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Sec. 204. Authority to reimburse Novato, California, Reuse Commission.
Sec. 205. Eliminate supply fund reimbursement requirement.
Sec. 206. Disposal of certain material to Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Sec. 207. Law enforcement authority for special agents of the Coast Guard Inves-
tigative Service.
Sec. 208. Report on excess Coast Guard property.
Sec. 209. Fees for navigation assistance service.
Sec. 210. Aids to navigation report.
TITLE III—MARINE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Sec. 301. Alcohol testing.
Sec. 302. Penalty for violation of international convention.
Sec. 303. Protect marine casualty investigations from mandatory release.
Sec. 304. Eliminate biennial research and development report.
Sec. 305. Extension of territorial sea for certain laws.
Sec. 306. Safety management code report and policy.
Sec. 307. Oil and hazardous substance definition and report.
Sec. 308. National Marine Transportation System.
Sec. 309. Availability and use of EPIRBs for recreational vessels.
Sec. 310. Search and rescue helicopter coverage.
Sec. 311. Petroleum transportation.
Sec. 312. Seasonal Coast Guard helicopter air rescue capability.
Sec. 313. Ship reporting systems.
Sec. 314. Interim authority for dry bulk cargo residue disposal.
TITLE IV—MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 401. Vessel identification system amendments.
Sec. 402. Conveyance of lighthouses.
Sec. 403. Administrative authority to convey lighthouses.
Sec. 404. Conveyance of Communication Station Boston Marshfield Receiver site,
Massachusetts.
Sec. 405. Conveyance of Nahant Parcel, Essex County, Massachusetts.
Sec. 406. Conveyance of Coast Guard Station Ocracoke, North Carolina.
Sec. 407. Conveyance of Coast Guard Loran Station Nantucket.
Sec. 408. Conveyance of Coast Guard Reserve training facility, Jacksonville, Flor-
ida.
Sec. 409. Conveyance of decommissioned Coast Guard vessels.
Sec. 410. Amendment to conveyance of vessel S/S Red Oak Victory.
Sec. 411. Transfer of Ocracoke Light Station to Secretary of the Interior.
Sec. 412. Vessel documentation clarification.
Sec. 413. Sanctions for failure to land or to heave to; sanctions for obstruction
of boarding and providing false information.
Sec. 414. Dredge clarification.
Sec. 415. Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee.
Sec. 416. Documentation of certain vessels.
Sec. 417. Double hull alternative designs study.
Sec. 418. Report on maritime activities.
Sec. 419. Vessel sharing agreements.
Sec. 420. Report on SWATH technology.
Sec. 421. Report on tonnage calculation methodology.
Sec. 422. Authority to convey National Defense Reserve Fleet Vessel, American
Victory.
Sec. 423. Authority to convey National Defense Reserve Fleet Vessel, John Henry.
Sec. 424. Authorized number of NOAA Corps commissioned officers.
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Sec. 425. Coast Guard City, USA.
Sec. 426. Marine transportation flexibility.
TITLE V—ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS FOR JONES ACT WAIVERS
Sec. 501. Findings.
Sec. 502. Administrative waiver of coastwise trade laws.
Sec. 503. Revocation.
Sec. 504. Definitions.
TITLE VI—HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Findings.
Sec. 603. Assessments.
Sec. 604. Northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxia.
Sec. 605. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 606. Amendment to National Sea Grant College Program Act.
Sec. 607. Amendment to the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Sec. 608. Protection of States’ rights.
TITLE VII—ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 701. Applicability of authority to release restrictions and encumbrances.
TITLE I—APPROPRIATIONS;
AUTHORIZED LEVELS
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) FISCAL YEAR 1998.—Funds are authorized to be
appropriated for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard for
fiscal year 1998, as follows:
(1) For the operation and maintenance of the
Coast Guard, $2,715,400,000, of which $25,000,000
shall be derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust
Fund.
(2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding,
and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and off-
shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equip-
ment related thereto, $397,850,000, to remain avail-
able until expended, of which $20,000,000 shall be de-
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rived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to
carry out the purposes of section 1012(a)(5) of the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990.
(3) For research, development, test, and evalua-
tion of technologies, materials, and human factors di-
rectly relating to improving the performance of the
Coast Guard’s mission in support of search and res-
cue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine envi-
ronmental protection, enforcement of laws and trea-
ties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and de-
fense readiness, $19,000,000, to remain available
until expended, of which $3,500,000 shall be derived
from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
(4) For retired pay (including the payment of
obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropria-
tions for this purpose), payments under the Retired
Serviceman’s Family Protection and Survivor Benefit
Plans, and payments for medical care of retired per-
sonnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title
10, United States Code, $653,196,000.
(5) For alteration or removal of bridges over
navigable waters of the United States constituting ob-
structions to navigation, and for personnel and ad-
ministrative costs associated with the bridge alter-
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ation program, $17,000,000, to remain available
until expended.
(6) For environmental compliance and restora-
tion at Coast Guard facilities functions (other than
parts and equipment associated with operations and
maintenance), $21,000,000, to remain available until
expended.
(b) FISCAL YEAR 1999.—Funds are authorized to be
appropriated for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard for
fiscal year 1999, as follows:
(1) For the operation and maintenance of the
Coast Guard, $2,808,000,000, of which $25,000,000
shall be derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust
Fund and of which not less than $408,000,000 shall
be available for expenses related to drug interdiction.
(2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding,
and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and off-
shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equip-
ment related thereto, $505,000,000, to remain avail-
able until expended, of which $20,000,000 shall be de-
rived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to
carry out the purposes of section 1012(a)(5) of the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990 and of which not less than
$62,000,000 shall be available for expenses related to
drug interdiction.
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(3) For research, development, test, and evalua-
tion of technologies, materials, and human factors di-
rectly relating to improving the performance of the
Coast Guard’s mission in support of search and res-
cue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine envi-
ronmental protection, enforcement of laws and trea-
ties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and de-
fense readiness, $18,300,000, to remain available
until expended, of which $3,500,000 shall be derived
from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
(4) For retired pay (including the payment of
obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropria-
tions for this purpose), payments under the Retired
Serviceman’s Family Protection and Survivor Benefit
Plans, and payments for medical care of retired per-
sonnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title
10, United States Code, $691,493,000.
(5) For alteration or removal of bridges over
navigable waters of the Untied States constituting ob-
structions to navigation, and for personnel and ad-
ministrative costs associated with the bridge alter-
ation program, $26,000,000, to remain available
until expended.
(6) For environmental compliance and restora-
tion at Coast Guard facilities functions (other than
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parts and equipment associated with operations and
maintenance), $21,000,000, to remain available until
expended.
(c) FISCAL YEAR 2000.—Funds are authorized to be
appropriated for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard for
fiscal year 2000, as follows:
(1) For the operation and maintenance of the
Coast Guard, $2,880,000,000, of which $25,000,000
shall be derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust
Fund and of which not less than $408,000,000 shall
be available for expenses related to drug interdiction.
(2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding,
and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and off-
shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equip-
ment related thereto, $665,969,000, to remain avail-
able until expended, of which $20,000,000 shall be de-
rived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to
carry out the purposes of section 1012(a)(5) of the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990, and of which not less than
$62,000,000 shall be available for expenses related to
drug interdiction.
(3) For research, development, test, and evalua-
tion of technologies, materials, and human factors di-
rectly relating to improving the performance of the
Coast Guard’s mission in support of search and res-
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cue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine envi-
ronmental protection, enforcement of laws and trea-
ties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and de-
fense readiness, $23,050,000, to remain available
until expended, of which $3,500,000 shall be derived
from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
(4) For retired pay (including the payment of
obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropria-
tions for this purpose), payments under the Retired
Serviceman’s Family Protection and Survivor Benefit
Plans, and payments for medical care of retired per-
sonnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title
10, United States Code, $730,327,000.
(5) For alteration or removal of bridges over
navigable waters of the Untied States constituting ob-
structions to navigation, and for personnel and ad-
ministrative costs associated with the bridge alter-
ation program, $26,000,000, to remain available
until expended.
(6) For environmental compliance and restora-
tion at Coast Guard facilities functions (other than
parts and equipment associated with operations and
maintenance), $21,000,000, to remain available until
expended.
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SEC. 102. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH
AND TRAINING.
(a) 1998 END-OF-YEAR STRENGTH.—The Coast Guard
is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty person-
nel of 37,944 as of September 30, 1998.
(b) 1998 MILITARY TRAINING STUDENT LOADS.—For
fiscal year 1998, the Coast Guard is authorized average
military training student loads as follows:
(1) For recruit and special training, 1,424 stu-
dent years.
(2) For flight training, 98 student years.
(3) For professional training in military and ci-
vilian institutions, 283 student years.
(4) For officer acquisition, 814 student years.
(c) 1999 END-OF-YEAR STRENGTH.—The Coast Guard
is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty person-
nel of 38,038 as of September 30, 1999.
(d) 1999 MILITARY TRAINING STUDENT LOADS.—For
fiscal year 1999, the Coast Guard is authorized average
military training student loads as follows:
(1) For recruit and special training, 1,424 stu-
dent years.
(2) For flight training, 98 student years.
(3) For professional training in military and ci-
vilian institutions, 283 student years.
(4) For officer acquisition, 810 student years.
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(e) 2000 END-OF-YEAR STRENGTH.—The Coast Guard
is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty person-
nel of 38,313 as of September 30, 2000.
