Title: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017
This bill authorizes: (1) appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY2018-FY2019, and (2) a specified level of end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and military training student loads for such fiscal years.
The bill addresses: (1) training for public safety personnel, (2) service member benefits for Coast Guard personnel, (3) contracts to procure three National Security Cutters, and (4)	the Coast Guard Reserve Officers' Training Corps Program.
The bill revises or sets forth policies relating to the Coast Guard, including Coast Guard advisory committees, numbering for undocumented barges, aids to navigation, requirements for personal flotation devices, the alternate safety compliance program, vessel certification, the installation and use of engine cut-off switches on recreational vessels, visual distress signals for recreational boats, auxiliary craft requirements, the Coast Guard's inland waterway and river tenders fleet, arctic planning, maritime security, acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority, drawbridges, incentive contracts for Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard industrial establishments, Coast Guard health care professionals, land exchanges, shipyards, and waivers for certain contracts.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1129 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1129

    To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 16, 2017

 Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Thune, and Mr. Nelson) introduced the 
 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on 
                 Commerce, Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
    To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2017''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Effective dates.
                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training.
                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

Sec. 201. Primary duties.
Sec. 202. Training; emergency response providers.
Sec. 203. Commissioned service retirement.
Sec. 204. Officer promotion zones.
Sec. 205. Officer evaluation report.
Sec. 206. Retired pay; amounts for payments in connection with 
                            modernized retirement system.
Sec. 207. Inclusion of vessel for investigation purposes.
Sec. 208. Leave for the birth of adoption of a child.
Sec. 209. Aviation cadets; appointment as Reserve officers; cross 
                            reference.
Sec. 210. Clothing at time of discharge for good of service; repeal.
Sec. 211. Multiyear contracts.
Sec. 212. Coast Guard ROTC Program.
                        TITLE III--MARINE SAFETY

Sec. 301. Coast Guard advisory committees.
Sec. 302. Clarification of logbook and entry requirements.
Sec. 303. Technical corrections; licenses, certifications of registry, 
                            and merchant mariner documents.
Sec. 304. Numbering for undocumented barges.
Sec. 305. Aids to navigation.
Sec. 306. Equipment requirements; exemption from throwable personal 
                            flotation devices.
Sec. 307. Ensuring maritime coverage.
Sec. 308. Deadline for compliance with alternate safety compliance 
                            program.
Sec. 309. Fishing, fish tender, and fish processing vessel 
                            certification.
Sec. 310. Termination of unsafe operations; technical amendment.
Sec. 311. Installation and use of engine cut-off switches on 
                            recreational vessel.
Sec. 312. Visual distress signals and alternative use.
Sec. 313. Renewal period for documented recreational vessels.
Sec. 314. Exception from survival craft requirements.
Sec. 315. Inland waterway and river tender acquisition plan.
Sec. 316. Arctic planning criteria.
                      TITLE IV--MARITIME SECURITY

Sec. 401. Maritime border security cooperation.
Sec. 402. Currency detection canine team program.
Sec. 403. Confidential investigative expenses.
Sec. 404. Arctic maritime domain awareness.
Sec. 405. Strategic assets in the Arctic.
                         TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 501. Ship shoal lighthouse transfer; repeal.
Sec. 502. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority.
Sec. 503. Drawbridges.
Sec. 504. Incentive contract; Coast Guard yard and industrial 
                            establishments.
Sec. 505. Coast Guard health-care professionals; licensure portability.
Sec. 506. Land exchange; Ayakulik Island, Alaska.
Sec. 507. Abandoned seafarers fund amendments.
Sec. 508. Assistance for small shipyards.
Sec. 509. Small shipyard contracts.
Sec. 510. Western challenger; certificate of documentation.
                TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE VESSELS

Sec. 601. Waivers for certain contracts.

SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATES.

    (a) In General.--Except as otherwise specifically provided in this 
Act, this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on 
the date of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Certain Delayed Effective Dates.--The amendments made by 
sections 101, 102, 403, and 508(a) shall take effect on October 1, 
2017. The amendments made by section 206 shall take effect on January 
1, 2018.

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 2702 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
    ``Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 
2018 and 2019 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard as follows:
            ``(1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, 
        not otherwise provided for--
                    ``(A) $7,300,000,000 for fiscal year 2018; and
                    ``(B) $7,592,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.
            ``(2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and 
        improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore 
        facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related 
        thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and 
        operation of facilities and equipment--
                    ``(A) $1,985,845,000 for fiscal year 2018, to 
                remain available through September 30, 2022; and
                    ``(B) $2,027,547,745 for fiscal year 2019, to 
                remain available through September 30, 2023.
            ``(3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including 
        operations and maintenance of the program, personnel and 
        training costs, equipment, and services--
                    ``(A) $142,956,336 for fiscal year 2018; and
                    ``(B) $145,958,419 for fiscal year 2019.
            ``(4) For the environmental compliance and restoration of 
        Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title--
                    ``(A) $17,051,721 for fiscal year 2018, to remain 
                available through September 30, 2022; and
                    ``(B) $17,409,807 for fiscal year 2019, to remain 
                available through September 20, 2023.
            ``(5) To the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, 
        development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, 
        and human factors directly related to improving the performance 
        of the Coast Guard's mission with respect to search and rescue, 
        aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental 
        protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, 
        oceanographic research, and defense readiness, and for 
        maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities 
        and equipment--
                    ``(A) $20,307,690 for fiscal year 2018; and
                    ``(B) $20,734,151 for fiscal year 2019.''.

SEC. 102. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH AND TRAINING.

    Section 2704 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
    ``(a) Active Duty Strength.--The Coast Guard is authorized an end-
of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2018 and 2019.
    ``(b) Military Training Student Loads.--The Coast Guard is 
authorized average military training student loads for each of fiscal 
years 2018 and 2019 as follows:
            ``(1) For recruit and special training, 2,500 student 
        years.
            ``(2) For flight training, 165 student years.
            ``(3) For professional training in military and civilian 
        institutions, 350 student years.
            ``(4) For officer acquisition, 1,200 student years.''.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

SEC. 201. PRIMARY DUTIES.

    Section 2(7) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``including the fulfillment of Maritime Defense Zone command 
responsibilities'' and inserting ``and at all times assist in the 
defense of the United States''.

SEC. 202. TRAINING; EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROVIDERS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 141 the following:

``SEC. 141A. TRAINING; EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROVIDERS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) 
may, on a reimbursable or a non-reimbursable basis, make training 
available to public safety personnel whenever the Commandant (or the 
Commandant's designee) determines that--
            ``(1) a member of the Coast Guard, who was scheduled to 
        participate in such training, is unable or unavailable to 
        participate in such training;
            ``(2) no other member of the Coast Guard, who is assigned 
        to the unit to which the member of the Coast Guard described in 
        paragraph (1), is able or available to participate in such 
        training; and
            ``(3) such training, if made available to public safety 
        personnel, would further the goal of interoperability among 
        Federal agencies, non-Federal governmental agencies, or both.
    ``(b) Definition of Emergency Response Provider.--In this section, 
the term `emergency response provider' has the meaning given the term 
in section 101 of title 6.
    ``(c) Treatment of Reimbursement.--Any reimbursement for training 
that the Coast Guard receives under this section shall be credited to 
the appropriation used to pay the costs for such training.
    ``(d) Status; Limitation on Liability.--
            ``(1) Status.--Any individual to whom, as an emergency 
        response provider, training is made available under this 
        section shall not be considered a Federal employee for any 
        purpose, including the purposes of--
                    ``(A) chapter 81 of title 5 (relating to 
                compensation for injury); or
                    ``(B) sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28 
                (relating to tort claims).
            ``(2) Limitation on liability.--The individual described in 
        paragraph (1) or that individual's employer shall be liable for 
        any claim arising out of such training.''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of chapter 7 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 141 the following:

``141a. Training; emergency response providers.''.

SEC. 203. COMMISSIONED SERVICE RETIREMENT.

    Section 291 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``Any 
        regular'' and indenting appropriately;
            (2) in subsection (a), as designated--
                    (A) by inserting ``of the Coast Guard'' after 
                ``officer''; and
                    (B) by striking ``President'' and inserting 
                ``Secretary''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Active Commissioned Service.--The Secretary may authorize the 
Commandant, through fiscal year 2019, to reduce the requirement under 
subsection (a) for at least ten years of active service as a 
commissioned officer to a period of not less than eight years.''.

SEC. 204. OFFICER PROMOTION ZONES.

    Section 256(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``six-tenths'' and inserting ``one-half''.

SEC. 205. OFFICER EVALUATION REPORT.

