‘‘(i) a vessel eligible under subsection 
(a), (b), or (c) that is replaced under para-
graph (1); or 
‘‘(ii) a vessel eligible under subsection 
(a), (b), or (c) that is rebuilt to increase its 
registered length, gross tonnage, or shaft 
horsepower. 
‘‘(5) LIMITATION ON FISHERY ENDORSEMENTS.— 
Any vessel that is replaced under this subsection shall 
thereafter not be eligible for a fishery endorsement 
under section 12113 of title 46, United States Code, 
unless that vessel is also a replacement vessel de-
scribed in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(6) GULF
OF
ALASKA
LIMITATION.—Notwith-
standing paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prohibit 
from participation in the groundfish fisheries of the 
Gulf of Alaska any vessel that is rebuilt or replaced 
under this subsection and that exceeds the maximum 
length overall specified on the license that authorizes 
fishing for groundfish pursuant to the license limita-
tion program under part 679 of title 50, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment 
of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009. 
‘‘(7) AUTHORITY OF PACIFIC COUNCIL.—Nothing 
in this section shall be construed to diminish or other-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
wise affect the authority of the Pacific Council to rec-
ommend to the Secretary conservation and manage-
ment measures to protect fisheries under its jurisdic-
tion (including the Pacific whiting fishery) and par-
ticipants in such fisheries from adverse impacts 
caused by this Act.’’. 
(2) EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN VESSELS.—Section 
203(g) of the American Fisheries Act (title II of divi-
sion C of Public Law 105–277; 112 Stat. 2681–620) 
is amended— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘and’’ after ‘‘(United 
States official number 651041)’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘, NORTHERN TRAV-
ELER (United States official number 635986), 
and NORTHERN VOYAGER (United States of-
ficial number 637398) (or a replacement vessel 
for the NORTHERN VOYAGER that complies 
with paragraphs (2), (5), and (6) of section 
208(g) of this Act)’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘, in the case of the 
NORTHERN’’ and all that follows through 
‘‘PHOENIX,’’. 
(3) FISHERY COOPERATIVE EXIT PROVISIONS.— 
Section 210(b) of the American Fisheries Act (title II 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
of division C of Public Law 105–277; 112 Stat. 2681– 
629) is amended— 
(A) by moving the matter beginning with 
‘‘the Secretary shall’’ in paragraph (1) 2 ems to 
the right; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(7) FISHERY COOPERATIVE EXIT PROVISIONS.— 
‘‘(A) FISHING
ALLOWANCE
DETERMINA-
TION.—For purposes of determining the aggre-
gate percentage of directed fishing allowances 
under paragraph (1), when a catcher vessel is re-
moved from the directed pollock fishery, the fish-
ery allowance for pollock for the vessel being re-
moved— 
‘‘(i) shall be based on the catch history 
determination for the vessel made pursuant 
to section 679.62 of title 50, Code of Federal 
Regulations, as in effect on the date of en-
actment of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009; 
and 
‘‘(ii) shall be assigned, for all purposes 
under this title, in the manner specified by 
the owner of the vessel being removed to any 
other catcher vessel or among other catcher 
vessels participating in the fishery coopera-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
tive if such vessel or vessels remain in the 
fishery cooperative for at least one year 
after the date on which the vessel being re-
moved leaves the directed pollock fishery. 
‘‘(B) ELIGIBILITY FOR FISHERY ENDORSE-
MENT.—Except as provided in subparagraph 
(C), a vessel that is removed pursuant to this 
paragraph shall be permanently ineligible for a 
fishery endorsement, and any claim (including 
relating to catch history) associated with such 
vessel that could qualify any owner of such vessel 
for any permit to participate in any fishery 
within the exclusive economic zone of the United 
States shall be extinguished, unless such removed 
vessel is thereafter designated to replace a vessel 
to be removed pursuant to this paragraph. 
‘‘(C) LIMITATIONS
ON
STATUTORY
CON-
STRUCTION.—Nothing in this paragraph shall be 
construed— 
‘‘(i) to make the vessels AJ (United 
States official number 905625), DONA 
MARTITA (United States official number 
651751), NORDIC EXPLORER (United 
States 
official 
number 
678234), 
and 
PROVIDIAN (United States official num-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
ber 1062183) ineligible for a fishery en-
dorsement or any permit necessary to par-
ticipate in any fishery under the authority 
of the New England Fishery Management 
Council or the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Man-
agement Council established, respectively, 
under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 
302(a)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act; or 
‘‘(ii) to allow the vessels referred to in 
clause (i) to participate in any fishery 
under the authority of the Councils referred 
to in clause (i) in any manner that is not 
consistent with the fishery management 
plan for the fishery developed by the Coun-
cils under section 303 of the Magnuson-Ste-
vens Act.’’. 
