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outside employment aimed at improving the transi-
tion of the member to civilian life, only if such an in-
ternship or employment does not interfere with nec-
essary medical appointments required for the mem-
ber’s physical disability evaluation. 
(5) A requirement that not less than 21 days no-
tice shall be provided to such a member for any such 
medical appointment, to the maximum extent prac-
ticable, to ensure that the appointment timeline is in 
the best interests of the immediate health of the mem-
ber. 
(6) A requirement that the Coast Guard shall 
provide such a member with a written separation 
date upon the completion of a Medical Evaluation 
Board report that finds the member unfit to continue 
active duty. 
(7) To provide certainty to such a member with 
respect to a separation date, a policy that ensures— 
(A) that accountability measures are in 
place with respect to Coast Guard delays 
throughout the Physical Disability Evaluation 
System, including— 
(i) placement of the member in an ex-
cess leave status after 270 days have elapsed 
since the date of initiation of an evaluation 
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by a Medical Evaluation Board by any 
competent authority; and 
(ii) a calculation of the costs to retain 
the member on active duty, including the 
pay, allowances, and other associated bene-
fits of the member, for the period beginning 
on the date that is 90 days after the date 
of initiation of an evaluation by a Medical 
Evaluation Board by any competent au-
thority and ending on the date on which the 
member is separated from the Coast Guard; 
and 
(B) the availability of administrative solu-
tions to any such delay. 
(8) With respect to a member of the Coast Guard 
on temporary limited duty status, an option to re-
main in the member’s current billet, to the maximum 
extent practicable, or to be transferred to a different 
active-duty billet, so as to minimize any negative im-
pact on the member’s career trajectory. 
(9) A requirement that each respective command 
shall report to the Coast Guard Personnel Service 
Center any delay of more than 21 days between each 
stage of the Physical Disability Evaluation System 
for any such member, including between stages of the 
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processes, the Medical Evaluation Board, the Informal 
Physical Evaluation Board, and the Formal Physical 
Evaluation Board. 
(10) A requirement that, not later than 7 days 
after receipt of a report of a delay described in para-
graph (9), the Personnel Service Center shall take cor-
rective 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 ap-
proved 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 Com-
mandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
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of Representatives a copy of the policy developed under sub-
section (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 subsection (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 Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on, 
and a copy of, the permanent policy. 
(f) ANNUAL REPORT ON COSTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than an-
nually, the Commandant 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 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 Dis-
ability Evaluation System process has exceeded 
90 days; and 
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(B) includes for each such member— 
(i) an accounting of such costs; and 
(ii) the number of days that elapsed be-
tween 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 re-
quired under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure 
that at least 35 percent of behavioral health specialists em-
ployed by the Coast Guard have experience in behavioral 
healthcare for the purpose of supporting members of the 
Coast Guard with needs for perinatal mental health care 
and counseling service for miscarriage, child loss, and 
postpartum depression. 
(c) ACCESSIBILITY.—The support provided by the be-
havioral health specialists described in subsection (a)— 
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(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 OPPORTUNI-
TIES FOR MEMBERS OF COAST GUARD IN 
MEDICAL AND RELATED FIELDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant shall expand op-
portunities for members of the Coast Guard to secure post-
graduate degrees in medical and related professional dis-
ciplines 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. 
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SEC. 11415. STUDY ON COAST GUARD TELEMEDICINE PRO-
GRAM. 
(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— 
(A) the current capabilities and limitations 
of the Coast Guard telemedicine program; 
(B) the degree of integration of such pro-
gram with existing electronic health records; 
(C) the capability and accessibility of such 
program, as compared to the capability and ac-
cessibility of the telemedicine programs of the 
Department of Defense and commercial medical 
providers; 
(D) the manner in which the Coast Guard 
telemedicine program may be expanded to pro-
vide better clinical and behavioral medical serv-
ices to members of the Coast Guard, including 
such members stationed at remote units or on-
board Coast Guard cutters at sea; and 
(E) the costs savings associated with the 
provision of— 
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(i) care through telemedicine; and 
(ii) preventative care. 
(2) An identification of barriers to full use or ex-
pansion of such program. 
