ommendation, and supporting justification for such recommenda-
tion, relating to transportation safety, the Commandant shall 
submit to the National Transportation Safety Board a written 
response to the recommendation, including whether the Com-
mandant— 
‘‘(1) concurs with the recommendation; 
‘‘(2) partially concurs with the recommendation; or 
‘‘(3) does not concur with the recommendation. 
‘‘(b) EXPLANATION OF CONCURRENCE.—The Commandant shall 
include in a response submitted under subsection (a)— 
‘‘(1) with respect to a recommendation with which the 
Commandant concurs or partially concurs, an explanation of 
the actions the Commandant intends to take to implement 
such recommendation or part of such recommendation; and 
‘‘(2) with respect to a recommendation with which the 
Commandant does not concur, the reasons the Commandant 
does not concur. 
‘‘(c) FAILURE TO RESPOND.—If the National Transportation 
Safety Board has not received the written response required under 
subsection (a) by the end of the time period described in such 
subsection, the National Transportation Safety Board shall notify 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives that such response has not been 
received.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 7 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘721. Responses to safety recommendations.’’. 
SEC. 11502. REQUIREMENTS FOR DUKW AMPHIBIOUS PASSENGER VES-
SELS. 
(a) RULEMAKING REQUIRED.—
H. R. 7776—1734 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 6 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall initiate a 
rulemaking to establish additional safety standards for DUKW 
amphibious passenger vessels. 
(2) DEADLINE FOR REGULATIONS.—The regulations issued 
under paragraph (1) shall take effect not later than 18 months 
after the Commandant promulgates a final rule pursuant to 
such paragraph. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The regulations required under subsection 
(a) shall include the following: 
(1) A requirement that operators of DUKW amphibious 
passenger vessels provide reserve buoyancy for such vessels 
through 
passive 
means, 
including 
watertight 
compartmentalization, built-in flotation, or such other means 
as determined appropriate by the Commandant, in order to 
ensure that such vessels remain afloat and upright in the 
event of flooding, including when carrying a full complement 
of passengers and crew. 
(2) An identification, in consultation with the Under Sec-
retary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, of limiting 
environmental conditions, such as weather, in which DUKW 
amphibious passenger vessels may safely operate and a require-
ment that such limiting conditions be described in the certifi-
cate of inspection of each DUKW amphibious passenger vessel. 
(3) Requirements that an operator of a DUKW amphibious 
passenger vessel— 
(A) proceed to the nearest harbor or safe refuge in 
any case in which a watch or warning is issued for wind 
speeds exceeding the wind speed equivalent used to certify 
the stability of such DUKW amphibious passenger vessel; 
and 
(B) maintain and monitor a weather monitor radio 
receiver at the operator station of the vessel that is auto-
matically activated by the warning alarm device of the 
National Weather Service. 
(4) A requirement that— 
(A) operators of DUKW amphibious passenger vessels 
inform passengers that seat belts may not be worn during 
waterborne operations; 
(B) before the commencement of waterborne operations, 
a crew member shall visually check that the seatbelt of 
each passenger is unbuckled; and 
(C) operators or crew maintain a log recording the 
actions described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). 
(5) A requirement for annual training for operators and 
crew of DUKW amphibious passenger vessels, including— 
(A) training for personal flotation and seat belt require-
ments, verifying the integrity of the vessel at the onset 
of each waterborne departure, identification of weather 
hazards, and use of National Weather Service resources 
prior to operation; and 
(B) training for crew to respond to emergency situa-
tions, including flooding, engine compartment fires, man- 
overboard situations, and in water emergency egress proce-
dures. 
(c) CONSIDERATION.—In issuing the regulations required under 
subsection (a), the Commandant shall consider whether personal
H. R. 7776—1735 
flotation devices should be required for the duration of the water-
borne transit of a DUKW amphibious passenger vessel. 
(d) WAIVER.—The Commandant may waive the reserve buoy-
ancy requirements described in subsection (b)(1) for a DUKW 
amphibious passenger vessel if the Commandant certifies in writing, 
using the best available science, to the appropriate congressional 
committees that such requirement is not practicable or technically 
or practically achievable for such vessel. 
(e) NOTICE TO PASSENGERS.—A DUKW amphibious passenger 
vessel that receives a waiver under subsection (d) shall provide 
a prominently displayed notice on its website, ticket counter, and 
each ticket for passengers that the vessel is exempt from meeting 
Coast Guard safety compliance standards concerning reserve buoy-
ancy. 
(f) INTERIM REQUIREMENTS.—Prior to issuing final regulations 
pursuant to subsection (a) and not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall require that 
operators of DUKW amphibious passenger vessels implement the 
following requirements: 
(1) Remove the canopies and any window coverings of such 
vessels for waterborne operations, or install in such vessels 
a canopy that does not restrict horizontal or vertical escape 
by passengers in the event of flooding or sinking. 