    (a) In General.--Beginning with the first evaluation cycle after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
shall reduce lieutenant junior grade evaluation reports to the same 
length as an ensign or place lieutenant junior grade evaluations on an 
annual schedule.
    (b) Board Survey.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall survey 
outgoing promotion board members to determine, at a minimum--
            (1) which sections of the officer evaluation report were 
        most useful;
            (2) which sections of the officer evaluation report were 
        least useful;
            (3) how to better reflect high performers, and
            (4) any recommendations for improving the officer 
        evaluation report.
    (c) Survey of Officers.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
conduct a survey on the officer evaluation report to--
            (1) cover at least 10 percent of the officers from each 
        grade of officers from O1 to O6; and
            (2) determine how much time each member of the rating chain 
        spends on that member's portion of the officer evaluation 
        report.
    (d) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 545 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
        submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives a report--
                    (A) on the findings of the survey under subsection 
                (b); and
                    (B) on the findings of the survey under subsection 
                (c).
            (2) Format.--The report under paragraph (1) shall be 
        formatted by each rank, type of board, and position, as 
        applicable.

SEC. 206. RETIRED PAY; AMOUNTS FOR PAYMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH 
              MODERNIZED RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 424a the following:
``Sec. 424b. Retired pay; amounts for payments in connection with 
              modernized retirement system
    ``Of the amounts appropriated for retirement pay under this chapter 
in any fiscal year, the Secretary may use such sums as are necessary 
for the following purposes (in addition to other amounts that may be 
available for such purposes) as such purposes relate to a member:
            ``(1) Lump sum payment of certain retired pay under section 
        1415 of title 10.
            ``(2) Thrift Savings Plan contributions under section 
        8440e(e) of title 5.
            ``(3) Continuation pay under section 356 of title 37.''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for chapter 11 of 
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 424 the following:

``424b. Retired pay; amounts for payments in connection with modernized 
                            retirement system.''.

SEC. 207. INCLUSION OF VESSEL FOR INVESTIGATION PURPOSES.

    (a) In General.--Section 678 of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ``or vessel'' after ``aircraft'' each place it 
appears.
    (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 17 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the table of contents of chapter 17, by inserting 
        ``and vessel'' after ``Aircraft'' in the item relating to 
        section 678; and
            (2) in the heading for section 678, by inserting ``and 
        vessel'' after ``Aircraft''.

SEC. 208. LEAVE FOR THE BIRTH OF ADOPTION OF A CHILD.

    Section 431 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Not later than 1 year'' and inserting the 
        following:
    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), not later 
than 1 year''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Leave Associated With the Birth or Adoption of a Child.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 701 of 
title 10, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating shall ensure that any rule, policy, or memorandum that 
provides leave associated with the birth or adoption of a child to 
officers and enlisted members of the Coast Guard permits, at the 
discretion of the Commanding Officer--
            ``(1) an officer or member to take such leave in 
        increments; and
            ``(2) flexible work schedules for such officer or member 
        until all such leave is expended.''.

SEC. 209. AVIATION CADETS; APPOINTMENT AS RESERVE OFFICERS; CROSS 
              REFERENCE.

    Section 373(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``designated under section 371'' after ``cadet''.

SEC. 210. CLOTHING AT TIME OF DISCHARGE FOR GOOD OF SERVICE; REPEAL.

    Section 482 of title 14, United States Code, and the item relating 
to that section in the table of contents of chapter 13 of that title, 
are repealed.

SEC. 211. MULTIYEAR CONTRACTS.

    The Secretary is authorized to enter into a multiyear contract for 
the procurement of a tenth, eleventh, and twelfth National Security 
Cutter and associated government-furnished equipment.

SEC. 212. COAST GUARD ROTC PROGRAM.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a 
report on the costs and benefits of creating a Coast Guard Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps Program based on the other armed forces 
programs.

                        TITLE III--MARINE SAFETY

SEC. 301. COAST GUARD ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

    (a) Establishment.--Subtitle I of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:

              ``CHAPTER 7--COAST GUARD ADVISORY COMMITTEES

``Sec.
``701. Administration.
``702. Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee.
``703. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee.
``704. Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee.
``705. Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee.
``706. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee.
``707. Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee.
``708. National Boating Safety Advisory Council.
``709. National Maritime Security Advisory Committee.
``710. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee.
``711. Navigation Safety Advisory Council.
``712. Towing Safety Advisory Committee.
``Sec. 701. Administration
    ``(a) Employee Status.--A member of an advisory committee or 
advisory council established under this chapter shall not be considered 
an employee of the Federal Government by reason of service on such 
committee or council, except for the purposes of the following 
provisions of law:
            ``(1) Section 5703 of title 5 (relating to travel 
        expenses).
            ``(2) Chapter 81 of title 5 (relating to compensation for 
        work injuries).
            ``(3) Chapter 171 of title 28 and any other Federal statute 
        relating to tort liability.
            ``(4) If the member is a special Government employee--
                    ``(A) chapter 73 of title 5;
                    ``(B) sections 201, 202, 203, 205, 207, 208, and 
                209 of title 18;
                    ``(C) the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 
                U.S.C. App.); and
                    ``(D) any other provision of law relating to 
                employee conduct, political activities, ethics, 
                conflict of interest, and corruption that applies to a 
                special Government employee.
    ``(b) Compensation.--A member of an advisory committee or advisory 
council established under this chapter who is not otherwise a Federal 
employee shall not receive pay by reason of service on such committee 
or council.
    ``(c) Acceptance of Volunteer Services.--A member of an advisory 
committee or advisory council established under this chapter may serve 
on a voluntary basis without pay without regard to section 1342 of 
title 31 or any other law.
``Sec. 702. Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Chemical 
Transportation Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the 
`Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, 
report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters 
relating to the safe and secure marine transportation of hazardous 
materials.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 
                not more than 25 members.
                    ``(B) Points of view.--Each member of the Committee 
                shall represent the point of view of 1 of the following 
                entities or groups associated with marine 
                transportation of hazardous materials:
                            ``(i) Chemical manufacturing.
                            ``(ii) Marine handling or transportation of 
                        chemicals.
                            ``(iii) Vessel design and construction.
                            ``(iv) Marine safety or security.
                            ``(v) Marine environmental protection.
                    ``(C) Needs of the coast guard.--The Commandant (or 
                the Commandant's designee) shall, based on the needs of 
                the Coast Guard, determine the number of members who 
                represent a specific point of view.
                    ``(D) Rule of construction.--Neither this 
                subsection nor any other provision of law or policy 
                shall be construed to require an equal distribution of 
                members representing specific points of view among the 
                membership of the Committee.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18, each member of the Committee is hereby deemed a 
        representative of the member's respective special interest 
        entity or group, and not a special Government employee (as 
        defined in section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                    ``(B) Vacancy.--In the case of an appointment to 
                fill a vacancy on the Committee, the Secretary shall 
                appoint an individual for a full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 703. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Commercial Fishing 
Safety Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the 
`Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized--
            ``(1) to advise, consult with, report to, and make 
        recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to the 
        safe operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title 
        applies, including navigation safety, safety equipment and 
        procedures, marine insurance, vessel design, construction, 
        maintenance and operation, and personnel qualifications and 
        training; and
            ``(2) to review proposed regulations promulgated pursuant 
        to chapter 45 of this title.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 
                18 members.
                    ``(B) Experience.--Each member of the Committee 
                shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and 
                experience regarding the commercial fishing industry.
                    ``(C) Points of view.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (D), a member of the Committee shall 
                represent the point of view of an entity or group, as 
                follows:
                            ``(i) 10 members representing the 
                        commercial fishing industry who--
                                    ``(I) reflect a regional and 
                                representational balance; and
                                    ``(II) have experience in the 
                                operation of vessels to which chapter 
                                45 of this title applies or as a crew 
                                member or processing line worker on a 
                                fish processing vessel.
                            ``(ii) 1 member representing naval 
                        architects or marine engineers.
                            ``(iii) 1 member representing manufacturers 
                        of equipment for vessels to which chapter 45 of 
                        this title applies.
                            ``(iv) 1 member representing education or 
                        training professionals related to fishing 
                        vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender 
                        vessel safety or personnel qualifications.
                            ``(v) 1 member representing underwriters 
                        that insure vessels to which chapter 45 of this 
                        title applies.
                            ``(vi) 1 member representing owners of 
                        vessels to which chapter 45 of this title 
                        applies.
                    ``(D) Exception.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), 
                        3 members of the Committee shall represent the 
                        general public.
                            ``(ii) Experience.--Whenever possible, a 
                        member who represents the general public shall 
                        be either--
                                    ``(I) an independent expert or 
                                consultant in maritime safety;
                                    ``(II) a marine surveyor who 
                                provides services to vessels to which 
                                chapter 45 of this title applies; or
                                    ``(III) a person familiar with 
                                issues affecting fishing communities 
                                and families of fishermen.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18--
                    ``(A) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary 
                appoints to represent a point of view of an entity or 
                group under paragraph (2)(C), is hereby deemed a 
                representative of the member's respective special 
                interest entity or group, and not a special Government 
                employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); 
                and
                    ``(B) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary 
                may appoint to represent the general public, is hereby 
                deemed a special Government employee (as defined in 
                section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                    ``(B) Vacancy.--In the case of an appointment to 
                fill a vacancy on the Committee, the Secretary shall 
                appoint an individual for a full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Consultation.--The Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) 
shall, whenever practicable--
            ``(1) consult with the Committee before taking any 
        significant action relating to the safe operation of vessels to 
        which chapter 45 of this title applies; and
            ``(2) consider the information, advice, and recommendations 
        of the Committee in consulting with other agencies and the 
        public or in formulating policy regarding the safe operation of 
        vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies.
    ``(e) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 704. Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Great Lakes Pilotage 
Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the `Committee').
    ``(b) Function; Recommendations.--
            ``(1) Functions.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Committee, 
        acting through the Commandant (or the Commandant's designee), 
        is authorized--
                    ``(A) to advise, consult with, report to, and make 
                recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to 
                Great Lakes pilotage; and
                    ``(B) to review proposed Great Lakes pilotage 
                regulations and policies and make recommendations to 
                the Secretary that the Committee considers appropriate.
            ``(2) Recommendations.--At least 6 of the 7 members shall 
        agree by vote to make any recommendation under this subsection.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meetings.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 7 
                members.
                    ``(B) Experience.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (D), each member of the Committee shall 
                have at least 5 years practical experience in maritime 
                operations.
                    ``(C) Points of view.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (D), a member of the Committee shall 
                represent the point of view of an entity or group, as 
                follows:
                            ``(i) 3 members representing the interests 
                        of Great Lake pilots, among whom shall be the 
                        president of each Great Lake pilotage district 
                        (or the president's designee).
                            ``(ii) 1 member representing the interests 
                        of vessel operators that contract for Great 
                        Lakes pilotage services.
                            ``(iii) 1 member representing the interests 
                        of Great Lakes ports.
                            ``(iv) 1 member representing the interests 
                        of shippers whose cargoes are transported 
                        through Great Lakes ports.
                    ``(D) Remaining member.--1 member of the 
                Committee--
                            ``(i) shall have a background in finance or 
                        accounting;
                            ``(ii) must have been recommended to the 
                        Secretary by a unanimous vote of the other 
                        members of the Committee; and
                            ``(iii) may be appointed without regard to 
                        requirement under subparagraph (B) that each 
                        member have 5 years of practical experience in 
                        maritime operations.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18--
                    ``(A) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary 
                appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or 
                group under paragraph (2)(C), is hereby deemed a 
                representative of the member's respective special 
                interest entity or group, and not a special Government 
                employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); 
                and
                    ``(B) the member of the Committee with the 
                background prescribed under paragraph (2)(D) is hereby 
                deemed a special Government employee (as defined in 
                section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                    ``(B) Vacancy.--In the case of an appointment to 
                fill a vacancy on the Committee, the Secretary shall 
                appoint an individual for a full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) Designation.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
            ``(8) Observers.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, at the request of 
                the Commandant, may designate 2 individuals to 
                participate as observers in the work of the Committee 
                and offer necessary information for which each observer 
                is uniquely qualified to provide.
                    ``(B) Requirements.--Each observer--
                            ``(i) shall not be deemed a member of the 
                        Committee;
                            ``(ii) shall not vote on any matter before 
                        the Committee;
                            ``(iii) shall not contribute to a quorum;
                            ``(iv) shall serve without compensation; 
                        and
                            ``(v) shall be responsible for all travel 
                        expenses.
                    ``(C) Designation; experience.--
                            ``(i) Experience.--The Secretary may 
                        designate an individual as an observer without 
                        regard to the requirement of paragraph (2)(B), 
                        except that--
                                    ``(I) 1 observer shall have 
                                particular knowledge of the national 
                                interests of American pilots; and
                                    ``(II) 1 observer shall have 
                                particular knowledge of the interests 
                                of Canadian shippers.
                            ``(ii) Notice.--The Secretary may designate 
                        an individual as an observer without regard to 
                        the requirement of paragraph (4)(A), except 
                        that the Secretary may solicit, from the 
                        Commandant, recommendations with regard to the 
                        individual whom the Secretary shall designate 
                        as an observer.
                            ``(iii) Canadian shippers.--With regard to 
                        the individual with particular knowledge of the 
                        interests of Canadian shippers, the Secretary 
                        may, with the concurrence of the Secretary of 
                        State, designate an individual who is a citizen 
                        of Canada.
                    ``(D) Vacancy.--An observer shall serve a term of 
                not more than 3 years from the effective date of the 
                designation, except that, in the case of a designation 
                to fill a vacancy on the Committee, the observer shall 
                be designated for a full term.
    ``(d) Consultation.--The Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) 
shall, whenever practicable--
            ``(1) consult with the Committee before taking any 
        significant action relating to Great Lakes pilotage; and
            ``(2) consider the information, advice, and recommendations 
        of the Committee in formulating policy regarding matters 
        affecting Great Lakes pilotage.
    ``(e) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 705. Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Lower Mississippi 
River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee (referred to in this section 
as the `Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, 
report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters 
relating to communication, surveillance, traffic management, 
anchorages, development and operation of New Orleans Vessel Traffic 
Services, and other related topics dealing with and actions relating to 
navigational safety on the Lower Mississippi River.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 
                24 members.
                    ``(B) Experience.--Each member of the Committee 
                shall have expertise, knowledge, and experience 
                regarding the transportation, equipment, and techniques 
                that are used to ship cargo and to navigate vessels on 
                the Lower Mississippi River and its connecting 
                navigable waterways, including the Gulf of Mexico.
                    ``(C) Points of view.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (D), each member of the Committee shall 
                represent the point of view of an entity or group, as 
                follows:
                            ``(i) 5 members representing River Port 
                        Authorities between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and 
                        the head of passes of the Lower Mississippi 
                        River, of which--
                                    ``(I) 1 member shall be from the 
                                Port of St. Bernard; and
                                    ``(II) 1 member from the Port of 
                                Plaquemines.
                            ``(ii) 2 members representing vessel owners 
                        or ship owners domiciled in the State of 
                        Louisiana.
                            ``(iii) 2 members representing 
                        organizations which operate harbor tugs or 
                        barge fleets in the geographical area covered 
                        by the Committee.
                            ``(iv) 2 members representing companies 
                        which transport cargo or passengers on the 
                        navigable waterways in the geographical area 
                        covered by the Committee.
                            ``(v) 3 members representing State 
                        Commissioned Pilot organizations, with 1 member 
                        each representing--
                                    ``(I) the New Orleans-Baton Rouge 
                                Steamship Pilots Association;
                                    ``(II) the Crescent River Port 
                                Pilots Association; and
                                    ``(III) the Association Branch 
                                Pilots.
                            ``(vi) 3 members representing consumers, 
                        shippers, or importers and exporters that 
                        utilize vessels which utilize the navigable 
                        waterways covered by the Committee.
                            ``(vii) 2 members representing those 
                        licensed merchant mariners, other than pilots, 
                        who perform shipboard duties on those vessels 
                        which utilize navigable waterways covered by 
                        the Committee.
                            ``(viii) 1 member representing an 
                        organization that serves in a consulting or 
                        advisory capacity to the maritime industry.
                            ``(ix) 1 member representing an 
                        environmental organization.
                    ``(D) Additional members.--
                            ``(i) In general.--3 members of the 
                        Committee shall represent the general public.
                            ``(ii) Water transportation facilities.--
                        Whenever possible, 2 of the 3 members who 
                        represent the general public shall be 
                        individuals who utilize water transportation 
                        facilities located in the geographic area that 
                        the Committee covers.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18--
                    ``(A) each member of the Committee, whom the 
                Secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an 
                entity or group set out in paragraph (2)(C), is hereby 
                deemed a representative of the member's respective 
                special interest entity or group, and not a special 
                Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of 
                title 18); and
                    ``(B) each member of the Committee, whom the 
                Secretary appoints to represent the general public, is 
                hereby deemed a special Government employee (as defined 
                in section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extension.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                    ``(B) Vacancy.--In the case of an appointment to 
                fill a vacancy on the Committee, the Secretary shall 
                appoint an individual for a full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Consultation.--The Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) 
shall, whenever practicable, consult with the Committee before taking 
any significant action relating to navigation safety in the Lower 
Mississippi River.
    ``(e) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 706. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Merchant Marine 
Personnel Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the 
`Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, 
report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters 
relating to personnel in the United States merchant marine, including 
training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and fitness 
standards.
    ``(c) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each calendar 
year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
designee).
    ``(d) Membership.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 19 
        members.
            ``(2) Points of view.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
        (C), each member of the Committee shall represent the point of 
        view of an entity or group, as follows:
                    ``(A) 9 members representing the interests of 
                mariners--
                            ``(i) each of whom--
                                    ``(I) shall be a citizen of the 
                                United States; and
                                    ``(II) shall hold an active license 
                                or certificate issued under chapter 71 
                                of this title or a merchant mariner 
                                document issued under chapter 73 of 
                                this title; and
                            ``(ii) among whom shall be--
                                    ``(I) 3 deck officers representing 
                                the interests of merchant marine deck 
                                officers, of whom--
                                            ``(aa) 2 shall be licensed 
                                        for oceans any gross tons;
                                            ``(bb) 1 shall be licensed 
                                        for inland river route with a 
                                        limited or unlimited tonnage;
                                            ``(cc) 2 shall have a 
                                        master's license or a master of 
                                        towing vessels license;
                                            ``(dd) 1 shall have 
                                        significant tanker experience; 
                                        and
                                            ``(ee) to the extent 
                                        practicable--