(f) 2000 MILITARY TRAINING STUDENT LOADS.—For
fiscal year 2000, the Coast Guard is authorized average
military training student loads as follows:
(1) For recruit and special training, 1,424 stu-
dent years.
(2) For flight training, 98 student years.
(3) For professional training in military and ci-
vilian institutions, 283 student years.
(4) For officer acquisition, 825 student years.
SEC. 103. LORAN-C.
(a) FISCAL YEARS 1999 AND 2000.—There are author-
ized to be appropriated to the Department of Transpor-
tation, in addition to the funds authorized for the Coast
Guard for operation of the LORAN-C System, for capital
expenses related to LORAN-C navigation infrastructure,
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and $35,000,000 for fiscal
year 2000. The Secretary of Transportation may transfer
from the Federal Aviation Administration and other agen-
cies of the department funds appropriated as authorized
under this section in order to reimburse the Coast Guard
for related expenses.
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(b) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation
shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Trans-
portation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives on cost-sharing arrangements among Federal agencies
for such capital expenses related to LORAN-C navigation
infrastructure, including, but not limited to, the Coast
Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration.
TITLE II—COAST GUARD
MANAGEMENT
SEC. 201. SEVERANCE PAY.
(a) WARRANT OFFICERS.—Section 286a(d) of title 14,
United States Code, is amended by striking the last sen-
tence.
(b) SEPARATED OFFICERS.—Section 286a of title 14,
United States Code, is amended by striking the period at
the end of subsection (b) and inserting ‘‘, unless the Sec-
retary of the Service in which the Coast Guard is operating
determines that the conditions under which the officer is
discharged or separated do not warrant payment of that
amount of severance pay.’’.
(c) EXCEPTION.—Section 327 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by striking the period at the end of para-
graph (b)(3) and inserting ‘‘, unless the Secretary deter-
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mines that the conditions under which the officer is dis-
charged or separated do not warrant payment of that
amount of severance pay.’’.
SEC. 202. AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT AND FUND CERTAIN
AWARDS PROGRAMS.
(a) Section 93 of title 14, United States Code, is
amended —
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon at the
end of paragraph (u);
(2) by striking the period at the end of para-
graph (v) and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph:
‘‘(w) provide for the honorary recognition of in-
dividuals and organizations that significantly con-
tribute to Coast Guard programs, missions, or oper-
ations, including but not limited to state and local
governments and commercial and nonprofit organiza-
tions, and pay for, using any appropriations or funds
available to the Coast Guard, plaques, medals, tro-
phies, badges, and similar items to acknowledge such
contribution (including reasonable expenses of cere-
mony and presentation).’’.
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SEC. 203. USE OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR COMMERCIAL
VEHICLES AT MILITARY FUNERALS.
Section 93 of title 14, United States Code, as amended
by section 202 of this Act, is further amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon at the
end of paragraph (v);
(2) by striking the period at the end of para-
graph (w) and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph:
‘‘(x) rent or lease, under such terms and condi-
tions as are deemed advisable, commercial vehicles to
transport the next of kin of eligible retired Coast
Guard military personnel to attend funeral services of
the service member at a national cemetery.’’.
SEC. 204. AUTHORITY TO REIMBURSE NOVATO, CALIFOR-
NIA, REUSE COMMISSION.
The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
may use up to $25,000 to provide economic adjustment as-
sistance for the City of Novato, California, for the cost of
revising the Hamilton Reuse Planning Authority’s reuse
plan as a result of the Coast Guard’s request for housing
at Hamilton Air Force Base. If the Department of Defense
provides such economic adjustment assistance to the City
of Novato on behalf of the Coast Guard, then the Coast
Guard may use the amount authorized for use in the preced-
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ing sentence to reimburse the Department of Defense for the
amount of economic adjustment assistance provided to the
City of Novato by the Department of Defense.
SEC. 205. ELIMINATE SUPPLY FUND REIMBURSEMENT RE-
QUIREMENT.
Subsection 650(a) of title 14, United States Code, is
amended by striking the last sentence and inserting ‘‘In
these regulations, whenever the fund is reduced to delete
items stocked, the Secretary may reduce the existing capital
of the fund by the value of the materials transferred to other
Coast Guard accounts. Except for the materials so trans-
ferred, the fund shall be credited with the value of materials
consumed, issued for use, sold, or otherwise disposed of, such
values to be determined on a basis that will approximately
cover the cost thereof.’’.
SEC. 206. DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN MATERIAL TO COAST
GUARD AUXILIARY.
(a) Section 641 of title 14, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘to the Coast Guard Auxiliary,
including any incorporated unit thereof,’’ in sub-
section (a) ; and
(2) by adding at the end thereof the following:
‘‘(f)(1) Notwithstanding any other law, the Com-
mandant may directly transfer ownership of personal prop-
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erty of the Coast Guard to the Coast Guard Auxiliary (in-
cluding any incorporated unit thereof), with or without
charge, if the Commandant determines—
‘‘(A) after consultation with the Administrator of
General Services, that the personal property is excess
to the needs of the Coast Guard but is suitable for use
by the Auxiliary in performing Coast Guard func-
tions, powers, duties, roles, missions, or operations as
authorized by law pursuant to section 822 of this
title; and
‘‘(B) that such excess property will be used solely
by the Auxiliary for such purposes.
‘‘(2) Upon transfer of personal property under para-
graph (1), no appropriated funds shall be available for the
operation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or replacement
of such property, except as permitted by section 830 of this
title.’’.
SEC. 207. LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY FOR SPECIAL
AGENTS OF THE COAST GUARD INVESTIGA-
TIVE SERVICE.
(a) AUTHORITY.—Section 95 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
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‘‘§ 95. Special agents of the Coast Guard Investigative
Service law enforcement authority
‘‘(a)(1) A special agent of the Coast Guard Investiga-
tive Service designated under subsection (b) has the follow-
ing authority:
‘‘(A) To carry firearms.
‘‘(B) To execute and serve any warrant or other
process issued under the authority of the United
States.
‘‘(C) To make arrests without warrant for—
‘‘(i) any offense against the United States
committed in the agent’s presence; or
‘‘(ii) any felony cognizable under the laws
of the United States if the agent has probable
cause to believe that the person to be arrested has
committed or is committing the felony.
‘‘(2) The authorities provided in paragraph (1) shall
be exercised only in the enforcement of statutes for which
the Coast Guard has law enforcement authority, or in exi-
gent circumstances.
‘‘(b) The Commandant may designate to have the au-
thority provided under subsection (a) any special agent of
the Coast Guard Investigative Service whose duties include
conducting, supervising, or coordinating investigation of
criminal activity in programs and operations of the United
States Coast Guard.
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‘‘(c) The authority provided under subsection (a) shall
be exercised in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the
Commandant and approved by the Attorney General and
any other applicable guidelines prescribed by the Secretary
of Transportation or the Attorney General.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at
the beginning of chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code,
is amended by striking the item related to section 95 and
inserting the following:
‘‘95. Special agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service law enforcement au-
thority.’’.
SEC. 208. REPORT ON EXCESS COAST GUARD PROPERTY.
Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of the General Services Ad-
ministration and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall
submit to the Congress a report on the current procedures
used to dispose of excess Coast Guard property and provide
recommendations to improve such procedures. The rec-
ommendations shall take into consideration measures that
would—
(1) improve the efficiency of such procedures;
(2) improve notification of excess property deci-
sions to and enhance the participation in the prop-
erty disposal decisionmaking process of the States,
local communities, and appropriate nonprofit organi-
zations;
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(3) facilitate the expeditious transfer of excess
property for recreation, historic preservation, edu-
cation, transportation, or other uses that benefit the
general public; and
(4) ensure that the interests of Federal taxpayers
are protected.
SEC. 209. FEES FOR NAVIGATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE.
Section 2110 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the end thereof the following:
‘‘(k) The Secretary may not plan, implement or final-
ize any regulation that would promulgate any new mari-
time user fee which was not implemented and collected
prior to January 1, 1998, including a fee or charge for any
domestic icebreaking service or any other navigational as-
sistance service. This subsection expires on September 30,
2000.’’.
SEC. 210. AIDS TO NAVIGATION REPORT.
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall sub-
mit to Congress a report on the use of the Coast Guard’s
aids to navigation system. The report shall include an anal-
ysis of the respective use of the aids to navigation system
by commercial interests, members of the general public for
personal recreation, Federal and State government for pub-
lic safety, defense, and other similar purposes. To the extent
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practicable within the time allowed, the report shall include
information regarding degree of use of the various portions
of the system.
TITLE III—MARINE SAFETY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SEC. 301. ALCOHOL TESTING.
(a) ADMINSTRATIVE PROCEDURE.—Section 7702 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the
second sentence of subsection (c)(2) and inserting the follow-
ing: ‘‘The testing may include preemployment (with respect
to dangerous drugs only), periodic, random, and reasonable
cause testing, and shall include post-accident testing.’’.
(b) INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTY.—Section 2115 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking
‘‘$1,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$5,000’’.
(c) INCREASE
IN NEGLIGENCE PENALTY.—Section
2302(c)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by
striking ‘‘$1,000 for a first violation and not more than
$5,000 for a subsequent violation; or’’ and inserting
‘‘$5,000; or’’.