(2) If a canopy and window coverings are removed from 
any such vessel pursuant to paragraph (1), require that all 
passengers wear a personal flotation device approved by the 
Coast Guard before the onset of waterborne operations of such 
vessel. 
(3) Reengineer such vessels to permanently close all 
unnecessary access plugs and reduce all through-hull penetra-
tions to the minimum number and size necessary for operation. 
(4) Install in such vessels independently powered electric 
bilge pumps that are capable of dewatering such vessels at 
the volume of the largest remaining penetration in order to 
supplement an operable Higgins pump or a dewatering pump 
of equivalent or greater capacity. 
(5) Install in such vessels not fewer than 4 independently 
powered bilge alarms. 
(6) Conduct an in-water inspection of any such vessel after 
each time a through-hull penetration of such vessel has been 
removed or uncovered. 
(7) Verify through an in-water inspection the watertight 
integrity of any such vessel at the outset of each waterborne 
departure of such vessel. 
(8) Install underwater LED lights that activate automati-
cally in an emergency. 
(9) Otherwise comply with any other provisions of relevant 
Coast Guard guidance or instructions in the inspection, configu-
ration, and operation of such vessels. 
(g) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Commandant shall implement the 
interim requirements under subsection (f) without regard to chap-
ters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Order 
Nos. 12866 and 13563 (5 U.S.C. 601 note). 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—The term 
‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means the Committee
H. R. 7776—1736 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate. 
(2) DUKW AMPHIBIOUS
PASSENGER
VESSEL.—The term 
‘‘DUKW amphibious passenger vessel’’ means a vessel that 
uses, modifies, or is derived from the GMC DUKW–353 design, 
and which is operating as a small passenger vessel in waters 
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as defined 
in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
a successor regulation). 
SEC. 11503. EXONERATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR SMALL 
PASSENGER VESSELS. 
(a) RESTRUCTURING.—Chapter 305 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting before section 30501 the following: 
‘‘Subchapter I—General Provisions’’; 
(2) by inserting before section 30503 the following: 
‘‘Subchapter II—Exoneration and Limitation of Liability’’; 
and 
(3) by redesignating sections 30503 through 30512 as sec-
tions 30521 through 30530, respectively. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—Section 30501 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 30501. Definitions 
‘‘In this chapter: 
‘‘(1) COVERED SMALL PASSENGER VESSEL.—The term ‘cov-
ered small passenger vessel’— 
‘‘(A) means a small passenger vessel, as defined in 
section 2101, that is— 
‘‘(i) not a wing-in-ground craft; and 
‘‘(ii) carrying— 
‘‘(I) not more than 49 passengers on an over-
night domestic voyage; and 
‘‘(II) not more than 150 passengers on any 
voyage that is not an overnight domestic voyage; 
and 
‘‘(B) includes any wooden vessel constructed prior to 
March 11, 1996, carrying at least 1 passenger for hire. 
‘‘(2) OWNER.—The term ‘owner’ includes a charterer that 
mans, supplies, and navigates a vessel at the charterer’s own 
expense or by the charterer’s own procurement.’’. 
(c) APPLICABILITY.—Section 30502 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 30502. Application 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise provided, this chapter 
(except section 30521) applies to seagoing vessels and vessels used 
on lakes or rivers or in inland navigation, including canal boats, 
barges, and lighters. 
‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—This chapter (except for section 30526) shall 
not apply to covered small passenger vessels.’’.
H. R. 7776—1737 
(d) PROVISIONS REQUIRING NOTICE OF CLAIM OR LIMITING TIME 
FOR BRINGING ACTION.—Section 30526(b) of title 46, United States 
Code, as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘, in the case of seagoing vessels,’’ 
after ‘‘personal injury or death’’; and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘, or in the case of covered small 
passenger vessels, to less than two years after the date 
of the injury or death’’ after ‘‘date of the injury or death’’; 
and 
(2) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘, in the case of seagoing vessels,’’ 
after ‘‘personal injury or death’’; and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘, or in the case of covered small 
passenger vessels, to less than two years after the date 
of the injury or death’’ after ‘‘date of the injury or death’’. 
(e) CHAPTER ANALYSIS.—The analysis for chapter 305 of title 
46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting before the item relating to section 30501 
the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS’’; 
(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 30502 
the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—EXONERATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY’’; 
(3) by striking the item relating to section 30501 and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘30501. Definitions.’’; 
and 
(4) by redesignating the items relating to sections 30503 
through 30512 as items relating to sections 30521 through 
30530, respectively. 