SEC. 3. COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL TRAINING. 
The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall report to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the efficacy 
of cold weather survival training conducted by the Coast 
Guard in Coast Guard District 17 over the preceding 5 
years. The report shall include plans for conducting such 
training in fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
issue a certificate of compliance to a vessel meeting 
the requirements of this chapter.’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(g)(1) The individual in charge of a vessel described 
in subsection (b) must pass a training program approved 
by the Secretary that meets the requirements in paragraph 
(2) of this subsection and hold a valid certificate issued 
under that program. 
‘‘(2) The training program shall— 
‘‘(A) be based on professional knowledge and skill 
obtained through sea service and hands-on training, 
including training in seamanship, stability, collision 
prevention, navigation, fire fighting and prevention, 
damage control, personal survival, emergency medical 
care, emergency drills, and weather; 
‘‘(B) require an individual to demonstrate abil-
ity to communicate in an emergency situation and 
understand information found in navigation publica-
tions; 
‘‘(C) recognize and give credit for recent past ex-
perience in fishing vessel operation; and 
‘‘(D) provide for issuance of a certificate to an 
individual that has successfully completed the pro-
gram. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations imple-
menting this subsection. The regulations shall require that 
individuals who are issued a certificate under paragraph 
(2)(D) must complete refresher training at least once every 
5 years as a condition of maintaining the validity of the 
certificate. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary shall establish a publicly accessible 
electronic database listing the names of individuals who 
have participated in and received a certificate confirming 
successful completion of a training program approved by 
the Secretary under this section. 
‘‘(h) A vessel to which this chapter applies shall be con-
structed in a manner that provides a level of safety equiva-
lent to the minimum safety standards the Secretary may 
established for recreational vessels under section 4302, if— 
‘‘(1) subsection (b) of this section applies to the 
vessel; 
‘‘(2) the vessel is less than 50 feet overall in 
length; and 
‘‘(3) the vessel is built after January 1, 2010. 
‘‘(i)(1) The Secretary shall establish a Fishing Safety 
Training Grants Program to provide funding to munici-
palities, port authorities, other appropriate public entities, 
not-for-profit organizations, and other qualified persons 
that provide commercial fishing safety training— 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) to conduct fishing vessel safety training for 
vessel operators and crewmembers that— 
‘‘(i) in the case of vessel operators, meets the 
requirements of subsection (g); and 
‘‘(ii) in the case of crewmembers, meets the 
requirements of subsection (g)(2)(A), such re-
quirements of subsection (g)(2)(B) as are appro-
priate for crewmembers, and the requirements of 
subsections (g)(2)(D), (g)(3), and (g)(4); and 
‘‘(B) for purchase of safety equipment and train-
ing aids for use in those fishing vessel safety training 
programs. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall award grants under this sub-
section on a competitive basis. 
‘‘(3) The Federal share of the cost of any activity car-
ried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 
75 percent. 
‘‘(4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014 for grants under 
this subsection. 
‘‘(j)(1) The Secretary shall establish a Fishing Safety 
Research Grant Program to provide funding to individuals 
in academia, members of non-profit organizations and busi-
nesses involved in fishing and maritime matters, and other 
persons with expertise in fishing safety, to conduct research 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
on methods of improving the safety of the commercial fish-
ing industry, including vessel design, emergency and sur-
vival equipment, enhancement of vessel monitoring systems, 
communications devices, de-icing technology, and severe 
weather detection. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall award grants under this sub-
section on a competitive basis. 
‘‘(3) The Federal share of the cost of any activity car-
ried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 
75 percent. 
‘‘(4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 
for each fiscal years 2010 through 2014 for activities under 
this subsection.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 4506(b) of 
title 46, United States Code, is repealed. 
(c) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
(1) CHANGE OF NAME.—Section 4508 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(A) by striking the section heading and in-
serting the following: 
‘‘§ 4508. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Com-
mittee’’; 
and 
(B) in subsection (a) by striking ‘‘Industry 
Vessel’’. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(2) 
MEMBERSHIP
REQUIREMENTS.—Section 
4508(b)(1) of that title is amended— 
(A) by striking ‘‘seventeen’’ and inserting 
‘‘eighteen’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), 
by striking ‘‘from the commercial fishing 
industry who—’’ and inserting ‘‘who shall 
represent the commercial fishing industry 
and who—’’; and 
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘an 
uninspected’’ and inserting ‘‘a’’; 
(C) by striking subparagraph (B) and in-
serting the following: 
‘‘(B) three members who shall represent the gen-
eral public, including, whenever possible— 
‘‘(i) an independent expert or consultant in 
maritime safety; 
‘‘(ii) a marine surveyor who provides serv-
ices to vessels to which this chapter applies; and 
‘‘(iii) a person familiar with issues affect-
ing fishing communities and families of fisher-
men;’’; and 
(D) in subparagraph (C)— 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), 
by striking ‘‘representing each of—’’ and 
inserting ‘‘each of whom shall represent—’’; 
(ii) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘or ma-
rine surveyors;’’ and inserting ‘‘and marine 
engineers;’’; 
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘and’’ 
after the semicolon at the end; 
(iv) in clause (iv), by striking the pe-
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(v) by adding at the end the following 
new clause: 
‘‘(v) owners of vessels to which this 
chapter applies.’’. 