(d) POST SERIOUS MARINE INCIDENT TESTING.—
(1) Chapter 23 of title 46, United States Code,
is amended by inserting after section 2303 the follow-
ing:
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‘‘§ 2303a. Post serious marine incident alcohol testing
‘‘(a) The Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure
that after a serious marine incident occurs, alcohol testing
of crew members or other persons responsible for the oper-
ation or other safety-sensitive functions of the vessel or ves-
sels involved in such incident is conducted no later than
2 hours after the incident occurs, unless such testing cannot
be completed within that time due to safety concerns di-
rectly related to the incident.
‘‘(b) The procedures in subsection (a) shall require that
if alcohol testing cannot be completed within 2 hours of the
occurrence of the incident, such testing shall be conducted
as soon thereafter as the safety concerns in subsection (a)
have been adequately addressed to permit such testing, ex-
cept that such testing may not be required more than 8
hours after the incident occurs.’’.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 23 of title 46, United States Code, is amended
by inserting after the item related to section 2303 the
following:
‘‘2303a. Post serious marine incident alcohol testing’’.
SEC. 302. PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION.
Section 2302 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the following new subsection:
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‘‘(e)(1) A vessel may not be used to transport cargoes
sponsored by the United States Government if the vessel has
been detained by the Secretary for violation of an applicable
international convention to which the United States is a
party, and the Secretary has published notice of that deten-
tion.
‘‘(2) The prohibition in paragraph (1) expires for a
vessel 1 year after the date of the detention on which the
prohibition is based or upon the Secretary granting an ap-
peal of the detention on which the prohibition is based.
‘‘(3) The Secretary may grant an exemption from the
prohibition in paragraph (1) on a case by case basis if the
owner of the vessel to be used for transport of the cargo spon-
sored by the United States Government can provide compel-
ling evidence that the vessel was detained due to cir-
cumstances beyond the owner’s control and that the vessel
is currently in compliance with applicable international
conventions to which the United States is a party.
‘‘(4) As used in this subsection, the term ‘cargo spon-
sored by the United States Government’ means cargo for
which a Federal agency contracts directly for shipping by
water or for which (or the freight of which) a Federal agen-
cy provides financing, including financing by grant, loan,
or loan guarantee, resulting in shipment of the cargo by
water.’’.
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SEC. 303. PROTECT MARINE CASUALTY INVESTIGATIONS
FROM MANDATORY RELEASE.
Section 6305(b) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended by striking all after ‘‘public’’ and inserting a pe-
riod and ‘‘This subsection does not require the release of
information described by section 552(b) of title 5 or pro-
tected from disclosure by another law of the United States.’’.
SEC. 304. ELIMINATE BIENNIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOP-
MENT REPORT.
Section 7001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33
U.S.C. 2761) is amended by striking subsection (e) and by
redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).
SEC. 305. EXTENSION OF TERRITORIAL SEA FOR CERTAIN
LAWS.
(a) PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY ACT.—Section
102 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C.
1222) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(5) ‘Navigable waters of the United States’ in-
cludes all waters of the territorial sea of the United
States as described in Presidential Proclamation 5928
of December 27, 1988.’’.
(b) SUBTITLE II OF TITLE 46.—
(1) Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code,
is amended—
(A) by redesignating paragraph (17a) as
paragraph (17b); and
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(B) by inserting after paragraph (17) the
following:
‘‘(17a) ‘navigable waters of the United States’
includes all waters of the territorial sea of the United
States as described in Presidential Proclamation 5928
of December 27, 1988.’’.
(2) Section 2301 of that title is amended by in-
serting ‘‘(including the territorial sea of the United
States as described in Presidential Proclamation 5928
of December 27, 1988)’’ after ‘‘of the United States’’.
(3) Section 4102(e) of that title is amended by
striking ‘‘operating on the high seas’’ and inserting
‘‘owned in the United States and operating beyond 3
nautical miles from the baselines from which the ter-
ritorial sea of the United States is measured’’.
(4) Section 4301(a) of that title is amended by
inserting ‘‘(including the territorial sea of the United
States as described in Presidential Proclamation 5928
of December 27, 1988)’’ after ‘‘of the United States’’.
(5) Section 4502(a)(7) of that title is amended
by striking ‘‘on the high seas’’ and inserting ‘‘beyond
3 nautical miles from the baselines from which the
territorial sea of the United States is measured, and
which are owned in the United States’’.
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(6) Section 4506(b) of that title is amended by
striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
‘‘(2) is operating—
‘‘(A) in internal waters of the United
States; or
‘‘(B) within 3 nautical miles from the base-
lines from which the territorial sea of the United
States is measured.’’.
(7) Section 8502(a)(3) of that title is amended
by striking ‘‘not on the high seas’’ and inserting: ‘‘not
beyond 3 nautical miles from the baselines from
which the territorial sea of the United States is meas-
ured’’.
(8) Section 8503(a)(2) of that title is amended
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
‘‘(2) operating—
‘‘(A) in internal waters of the United
States; or
‘‘(B) within 3 nautical miles from the base-
lines from which the territorial sea of the United
States is measured.’’.
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SEC. 306. SAFETY MANAGEMENT CODE REPORT AND POL-
ICY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 32 of title 46, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following:
‘‘§ 3206. Report and policy.
‘‘(a) REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCE-
MENT
OF
THE INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT
CODE.—
‘‘(1) The Secretary shall conduct a study—
‘‘(A) reporting on the status of implementa-
tion of the International Safety Management
Code (hereinafter referred to in this section as
‘Code’);
‘‘(B) detailing enforcement actions involv-
ing the Code, including the role documents and
reports produced pursuant to the Code play in
such enforcement actions;
‘‘(C) evaluating the effects the Code has had
on marine safety and environmental protection,
and identifying actions to further promote ma-
rine safety and environmental protection through
the Code;
‘‘(D) identifying actions to achieve full com-
pliance with and effective implementation of the
Code; and
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other incentives to ensure accurate and candid
reporting and auditing;
‘‘(B) any other measures to achieve full
compliance with and effective implementation of
the Code; and
‘‘(C) if appropriate, recommendations to
Congress for any legislation necessary to imple-
ment one or more elements of the policy.
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall provide opportunity for
the public to participate in the development of the
policy in paragraph (1).
‘‘(3) Upon completion of the policy in paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall publish the policy in the Fed-
eral Register and provide opportunity for public com-
ment on the policy.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The chapter analysis for
chapter 32 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 3205 the follow-
ing:
‘‘3206. Report and policy’’.
SEC. 307. OIL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DEFINITION
AND REPORT.
(a) DEFINITION OF OIL.—Section 1001(23) of the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701(23)) is amended to
read as follows:
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‘‘(23) ‘oil’ means oil of any kind or in any form,
including, but not limited to, petroleum, fuel oil,
sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other
than dredged spoil, but does not include any sub-
stance which is specifically listed or designated as a
hazardous 
substance 
under 
subparagraphs 
(A)
through (F) of section 101(14) of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liabil-
ity Act (42 U.S.C. 9601) and which is subject to the
provisions of that Act;’’.
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast
Guard shall submit a report to the Congress on the status
of the joint evaluation by the Coast Guard and the Environ-
mental Protection Agency of the substances to be classified
as oils under the Clean Water Act and Title I of the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990, including opportunities provided for
public comment on the evaluation.
SEC. 308. NATIONAL MARINE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transportation,
through the Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration,
shall, in consultation with the National Ocean Service of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
other interested Federal agencies and departments, establish
a task force to assess the adequacy of the nation’s marine
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transportation system (ports, waterways, and their inter-
modal connections) to operate in a safe, efficient, secure,
and environmentally sound manner.
(b) TASK FORCE.—
(1) The task force shall be chaired by the Sec-
retary of Transportation or his designee and may be
comprised of the representatives of interested Federal
agencies and departments and such other non-Federal
entities as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(2) The provisions of the Federal Advisory Com-
mittee Act shall not apply to the task force.
(c) ASSESSMENT.—
(1) In carrying out the assessment under this
section, the task force shall examine critical issues
and develop strategies, recommendations, and a plan
for action. Pursuant to such examination and devel-
opment, the task force shall—
(A) take into account the capability of the
marine transportation system to accommodate
projected increases in foreign and domestic traf-
fic over the next 20 years;
(B) consult with senior public and private
sector officials, including the users of that sys-
tem, such as ports, commercial carriers, ship-
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pers, labor, recreational boaters, fishermen, and
environmental organizations; and
(C) sponsor public and private sector activi-
ties to further refine and implement the strate-
gies, recommendations, and plan for action.
(2) The Secretary shall report to Congress on the
results of the assessment no later than March 31,
1999. The report shall reflect the views of both the
public and private sectors. The Task Force shall cease
to exist upon submission of the report in this para-
graph.
SEC. 309. AVAILABILITY AND USE OF EPIRBS FOR REC-
REATIONAL VESSELS.
The Secretary of Transportation, through the Coast
Guard and in consultation with the National Transpor-
tation Safety Board and recreational boating organiza-
tions, shall, within 24 months of the date of enactment of
this Act, assess and report to Congress on the use of emer-
gency position indicating beacons (EPIRBs) and similar
devices by the operators of recreational vessels. The assess-
ment shall at a minimum—
(1) evaluate the current availability and use of
EPIRBs and similar devices by the operators of rec-
reational vessels and the actual and potential con-
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tribution of such devices to recreational boating safe-
ty; and
(2) provide recommendations on policies and
programs to encourage the availability and use of
EPIRBS and similar devices by the operators of rec-
reational vessels.