(f) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Title 46, United States Code, 
is further amended— 
(1) in section 14305(a)(5) by striking ‘‘section 30506’’ and 
inserting ‘‘section 30524’’; 
(2) in section 30523(a), as redesignated by subsection (a), 
by striking ‘‘section 30506’’ and inserting ‘‘section 30524’’; 
(3) in section 30524(b), as redesignated by subsection (a), 
by striking ‘‘section 30505’’ and inserting ‘‘section 30523’’; and 
(4) in section 30525, as redesignated by subsection (a)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
‘‘sections 30505 and 30506’’ and inserting ‘‘sections 30523 
and 30524’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘section 30505’’ and 
inserting ‘‘section 30523’’; and 
(C) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘section 30506(b)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘section 30524(b)’’. 
SEC. 11504. AT-SEA RECOVERY OPERATIONS PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall conduct a pilot program 
to evaluate the potential use of remotely controlled or autonomous 
operation and monitoring of certain vessels for the purposes of— 
(1) better understanding the complexities of such at-sea 
operations and potential risks to navigation safety, vessel secu-
rity, maritime workers, the public, and the environment;
H. R. 7776—1738 
(2) gathering observational and performance data from 
monitoring the use of remotely-controlled or autonomous ves-
sels; and 
(3) assessing and evaluating regulatory requirements nec-
essary to guide the development of future occurrences of such 
operations and monitoring activities. 
(b) DURATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.—The duration of the pilot 
program established under this section shall be not more than 
5 years beginning on the date on which the pilot program is estab-
lished, which shall be not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act. 
(c) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—The activities authorized under 
this section include— 
(1) remote over-the-horizon monitoring operations related 
to the active at-sea recovery of spaceflight components on an 
unmanned vessel or platform; 
(2) procedures for the unaccompanied operation and moni-
toring of an unmanned spaceflight recovery vessel or platform; 
and 
(3) unmanned vessel transits and testing operations with-
out a physical tow line related to space launch and recovery 
operations, except within 12 nautical miles of a port. 
(d) INTERIM AUTHORITY.—In recognition of potential risks to 
navigation safety, vessel security, maritime workers, the public, 
and the environment, and the unique circumstances requiring the 
use of remotely operated or autonomous vessels, the Secretary, 
in the pilot program established under subsection (a), may— 
(1) allow remotely controlled or autonomous vessel oper-
ations to proceed consistent to the extent practicable under 
the proposed title 33, United States Code, and 46, United 
States Code, including navigation and manning laws and regu-
lations; 
(2) modify or waive applicable regulations and guidance 
as the Secretary considers appropriate to— 
(A) allow remote and autonomous vessel at-sea oper-
ations and activities to occur while ensuring navigation 
safety; and 
(B) ensure the reliable, safe, and secure operation of 
remotely-controlled or autonomous vessels; and 
(3) require each remotely operated or autonomous vessel 
to be at all times under the supervision of 1 or more individ-
uals— 
(A) holding a merchant mariner credential which is 
suitable to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard; and 
(B) who shall practice due regard for the safety of 
navigation of the autonomous vessel, to include collision 
avoidance. 
(e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to authorize the Secretary to— 
(1) permit foreign vessels to participate in the pilot program 
established under subsection (a); 
(2) waive or modify applicable laws and regulations under 
the proposed title 33, United States Code, and title 46, United 
States Code, except to the extent authorized under subsection 
(d)(2); 
(3) waive or modify applicable laws and regulations under 
titles 49 and 51 of the United States Code; or
H. R. 7776—1739 
(4) waive or modify any regulations arising under inter-
national conventions. 
(f) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this section may be con-
strued to authorize the employment in the coastwise trade of a 
vessel or platform that does not meet the requirements of sections 
12112, 55102, 55103, and 55111 of title 46, United States Code. 
(g) AUTHORITY UNAFFECTED.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to affect, impinge, or alter any authority of the Secretary 
of Transportation under titles 49 and 51, United States Code. 
(h) BRIEFINGS.—The Secretary or the designee of the Secretary 
shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives on the program established 
under subsection (a) on a quarterly basis. 
(i) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the expiration of 
the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives a final report regarding 
an assessment of the execution of the pilot program and implications 
for maintaining navigation safety, the safety of maritime workers, 
and the preservation of the environment. 
(j) GAO REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after the date 
of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report on the state of autonomous and remote 
technologies in the operation of shipboard equipment and the 
safe and secure navigation of vessels in Federal waters of 
the United States. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following: 
(A) An assessment of commercially available autono-
mous and remote technologies in the operation of shipboard 
equipment and the safe and secure navigation of vessels 
during the 10 years immediately preceding the date of 
the report. 
(B) An analysis of the safety, physical security, cyberse-
curity, and collision avoidance risks and benefits associated 
with autonomous and remote technologies in the operation 
of shipboard equipment and the safe and secure navigation 
of vessels, including environmental considerations. 