(3) TERMINATION.—Section 4508(e)(1) of that 
title is amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2010.’’ 
and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2020.’’. 
(4) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions at the beginning of chapter 45 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
relating to such section and inserting the following: 
‘‘4508. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee.’’. 
(d) LOADLINES FOR VESSELS 79 FEET OR GREATER 
IN LENGTH.—Section 5102(b)(3) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after ‘‘vessel’’ the following 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(B) is built before July 1, 2010; and 
‘‘(C) is 25 years of age or older. 
‘‘(2) Alternative safety compliance programs may be 
developed for purposes of paragraph (1) for specific regions 
and fisheries. 
‘‘(3) A fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish ten-
der vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title applies that 
was classed before July 1, 2010, shall— 
‘‘(A) remain subject to the requirements of a 
classification society approved by the Secretary; and 
‘‘(B) have on board a certificate from that soci-
ety.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions at the beginning of chapter 45 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
relating to such section and inserting the following: 
‘‘4503. Fishing, fish tender, and fish processing vessel certification.’’. 
(f) ALTERNATIVE SAFETY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.— 
No later than January 1, 2017, the Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating shall prescribe 
an alternative safety compliance program referred to in sec-
tion 4503(d) of the title 46, United States Code, as amended 
by this section. 
SEC. 5. MARINER RECORDS. 
Section 7502 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(1) by inserting ‘‘(a)’’ before ‘‘The’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘computerized records’’ and in-
serting ‘‘records, including electronic records,’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) The Secretary may prescribe regulations requir-
ing a vessel owner or managing operator of a commercial 
vessel, or the employer of a seaman on that vessel, to main-
tain records of each individual engaged on the vessel on 
matters of engagement, discharge, and service for not less 
than 5 years after the date of the completion of the service 
of that individual on the vessel. The regulations may re-
quire that a vessel owner, managing operator, or employer 
shall make these records available to the individual and the 
Coast Guard on request. 
‘‘(c) A person violating this section, or a regulation 
prescribed under this section, is liable to the United States 
Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000.’’. 
SEC. 6. DELETION OF EXEMPTION OF LICENSE REQUIRE-
MENT FOR OPERATORS OF CERTAIN TOWING 
VESSELS. 
Section 8905 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking subsection (b); and 
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection 
(b). 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 7. LOG BOOKS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 113 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 11304. Additional logbook and entry requirements 
‘‘(a) A vessel of the United States that is subject to 
inspection under section 3301 of this title, except a vessel 
on a voyage from a port in the United States to a port 
in Canada, shall have an official logbook, which shall be 
kept available for review by the Secretary on request. 
‘‘(b) The log book required by subsection (a) shall in-
clude the following entries: 
‘‘(1) The time when each seaman and each offi-
cer assumed or relieved the watch. 
‘‘(2) The number of hours in service to the vessels 
of each seaman and each officer. 
‘‘(3) An account of each accident, illness, and in-
jury that occurs during each watch.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘11304. Additional logbook and entry requirements.’’. 
SEC. 8. SAFE OPERATIONS AND EQUIPMENT STANDARDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 21 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new sections: 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘§ 2116. Termination for unsafe operation 
‘‘An individual authorized to enforce this title— 
‘‘(1) may remove a certificate required by this 
title from a vessel that is operating in a condition 
that does not comply with the provisions of the certifi-
cate; 
‘‘(2) may order the individual in charge of a ves-
sel that is operating that does not have on board the 
certificate required by this title to return the vessel to 
a mooring and to remain there until the vessel is in 
compliance with this title; and 
‘‘(3) may direct the individual in charge of a 
vessel to which this title applies to immediately take 
reasonable steps necessary for the safety of individuals 
on board the vessel if the official observes the vessel 
being operated in an unsafe condition that the official 
believes creates an especially hazardous condition, in-
cluding ordering the individual in charge to return 
the vessel to a mooring and to remain there until the 
situation creating the hazard is corrected or ended. 
‘‘§ 2117. Establishment of equipment standards 
‘‘(a) In establishing standards for approved equipment 
required on vessels subject to part B of this title, the Sec-
retary shall establish standards that are— 
‘‘(1) based on performance using the best avail-
able technology that is economically achievable; and 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) operationally practical. 