SEC. 310. SEARCH AND RESCUE HELICOPTER COVERAGE.
Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Commandant shall submit a report to the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation—
(1) identifying waters out to 50 miles from the
territorial sea of Maine or other States that cannot
currently be served by a Coast Guard search and res-
cue helicopter within 2 hours of a report of distress
or request for assistance from such waters;
(2) providing options for ensuring that all wa-
ters of the area referred to in paragraph (1) can be
served by a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter
within 2 hours of a report of distress or request for
assistance from such waters;
(3) providing an analysis assessing the overall
capability of Coast Guard search and rescue assets to
serve each area referred to in paragraph (1) within
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2 hours of a report of distress or request for assistance
from such waters; and
(4) identifying, among any other options the
Commandant may provide as required by paragraph
(2), locations in the State of Maine that may be suit-
able for the stationing of a Coast Guard search and
rescue helicopter and crew, including any Coast
Guard facility in Maine, the Bangor Air National
Guard Base, and any other locations.
SEC. 311. PETROLEUM TRANSPORTATION.
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) FIRST COAST GUARD DISTRICT.—The term
‘‘First Coast Guard District’’ means the First Coast
Guard District described in section 3.05-1(b) of title
33, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means
the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating.
(3) WATERS
OF
THE
NORTHEAST.—The term
‘‘waters of the Northeast’’—
(A) means the waters subject to the jurisdic-
tion of the First Coast Guard District; and
(B) includes the waters of Long Island
Sound.
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(b) REGULATIONS RELATING
TO WATERS
OF
THE
NORTHEAST.—
(1) TOWING VESSEL AND BARGE SAFETY FOR WA-
TERS OF THE NORTHEAST.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December
31, 1998, the Secretary shall promulgate regula-
tions for towing vessel and barge safety for the
waters of the Northeast.
(B) 
INCORPORATION
OF
RECOMMENDA-
TIONS.—
(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided
in clause (ii), the regulations promulgated
under this paragraph shall give full consid-
eration to each of the recommendations for
regulations contained in the report entitled
‘‘Regional Risk Assessment of Petroleum
Transportation in the Waters of the North-
east United States’’ issued by the Regional
Risk Assessment Team for the First Coast
Guard District on February 6, 1997, and
the Secretary shall provide a detailed expla-
nation if any recommendation is not adopt-
ed.
(ii) EXCLUDED RECOMMENDATIONS.—
The regulations promulgated under this
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paragraph shall not incorporate any rec-
ommendation referred to in clause (i) that
relates to anchoring or barge retrieval sys-
tems.
(2) ANCHORING
AND
BARGE
RETRIEVAL
SYS-
TEMS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than November
30, 1998, the Secretary shall promulgate regula-
tions under section 3719 of title 46, United
States Code, for the waters of the Northeast, that
shall give full consideration to each of the rec-
ommendations made in the report referred to in
paragraph (1)(B)(i) relating to anchoring and
barge retrieval systems, and the Secretary shall
provide a detailed explanation if any rec-
ommendation is not adopted.
(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in
subparagraph (A) prevents the Secretary from
promulgating interim final regulations that
apply throughout the United States relating to
anchoring and barge retrieval systems that con-
tain requirements that are as stringent as the re-
quirements of the regulations promulgated under
subparagraph (A).
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SEC. 312. SEASONAL COAST GUARD HELICOPTER AIR RES-
CUE CAPABILITY.
The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to take
appropriate actions to ensure the establishment and oper-
ation by the Coast Guard of a helicopter air rescue capabil-
ity that—
(1) is located at Gabreski Airport, Westhampton,
New York; and
(2) provides air rescue capability from that loca-
tion from April 15 to October 15 each year.
SEC. 313. SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS.
Section 11 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, as
amended (Public Law 92-340) (33 U.S.C. 1230), is amend-
ed by adding at the end of the following:
‘‘(d) SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS.—The Secretary, in
consultation with the International Maritime Organiza-
tion, is authorized to implement and enforce two manda-
tory ship reporting systems, consistent with international
law, with respect to vessels subject to such reporting systems
entering the following areas of the Atlantic Ocean: Cape
Cod Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Great South Channel (in
the area generally bounded by a line starting from a point
on Cape Ann, Massachusetts at 42 deg. 39’ N., 70 deg. 37’
W; then northeast to 42 deg. 45’ N., 70 deg. 13’ W; then
southeast to 42 deg. 10’ N., 68 deg. 31 W, then south to
41 deg. 00’ N., 68 deg. 31’ W; then west to 41 deg. 00’ N.,
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69 deg. 17’ W; then northeast to 42 deg. 05’ N., 70 deg.
02’ W, then west to 42 deg. 04’ N., 70 deg. 10’ W; and
then along the Massachusetts shoreline of Cape Cod Bay
and Massachusetts Bay back to the point on Cape Ann at
42 deg. 39’ N., 70 deg. 37’ W) and in the coastal waters
of the Southeastern United States within about 25 nm along
a 90 nm stretch of the Atlantic seaboard (in an area gen-
erally extending from the shoreline east to longitude 80 deg.
51.6’ W with the southern and northern boundary at lati-
tudes 30 deg. 00’ N., 31 deg. 27’ N., respectively).’’.
SEC. 314. INTERIM AUTHORITY FOR DRY BULK CARGO RESI-
DUE DISPOSAL.
(a) IN GENERAL.—
(1) Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of
Transportation shall implement and enforce the
United States Coast Guard 1997 Enforcement Policy
for Cargo Residues on the Great Lakes (hereinafter re-
ferred to as ‘‘Policy’’) for the purpose of regulating
incidental discharges from vessels of residues of dry
bulk cargo into the waters of the Great Lakes under
the jurisdiction of the United States.
(2) Any discharge under this section shall com-
ply with all terms and conditions of the Policy.
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(b) EXPIRATION OF INTERIM AUTHORITY.—The Policy
shall cease to have effect on the date which is the earliest
of—
(1) the date that legislation providing for the
regulation of incidental discharges from vessels of dry
bulk cargo residue into the waters of the Great Lakes
under the jurisdiction of the United States is enacted;
(2) the date that regulations authorized under
existing law providing for the regulation of incidental
discharges from vessels of dry bulk cargo residue into
the waters of the Great Lakes under the jurisdiction
of the United States are promulgated; or
(3) September 30, 2000.
TITLE IV—MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 401. VESSEL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AMENDMENTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 121 of title 46, United
States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘or is not titled in a State’’ in
section 12102(a);
(2) by adding at the end thereof the following:
‘‘§ 12124. Surrender of title and number
‘‘(a) A documented vessel shall not be titled by a State
or required to display numbers under chapter 123, and any
certificate of title issued by a State for a documented vessel
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‘‘(3) A preferred mortgage under this subsection
continues to be a preferred mortgage even if the vessel
is no longer titled in the State where the mortgage,
security agreement, or instrument granting a security
interest became a preferred mortgage under this sub-
section.’’;
(4) by striking ‘‘mortgages or instruments’’ in
subsection 31322(d)(2) and inserting ‘‘mortgages, se-
curity agreements, or instruments’’;
(5) by inserting ‘‘a vessel titled in a State,’’ in
section 31325(b)(1) after ‘‘a vessel to be documented
under chapter 121 of this title,’’;
(6) by inserting ‘‘a vessel titled in a State,’’ in
section 31325(b)(3) after ‘‘a vessel for which an appli-
cation for documentation is filed under chapter 121
of this title,’’; and
(7) by inserting ‘‘a vessel titled in a State,’’ in
section 31325(c) after ‘‘a vessel to be documented
under chapter 121 of this title,’’.
SEC. 402. CONVEYANCE OF LIGHTHOUSES.
(a) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commandant of the
Coast Guard, or the Administrator of the General
Services Administration, as appropriate, may convey,
by an appropriate means of conveyance, all right,
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title, and interest of the United States in and to each
of the following properties:
(A) Light Station Sand Point, located in
Escanaba, Michigan, to the Delta County His-
torical Society.
(B) Light Station Dunkirk, located in Dun-
kirk, New York, to the Dunkirk Historical Light-
house and Veterans’ Park Museum.
(C) Long Branch Rear Range Light, located
in Jacksonville, Florida, to Jacksonville Univer-
sity, Florida.
(D) Eagle Harbor Light Station, located in
Michigan, to the Keweenaw County Historical
Society.
(E) Cape Decision Light Station, located in
Alaska, to the Cape Decision Lighthouse Society.
(F) Cape St. Elias Light Station, located in
Alaska, to the Cape St. Elias Light Keepers As-
sociation.
(G) Five Finger Light Station, located in
Alaska, to the Juneau Lighthouse Association.
(H) Point Retreat Light Station, located in
Alaska, to the Alaska Lighthouse Association.
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(I) Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, located in
New York, to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Preservation Society.
(J) Georgetown Light, located in George-
town County, South Carolina, to the South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
(2) IDENTIFICATION OF PROPERTY.—The Com-
mandant or Administrator, as appropriate, may
identify, describe, and determine the property to be
conveyed under this subsection.
(3) EXCEPTION.—The Commandant or Adminis-
trator, as appropriate, may not convey any historical
artifact, including any lens or lantern, located on the
property at or before the time of the conveyance.