                                                    ``(AA) 1 shall 
                                                represent the interests 
                                                of labor; and

                                                    ``(BB) 1 shall 
                                                represent the interests 
                                                of management;

                                    ``(II) 3 engineering officers 
                                representing the interests of merchant 
                                marine engineering officers, of whom--
                                            ``(aa) 2 shall be licensed 
                                        as chief engineer any 
                                        horsepower;
                                            ``(bb) 1 shall be licensed 
                                        as either a limited chief 
                                        engineer or a designated duty 
                                        engineer; and
                                            ``(cc) to the extent 
                                        practicable--

                                                    ``(AA) 1 shall 
                                                represent the interests 
                                                of labor; and

                                                    ``(BB) 1 shall 
                                                represent the interests 
                                                of management;

                                    ``(III) 2 unlicensed seamen, of 
                                whom--
                                            ``(aa) 1 shall represent 
                                        the interests of able-bodied 
                                        seamen; and
                                            ``(bb) 1 shall represent 
                                        the interests of qualified 
                                        members of the engine 
                                        department; and
                                    ``(IV) 1 pilot representing the 
                                interests of merchant marine pilots.
                    ``(B) 6 members representing the interests of 
                marine educators--
                            ``(i) each of whom shall be a marine 
                        educator; and
                            ``(ii) among whom shall be--
                                    ``(I) 3 marine educators who shall 
                                represent the interests of maritime 
                                academies, including--
                                            ``(aa) 2 who shall 
                                        represent the interests of 
                                        State maritime academies; and
                                            ``(bb) 1 who shall 
                                        represent either the viewpoint 
                                        of the State maritime academies 
                                        or the United States Merchant 
                                        Marine Academy; and
                                    ``(II) 3 marine educators who shall 
                                represent the interests of other 
                                maritime training institutions, 1 of 
                                whom shall represent the interests of 
                                the small vessel industry.
                    ``(C) 2 members representing the interests of 
                shipping companies employed in ship operation 
                management.
                    ``(D) 2 members of the Committee shall represent 
                the general public.
            ``(3) Status of members.--
                    ``(A) In general.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
                including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and 
                chapter 11 of title 18--
                            ``(i) a member of the Committee, whom the 
                        Secretary appoints to represent the point of 
                        view of an entity or group set out in paragraph 
                        (2)(B), is hereby deemed a representative of 
                        the member's respective special interest entity 
                        or group, and not a special Government employee 
                        (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); and
                            ``(ii) a member of the Committee, whom the 
                        Secretary appoints to represent the general 
                        public, is hereby deemed a special Government 
                        employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 
                        18).
                    ``(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this 
                section shall be construed to prohibit the nomination 
                or appointment of a Federal employee to serve as a 
                member of the Committee representing the interests of 
                the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointment.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Soliciting nominations.--Notwithstanding 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary may--
                            ``(i) with regard to the appointment of a 
                        member or members to represent the interests of 
                        the State maritime academies, solicit 
                        nominations for membership on the Committee 
                        from each State maritime academy or a joint 
                        nomination from some or all State maritime 
                        academies; and
                            ``(ii) with regard to the appointment of a 
                        member to represent the interests of the United 
                        States Merchant Marine Academy, solicit a 
                        nomination for membership on the Committee from 
                        the Secretary of Transportation.
                    ``(D) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                            ``(iii) Vacancy.--In the case of an 
                        appointment to fill a vacancy on the Committee, 
                        the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a 
                        full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(e) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 707. Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Merchant Mariner 
Medical Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the 
`Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, 
report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters 
relating to--
            ``(1) medical certification determinations of merchant 
        mariners;
            ``(2) medical standards and guidelines for the physical 
        qualifications of operators of commercial vessels;
            ``(3) medical examiner education; and
            ``(4) medical research.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 
                14 members.
                    ``(B) Restriction.--No member of the Committee 
                shall be a regular Federal employee.
                    ``(C) Experience.--Of the members of the 
                Committee--
                            ``(i) 10 members shall be health-care 
                        professionals with particular expertise, 
                        knowledge, or experience regarding the medical 
                        examinations of merchant mariners or 
                        occupational medicine; and
                            ``(ii) 4 members shall be professional 
                        mariners with knowledge and experience in 
                        mariners' occupational requirements.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18, each member of the Committee is hereby deemed a 
        special Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of 
        title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                            ``(iii) Vacancy.--In the case of an 
                        appointment to fill a vacancy on the Committee, 
                        the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a 
                        full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 708. National Boating Safety Advisory Council
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a National Boating 
Safety Advisory Council (referred to in this section as the `Council').
    ``(b) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Council shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Council shall consist of 21 
                members.
                    ``(B) Experience.--Each member of the Council shall 
                have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in 
                recreational boating safety.
                    ``(C) Points of view.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (D), each member of the Council shall 
                represent the point of view of an entity or group, as 
                follows:
                            ``(i) 7 members representing State 
                        officials responsible for State boating safety 
                        programs.
                            ``(ii) 7 members representing 
                        manufacturers, wholesale distributors, or 
                        retail distributors of recreational vessels or 
                        associated equipment.
                            ``(iii) At least 5 members representing 
                        national recreational boating organizations.
                    ``(D) Additional members.--Not more than 2 members 
                of the Council may represent the general public.
                    ``(E) Panels.--Additional individuals from an 
                entity or group set out in subparagraph (C) may be 
                appointed to panels of the Council to assist the 
                Council in performing its duties.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18--
                    ``(A) a member of the Council, whom the Secretary 
                appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or 
                group set out in paragraph (2)(C), is hereby deemed a 
                representative of the member's respective special 
                interest entity or group, and not a special Government 
                employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); 
                and
                    ``(B) in the event that the Secretary appoints a 
                member to represent the general public, such member of 
                the Council is hereby deemed a special Government 
                employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Council.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Council.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Council.
                            ``(iii) Vacancy.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Council more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Council shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Council shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (1), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Council to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                            ``(iii) Vacancy.--In the case of an 
                        appointment to fill a vacancy on the Council, 
                        the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a 
                        full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Council as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Council as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall serve 
                in such capacity at the pleasure of the Commandant (or 
                the Commandant's designee) and for a term to be fixed 
                by the Commandant (or the Commandant's designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Council, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Council in accordance with the Federal Advisory 
        Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(c) Consultation.--In addition to the consultation required by 
section 4302 of this title, the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
designee) shall, whenever practicable, consult with the Council on 
boating safety matters related to chapter 131 of this title.
    ``(d) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Council.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Council shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 709. National Maritime Security Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a National Maritime 
Security Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the 
`Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, 
report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters 
relating to national maritime security.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 
                not less than 8 members, but not more than 12 members.
                    ``(B) Experience.--Each member of the Committee 
                shall have at least 5 years practical experience in 
                maritime security operations.
                    ``(C) Points of view.--Each member of the Committee 
                shall represent the point of view of an entity or 
                group, as follows:
                            ``(i) At least 1 member representing the 
                        port authorities.
                            ``(ii) At least 1 member representing the 
                        facilities owners or operators.
                            ``(iii) At least 1 member representing the 
                        terminal owners or operators.
                            ``(iv) At least 1 member representing the 
                        vessel owners or operators.
                            ``(v) At least 1 member representing the 
                        maritime labor organizations.
                            ``(vi) At least 1 member representing the 
                        academic community.
                            ``(vii) At least 1 member representing 
                        State or local governments.
                            ``(viii) At least 1 member representing the 
                        maritime industry.
                            ``(ix) Not more than 4 members, each 
                        representing an entity or group, the point of 
                        view of which or the area of expertise of which 
                        the Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) 
                        determines would aid the Committee's 
                        deliberations.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18, each member of the Committee is hereby deemed a 
        representative of the member's respective special interest 
        entity or group, and not a special Government employee (as 
        defined in section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall appoint members 
                        to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of an 
                        individual in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
                    ``(D) Background examinations.--The Secretary may 
                require an individual to have passed an appropriate 
                security background examination before appointment to 
                the Committee.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                            ``(iii) Vacancy.--In the case of an 
                        appointment to fill a vacancy on the Committee, 
                        the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a 