‘‘(b) Using the standards established under subsection 
(a), the Secretary may also certify lifesaving equipment 
that is not required to be carried on vessels subject to part 
B of this title to ensure that such equipment is suitable for 
its intended purpose. 
‘‘(c) At least once every 10 years the Secretary shall 
review and revise the standards established under subsection 
(a) to ensure that the standards meet the requirements of 
this section.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘2116. Termination for unsafe operation. 
‘‘2117. Establishment of equipment standards.’’. 
SEC. 9. APPROVAL OF SURVIVAL CRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 31 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new section: 
‘‘§ 3104. Survival craft 
‘‘(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Sec-
retary may not approve a survival craft as a safety device 
for purposes of this part, unless the craft ensures that no 
part of an individual is immersed in water. 
‘‘(b) The Secretary may authorize a survival craft that 
does not provide protection described in subsection (a) to 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
remain in service until not later than January 1, 2015, 
if— 
‘‘(1) it was approved by the Secretary before 
January 1, 2010; and 
‘‘(2) it is in serviceable condition.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘3104. Survival craft.’’. 
SEC. 10. SAFETY MANAGEMENT. 
(a) VESSELS TO WHICH REQUIREMENTS APPLY.—Sec-
tion 3202 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by striking the heading and 
inserting ‘‘FOREIGN VOYAGES
AND FOREIGN VES-
SELS.—’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as 
subsections (c) and (d), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(b) OTHER PASSENGER VESSELS.—This chapter ap-
plies to a vessel that is— 
‘‘(1) a passenger vessel or small passenger vessel; 
and 
‘‘(2) is transporting more passengers than a 
number prescribed by the Secretary based on the 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
number of individuals on the vessel that could be 
killed or injured in a marine casualty.’’; 
(4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘subsection (b)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection 
(c)’’; 
(5) in subsection (d)(4), as so redesignated, by 
inserting ‘‘that is not described in subsection (b) of 
this section’’ after ‘‘waters’’. 
(b) SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.—Section 3203 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(c) In prescribing regulations for passenger vessels 
and small passenger vessels, the Secretary shall consider— 
‘‘(1) the characteristics, methods of operation, 
and nature of the service of these vessels; and 
‘‘(2) with respect to vessels that are ferries, the 
sizes of the ferry systems within which the vessels op-
erate.’’. 
SEC. 11. PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2114 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘or’’ after 
the semicolon; 
(2) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking the pe-
riod at the end and inserting a semicolon; 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(3) by adding at the end of subsection (a)(1) the 
following new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(C) the seaman testified in a proceeding 
brought to enforce a maritime safety law or regula-
tion prescribed under that law; 
‘‘(D) the seaman notified, or attempted to notify, 
the vessel owner or the Secretary of a work-related 
personal injury or work-related illness of a seaman; 
‘‘(E) the seaman cooperated with a safety inves-
tigation by the Secretary or the National Transpor-
tation Safety Board; 
‘‘(F) the seaman furnished information to the 
Secretary, the National Transportation Safety Board, 
or any other public official as to the facts relating to 
any marine casualty resulting in injury or death to 
an individual or damage to property occurring in 
connection with vessel transportation; or 
‘‘(G) the seaman accurately reported hours of 
duty under this part.’’; and 
(4) by amending subsection (b) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(b) A seaman alleging discharge or discrimination in 
violation of subsection (a) of this section, or another person 
at the seaman’s request, may file a complaint with respect 
to such allegation in the same manner as a complaint may 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
be filed under subsection (b) of section 31105 of title 49. 
Such complaint shall be subject to the procedures, require-
ments, and rights described in that section, including with 
respect to the right to file an objection, the right of a person 
to file for a petition for review under subsection (c) of that 
section, and the requirement to bring a civil action under 
subsection (d) of that section.’’. 
(b) EXISTING ACTIONS.—This section shall not affect 
the application of section 2114(b) of title 46, United States 
Code, as in effect before the date of enactment of this Act, 
to an action filed under that section before that date. 
SEC. 12. OIL FUEL TANK PROTECTION. 
Section 3306 of title 46, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(k)(1) Each vessel of the United States that is con-
structed under a contract entered into after the date of en-
actment of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009, or that is deliv-
ered after January 1, 2011, with an aggregate capacity of 
600 cubic meters or more of oil fuel, shall comply with the 
requirements of Regulation 12A under Annex I to the Pro-
tocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for 
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, entitled ‘Oil 
Fuel Tank Protection.’ 
‘‘(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to apply 
the requirements described in Regulation 12A to vessels de-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
scribed in paragraph (1) that are not otherwise subject to 
that convention. Any such regulation shall be considered to 
be an interpretive rule for the purposes of section 553 of 
title 5. 