(3) A description of the resources necessary to ex-
pand such program to its full capability. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after commencing 
the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller Gen-
eral 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 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— 
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(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 pol-
icy; 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 
(C) the process used by the Commandant to 
gather and provide information used to calculate 
housing allowances for members of the Coast 
Guard and their dependents, 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. 
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(3) Recommendations for actions the Com-
mandant 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 depend-
ents are eligible for TRICARE Prime Remote; or 
(B) units located in areas with a high num-
ber of vacation 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 Com-
mittee 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 sub-
mission 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 af-
fordability; and 
(2) include a Coast Guard-owned housing infra-
structure investment prioritization plan. 
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SEC. 11417. AUDIT OF CERTAIN MILITARY HOUSING CONDI-
TIONS 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 coordi-
nation 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 consid-
ered 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 con-
cerns; 
(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 dis-
placement that are not covered by a landlord, insur-
ance, or claims process; 
(5) the feasibility of providing reimbursement for 
uncovered expenses described in paragraph (4); and 
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(6) what resources are needed to provide appro-
priate and safe housing for enlisted members of the 
Coast Guard and their families in Key West, Florida. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after the date 
of enactment of this section , the Commandant shall submit 
to the appropriate 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 
Infrastructure 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 governmental health or housing 
standards or guidelines, at least 1 of the following 
hazards: 
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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 hous-
ing markets, including public-private partner-
ships, long-term lease agreements, privately 
owned housing, and any other housing option the 
Comptroller General identifies. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The study required under para-
graph (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 
unaccompanied 
member housing, that considers— 
(i) housing that is owned and managed 
by the Coast Guard; 
(ii) long-term leasing or extended-rent-
al housing; 
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(iii) public-private partnerships or 
other privatized housing options for which 
the Secretary may enter into 1 or more con-
tracts with a private entity to build, main-
tain, and manage privatized housing for 
members of the Coast Guard and their de-
pendents; 
(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 authori-
ties, regulations, 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 rec-
ommendations for, the Coast Guard based on the 
use of private housing by the Department of De-
fense, including the recommendations set forth in 
the report of the Government Accountability Of-
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fice titled ‘‘Privatized Military Housing: Update 
on DOD’s Efforts to Address Oversight Chal-
lenges’’ (GAO–22–105866), issued in March 
2022. 
(D) An assessment of the extent to which the 
Secretary uses the authorities provided in sub-
chapter IV of chapter 169 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(E) An analysis of immediate and long- 
term costs associated with housing owned and 
operated by the Coast Guard, as compared to op-
portunities 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 conducted under subsection (a). 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
on which the report required under subsection (b) is sub-
mitted, the Commandant 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; 
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(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 authorities 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 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 
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 de-
velop 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 sub-
section (a) shall address the following: 
(1) Methods to improve the availability or af-
fordability of housing options for such members and 
their dependents through— 
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(A) Coast Guard-owned housing; or 
(B) Coast Guard-facilitated housing. 
(2) A review of whether current methods for de-
termining the amount of basic housing allowances re-
ceived by such members 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 sec-
tion 1072 of title 10, United States Code). 
(4) Methods to increase access to child care serv-
ices in such areas, including recommendations for in-
creasing child care capacity and opportunities for 
care within the Coast Guard and in the private sec-
tor. 
(5) Methods to improve non-Coast Guard net-
work 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 
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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 de-
pendents of members serving in such areas who face 
challenges specific to remote locations. 
(7) Any other matter the Commandant considers 
appropriate. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the 
strategy developed under subsection (a) is completed, 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 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 eligi-
ble for TRICARE Prime Remote. 
Subtitle D—Other Matters 
SEC. 11420. REPORT ON AVAILABILITY OF EMERGENCY SUP-
PLIES 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 Com-
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(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 INFRASTRUC-
TURE INVESTMENT PLAN. 
(a) FLEET MIX ANALYSIS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant shall con-
duct an updated fleet mix analysis that provides for 
a fleet mix sufficient, as determined by the Com-
mandant— 
(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 enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
submit to Congress a report on the results of the up-
dated fleet mix analysis required under paragraph 
(1). 