(b) TERMS OF CONVEYANCE.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The conveyance of property
under this section shall be made—
(A) without payment of consideration; and
(B) subject to the terms and conditions re-
quired by this section and other terms and con-
ditions the Commandant or the Administrator,
as appropriate, may consider, including the res-
ervation of easements and other rights on behalf
of the United States.
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(2) REVERSIONARY INTEREST.—In addition to
any term or condition established under this section,
the conveyance of property under this section shall be
subject to the condition that all right, title, and inter-
est in the property shall immediately revert to the
United States if—
(A) the property, or any part of the prop-
erty—
(i) ceases to be used as a nonprofit cen-
ter for public benefit for the interpretation
and preservation of maritime history;
(ii) ceases to be maintained in a man-
ner that is consistent with its present or fu-
ture use as a site for Coast Guard aids to
navigation or compliance with this Act; or
(iii) ceases to be maintained in a man-
ner consistent with the conditions in para-
graph (5) established by the Commandant
or the Administrator, as appropriate, pur-
suant to the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.); or
(B) at least 30 days before that reversion,
the Commandant or the Administrator, as ap-
propriate, provides written notice to the owner
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that the property is needed for national security
purposes.
(3) MAINTENANCE OF NAVIGATION FUNCTIONS.—
The conveyance of property under this section shall be
made subject to the conditions that the Commandant
or Administrator, as appropriate, considers to be nec-
essary to assure that—
(A) the lights, antennas, and associated
equipment located on the property conveyed,
which are active aids to navigation, shall con-
tinue to be operated and maintained by the
United States for as long as they are needed for
this purpose;
(B) the owner of the property may not
interfere or allow interference in any manner
with aids to navigation without express written
permission from the Commandant or Adminis-
trator, as appropriate;
(C) there is reserved to the United States
the right to relocate, replace, or add any aid to
navigation or make any changes to the property
conveyed as may be necessary for navigational
purposes;
(D) the United States shall have the right,
at any time, to enter the property without notice
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for the purpose of operating, maintaining and
inspecting aids to navigation, and for the pur-
pose of enforcing compliance with subsection (b);
and
(E) the United States shall have an ease-
ment of access to and across the property for the
purpose of maintaining the aids to navigation in
use on the property.
(4) OBLIGATION LIMITATION.—The owner of the
property is not required to maintain any active aid
to navigation equipment on the property, except pri-
vate aids to navigation permitted under section 83 of
title 14, United States Code.
(5) MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY.—The owner of
the property shall maintain the property in a proper,
substantial, and workmanlike manner, and in accord-
ance with any conditions established by the Com-
mandant or the Administrator, as appropriate, pur-
suant to the National Historic Preservation Act of
1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), and other applicable
laws.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) AIDS TO NAVIGATION.—The term ‘‘aids to
navigation’’ means equipment used for navigation
purposes, including but not limited to, a light, an-
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tenna, sound signal, electronic navigation equipment,
or other associated equipment which are operated or
maintained by the United States.
(2) OWNER.—The term ‘‘owner’’ means the per-
son identified in subsection (a)(1), and includes any
successor or assign of that person.
(3) DELTA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.—The
term ‘‘Delta County Historical Society’’ means the
Delta County Historical Society (a nonprofit cor-
poration established under the laws of the State of
Michigan, its parent organization, or subsidiary, if
any).
(4) DUNKIRK HISTORICAL LIGHTHOUSE
AND
VETERANS’ PARK
MUSEUM.—The term ‘‘Dunkirk
Historical Lighthouse and Veterans’ Park Museum’’
means Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse and Veterans’
Park Museum located in Dunkirk, New York, or, if
appropriate as determined by the Commandant, the
Chautauqua County Armed Forces Memorial Park
Corporation, New York.
(d) EXTENSION
OF PERIOD
FOR CONVEYANCE
OF
WHITLOCK’S
MILL
LIGHT.—Notwithstanding 
section
1002(a)(3) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996,
the conveyance authorized by section 1002(a)(2)(AA) of that
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Act may take place after the date required by section
1002(a)(3) of that Act but no later than December 31, 1998.
SEC. 403. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY TO CONVEY LIGHT-
HOUSES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 17 of title 14, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following:
‘‘§ 675. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY TO CONVEY
LIGHTHOUSES.
‘‘(a) NOTIFICATION.—Not less than one year prior to
reporting to the General Services Administration that a
lighthouse or light station eligible for listing under the Na-
tional Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470
et seq) and under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard is
excess to the needs of the Coast Guard, the Commandant
of the Coast Guard shall notify the State (including the
State Historic Preservation Officer, if any) the appropriate
political subdivision of that State, and any lighthouse, his-
toric, or maritime preservation organizations in that State
in which the lighthouse or light station is located that such
property is excess to the needs of the Coast Guard.
‘‘(b) ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY TO CONVEY.—
‘‘(1) Prior to reporting to the General Services
Administration that a lighthouse or light station is
excess to the needs of the Coast Guard, the Com-
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mandant of the Coast Guard may convey, by an ap-
propriate means of conveyance, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to such lighthouse
or light station and associated real property to the
State in which the lighthouse or light station is lo-
cated, a local government in that State, or a non-
profit organization dedicated to lighthouse, historic,
or maritime heritage preservation located in that
State.
‘‘(c) TERMS OF CONVEYANCE.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The conveyance of property
under this section shall be made—
‘‘(A) without payment of consideration; and
‘‘(B) subject to the terms and conditions re-
quired by this section and other terms and con-
ditions the Commandant may consider, includ-
ing the reservation of easements and other rights
on behalf of the United States.
‘‘(2) REVERSIONARY INTEREST.—In addition to
any term or condition established under this section,
the conveyance of property under this section shall be
subject to the condition that all right, title, and inter-
est in the property shall immediately revert to the
United States if—
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‘‘(A) the property, or any part of the prop-
erty—
‘‘(i) ceases to be used as a nonprofit
center for public benefit for the interpreta-
tion and preservation of maritime history;
‘‘(ii) ceases to be maintained in a
manner that is consistent with its present
or future use as a site for Coast Guard aids
to navigation or compliance with this Act;
or
‘‘(iii) ceases to be maintained in a
manner consistent with the conditions in
paragraph (5) established by the Com-
mandant pursuant to the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et
seq.); or
‘‘(B) at least 30 days before that reversion,
the Commandant provides written notice to the
owner that the property is needed for national
security purposes.
‘‘(3) 
MAINTENANCE
OF
NAVIGATION
FUNC-
TIONS.—The conveyance of property under this sec-
tion shall be made subject to the conditions that the
Commandant considers to be necessary to assure
that—
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‘‘(A) the lights, antennas, and associated
equipment located on the property conveyed,
which are active aids to navigation, shall con-
tinue to be operated and maintained by the
United States for as long as they are needed for
this purpose;
‘‘(B) the owner of the property may not
interfere or allow interference in any manner
with aids to navigation without express written
permission from the Commandant;
‘‘(C) there is reserved to the United States
the right to relocate, replace, or add any aid to
navigation or make any changes to the property
conveyed as may be necessary for navigational
purposes;
‘‘(D) the United States shall have the right,
at any time, to enter the property without notice
for the purpose of operating, maintaining and
inspecting aids to navigation, and for the pur-
pose of enforcing compliance with subsection (b);
and
‘‘(E) the United States shall have an ease-
ment of access to and across the property for the
purpose of maintaining the aids to navigation in
use on the property.
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‘‘(4) OBLIGATION LIMITATION.—The owner of the
property is not required to maintain any active aid
to navigation equipment on the property, except pri-
vate aids to navigation permitted under section 83 of
title 14, United States Code.
‘‘(5) MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY.—The owner
of the property shall maintain the property in a
proper, substantial, and workmanlike manner, and in
accordance with any conditions established by the
Commandant or the Administrator, as appropriate,
pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of
1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), and other applicable
laws.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The chapter analysis for
chapter 17 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following:
‘‘§ 675. Administrative authority to convey lighthouses.’’.
SEC. 404. CONVEYANCE OF COMMUNICATION STATION BOS-
TON MARSHFIELD RECEIVER SITE, MASSA-
CHUSETTS.
(a) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commandant of the
Coast Guard may convey, by an appropriate means
of conveyance, all right, title, and interest of the
United States in and to the Coast Guard Commu-
nication Station Boston Marshfield Receiver Site,
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Massachusetts, to the Town of Marshfield, Massachu-
setts (the ‘‘Town’’) unless the Commandant, or his
delegate, in his sole discretion determines that the
conveyance would not provide a public benefit.
(2) LIMITATION.—The Commandant shall not
convey under this section the land on which is situ-
ated the communications tower and the microwave
building facility of that station.
(3) IDENTIFICATION OF PROPERTY.—
(A) The Commandant may identify, de-
scribe and determine the property to be conveyed
to the Town under this section.
(B) The Commandant shall determine the
exact acreage and legal description of the prop-
erty to be conveyed under this section by a sur-
vey satisfactory to the Commandant. The cost of
the survey shall be borne by the Town.
(b) TERMS
AND CONDITIONS.—Any conveyance of
property under this section shall be made—
(1) without payment of consideration; and
(2) subject to the following terms and conditions:
(A) The Commandant may reserve utility,
access, and any other appropriate easements on
the property conveyed for the purpose of operat-
ing, maintaining, and protecting the commu-
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nications tower and the microwave building fa-
cility.
(B) The Town and its successors and as-
signs shall, at their own cost and expense, main-
tain the property conveyed under this section in
a proper, substantial, and workmanlike manner
as necessary to ensure the operation, mainte-
nance, and protection of the communications
tower and the microwave building facility.