‘‘(3) In this subsection the term ‘oil fuel’ means any 
oil used as fuel in connection with the propulsion and aux-
iliary machinery of the vessel in which such oil is carried.’’. 
SEC. 13. OATHS. 
Sections 7105 and 7305 of title 46, United States Code, 
and the items relating to such sections in the analysis for 
chapters 71 and 73 of such title, are repealed. 
SEC. 14. DURATION OF CREDENTIALS. 
(a) MERCHANT
MARINER’S
DOCUMENTS.—Section 
7302(f) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(f) PERIODS OF VALIDITY AND RENEWAL OF MER-
CHANT MARINERS’ DOCUMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
section (g), a merchant mariner’s document issued 
under this chapter is valid for a 5-year period and 
may be renewed for additional 5-year periods. 
‘‘(2) ADVANCE RENEWALS.—A renewed merchant 
mariner’s document may be issued under this chapter 
up to 8 months in advance but is not effective until 
the date that the previously issued merchant mari-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
ner’s document expires or until the completion of any 
active suspension or revocation of that previously 
issued merchant mariner’s document, whichever is 
later.’’. 
(b) DURATION OF LICENSES.—Section 7106 of such 
title is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 7106. Duration of licenses 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—A license issued under this part 
is valid for a 5-year period and may be renewed for addi-
tional 5-year periods; except that the validity of a license 
issued to a radio officer is conditioned on the continuous 
possession by the holder of a first-class or second-class ra-
diotelegraph operator license issued by the Federal Commu-
nications Commission. 
‘‘(b) ADVANCE RENEWALS.—A renewed license issued 
under this part may be issued up to 8 months in advance 
but is not effective until the date that the previously issued 
license expires or until the completion of any active suspen-
sion or revocation of that previously issued merchant mari-
ner’s document, whichever is later.’’. 
(c) CERTIFICATES
OF REGISTRY.—Section 7107 of 
such title is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 7107. Duration of certificates of registry 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—A certificate of registry issued 
under this part is valid for a 5-year period and may be 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
renewed for additional 5-year periods; except that the valid-
ity of a certificate issued to a medical doctor or professional 
nurse is conditioned on the continuous possession by the 
holder of a license as a medical doctor or registered nurse, 
respectively, issued by a State. 
‘‘(b) ADVANCE RENEWALS.—A renewed certificate of 
registry issued under this part may be issued up to 8 
months in advance but is not effective until the date that 
the previously issued certificate of registry expires or until 
the completion of any active suspension or revocation of 
that previously issued merchant mariner’s document, 
whichever is later.’’. 
SEC. 15. FINGERPRINTING. 
(a) MERCHANT
MARINER
LICENSES
AND
DOCU-
MENTS.—Chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 7507. Fingerprinting 
‘‘The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating may not require an individual to be 
fingerprinted for the issuance or renewal of a license, a cer-
tificate of registry, or a merchant mariner’s document 
under chapter 71 or 73 if the individual was fingerprinted 
when the individual applied for a transportation security 
card under section 70105.’’. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such 
chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘7507. Fingerprinting.’’. 
SEC. 16. AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND THE DURATION OF 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRY, AND 
MERCHANT MARINERS’ DOCUMENTS. 
(a) MERCHANT
MARINER
LICENSES
AND
DOCU-
MENTS.—Chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, as 
amended by section 15(a) of this Act, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 7508. Authority to extend the duration of licenses, 
certificates of registry, and merchant 
mariner documents 
‘‘(a) LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRY.— 
Notwithstanding sections 7106 and 7107, the Secretary of 
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
may— 
‘‘(1) extend for not more than one year an expir-
ing license or certificate of registry issued for an indi-
vidual under chapter 71 if the Secretary determines 
that the extension is required to enable the Coast 
Guard to eliminate a backlog in processing applica-
tions for those licenses or certificates of registry or in 
response to a national emergency or natural disaster, 
as deemed necessary by the Secretary; or 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) issue for not more than five years an expir-
ing license or certificate of registry issued for an indi-
vidual under chapter 71 for the exclusive purpose of 
aligning the expiration date of such license or certifi-
cate of registry with the expiration date of a mer-
chant mariner’s document. 
‘‘(b) MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENTS.—Notwith-
standing section 7302(g), the Secretary may— 
‘‘(1) extend for not more than one year an expir-
ing merchant mariner’s document issued for an indi-
vidual under chapter 71 if the Secretary determines 
that the extension is required to enable the Coast 
Guard to eliminate a backlog in processing applica-
tions for those licenses or certificates of registry or in 
response to a national emergency or natural disaster, 
as deemed necessary by the Secretary; or 
‘‘(2) issue for not more than five years an expir-
ing merchant mariner’s document issued for an indi-
vidual under chapter 71 for the exclusive purpose of 
aligning the expiration date of such merchant mari-
ner’s document with the expiration date of a mer-
chant mariner’s document. 