(b) SHORE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PLAN.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant shall de-
velop an updated shore infrastructure investment 
plan that includes— 
(A) the construction of additional facilities 
to accommodate the updated fleet mix described 
in subsection (a)(1); 
(B) improvements necessary to ensure that 
existing facilities meet requirements and remain 
operational for the lifespan of such fleet mix, in-
cluding necessary improvements to information 
technology infrastructure; 
(C) a timeline for the construction and im-
provement of the facilities described in subpara-
graphs (A) and (B); and 
(D) a cost estimate for construction and 
life-cycle support 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 Commandant shall submit to Congress 
a report on the plan required under paragraph (1). 
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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 Com-
mandant a recommendation, and supporting justification 
for such recommendation, relating to transportation safety, 
the Commandant shall submit to the National Transpor-
tation Safety Board a written response to the recommenda-
tion, including whether the Commandant— 
‘‘(1) concurs with the recommendation; 
‘‘(2) partially concurs with the recommendation; 
or 
‘‘(3) does not concur with the recommendation. 
‘‘(b) EXPLANATION
OF CONCURRENCE.—The Com-
mandant shall include in a response submitted under sub-
section (a)— 
‘‘(1) with respect to a recommendation with 
which the Commandant concurs or partially concurs, 
an explanation of the actions the Commandant in-
tends to take to implement such recommendation or 
part of such recommendation; and 
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‘‘(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 Trans-
portation Safety Board has not received the written re-
sponse required under subsection (a) by the end of the time 
period described in such subsection, the National Transpor-
tation Safety Board shall notify the Committee on Com-
merce, 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 PAS-
SENGER VESSELS. 
(a) RULEMAKING REQUIRED.— 
(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 regula-
tions issued under paragraph (1) shall take effect not 
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later than 18 months after the Commandant promul-
gates 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 am-
phibious passenger vessels provide reserve buoyancy 
for such vessels through passive means, including wa-
tertight compartmentalization, built-in flotation, or 
such other means as determined appropriate by the 
Commandant, in order to ensure that such vessels re-
main afloat and upright in the event of flooding, in-
cluding when carrying a full complement of pas-
sengers and crew. 
(2) An identification, in consultation with the 
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmos-
phere, of limiting environmental conditions, such as 
weather, in which DUKW amphibious passenger ves-
sels may safely operate and a requirement that such 
limiting conditions be described in the certificate of 
inspection of each DUKW amphibious passenger ves-
sel. 
(3) Requirements that an operator of a DUKW 
amphibious passenger vessel— 
(A) proceed to the nearest harbor or safe ref-
uge in any case in which a watch or warning 
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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 mon-
itor radio receiver at the operator station of the 
vessel that is automatically activated by the 
warning alarm device of the National Weather 
Service. 
(4) A requirement that— 
(A) operators of DUKW amphibious pas-
senger 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 re-
cording the actions described in subparagraphs 
(A) and (B). 
(5) A requirement for annual training for opera-
tors and crew of DUKW amphibious passenger ves-
sels, including— 
(A) training for personal flotation and seat 
belt requirements, verifying the integrity of the 
vessel at the onset of each waterborne departure, 
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identification of weather hazards, and use of Na-
tional Weather Service resources prior to oper-
ation; and 
(B) training for crew to respond to emer-
gency situations, including flooding, engine com-
partment fires, man-overboard situations, and in 
water emergency egress procedures. 
(c) CONSIDERATION.—In issuing the regulations re-
quired under subsection (a), the Commandant shall con-
sider whether personal flotation devices should be required 
for the duration of the waterborne transit of a DUKW am-
phibious passenger vessel. 
(d) WAIVER.—The Commandant may waive the re-
serve buoyancy requirements described in subsection (b)(1) 
for a DUKW amphibious passenger vessel if the Com-
mandant certifies in writing, using the best available 
science, to the appropriate congressional committees that 
such requirement is not practicable or technically or prac-
tically 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 buoyancy. 
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(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 Com-
mandant shall require that operators of DUKW amphibious 
passenger vessels implement the following requirements: 
(1) Remove the canopies and any window cov-
erings of such vessels for waterborne operations, or in-
stall 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 re-
moved from any such vessel pursuant to paragraph 
(1), require that all passengers wear a personal flota-
tion 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 penetrations 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 Hig-
gins pump or a dewatering pump of equivalent or 
greater capacity. 
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(5) Install in such vessels not fewer than 4 inde-
pendently 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 
automatically in an emergency. 
(9) Otherwise comply with any other provisions 
of relevant Coast Guard guidance or instructions in 
the inspection, configuration, and operation of such 
vessels. 