                        full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 710. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a National Offshore 
Safety Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the 
`Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, 
report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters 
relating to activities directly involved with, or in support of, the 
exploration of offshore mineral and energy resources insofar as such 
activities relate to matters within Coast Guard jurisdiction.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 
                15 members.
                    ``(B) Points of view.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (C), each member of the Committee shall 
                represent the point of view of an entity or group, as 
                follows:
                            ``(i) 2 members representing companies, 
                        organizations, enterprises, or similar entities 
                        engaged in the production of petroleum.
                            ``(ii) 2 members representing companies, 
                        organizations, enterprises, or similar entities 
                        engaged in offshore drilling.
                            ``(iii) 2 members representing companies, 
                        organizations, enterprises or similar entities 
                        engaged in the support, by offshore supply 
                        vessels or other vessels, of offshore 
                        operations.
                            ``(iv) 1 member representing a company, 
                        organization, enterprise or similar entity 
                        engaged in the construction of offshore 
                        facilities.
                            ``(v) 1 member representing a company, 
                        organization, enterprise or similar entity 
                        providing diving services to the offshore 
                        industry.
                            ``(vi) 1 member representing a company, 
                        organization, enterprise or similar entity 
                        providing safety and training services to the 
                        offshore industry.
                            ``(vii) 1 member representing a company, 
                        organization, enterprise or similar entity 
                        providing subsea engineering, construction or 
                        remotely operated vehicle support to the 
                        offshore industry.
                            ``(viii) 2 members representing employees 
                        of companies, organizations, enterprises or 
                        similar entities engaged in offshore 
                        operations, 1 of whom should have recent 
                        practical experience on vessels or units 
                        involved in the offshore industry.
                            ``(ix) 1 member representing a company, 
                        organization, enterprise or similar entity 
                        providing environmental protection, compliance 
                        or response services to the offshore industry.
                            ``(x) 1 member representing a company, 
                        organization, enterprise or similar entity 
                        engaged in offshore oil exploration or 
                        production on the Outer Continental Shelf of 
                        Alaska.
                    ``(C) Additional member.--1 member of the Committee 
                shall represent the general public.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18--
                    ``(A) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary 
                appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or 
                group set out in paragraph (2)(C), is hereby deemed a 
                representative of the member's respective special 
                interest entity or group, and not a special Government 
                employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); 
                and
                    ``(B) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary 
                appoints to represent the general public, is hereby 
                deemed a special Government employee (as defined in 
                section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                            ``(iii) Vacancy.--In the case of an 
                        appointment to fill a vacancy on the Committee, 
                        the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a 
                        full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate one member of 
                the Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 711. Navigation Safety Advisory Council
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Navigation Safety 
Advisory Council (referred to in this section as the `Council').
    ``(b) Function.--The Council, acting through the Commandant (or the 
Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, report 
to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to 
maritime collisions, rammings and groundings, Inland Rules of the Road, 
International Rules of the Road, navigation regulations and equipment, 
routing measures, marine information, and aids to navigation systems.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Council shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Council shall consist of not 
                more than 21 members.
                    ``(B) Experience.--Each member of the Council shall 
                have expertise in Inland and International vessel 
                navigation Rules of the Road, aids to maritime 
                navigation, maritime law, vessel safety, or port 
                safety.
                    ``(C) Points of view.--Each member of the Council 
                shall represent the point of view of one of the 
                following entities or groups:
                            ``(i) Commercial vessel owners or 
                        operators.
                            ``(ii) Professional mariners.
                            ``(iii) Recreational boaters.
                            ``(iv) State agencies responsible for 
                        vessel or port safety.
                            ``(v) The Maritime Law Association.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18, each member of the Council is hereby deemed a 
        representative of the member's respective special interest 
        entity or group, and not a special Government employee (as 
        defined in section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Council.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Council.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of a 
                        nominee in making an appointment to the 
                        Council.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Council more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Council shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Council shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Council to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--In the case of an 
                        appointment to fill a vacancy on the Council, 
                        the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a 
                        full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Council as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Council as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall serve 
                in such capacity at the pleasure of the Commandant (or 
                the Commandant's designee) and for a term to be fixed 
                by the Commandant (or the Commandant's designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Council, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Council who shall perform the duties set forth 
        in section 10(c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
        U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Council.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Council shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.
``Sec. 712. Towing Safety Advisory Committee
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Towing Safety Advisory 
Committee (referred to in this section as the `Committee').
    ``(b) Function.--The Committee, acting through the Commandant (or 
the Commandant's designee), is authorized to advise, consult with, 
report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters 
relating to shallow-draft inland navigation, coastal waterway 
navigation, and towing safety.
    ``(c) Organization.--
            ``(1) Meeting.--The Committee shall, at least once each 
        calendar year, meet at the call of the Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee).
            ``(2) Membership.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 
                18 members.
                    ``(B) Experience.--Each member of the Committee 
                shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and 
                experience regarding--
                            ``(i) shallow-draft inland navigation or 
                        coastal waterway navigation; and
                            ``(ii) towing safety.
                    ``(C) Points of view.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (D), each member of the Committee shall 
                represent the point of view of an entity or group, as 
                follows:
                            ``(i) 7 members representing the barge and 
                        towing industry, reflecting a regional 
                        geographic balance.
                            ``(ii) 1 member representing the offshore 
                        mineral and oil supply vessel industry.
                            ``(iii) 1 member representing Masters or 
                        Pilots of towing vessels who have experience on 
                        the Western Rivers and the Gulf Intracoastal 
                        Waterway.
                            ``(iv) 1 member representing Masters of 
                        towing vessels who have experience in offshore 
                        service.
                            ``(v) 1 member representing Masters of 
                        towing vessels who have experience in harbor-
                        assist operations.
                            ``(vi) 1 member representing towing vessel 
                        engineers.
                            ``(vii) 2 members representing port 
                        districts, authorities, or terminal operators.
                            ``(viii) 1 member representing shippers.
                            ``(ix) 1 member representing shippers who 
                        are engaged in the chartering or shipping of 
                        oil or hazardous materials by barge.
                    ``(D) Additional members.--2 members of the 
                Committee shall represent the general public.
            ``(3) Status of members.--For the purposes of Federal law, 
        including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 
        of title 18--
                    ``(A) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary 
                appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or 
                group set out in paragraph (2)(C), is hereby deemed a 
                representative of the member's respective special 
                interest entity or group, and not a special Government 
                employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); 
                and
                    ``(B) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary 
                appoints to represent the general public, is hereby 
                deemed a special Government employee (as defined in 
                section 202(a) of title 18).
            ``(4) Nominations; appointments; service.--
                    ``(A) Nominations.--As necessary, the Secretary 
                shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice 
                soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
                    ``(B) Appointments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--After timely notice is 
                        published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, 
                        appoint members to the Committee.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may not 
                        seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
                        concerning the political affiliation of an 
                        individual in making an appointment to the 
                        Committee.
                            ``(iii) Reappointments.--The Secretary may 
                        reappoint a member to the Committee more than 
                        once.
                    ``(C) Service.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
            ``(5) Term; vacancy.--
                    ``(A) Term.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term of each member 
                        of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of 
                        the third full year after the effective date of 
                        the appointment.
                            ``(ii) Extensions.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of 
                        law or policy, the Commandant (or the 
                        Commandant's designee) may extend the term of a 
                        member of the Committee to December 31 of the 
                        fifth full year after the effective date of the 
                        appointment.
                            ``(iii) Vacancy.--In the case of an 
                        appointment to fill a vacancy on the Committee, 
                        the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a 
                        full term.
            ``(6) Chairman; vice chairman.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) shall designate 1 member of the 
                Committee as the Chairman and another member of the 
                Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall 
                serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) and for a 
                term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant's 
                designee).
                    ``(B) Recommendations.--The Commandant (or the 
                Commandant's designee) may solicit, from the Committee, 
                recommendations with regard to the members whom the 
                Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) shall 
                designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman.
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--The Vice Chairman shall act as 
                Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the 
                event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.
            ``(7) Designated federal officer.--The Commandant (or the 
        Commandant's designee) shall designate a Designated Federal 
        Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(d) Consultation.--The Commandant (or the Commandant's designee) 
shall, whenever practicable, consult with the Committee before taking 
any significant action affecting shallow-draft inland navigation, 
coastal waterway navigation, and towing safety.
    ``(e) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) shall apply to the Committee.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
        September 30, 2027.''.
    (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Table of chapters.--The table of chapters for subtitle 
        I of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
        end the following:

``7. Coast Guard advisory committees........................     701''.
            (2) Commercial fishing safety advisory committee.--
                    (A) Repeal.--Section 4508 of title 46, United 
                States Code, is repealed.
                    (B) Table of contents.--The table of contents of 
                chapter 45 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
                by striking the item relating to section 4508.
            (3) Great lakes pilotage advisory committee.--
                    (A) Repeal.--Section 9307 of title 46, United 
                States Code, is repealed.
                    (B) Table of contents.--The table of contents of 
                chapter 93 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
                by striking the item relating to section 9307.
            (4) Lower mississippi river waterway safety advisory 
        committee.--Section 19 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
        1991 (Public Law 102-241; 105 Stat. 2215) is repealed.
            (5) Merchant marine personnel advisory committee.--
                    (A) Repeal.--Section 8108 of title 46, United 
                States Code, is repealed.
                    (B) Table of contents.--The table of contents of 
                chapter 81 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
                by striking the item relating to section 8108.
            (6) Merchant mariner medical advisory committee.--
                    (A) Repeal.--Section 7115 of title 46, United 
                States Code, is repealed.
                    (B) Table of contents.--The table of contents of 
                chapter 71 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
                by striking the item relating to section 7115.
            (7) National boating safety advisory council.--
                    (A) Repeal.--Section 13110 of title 46, United 
                States Code, is repealed.
                    (B) Table of contents.--The table of contents of 
                chapter 131 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
                by striking the item relating to section 13110.
                    (C) Technical amendment.--Section 4302(c)(4) of 
                title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 
                ``13110'' and inserting ``708''.
            (8) National maritime security advisory committee.--Section 
        109(a)(1) of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 
        (46 U.S.C. 70101 note) is amended by striking ``section 70112 
        of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this Act'' and 
        inserting ``section 709 of title 46, United States Code''.
            (9) Navigation safety advisory council.--Section 5 of the 
        Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 2073) is 
        repealed.
            (10) Towing safety advisory committee.--The Act to 
        establish a Towing Safety Advisory Committee in the Department 
        of Transportation, approved October 6, 1980 (33 U.S.C. 1231a), 
        is repealed.
    (c) Area Maritime Security Advisory Committees.--
            (1) In general.--Section 70112 of title 46, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in the heading, by striking ``Maritime Security 
                Advisory Committees'' and inserting ``Area Maritime 
                Security Advisory Committees'';
                    (B) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
    ``(a) Establishment of Committees.--
            ``(1) The Secretary may--
                    ``(A) establish an Area Maritime Security Advisory 
                Committee for any port area of the United States; and
                    ``(B) request an Area Maritime Security Committee 
                to review the proposed Area Maritime Transportation 
                Security Plan developed under section 70103(b) and make 
                recommendations to the Secretary that the Committee 
                considers appropriate.
            ``(2) Each Area Maritime Security Advisory Committee--
                    ``(A) may advise, consult with, report to, and make 
                recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to 
                maritime security in that area;
                    ``(B) may make available to the Congress 
                recommendations that the Committee makes to the 
                Secretary; and
                    ``(C) shall meet at the call of--
                            ``(i) the Secretary, who shall call such a 
                        meeting at least once during each calendar 
                        year; or
                            ``(ii) a majority of the Committee.'';
                    (C) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``of the 
                        committees'' and inserting ``Area Maritime 
                        Security Advisory Committee'';
                            (ii) in paragraph (3)--
                                    (I) by striking ``such a 
                                committee'' and inserting ``an Area 
                                Maritime Security Advisory Committee''; 
                                and
                                    (II) by striking ``the committee'' 
                                and inserting ``an Area Maritime 
                                Security Advisory Committee'';
                            (iii) in paragraph (4), by striking ``the 
                        Committee'' and inserting ``an Area Maritime 
                        Security Advisory Committee''; and
                            (iv) in paragraph (5)--
                                    (I) by striking subparagraph (A); 
                                and
                                    (II) in subparagraph (B), by 
                                striking ``(B)'' and indenting 
                                appropriately;
                    (D) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``committee'' 
                and inserting ``Area Maritime Security Advisory 
                Committee'';
                    (E) by striking subsection (d);
                    (F) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) 
                as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively;
                    (G) in subsection (d), as redesignated--
                            (i) by striking ``the Committee'' and 
                        inserting ``an Area Maritime Security Advisory 
                        Committee''; and
                            (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
                        inserting ``for an area.'';
                    (H) in subsection (e), as redesignated--
                            (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``a 
                        committee'' and inserting ``an Area Maritime 
                        Security Advisory Committee''; and
                            (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``such a 
                        committee'' and inserting ``an Area Maritime 
                        Security Advisory Committee''; and
                    (I) by amending subsection (f), as redesignated, to 
                read as follows:
    ``(f) Federal Advisory Committee Act; Termination Date.--
            ``(1) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
        App.) does not apply to Area Maritime Security Advisory 
        Committees established under this section.
            ``(2) Termination.--The Area Maritime Security Advisory 
        Committees shall terminate on September 30, 2027.''.
    (d) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of chapter 701 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended in the item relating to 
section 70112 by striking ``Maritime Security Advisory Committees'' and 
inserting ``Area Maritime Security Advisory Committees''.
    (e) Houston-Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee; 
Repeal.--Section 18 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 
(Public Law 102-241; 105 Stat. 2213) is repealed.
    (f) Transition of Coast Guard Advisory Committees.--
            (1) In general.--Notwithstanding the amendments made under 
        subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an advisory committee 
        described in paragraph (2) of this subsection shall continue to 
        be subject to the requirements under law to which such advisory 
        committee was subject as in effect on the day before the date 
        of enactment of this Act, including its charter, and the 
        members appointed to such advisory committee shall continue to 
        serve pursuant thereto, until the Secretary of the department 
        in which the Coast Guard is operating makes the applicable 
        appointments under sections 702 through 712 of title 46, United 
        States Code.
            (2) Coast guard advisory committees.--An advisory committee 
        described in this paragraph is as follows:
                    (A) Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee.
                    (B) Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee 
                established under section 4508 of title 46, United 
                States Code.
                    (C) Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee 
                established under section 9307 of title 46, United 
                States Code.
                    (D) Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety 
                Advisory Committee established under section 19 of the 
                Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-
                241; 105 Stat. 2215).
                    (E) Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee 
                established under section 8108 of title 46, United 
                States Code.
                    (F) Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee 
                established under section 7115 of title 46, United 
                States Code.
                    (G) National Boating Safety Advisory Committee 
                established under section 13110 of title 46, United 
                States Code.
                    (H) National Maritime Security Advisory Committee 
                established under section 70112 of title 46, United 
                States Code.
                    (I) National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee.
                    (J) Navigation Safety Advisory Council established 
                under section 5 of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 
                1980 (33 U.S.C. 2073).
                    (K) Towing Safety Advisory Committee established 
                under the Act entitled the ``Act to establish a Towing 
                Safety Advisory Committee in the Department of 
                Transportation'', approved October 6, 1980 (33 U.S.C. 
                1231a).
            (3) Deadline.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which 
        the Coast Guard is operating shall make the appointments, and 
        file any necessary charters, under sections 702 through 712 of 
        title 46, United States Code.

SEC. 302. CLARIFICATION OF LOGBOOK AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 11304 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking ``an official logbook, which'' and 
                inserting ``a logbook, which may be in any form, 
                including electronic, and''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``or a ferry, passenger vessel, or 
                small passenger vessel (as those terms are defined in 
                section 2101)'' after ``Canada''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                striking ``log book'' and inserting ``logbook''; and
                    (B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
            ``(3) Each illness of or injury, the nature of the illness 
        or injury, and any medical treatment administered.''.

SEC. 303. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OF REGISTRY, 
              AND MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENTS.

    Part E of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in section 7106(b), by striking ``merchant mariner's 
        document'' and inserting ``license'';
            (2) in section 7107(b), by striking ``merchant mariner's 
        document'' and inserting ``certificate of registry''; and
            (3) in section 7507(b)(2), by striking ``a merchant 
        mariner's document'' and inserting ``a license or a certificate 
        of registry.''.

SEC. 304. NUMBERING FOR UNDOCUMENTED BARGES.

    Chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in section 12102--
                    (A) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the 
                following: ``The Secretary may require such an 
                undocumented barge more than 100 gross tons operating 
                on the navigable waters of the United States to be 
                numbered under chapter 123 of this title.''; and
                    (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``Secretary of 
                Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of the 
                department in which the Coast Guard is operating''; and
            (2) in section 12301--
                    (A) by striking subsection (b); and
                    (B) by striking the subsection designation in 
                subsection (a) and indenting appropriately.

SEC. 305. AIDS TO NAVIGATION.

    (a) Authorizations.--Section 210(a) of the Water Resources 
Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2238) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
        semicolon;
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) up to 100 percent of the Coast Guard's eligible 
        operations and maintenance costs necessitated by the completion 
        of a navigation improvement project.''.
    (b) Definitions.--Section 214(2) of the Water Resources Development 
Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2241) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' 
        and inserting ``subparagraphs (B) and (C)'';
            (2) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
            (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
                    ``(C) As applied to the Coast Guard, the term 
                `eligible operations and maintenance' means all 
                operations and maintenance reasonably necessary to 
                relocate or establish a Federal navigational aid 
                necessary for a navigation improvement project.''; and
            (4) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by striking the 
        period at the end and inserting ``, except as applied to the 
        Coast Guard under subparagraph (C).''.

SEC. 306. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS; EXEMPTION FROM THROWABLE PERSONAL 
              FLOTATION DEVICES.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
shall revise section 175.17 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, 
to exempt paddleboards and rafts from the requirement for carriage of 
an additional throwable personal flotation device if each person is 
required to wear a personal flotation device while under way and at 
least 1 rescue throw bag, as typically used in whitewater rafting, is 
on board.

SEC. 307. ENSURING MARITIME COVERAGE.

    In order to meet all of the mission requirements of its maritime 
response program, as the Coast Guard recapitalizes assets, it shall 
ensure continuity of the coverage currently provided by that program to 
locations that may lose assets.

SEC. 308. DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ALTERNATE SAFETY COMPLIANCE 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 4503(d) of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``After January 1, 
        2020,'' and all that follows through ``the Secretary, if'' and 
        inserting ``Subject to paragraph (3), beginning on the date 
        that is 3 years after the date that the Secretary prescribes an 
        alternate safety compliance program, a fishing vessel, fish 
        processing vessel, or fish tender vessel to which section 
        4502(b) of this title applies shall comply with the alternate 
        safety compliance program if'';
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``establishes standards 
        for an alternate safety compliance program, shall comply with 
        such an alternative safety compliance program that is developed 
        in cooperation with the commercial fishing industry and 
        prescribed by the Secretary'' and inserting ``prescribes an 
        alternate safety compliance program under paragraph (1), shall 
        comply with the alternate safety compliance program''; and
            (3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
            ``(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), a separate alternate 
        safety compliance program may be developed for a specific 
        region or specific fishery.''.
    (b) Final Rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall issue a final rule implementing the alternate safety 
compliance programs under section 4503 of title 46, United States Code, 
as amended by subsection (a) of this section.

SEC. 309. FISHING, FISH TENDER, AND FISH PROCESSING VESSEL 
              CERTIFICATION.

    (a) Nonapplication.--Section 4503(c)(2)(A) of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``79'' and inserting ``180''.
    (b) Determining When Keel Is Laid.--Section 4503 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
    ``(g) For purposes of this section, a keel is laid when a 
structure, adequate of serving as a keel for a vessel greater than 79 
feet in length is identified for use in the construction of a specific 
vessel and is so affirmed by a marine surveyor.''.

SEC. 310. TERMINATION OF UNSAFE OPERATIONS; TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.

    Section 4505 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``4503(1)'' and inserting ``4503(a)(1)''.

SEC. 311. INSTALLATION AND USE OF ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCHES ON 
              RECREATIONAL VESSEL.

    (a) Use of Engine Cut-Off Switch Links.--
            (1) Requirement.--The Secretary of the department in which 
        the Coast Guard is operating shall revised the regulations 
        under part 175 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, to 
        prohibit a person from operating a recreational vessel 25 feet 
        or less in length unless--
                    (A) the person is wearing an engine cut-off switch 
                link while operating on plane or above displacement 
                speed; and
                    (B) the engine cut-off switch is factory equipped 
                on the primary propulsion machinery.
            (2) Exceptions.--The requirement under paragraph (1) shall 
        not apply to the following:
                    (A) A vessel 25 feet or less in length whose main 
                helm is installed within an enclosed cabin that would 
                protect an operator from being thrown overboard should 
                the operator be displaced from the helm.
                    (B) A vessel with propulsion machinery developing 
                static thrust of less than 115 pounds or 3 horsepower.
                    (C) A vessel without factory equipped engine cut-
                off switches.
    (b) Installation of Engine Cut-Off Switches.--The Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall revise the 
regulations under part 183 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, to 
require an equipment manufacturer, distributor, or dealer that installs 
propulsion machinery and associate starting controls on a recreational 
vessel 25 feet or less in length and capable of developing at least 115 
pounds of static thrust to install an engine cut-off switch on such 
recreational vessel in accordance with the American Boat and Yacht 
Standard A-33, as amended.
    (c) Penalty.--A person that violates a regulation promulgated under 
subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty 
under section 4311 of title 46, United States Code, not to exceed--
            (1) $100 for the first offense;
            (2) $250 for the second offense; and
            (3) $500 for any subsequent offense.
    (d) Preemption.--In accordance with section 4306 of title 46, 
United States Code, a State may not establish, continue in effect, or 
enforce any law or regulation addressing engine cut-off switch 
requirements that is not identical to a regulation prescribed under 
this section.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Engine cut-off switch.--The term ``engine cut-off 
        switch'' means a mechanical or electronic device that is 
        connected to propulsion machinery that will stop propulsion 
        if--
                    (A) the switch is not properly connected; or
                    (B) the switch components are submerged in water or 
                separated from the switch by a predetermined distance.
            (2) Engine cut-off switch link.--The term ``engine cut-off 
        switch link'' means the equipment attached to the recreational 
        vessel operator and which activates the engine cut-off switch.
    (f) Effective Dates.--A regulation prescribed under this section 
shall specify an effective date that is not earlier than 1 year from 
the date the regulation was published.

SEC. 312. VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS AND ALTERNATIVE USE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating shall develop a performance standard for the 
alternative use and possession of visual distress signals as mandated 
by carriage requirements for recreational boats in subpart C of part 
175 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the performance 
standard for alternative use and possession of a visual distress signal 
is finalized, the Secretary shall revise part 175 of title 33, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to allow for carriage of such alternative signal 
devices.
    (c) EPIRBs and PLBs.--In revising the regulations under subsection 
(b), the Secretary shall allow use of a position indicating radio 
beacons (EPIRBs) or Personal Locating Devices (PLBs) of 406 megahertz, 
operating on the COSPAS-SARSAT system to meet the alternative carriage 
requirements for recreational boats under subpart C of part 175 of 
title 33, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 313. RENEWAL PERIOD FOR DOCUMENTED RECREATIONAL VESSELS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall issue certificates of documentation for 
recreational vessels effective for 5 years and charge a nonrefundable 
fee of $130 per issuance.
    (b) Fees.--All fees collected from recreational vessel owners under 
subsection (a) shall be available to fund recreational vessel 
documentation costs until expended.

SEC. 314. EXCEPTION FROM SURVIVAL CRAFT REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 3104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
    ``(d) Auxiliary Craft.--
            ``(1) Exception.--Subject to paragraph (2), this section 
        shall not apply to a vessel carrying an auxiliary craft on 
        board, except an inflatable liferaft, if the auxiliary craft--
                    ``(A) is readily accessible during an emergency; 
                and
                    ``(B) is capable of safely holding all individuals 
                on board the vessel.
            ``(2) Requirement.--A vessel described in paragraph (1) may 
        not exceed the rated capacity on the capacity plate of the 
        auxiliary craft if the auxiliary craft is equipped with a Coast 
        Guard required capacity plate.''.

SEC. 315. INLAND WATERWAY AND RIVER TENDER ACQUISITION PLAN.

    (a) Acquisition Plan.--Not later than 545 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives a plan to replace the aging fleet of inland waterway 
and river tenders.
    (b) Contents.--The plan described in subsection (a) shall include--
            (1) a schedule for the acquisition to begin;
            (2) the date the first vessel will be delivered;
            (3) the date the acquisition will be complete;
            (4) a description of the order and location of 
        replacements;
            (5) an estimate of the cost per vessel and for total 
        acquisition program of record; and
            (6) an analysis of whether existing vessels can be used.