‘‘(c) MANNER OF EXTENSION.—Any extensions grant-
ed under this section may be granted to individual seamen 
or a specifically identified group of seamen.’’. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such 
chapter, as amended by section 15(b), is further amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘7508. Authority to extend the duration of licenses, certificates of registry, and 
merchant mariner documents.’’. 
SEC. 17. MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENTATION. 
(a) INTERIM CLEARANCE PROCESS.—Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is oper-
ating shall develop an interim clearance process for 
issuance of a merchant mariner document to enable a newly 
hired seaman to begin working on an offshore supply vessel 
or towing vessel if the Secretary makes an initial deter-
mination that the seaman does not pose a safety and secu-
rity risk. 
(b) CONTENTS OF PROCESS.—The process under sub-
section (a) shall include a check against the consolidated 
and integrated terrorist watch list maintained by the Fed-
eral Government, review of the seaman’s criminal record, 
and review of the results of testing the seaman for use of 
a dangerous drug (as defined in section 2101 of title 46, 
United States Code) in violation of law or Federal regula-
tion. 
SEC. 18. MERCHANT MARINER ASSISTANCE REPORT. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall sub-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
mit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
regarding the feasibility of— 
(1) expanding the streamlined evaluation process 
program that was affiliated with the Houston Re-
gional Examination Center of the Coast Guard to all 
processing centers of the Coast Guard nationwide; 
(2) including proposals to simplify the applica-
tion process for a license as an officer, staff officer, or 
operator and for a merchant mariner’s document to 
help eliminate errors by merchant mariners when 
completing the application form (CG–719B), includ-
ing instructions attached to the application form and 
a modified application form for renewals with ques-
tions pertaining only to the period of time since the 
previous application; 
(3) providing notice to an applicant of the status 
of the pending application, including a process to 
allow the applicant to check on the status of the ap-
plication by electronic means; and 
(4) ensuring that all information collected with 
respect to applications for new or renewed licenses, 
merchant mariner documents, and certificates of reg-
istry is retained in a secure electronic format. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 19. OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS. 
(a) DEFINITION.—Section 2101(19) of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘of more than 15 gross 
tons but less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 
14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under 
section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary 
under section 14104 of this title’’. 
(b) EXEMPTION.—Section 5209(b)(1) of the Oceans Act 
of 1992 (Public Law 102–587; 46 U.S.C. 2101 note) is 
amended by inserting before the period at the end the fol-
lowing: ‘‘of less than 500 gross tons as measured under sec-
tion 14502, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 
14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under sec-
tion 14104 of this title’’. 
(c) REMOVAL OF TONNAGE LIMITS.— 
(1) ABLE
SEAMEN-OFFSHORE
SUPPLY
VES-
SELS.—Section 7310 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ‘‘of less than 500 gross tons 
as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an 
alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of 
this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 
14104 of this title’’. 
(2) SCALE OF EMPLOYMENT: ABLE SEAMEN.— 
Section 7312(d) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘of less than 500 gross tons as 
measured under section 14502 of this title, or an al-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
ternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this 
title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 
14104 of this title’’. 
(d) WATCHES.—Section 8104 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (g), by inserting after ‘‘offshore 
supply vessel’’ the following: ‘‘of less than 500 gross 
tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or 
less than 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 
14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary 
under section 14104 of this title’’; 
(2) in subsection (d), by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after 
‘‘(d)’’, and by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to an offshore sup-
ply vessel of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under 
section 14302 of this title if the individuals engaged on the 
vessel are in compliance with hours of service requirements 
(including recording and record-keeping of that service) 
prescribed by the Secretary.’’; and 
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘subsection (d)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘subsection (d)(1)’’. 
(e) MINIMUM NUMBER OF LICENSED INDIVIDUALS.— 
Section 8301(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(b)(1) An offshore supply vessel of less than 6,000 
gross tons, as measured under section 14302 of this title, 
on a voyage of less than 600 miles shall have at least one 
licensed mate. Such a vessel on a voyage of 600 miles or 
more shall have two licensed mates. 
‘‘(2) An offshore supply vessel of more than 200 gross 
tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an 
alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title 
as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this 
title, may not be operated without a licensed engineer. 
‘‘(3) An offshore supply vessel shall have at least one 
mate. Additional mates on an offshore supply vessel of at 
least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of 
this title shall be prescribe in accordance with hours of serv-
ice requirements (including recording and record-keeping of 
that service) prescribed by the Secretary.’’. 