(g) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Commandant shall imple-
ment the interim requirements under subsection (f) without 
regard to chapters 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
COMMIT-
TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional commit-
tees’’ means the Committee Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the 
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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 ju-
risdiction 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 fol-
lowing: 
‘‘Subchapter I—General Provisions’’; 
(2) by inserting before section 30503 the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘Subchapter II—Exoneration and Limitation 
of Liability’’; 
and 
(3) by redesignating sections 30503 through 
30512 as sections 30521 through 30530, respectively. 
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(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 ‘covered small passenger vessel’— 
‘‘(A) means a small passenger vessel, as de-
fined in section 2101, that is— 
‘‘(i) not a wing-in-ground craft; and 
‘‘(ii) carrying— 
‘‘(I) not more than 49 passengers 
on an overnight domestic voyage; and 
‘‘(II) not more than 150 pas-
sengers 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 pas-
senger 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: 
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‘‘§ 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.’’. 
(d) PROVISIONS REQUIRING NOTICE OF CLAIM OR 
LIMITING TIME FOR BRINGING ACTION.—Section 30526(b) 
of title 46, United States Code, as redesignated by sub-
section (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’’. 
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(4) in section 30525, as redesignated by sub-
section (a)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) 
by striking ‘‘sections 30505 and 30506’’ and in-
serting ‘‘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 PRO-
GRAM. 
(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 security, maritime workers, the public, 
and the environment; 
(2) gathering observational and performance 
data from monitoring the use of remotely-controlled 
or autonomous vessels; and 
(3) assessing and evaluating regulatory require-
ments necessary to guide the development of future oc-
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4222 
currences of such operations and monitoring activi-
ties. 
(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 established, which shall be not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(c) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—The activities author-
ized under this section include— 
(1) remote over-the-horizon monitoring oper-
ations related to the active at-sea recovery of 
spaceflight components on an unmanned vessel or 
platform; 
(2) procedures for the unaccompanied operation 
and monitoring of an unmanned spaceflight recovery 
vessel or platform; and 
(3) unmanned vessel transits and testing oper-
ations without 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 work-
ers, the public, and the environment, and the unique cir-
cumstances requiring the use of remotely operated or auton-
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omous vessels, the Secretary, in the pilot program estab-
lished under subsection (a), may— 
(1) allow remotely controlled or autonomous ves-
sel operations to proceed consistent to the extent prac-
ticable under the proposed title 33, United States 
Code, and 46, United States Code, including naviga-
tion and manning laws and regulations; 
(2) modify or waive applicable regulations and 
guidance as the Secretary considers appropriate to— 
(A) allow remote and autonomous vessel at- 
sea operations and activities to occur while en-
suring navigation safety; and 
(B) ensure the reliable, safe, and secure op-
eration of remotely-controlled or autonomous ves-
sels; and 
(3) require each remotely operated or autono-
mous vessel to be at all times under the supervision 
of 1 or more individuals— 
(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. 
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4224 
(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 regula-
tions 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 regula-
tions under titles 49 and 51 of the United States 
Code; or 
(4) waive or modify any regulations arising 
under international conventions. 
(f) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this section may 
be construed to authorize the employment in the coastwise 
trade of a vessel or platform that does not meet the require-
ments of sections 12112, 55102, 55103, and 55111 of title 
46, United States Code. 
(g) AUTHORITY UNAFFECTED.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed to affect, impinge, or alter any au-
thority 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 Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
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4225 
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representa-
tives on the program established under subsection (a) on 
a quarterly basis. 
(i) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the expi-
ration of the pilot program established under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology 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 Comp-
troller General of the United States shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives 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 Fed-
eral waters of the United States. 
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(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required under 
paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) An assessment of commercially avail-
able autonomous 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 re-
port. 
(B) An analysis of the safety, physical secu-
rity, cybersecurity, and collision avoidance risks 
and benefits associated with autonomous and re-
mote 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 au-
tonomous and remote technologies, and all asso-
ciated technologies, on labor, including— 
(i) 
roles 
for 
credentialed 
and 
noncredentialed workers regarding such au-
tonomous, remote, and associated tech-
nologies; and 
(ii) training and workforce develop-
ment needs associated with such tech-
nologies. 
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