(C) Any other terms and conditions the
Commandant considers appropriate to protect
the interests of the United States, including the
reservation of easements or other rights on behalf
of the United States.
(c) REVERSIONARY INTEREST.—The conveyance of real
property pursuant to this section shall be subject to the con-
dition that all right, title, and interest in such property
shall immediately revert to the United States if—
(1) the property, or any part thereof, ceases to
be owned and used by the Town;
(2) the Town fails to maintain the property con-
veyed in a manner consistent with the terms and con-
ditions in subsection (b); or
(3) at least 30 days before such reversion, the
Commandant provides written notice to the Town
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that the property conveyed is needed for national se-
curity purposes.
SEC. 405. CONVEYANCE OF NAHANT PARCEL, ESSEX COUN-
TY, MASSACHUSETTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant of the Coast
Guard, may convey, by an appropriate means of convey-
ance, all right, title, and interest of the United States in
and to the United States Coast Guard Recreation Facility
Nahant, Massachusetts, to the Town of Nahant (the
‘‘Town’’) unless the Commandant, or his delegate, in his
sole discretion determines that the conveyance would not
provide a public benefit.
(b) 
IDENTIFICATION
OF
PROPERTY.—The 
Com-
mandant may identify, describe, and determine the prop-
erty to be conveyed under this section.
(c) TERMS OF CONVEYANCE.—The conveyance of prop-
erty under this section shall be made—
(1) without payment of consideration; and
(2) subject to such terms and conditions as the
Commandant may consider appropriate to protect the
interests of the United States, including the reserva-
tion of easements or other rights on behalf of the
United States.
(d) REVERSIONARY INTEREST.—The conveyance of
real property pursuant to this section shall be subject to
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the condition that all right, title, and interest in such prop-
erty shall immediately revert to the United States if—
(1) the property, or any part thereof, ceases to
be owned and used by the Town;
(2) the Town fails to maintain the property con-
veyed in a manner consistent with the terms and con-
ditions in subsection (c); or
(3) at least 30 days before such reversion, the
Commandant provides written notice to the Town
that the property conveyed is needed for national se-
curity purposes.
SEC. 
406. 
CONVEYANCE 
OF 
COAST 
GUARD 
STATION
OCRACOKE, NORTH CAROLINA.
(a) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commandant of the
Coast Guard may convey, by an appropriate means
of conveyance, all right, title, and interest of the
United States of America in and to the Coast Guard
Station Ocracoke, North Carolina, to the State of
North Carolina unless the Commandant, or his dele-
gate, in his sole discretion determines that the convey-
ance would not provide a public benefit.
(2) IDENTIFICATION OF PROPERTY.—The Com-
mandant may identify, describe, and determine the
property to be conveyed under this section.
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(b) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—The conveyance of any
property under this section shall be made—
(l) without payment of consideration; and
(2) subject to the following terms and conditions:
(A) EASEMENTS.—The Commandant may
reserve utility, access, and any other appropriate
easements upon the property to be conveyed for
the purpose of—
(i) use of the access road to the boat
launching ramp;
(ii) use of the boat launching ramp;
and
(iii) use of pier space for necessary
Coast Guard vessel assets (including water
and electrical power);
(B) MAINTENANCE.—The State shall, at its
own cost and expense, maintain the property
conveyed under this section in a proper, substan-
tial, and workmanlike manner necessary for the
use of any easements created under subpara-
graph (A) and to comply with maintenance con-
ditions established for property prior to transfer
and pursuant to the National Historic Preserva-
tion Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq) and other
applicable laws; and
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(C) OTHER.—Any other terms and condi-
tions the Commandant may consider appro-
priate to protect the interests of the United
States.
(c) REVERSIONARY INTEREST.—The conveyance of real
property pursuant to this section shall be subject to the con-
dition that all right, title, and interest in such property
shall immediately revert to the United States if—
(1) the property, or any part thereof, ceases to
be owned and used by the State;
(2) the State fails to maintain the property con-
veyed in a manner consistent with the terms and con-
ditions in subsection (b); or
(3) at least 30 days before such reversion, the
Commandant provides written notice to the State that
the property conveyed is needed for national security
purposes.
SEC. 407. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD LORAN STATION
NANTUCKET.
(a) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commandant of the
United States Coast Guard may convey, by an appro-
priate means of conveyance, all right, title, and inter-
est of the United States in and to approximately 29.4
acres of land, together with the improvements thereon,
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at Coast Guard LORAN Station Nantucket, Nan-
tucket, Massachusetts, to the Town of Nantucket, Mas-
sachusetts (‘‘the Town’’) unless the Commandant, or
his delegate, in his sole discretion determines that the
conveyance would not provide a public benefit.
(2) IDENTIFICATION OF PROPERTY.—
(A) The Commandant may identify, define,
describe, and determine the real property to be
conveyed under this section.
(B) The Commandant shall determine the
exact acreage and legal description of the prop-
erty to be conveyed under this section by a sur-
vey satisfactory to the Commandant. The cost of
the survey shall be borne by the Town.
(b) TERMS OF CONVEYANCE.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The conveyance of real prop-
erty under this section shall be made—
(A) without payment of consideration; and
(B) subject to the following terms and con-
ditions:
(i) The Town shall not, upon the prop-
erty conveyed, allow, conduct, or permit
any activity, or operate, allow, or permit
the operation of, any equipment or machin-
ery, that would interfere or cause inter-
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ference, in any manner, with any aid to
navigation located upon property retained
by the United States at Coast Guard
LORAN Station Nantucket, without the ex-
press written permission from the Com-
mandant.
(ii) The Town shall maintain the real
property conveyed in a manner consistent
with the present and future use of any
property retained by the United States at
Coast Guard LORAN Station Nantucket as
a site for an aid to navigation.
(iii) Any other terms and conditions
the Commandant considers appropriate to
protect the interests of the United States,
including the reservation of easements or
other rights on behalf of the United States.
(2) REVERSIONARY INTEREST.—The conveyance
of real property pursuant to this section shall be sub-
ject to the condition that all right, title, and interest
in such property shall immediately revert to the
United States if—
(A) the property, or any part thereof, ceases
to be owned and used by the Town;
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(B) the Town fails to maintain the property
conveyed in a manner consistent with the terms
and conditions in paragraph (1); or
(C) at least 30 days before such reversion,
the Commandant provides written notice to the
Town that the property conveyed is needed for
national security purposes.
SEC. 408. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD RESERVE TRAIN-
ING FACILITY, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law—
(1) the land and improvements thereto compris-
ing the Coast Guard Reserve training facility in
Jacksonville, Florida, is deemed to be surplus prop-
erty; and
(2) the Commandant of the Coast Guard may
dispose of all right, title, and interest of the United
States in and to that property, by sale, at fair market
value unless the Commandant, or his delegate, in his
sole discretion determines that the sale would not pro-
vide a public benefit.
(b) RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.—Before a sale is made
under section (a) to any other person, the Commandant of
the Coast Guard shall give to the City of Jacksonville, Flor-
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ida, the right of first refusal to purchase all or any part
of the property required to be sold under that subsection.
SEC. 
409. 
CONVEYANCE 
OF 
DECOMMISSIONED 
COAST
GUARD VESSELS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant of the Coast
Guard may convey all right, title, and interest of the United
States in and to each of 2 decommissioned ‘‘White Class’’
133-foot Coast Guard vessels to Canvasback Mission, Inc.
(a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Cali-
fornia; in this section referred to as ‘‘the recipient’’), with-
out consideration, if—
(1) the recipient agrees—
(A) to use the vessel for purposes of provid-
ing medical services to Central and South Pa-
cific island nations;
(B) not to use the vessel for commercial
transportation purposes except those incident to
the provisions of those medical services;
(C) to make the vessel available to the
United States Government if needed for use by
the Commandant in times of war or a national
emergency; and
(D) to hold the Government harmless for
any claims arising from exposure to hazardous
materials, 
including 
asbestos 
and 
poly-
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chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), after conveyance
of the vessel, except for claims arising from the
use by the Government under paragraph (1)(C);
(2) the recipient has funds available that will be
committed to operate and maintain each vessel con-
veyed in good working condition, in the form of cash,
liquid assets, or a written loan commitment, and in
the amount of at least $400,000 per vessel; and
(3) the recipient agrees to any other conditions
the Commandant considers appropriate.
(b) MAINTENANCE
AND DELIVERY
OF VESSELS.—
Prior to conveyance of a vessel under this section, the Com-
mandant shall, to the extent practical, and subject to other
Coast Guard mission requirements, make every effort to
maintain the integrity of the vessel and its equipment until
the time of delivery. If a conveyance is made under this
section, the Commandant shall deliver the vessel at the place
where the vessel is located, in its present condition, and
without cost to the Government. The conveyance of the vessel
under this section shall not be considered a distribution in
commerce for purposes of section 6(e) of Public Law 94-
469 (15 U.S.C. 2605(e)).
(c) OTHER EXCESS EQUIPMENT.—The Commandant
may convey to the recipient of a vessel under this section
any excess equipment or parts from other decommissioned
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Coast Guard vessels for use to enhance the vessel’s operabil-
ity and function as a medical services vessel in Central and
South Pacific Islands.
SEC. 410. AMENDMENT TO CONVEYANCE OF VESSEL S/S
RED OAK VICTORY.