(f) REGULATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating shall 
promulgate regulations to implement the amendments 
enacted by this section and chapter 37 of title 46, 
United States Code, for offshore supply vessels of at 
least 6,000 gross tons, before January 1, 2010. 
(2) INTERIM FINAL RULE AUTHORITY.—The Sec-
retary shall issue an interim final rule as a tem-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
porary regulation implementing this section (includ-
ing the amendments made by this section), and chap-
ter 37 of title 46, United States Code, for offshore sup-
ply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons, as soon as 
practicable after the date of enactment of this section, 
without regard to the provisions of chapter 5 of title 
5, United States Code. All regulations prescribed 
under the authority of this paragraph that are not 
earlier superseded by final regulations shall expire 
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act. 
(3) INITIATION OF RULEMAKING.—The Secretary 
may initiate a rulemaking to implement this section 
(including the amendments made by this section), 
and chapter 37 of title 46, United States Code, for off-
shore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons, as 
soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this 
section. The final rule issued pursuant to that rule-
making may supersede the interim final rule promul-
gated under this subsection. 
(4) INTERIM PERIOD.—After the date of enact-
ment of this Act and prior to the effective date of the 
regulations promulgated to implement the amend-
ments enacted by this section under paragraph (2), 
and notwithstanding the tonnage limits of applicable 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
regulations promulgated prior to the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary may— 
(A) issue a certificate of inspection under 
section 3309 of title 46, United States Code, to 
an offshore supply vessel of at least 500 gross 
tons as measured under section 14502 of title 46, 
United States Code, or of at least 6,000 gross 
tons as measured under section 14302 of title 46, 
United States Code, if the Secretary determines 
that such vessel’s arrangements, equipment, clas-
sification, and certifications provide for the safe 
carriage of individuals in addition to the crew 
and oil and hazardous substances, taking into 
consideration the characteristics of offshore sup-
ply vessels, their methods of operation, and their 
service in support of exploration, exploitation, or 
production of offshore mineral or energy re-
sources; 
(B) for the purpose of enforcing chapter 37 
of title 46, United States Code, use tank vessel 
standards for offshore supply vessels of at least 
6,000 gross tons after considering the character-
istics, methods of operation, and nature of the 
service of the vessel; and 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(C) authorize a master, mate, or engineer 
whom the Secretary decides possesses the experi-
ence on an offshore supply vessel under 6,000 
gross tons to serve on an offshore supply vessel 
over at least 6,000 gross tons. 
SEC. 20. ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. 
Section 2101(1)(B) of title 46, United States Coded, 
is amended by inserting ‘‘with the exception of emergency 
locator beacons,’’ before ‘‘does’’. 
SEC. 21. LIFESAVING DEVICES ON UNINSPECTED VESSELS. 
Section 4102(b) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(b) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations requir-
ing the installation, maintenance, and use of life preservers 
and other lifesaving devices for individuals on board 
uninspected vessels.’’. 
SEC. 22. STUDY OF BLENDED FUELS IN MARINE APPLICA-
TION. 
(a) SURVEY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant 
of the Coast Guard, shall submit a survey of pub-
lished data and reports, pertaining to the use, safety, 
and performance of blended fuels in marine applica-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
tions, to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate. 
(2) INCLUDED INFORMATION.—To the extent pos-
sible, the survey required in subsection (a), shall in-
clude data and reports on— 
(A) the impact of blended fuel on the oper-
ation, durability, and performance of rec-
reational and commercial marine engines, ves-
sels, and marine engine and vessel components 
and associated equipment; 
(B) the safety impacts of blended fuels on 
consumers that own and operate recreational 
and commercial marine engines and marine en-
gine components and associated equipment; and 
(C) to the extent available, fires and explo-
sions on board vessels propelled by engines using 
blended fuels. 
(b) STUDY.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 36 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, 
acting through the Commandant, shall conduct a 
comprehensive study on the use, safety, and perform-
ance of blended fuels in marine applications. The Sec-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
retary is authorized to conduct such study in conjunc-
tion with— 
(A) any other Federal agency; 
(B) any State government or agency; 
(C) any local government or agency, includ-
ing local police and fire departments; and 
(D) any private entity, including engine 
and vessel manufacturers. 
(2) EVALUATION.—The study shall include an 
evaluation of— 
(A) the impact of blended fuel on the oper-
ation, durability and performance of rec-
reational and commercial marine engines, ves-
sels, and marine engine and vessel components 
and associated equipment; 
(B) the safety impacts of blended fuels on 
consumers that own and operate recreational 
and commercial marine engines and marine en-
gine components and associated equipment; and 
(C) fires and explosions on board vessels 
propelled by engines using blended fuels. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland 
Security to carry out the survey and study under this sec-
tion $1,000,000. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 23. RENEWAL OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES. 