(C) An assessment of the impact of such autonomous 
and remote technologies, and all associated technologies, 
on labor, including— 
(i) roles for credentialed and noncredentialed 
workers regarding such autonomous, remote, and asso-
ciated technologies; and 
(ii) training and workforce development needs 
associated with such technologies. 
(D) An assessment and evaluation of regulatory 
requirements necessary to guide the development of future 
autonomous, remote, and associated technologies in the
H. R. 7776—1740 
operation of shipboard equipment and safe and secure 
navigation of vessels. 
(E) An assessment of the extent to which such tech-
nologies are being used in other countries and how such 
countries have regulated such technologies. 
(F) Recommendations regarding authorization, infra-
structure, and other requirements necessary for the 
implementation of such technologies in the United States. 
(3) CONSULTATION.—The report required under paragraph 
(1) shall include, at a minimum, consultation with the maritime 
industry including— 
(A) vessel operators, including commercial carriers, 
entities engaged in exploring for, developing, or producing 
resources, including non-mineral energy resources in its 
offshore areas, and supporting entities in the maritime 
industry; 
(B) shipboard personnel impacted by any change to 
autonomous vessel operations, in order to assess the var-
ious benefits and risks associated with the implementation 
of autonomous, remote, and associated technologies in the 
operation of shipboard equipment and safe and secure 
navigation of vessels and the impact such technologies 
would have on maritime jobs and maritime manpower; 
(C) relevant federally funded research institutions, 
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 Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives a report evaluating the practicability of the application 
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 modifying the 
requirements under such section would have on the safety 
of passengers and crew of historic wood sailing vessels. 
(D) An evaluation of the economic practicability of 
requiring the compliance of historic wood sailing vessels 
with such section and whether such compliance would 
meaningfully improve safety of passengers and crew in 
a manner that is both feasible and economically practicable.
H. R. 7776—1741 
(E) Any recommendations to improve safety in addition 
to, or in lieu of, applying such section to historic wood 
sailing vessels. 
(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 exemption to such section 
and the changes to legislative or rulemaking requirements, 
including modifications 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 provide the 
Commandant the authority to make such exemption or 
to otherwise provide for such exemption. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In completing the report required 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, nongovernmental 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 respect 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 vessel, waive the require-
ments 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 infeasible for the 
historic wood sailing vessel to comply with the require-
ments 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 ARRANGEMENTS.—An owner 
or operator of a historic wood sailing vessel requesting a waiver 
under paragraph (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, beginning 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
H. R. 7776—1742 
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). 
(C) Angelique (Official Number 623562). 
(D) Heritage (Official Number 649561). 
(E) J & E Riggin (Official Number 226422). 
(F) Ladona (Official Number 222228). 
(G) Lady Washington (Official Number 944970). 
(H) Lettie G. Howard (Official Number 222838). 
(I) Lewis R. French (Official Number 015801). 
(J) Mary Day (Official Number 288714). 
(K) Stephen Taber (Official Number 115409). 
(L) Victory Chimes (Official Number 136784). 
(M) Grace Bailey (Official Number 085754). 
(N) Mercantile (Official Number 214388). 
(O) Mistress (Official Number 509004). 
(P) Wendameen (Official Number 210173). 
(2) HISTORIC WOOD SAILING VESSEL.—The term ‘‘historic 
wood sailing vessel’’ means a covered small passenger vessel, 
as defined in section 3306(n)(5) of title 46, United States Code, 
that— 
(A) has overnight passenger accommodations; 
(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 UNDOCUMENTED VES-
SELS. 
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 enact-
ment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall initiate a review that assesses the oversight of the Coast 
Guard of third-party organizations. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—In carrying out the review required under sub-
section (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 preven-
tion mission performance, including resource use and special-
ized expertise. 
(2) The extent to which the Coast Guard has assessed 
the potential risks and benefits of using third-party organiza-
tions to support prevention mission activities.
H. R. 7776—1743 
(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 Committee 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 require-
ments set forth in section 8104 of title 46, United States Code, 
the Secretary shall authorize an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspec-
tion to issue an amended certificate of inspection that does not 
require engine room watch setting to inspected towing vessels cer-
tificated 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 inspection for 
articulated tug-barge units. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION.—The term ‘‘certificate of 
inspection’’ means a certificate of inspection under subchapter 
M of chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(2) INSPECTED
TOWING
VESSEL.—The term ‘‘inspected 
towing vessel’’ means a vessel issued a certificate 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 vessels 
described in subsection (b) if requested by the owner or oper-
ator; and’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘vessels described in 
subsection (b) if— 
‘‘(A) requested by an owner or operator; or 
‘‘(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 inserting ‘‘Subsection (a)’’; 
and 
(3) by repealing section 4503a. 
(b) ALTERNATIVE SAFETY COMPLIANCE AGREEMENTS.—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 VESSELS. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, requirements 
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 —