Section 1008(d)(1) of the Coast Guard Authorization
Act of 1996 is amended by striking ‘‘2 years’’ and inserting
‘‘3 years’’.
SEC. 411. TRANSFER OF OCRACOKE LIGHT STATION TO SEC-
RETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
The Administrator of the General Services Adminis-
tration shall transfer administrative jurisdiction over the
Federal property consisting of approximately 2 acres,
known as the Ocracoke Light Station, to the Secretary of
the Interior, subject to such reservations, terms, and condi-
tions as may be necessary for Coast Guard purposes. All
property so transferred shall be included in and adminis-
tered as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
SEC. 412. VESSEL DOCUMENTATION CLARIFICATION.
Section 12102(a)(4) of title 46, United States Code,
and section 2(a) of the Shipping Act, 1916 (46 U.S.C. App.
802(a)) are each amended by—
(1) striking ‘‘president or other’’; and
(2) inserting a comma and ‘‘by whatever title,’’
after ‘‘chief executive officer’’.
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SEC. 413. SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO LAND OR TO HEAVE
TO; 
SANCTIONS 
FOR 
OBSTRUCTION 
OF
BOARDING AND PROVIDING FALSE INFORMA-
TION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 109 of title 18, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end new section
2237 to read as follows:
‘‘§ 2237. Sanctions for failure to land or to heave to;
sanctions for obstruction of boarding and
providing false information
‘‘(a)(1) It shall be unlawful for the pilot, operator, or
person in charge of an aircraft which has crossed the border
of the United States, or an aircraft subject to the jurisdic-
tion of the United States operating outside the United
States, to knowingly fail to obey an order to land by an
authorized Federal law enforcement officer who is enforcing
the laws of the United States relating to controlled sub-
stances, as that term is defined in section 102(6) of the Con-
trolled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6)), or relating to
money laundering (sections 1956–57 of this title).
‘‘(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration, in consultation with the Commissioner of
Customs and the Attorney General, shall prescribe regula-
tions governing the means by, and circumstances under
which, a Federal law enforcement officer may communicate
an order to land to a pilot, operator, or person in charge
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of an aircraft. Such regulations shall ensure that any such
order is clearly communicated in accordance with applica-
ble international standards. Further, such regulations shall
establish guidelines based on observed conduct, prior infor-
mation, or other circumstances for determining when an
officer may use the authority granted under paragraph (1).
‘‘(b)(1) It shall be unlawful for the master, operator,
or person in charge of a vessel of the United States or a
vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to
knowingly fail to obey an order to heave to that vessel on
being ordered to do so by an authorized Federal law enforce-
ment officer.
‘‘(2) It shall be unlawful for any person on board a
vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdic-
tion of the United States to—
‘‘(A) fail to comply with an order of an author-
ized Federal law enforcement officer in connection
with the boarding of the vessel;
‘‘(B) impede or obstruct a boarding or arrest or
other law enforcement action authorized by any Fed-
eral law; or
‘‘(C) provide false information to a Federal law
enforcement officer during a boarding of a vessel re-
garding the vessel’s destination, origin, ownership,
registration, nationality, cargo, or crew.
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‘‘(c) This section does not limit in any way the pre-
existing authority of a customs officer under section 581
of the Tariff Act of 1930 or any other provision of law en-
forced or administered by the Customs Service, or the pre-
existing authority of any Federal law enforcement officer
under any law of the United States to order an aircraft
to land or a vessel to heave to.
‘‘(d) A foreign nation may consent or waive objection
to the enforcement of United States law by the United
States under this section by radio, telephone, or similar oral
or electronic means. Consent or waiver is conclusively prov-
en by certification of the Secretary of State or the Sec-
retary’s designee.
‘‘(e) For purposes of this section—
‘‘(1) a ‘vessel of the United States’ and a ‘vessel
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States’ have
the meaning set forth for these terms in the Maritime
Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 App. U.S.C. 1903);
‘‘(2) an aircraft ‘subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States’ includes—
‘‘(A) an aircraft located over the United
States or the customs waters of the United
States;
‘‘(B) an aircraft located in the airspace of
a foreign nation, where that nation consents to
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the enforcement of United States law by the
United States; and
‘‘(C) over the high seas, an aircraft without
nationality, an aircraft of United States reg-
istry, or an aircraft registered in a foreign na-
tion that has consented or waived objection to the
enforcement of United States law by the United
States;
‘‘(3) an aircraft ‘without nationality’ includes—
‘‘(A) an aircraft aboard which the pilot, op-
erator, or person in charge makes a claim of reg-
istry, which claim is denied by the nation whose
registry is claimed; and
‘‘(B) an aircraft aboard which the pilot, op-
erator, or person in charge fails, upon request of
an officer of the United States empowered to en-
force applicable provisions of United States law,
to make a claim of registry for that aircraft;
‘‘(4) the term ‘heave to’ means to cause a vessel
to slow or come to a stop to facilitate a law enforce-
ment boarding by adjusting the course and speed of
the vessel to account for the weather conditions and
sea state; and
‘‘(5) the term ‘Federal law enforcement officer’
has the meaning set forth in section 115 of this title.
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‘‘(f) Any person who intentionally violates the provi-
sions of this section shall be subject to—
‘‘(1) imprisonment for not more than 3 years; or
‘‘(2) a fine as provided in this title;
or both.
‘‘(g) An aircraft that is used in violation of this section
may be seized and forfeited. A vessel that is used in viola-
tion of subsection (b)(1) or subsection (b)(2)(A) may be
seized and forfeited. The laws relating to the seizure, sum-
mary and judicial forfeiture, and condemnation of property
for violation of the customs laws, the disposition of such
property or the proceeds from the sale thereof, the remission
or mitigation of such forfeitures, and the compromise of
claims, shall apply to seizures and forfeitures undertaken,
or alleged to have been undertaken, under any of the provi-
sions of this section; except that such duties as are imposed
upon the customs officer or any other person with respect
to the seizure and forfeiture of property under the customs
laws shall be performed with respect to seizures and forfeit-
ures of property under this section by such officers, agents,
or other persons as may be authorized or designated for that
purpose. A vessel or aircraft that is used in violation of
this section is also liable in rem for any fine or civil penalty
imposed under this section.’’.
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(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The chapter analysis for
chapter 109 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting the following new item after the item for section
2236:
‘‘2237. Sanctions for failure to land or to heave to; sanctions for obstruction of
boarding or providing false information.’’.
SEC. 414. DREDGE CLARIFICATION.
Section 5209(b) of the Oceans Act of 1992 (46 U.S.C.
2101 note) is amended by adding at the end thereof the fol-
lowing:
‘‘(3) A vessel—
‘‘(A) configured, outfitted, and operated pri-
marily for dredging operations; and
‘‘(B) engaged in dredging operations which
transfers fuel to other vessels engaged in the same
dredging operations without charge.’’.
SEC. 415. GREAT LAKES PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Section 9307 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed to read as follows:
‘‘§ 9307. Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee
‘‘(a) The Secretary shall establish a Great Lakes Pilot-
age Advisory Committee. The Committee—
‘‘(1) may review proposed Great Lakes pilotage
regulations and policies and make recommendations
to the Secretary that the Committee considers appro-
priate;
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‘‘(2) may advise, consult with, report to, and
make recommendations to the Secretary on matters
relating to Great Lakes pilotage;
‘‘(3) may make available to the Congress rec-
ommendations that the Committee makes to the Sec-
retary; and
‘‘(4) shall meet at the call of—
‘‘(A) the Secretary, who shall call such a
meeting at least once during each calendar year;
or
‘‘(B) a majority of the Committee.
‘‘(b)(1) The Committee shall consist of 7 members ap-
pointed by the Secretary in accordance with this subsection,
each of whom has at least 5 years practical experience in
maritime operations. The term of each member is for a pe-
riod of not more than 5 years, specified by the Secretary.
Before filling a position on the Committee, the Secretary
shall publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting
nominations for membership on the Committee.
‘‘(2) The membership of the Committee shall include—
‘‘(A) 3 members who are practicing Great Lakes
pilots and who reflect a regional balance;
‘‘(B) 1 member representing the interests of ves-
sel operators that contract for Great Lakes pilotage
services;
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‘‘(2) The Secretary shall consider the information, ad-
vice, and recommendations of the Committee in formulating
policy regarding matters affecting Great Lakes pilotage.
‘‘(e)(1) A member of the Committee, when attending
meetings of the Committee or when otherwise engaged in
the business of the Committee, is entitled to receive—
‘‘(A) compensation at a rate fixed by the Sec-
retary, not exceeding the daily equivalent of the cur-
rent rate of basic pay in effect for GS-18 of the Gen-
eral Schedule under section 5332 of title 5 including
travel time; and
‘‘(B) travel or transportation expenses under sec-
tion 5703 of title 5.
‘‘(2) A member of the Committee shall not be consid-
ered to be an officer or employee of the United States for
any purpose based on their receipt of any payment under
this subsection.
‘‘(f)(1) The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.) applies to the Committee, except that the Committee
terminates on September 30, 2003.
‘‘(2) 2 years before the termination date set forth in
paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Committee shall sub-
mit to the Congress its recommendation regarding whether
the Committee should be renewed and continued beyond the
termination date.’’.
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SEC. 416. DOCUMENTATION OF CERTAIN VESSELS.