(a) GREAT
LAKES
PILOTAGE
ADVISORY
COM-
MITTEE.—Section 9307(f)(1) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2010.’’ and 
inserting ‘‘September 30, 2020.’’. 
(b) NATIONAL BOATING SAFETY ADVISORY COUN-
CIL.—Section 13110 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (d), by striking the first sen-
tence; and 
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘September 30, 
2010.’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2020.’’. 
(c) HOUSTON-GALVESTON NAVIGATION SAFETY ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE.—Section 18(h) of the Coast Guard Au-
thorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–241 as amended 
by Public Law 104–324) is amended by striking ‘‘Sep-
tember 30, 2010.’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2020.’’. 
(d) LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERWAY SAFETY 
ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—Section 19 of the Coast Guard Au-
thorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–241) is amend-
ed— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 
by striking ‘‘twenty-four’’ and inserting ‘‘twenty- 
five’’; and 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(12) One member representing the Associated 
Federal Pilots and Docking Masters of Louisiana.’’; 
and 
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘September 30, 
2010.’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2020.’’. 
(e) TOWING SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—The Act 
to Establish a Towing Safety Advisory Committee in the 
Department of Transportation (33 U.S.C. 1231a) is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(a) There is established a Towing Safety Advisory 
Committee (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Committee’). The 
Committee shall consist of eighteen members with par-
ticular expertise, knowledge, and experience regarding shal-
low-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and tow-
ing safety as follows: 
‘‘(1) Seven members representing the barge and 
towing industry, reflecting a regional geographic bal-
ance. 
‘‘(2) One member representing the offshore min-
eral and oil supply vessel industry. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) One member representing holders of active 
licensed Masters or Pilots of towing vessels with expe-
rience on the Western Rivers and the Gulf Intra-
coastal Waterway. 
‘‘(4) One member representing the holders of ac-
tive licensed Masters of towing vessels in offshore serv-
ice. 
‘‘(5) One member representing Masters who are 
active ship-docking or harbor towing vessel. 
‘‘(6) One member representing licensed or unli-
censed towing vessel engineers with formal training 
and experience. 
‘‘(7) Two members representing each of the fol-
lowing groups: 
‘‘(A) Port districts, authorities, or terminal 
operators. 
‘‘(B) Shippers (of whom at least one shall 
be engaged in the shipment of oil or hazardous 
materials by barge). 
‘‘(8) Two members representing the general pub-
lic.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘September 30, 
2010.’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2020.’’. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
(f) NAVIGATION SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL.—Section 
5 of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 
2073) is amended— 
(1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and in-
serting the following: 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNCIL.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating shall es-
tablish a Navigation Safety Advisory Council (herein-
after referred to as the ‘Council’), consisting of not 
more than 21 members. All members shall have exper-
tise in Inland and International vessel navigation 
Rules of the Road, aids to maritime navigation, mar-
itime law, vessel safety, port safety, or commercial 
diving safety. Upon appointment, all non-Federal 
members shall be designated as representative mem-
bers to represent the viewpoints and interests of one 
of the following groups or organizations: 
‘‘(A) Commercial vessel owners or operators. 
‘‘(B) Professional mariners. 
‘‘(C) Recreational boaters. 
‘‘(D) The recreational boating industry. 
‘‘(E) State agencies responsible for vessel or 
port safety. 
‘‘(F) The Maritime Law Association. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) PANELS.—Additional persons may be ap-
pointed to panels of the Council to assist the Council 
in performance of its functions. 
‘‘(3) NOMINATIONS.—The Secretary, through the 
Coast Guard Commandant, shall not less often than 
once a year publish a notice in the Federal Register 
soliciting nominations for membership on the Coun-
cil. 
‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The Council shall advise, consult 
with, and make recommendations to the Secretary, through 
the Coast Guard Commandant, on matters relating to mar-
itime collisions, rammings, groundings, Inland Rules of the 
Road, International Rules of the Road, navigation regula-
tions and equipment, routing measures, marine informa-
tion, diving safety, and aids to navigation systems. Any 
advice and recommendations made by the Council to the 
Secretary shall reflect the independent judgment of the 
Council on the matter concerned. The Council shall meet 
at the call of the Coast Guard Commandant, but in any 
event not less than twice during each calendar year. All 
proceedings of the Council shall be public, and a record of 
the proceedings shall be made available for public inspec-
tion.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘September 30, 
2010.’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2020.’’. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS
Union Calendar No. 202 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. R. 2652 
[Report No. 111–351] 
A BILL 
To amend title 46, United States Code, to improve 
vessel safety, and for other purposes. 
DECEMBER 3, 2009 
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Com-
mittee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, 
and ordered to be printed 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
21:10 Dec 03, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 6651
Sfmt 6651
E:\BILLS\H2652.RH
H2652
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with BILLS