(a) GENERAL WAIVER.—Notwithstanding section 27 of
the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. App. 883), sec-
tion 8 of the Act of June 19, 1886 (46 U.S.C. App. 289),
and sections 12106 and 12108 of title 46, United States
Code, the Secretary of Transportation may issue a certifi-
cate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for
employment in the coastwise trade for each of the following
vessels:
(1) MIGHTY JOHN III (formerly the NIAGRA
QUEEN), Canadian official number 318746.
(2) DUSKEN IV, United States official number
952645.
(3) SUMMER BREEZE, United States official
number 552808.
(4) ARCELLA, United States official number
1025983.
(5) BILLIE-B-II, United States official number
982069.
(6) VESTERHAVET, United States official
number 979206.
(7) BETTY JANE, State of Virginia registration
number VA 7271 P.
(8) VORTICE, Bari, Italy, registration number
256, if the vessel meets the ownership requirements of
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section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916 (46 U.S.C. App.
802).
(9) The barge G. L. 8, Canadian official number
814376.
(10) FOILCAT, United States official number
1063892.
(11) YESTERDAYS DREAM, United States of-
ficial number 680266.
(12) ENFORCER, United States official number
502610.
(13) The vessel registered as State of Oregon reg-
istration number OR 766 YE.
(14) AMICI, United States official number
658055.
(15) ELIS, United States official number
628358.
(16) STURE, United States official number
617703.
(17) CAPT GRADY, United States official num-
ber 626257.
(18) Barge number 1, United States official
number 933248.
(19) Barge number 2, United States official
number 256944.
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(20) Barge number 14, United States official
number 501212.
(21) Barge number 18, United States official
number 297114.
(22) Barge number 19, United States official
number 503740.
(23) Barge number 21, United States official
number 650581.
(24) Barge number 22, United States official
number 650582.
(25) Barge number 23, United States official
number 650583.
(26) Barge number 24, United States official
number 664023.
(27) Barge number 25, United States official
number 664024.
(28) Barge number 26, United States official
number 271926.
(29) PACIFIC MONARCH, United States offi-
cial number 557467.
(30) FULL HOUSE, United States official
number 1023827.
(31) W.G. JACKSON, United States official
number 1047199.
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(32) EMBARCADERO, United States official
number 669327.
(33) S.A., British Columbia, Canada official
number 195214.
(34) FAR HORIZONS, United States official
number 1044011.
(35) LITTLE TOOT, United States official
number 938858.
(36) TURMOIL, British official number 726767.
(b) FALLS POINT.—Notwithstanding section 27 of the
Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. App. 883), section
8 of the Act of June 19, 1886 (46 U.S.C. App. 289), and
section 12106 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary
of Transportation may issue a certificate of documentation
with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coast-
wise trade for the vessel FALLS POINT, State of Maine
registration number ME 5435 E.
(c) TERMINATION.—The endorsement issued under
subsection (a)(10) shall terminate on the last day of the
36th month beginning after the date on which it was issued.
(d) NINA, PINTA, AND SANTA MARIA REPLICAS.—Not-
withstanding section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920
(46 U.S.C. App. 883), section 8 of the Act of June 19, 1886
(46 U.S.C. App. 289), and section 12106 and 12108 of title
46, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation
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may authorize employment in the coastwise trade for the
purpose of carrying passengers for hire for each of the fol-
lowing vessels while the vessel is operated by the las
Carabelas Columbus Fleet Association under the terms of
its agreement of May 6, 1992, with the Sociedad Estatal
para 
la 
Ejucucion 
de 
Programas 
y 
Actuaciones
Conmeroratives del Quinto Centario del Descubrimiento de
America, S.A., and the Spain ’92 Foundation:
(1) NINA, United States Coast Guard vessel
identification number CG034346;
(2) PINTA, United States Coast Guard vessel
identification number CG034345; and
(3) NAO SANTA MARIA, United States Coast
Guard vessel identification number CG034344.
(e) BARGE APL-60.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section 27 of
the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. App. 883),
section 8 of the Act of June 19, 1886 (46 U.S.C. App.
289), and section 12106 of title 46, United States
Code, the Secretary may issue a certificate of docu-
mentation with appropriate endorsement for employ-
ment in the coastwise trade for the barge APL-60
(United States official number 376857).
(2) LIMITATIONS.—The vessel described in para-
graph (1) of this subsection may be employed in the
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coastwise trade only for the purpose of participating
in the ship disposal initiative initially funded by the
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1999, for
the duration of that initiative.
(3) TERMINATION.—A coastwise endorsement
issued under paragraph (1) shall terminate on the
earlier of—
(A) the completion of the final coastwise
trade voyage associated with the ship disposal
initiative described in paragraph (2); or
(B) the sale or transfer of the vessel de-
scribed in paragraph (1) to an owner other than
the owner of the vessel as of October 1, 1998.
SEC. 417. DOUBLE HULL ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS STUDY.
Section 4115(e) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (46
U.S. Code 3703a note) is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following:
‘‘(3)(A) The Secretary of Transportation shall
coordinate with the Marine Board of the National Re-
search Council to conduct the necessary research and
development of a rationally based equivalency assess-
ment approach, which accounts for the overall envi-
ronmental performance of alternative tank vessel de-
signs. Notwithstanding sections 101 and 311 of the
Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 and 1321), the in-
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tent of this study is to establish an equivalency eval-
uation procedure that maintains a high standard of
environmental protection, while encouraging innova-
tive ship design. The study shall include:
‘‘(i) development of a generalized cost spill
data base, which includes all relevant costs such
as clean-up costs and environmental impact
costs as a function of spill size;
‘‘(ii) refinement of the probability density
functions used to establish the extent of vessel
damage, based on the latest available historical
damage statistics, and current research on the
crash worthiness of tank vessel structures;
‘‘(iii) development of a rationally based ap-
proach for calculating an environmental index,
to assess overall outflow performance due to colli-
sions and groundings; and
‘‘(iv) application of the proposed index to
double hull tank vessels and alternative designs
currently under consideration.
‘‘(B) A Marine Board committee shall be estab-
lished not later that 2 months after the date of enact-
ment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal
Years 1998, 1999, and 2000. The Secretary of Trans-
portation shall submit to the Committee on Com-
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merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
in the House of Representatives a report on the re-
sults of the study not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization
Act for Fiscal Years 1998, 1999, and 2000.
‘‘(C) Of the amounts authorized by section
1012(a)(5)(A) of this Act, $500,000 is authorized to
carry out the activities under subparagraphs (A) and
(B) of this paragraph.’’.
SEC. 418. REPORT ON MARITIME ACTIVITIES.
Section 208 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46
U.S.C. App. 1118) is amended by striking ‘‘each year,’’ and
inserting ‘‘of each odd-numbered year,’’.
SEC. 419. VESSEL SHARING AGREEMENTS.
(a) Section 5 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C.
App. 1704) is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following:
‘‘(g) VESSEL SHARING AGREEMENTS.—An ocean com-
mon carrier that is the owner, operator, or bareboat, time,
or slot charterer of a United States-flag liner vessel docu-
mented pursuant to sections 12102(a) or (d) of title 46,
United States Code, is authorized to agree with an ocean
common carrier that is not the owner, operator or bareboat
charterer for at least one year of United States-flag liner
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vessels which are eligible to be included in the Maritime
Security Fleet Program and are enrolled in an Emergency
Preparedness Program pursuant to subtitle B of title VI
of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. App. 1187
et seq.), to which it charters or subcharters the United
States-flag vessel or space on the United States-flag vessel
that such charterer or subcharterer may not use or make
available space on the vessel for the carriage of cargo re-
served by law for United States-flag vessels.’’.
(b) Section 10(c)(6) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46
U.S.C. App. 1709(c)(6)) is amended by inserting ‘‘author-
ized by section 5(g) of this Act, or as’’ before ‘‘otherwise’’.
(c) Nothing in this section shall affect or in any way
diminish the authority or effectiveness of orders issued by
the Maritime Administration pursuant to sections 9 and
41 of the Shipping Act, 1916 (46 U.S.C. App. 808 and 839).
SEC. 420. REPORT ON SWATH TECHNOLOGY.
The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, within 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act, report to
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Trans-
portation and the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure on the applicability of Small Waterplane
Area Twin Hull (SWATH) technology, including concepts
developed by the United States Office of Naval Research,
to the design of Coast Guard vessels.
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SEC. 421. REPORT ON TONNAGE CALCULATION METHODOL-
OGY.
The Administrator of the Panama Canal Commission
shall, within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act,
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a re-
port detailing the methodology employed in the calculation
of the charge of tolls for the carriage of on-deck containers.
The report shall also include an explanation as to why the
8.02 percent coefficient was determined to be the upper
limit and maximum cap for on-deck container capacity,
and why any increase in that coefficient would be inappro-
priate.
SEC. 422. AUTHORITY TO CONVEY NATIONAL DEFENSE RE-
SERVE FLEET VESSEL, AMERICAN VICTORY.
(a) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY.—Notwithstanding any
other law, the Secretary of Transportation (referred to in
this section as ‘‘the Secretary’’) may convey all right, title,
and interest of the Federal Government in and to the vessel
S.S. AMERICAN VICTORY (United States official number
248005) to The Victory Ship, Inc., located in Tampa, Flor-
ida (in this section referred to as the ‘‘recipient’’), and the
recipient may use the vessel only as a memorial to the Vic-
tory class of ships.
(b) TERMS OF CONVEYANCE.—