SEC. 316. ARCTIC PLANNING CRITERIA.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives a report on the oil spill prevention and response 
capabilities for the area covered by the Captain of the Port Zone that 
includes the Arctic.
    (b) Contents.--The report shall include the following:
            (1) Levels of equipment and assets.
            (2) Location the equipment and assets that are to be 
        deployed, including an estimate of the time to deploy the 
        equipment and assets.
            (3) A determination on the degree of how effectively the 
        assets are distributed throughout the area.
            (4) A statement on whether performance of ability to deploy 
        equipment is taken into account when measuring the level of 
        equipment available.
            (5) Validation of port assessment visit process and 
        response resource inventory.
            (6) A description of the resources need throughout the 
        Coast Guard to conduct port assessments, exercises, response 
        plan review and spill responses.
    (c) Definition of Arctic.--In this section, the term ``Arctic'' has 
the meaning given the term under section 112 of the Arctic Research and 
Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).

                      TITLE IV--MARITIME SECURITY

SEC. 401. MARITIME BORDER SECURITY COOPERATION.

    The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating shall, in accordance with law--
            (1) partner with other Federal, State, and local government 
        agencies to leverage technology, including existing sensor and 
        camera systems and other sensors, to provide continuous 
        monitoring of the maritime border; and
            (2) enter into such agreements as the Secretary considers 
        necessary to ensure 24-hour monitoring of such technology.

SEC. 402. CURRENCY DETECTION CANINE TEAM PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Canine currency detection team.--The term ``canine 
        currency detection team'' means a canine and a canine handler 
        that are trained to detect currency.
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
    (b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to allow 
the use of canine currency detection teams for purposes of Coast Guard 
maritime law enforcement and maritime security operations, including 
underway vessel boardings.
    (c) Operation.--The Secretary may cooperate with, or enter into an 
agreement with, the head of another Federal agency to meet the 
requirements under subsection (b).

SEC. 403. CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATIVE EXPENSES.

    Section 658 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``$45,000'' and inserting ``$250,000''.

SEC. 404. ARCTIC MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating shall conduct a 1-year pilot program to determine 
the impact of persistent aircraft-based surveillance on illegal 
maritime activities in the Alaskan and Western Pacific regions.
    (b) Requirements.--The pilot program shall--
            (1) use light aircraft-based detection systems which can 
        identify potential illegal activity from higher altitudes and 
        produce enforcement-quality evidence at lower altitudes; and
            (2) be directed at detecting and deterring illegal, 
        unreported, and unregulated fishing and enhancing maritime 
        domain awareness.

SEC. 405. STRATEGIC ASSETS IN THE ARCTIC.

    (a) Definition of Arctic.--In this section, the term ``Arctic'' has 
the meaning given the term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and 
Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the Arctic continues to grow in significance to both 
        the national security interests and the economic prosperity of 
        the United States; and
            (2) the Coast Guard must ensure it is positioned to respond 
        to any accident, incident, or threat with appropriate assets.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives a report on the progress toward implementing the 
strategic objectives described in the United States Coast Guard Arctic 
Strategy dated May 2013.
    (d) Contents.--The report under subsection (c) shall include--
            (1) a description of the Coast Guard's progress toward each 
        strategic objective;
            (2) plans to provide communications throughout the entire 
        Coastal Western Alaska Captain of the Port zone to improve 
        waterway safety and mitigate close calls, collisions, and other 
        dangerous interactions between the shipping industry and 
        subsistence hunters;
            (3) plans to prevent marine casualties, when possible, by 
        ensuring vessels avoid environmentally sensitive areas and 
        permanent security zones;
            (4) an explanation of--
                    (A) whether it is feasible to establish a vessel 
                traffic service, using existing resources or otherwise; 
                and
                    (B) whether an Arctic Response Center of Expertise 
                is necessary to address the gaps in experience, skills, 
                equipment, resources, training, and doctrine to 
                prepare, respond to, and recover spilled oil in the 
                Arctic;
            (5) an assessment of whether sufficient agreements are in 
        place to ensure the Coast Guard is receiving the information it 
        needs to carry out its responsibilities;
            (6) an assessment of the assets and infrastructure 
        necessary to meet the strategic objectives identified in the 
        United States Coast Guard Arctic Strategy dated May 2013 based 
        on factors such as--
                    (A) response time;
                    (B) coverage area;
                    (C) endurance on scene;
                    (D) presence; and
                    (E) deterrence; and
            (7) an analysis of National Security Cutters, Offshore 
        Patrol Cutters, and Fast Response Cutters capabilities based on 
        the factors described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of 
        paragraph (6), both stationed from various Alaska ports and in 
        other locations.

                         TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 501. SHIP SHOAL LIGHTHOUSE TRANSFER; REPEAL.

    Section 27 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 
102-241; 105 Stat. 2218) is repealed.

SEC. 502. ACQUISITION WORKFORCE EXPEDITED HIRING AUTHORITY.

    (a) Expedited Hiring Authority.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 15 of title 14, United States 
        Code, is amended by inserting after section 563 the following:
``Sec. 563a. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority
    ``For purposes of section 3304 of title 5, the Commandant of the 
Coast Guard may--
            ``(1) designate any category of acquisition positions 
        within the Coast Guard as shortage category positions; and
            ``(2) use the authorities in such section to recruit and 
        appoint highly qualified persons directly to positions so 
        designated.''.
            (2) Table of contents.--The table of contents of chapter 15 
        of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
        the item relating to section 563 the following:

``563a. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority.''.
            (3) Repeal.--Section 404 of the Coast Guard Authorization 
        Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-281; 124 Stat. 2950) is repealed.
    (b) Acquisition Workforce Reemployment Authority.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 15 of title 14, as amended by 
        subsection (a) of this section, is further amended by inserting 
        after section 563a the following:
``Sec. 563b. Acquisition workforce reemployment authority
    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), if an 
annuitant receiving an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement and 
Disability Fund becomes employed in any category of acquisition 
positions designated by the Commandant of the Coast Guard under section 
563a of this title, the annuity of an annuitant so employed shall 
continue. An annuitant so reemployed shall not be considered an 
employee for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of 
title 5.
    ``(b)(1) Election.--An annuitant retired under section 8336(d)(1) 
or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, receiving an annuity from the Civil 
Service Retirement and Disability Fund, who becomes employed in a 
position within the Coast Guard after the date of enactment of the 
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017, may elect to be subject to 
section 8344 or 8468 of such title (as the case may be).
            ``(A) Deadline.--An election for coverage under this 
        subsection shall be filed not later than 90 days after the 
        Commandant takes reasonable actions to notify employees who may 
        file an election.
            ``(B) Coverage.--If an employee files an election under 
        this subsection, coverage shall be effective beginning on the 
        first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or 
        after the date of the filing of the election.
    ``(2) Application.--Paragraph (1) shall apply to an individual who 
is eligible to file an election under subparagraph (A) and does not 
file a timely election under subparagraph (B).''.
            (2) Table of contents.--The table of contents of chapter 15 
        of title 14, United States Code, as amended in subsection (a) 
        of this section, is further amended by inserting after the item 
        relating to section 563a the following:

``563b. Acquisition workforce reemployment authority.''.

SEC. 503. DRAWBRIDGES.

    (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
            (1) to ensure the public is made aware of any temporary 
        change to a drawbridge operating schedule; and
            (2) to ensure the operators are maintaining logs of 
        drawbridge movement.
    (b) Temporary Changes to Drawbridge Operating Schedules.--Section 5 
of the Act entitled ``An Act making appropriations for the 
construction, repair, and preservation of certain public works on 
rivers and harbors, and for other purposes'', approved August 18, 1894 
(33 U.S.C. 499), is amended by adding at the end the following--
    ``(d) Temporary Changes to Drawbridge Operating Schedules.--
Notwithstanding section 553 of title 5, United States Code, whenever a 
temporary change to the operating schedule of a drawbridge, lasting 180 
days or less, is approved--
            ``(1) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
        Guard is operating shall--
                    ``(A) issue a deviation approval letter to the 
                bridge owner;
                    ``(B) publish a notice of the temporary deviation 
                from the regulations in the Federal Register; and
                    ``(C) announce the temporary change in--
                            ``(i) the Local Notice to Mariners;
                            ``(ii) broadcast notices to mariners 
                        through the Coast Guard radio station or Navy 
                        radio station, or both; or
                            ``(iii) such other local media as the 
                        Secretary considers appropriate; and
            ``(2) the bridge owner, except a railroad bridge owner, 
        shall notify--
                    ``(A) the public by publishing notice of the 
                temporary change in a newspaper of general circulation 
                published in the place where the bridge is located;
                    ``(B) the department, agency, or office of 
                transportation with jurisdiction over the roadway that 
                abuts the approaches to the bridge; and
                    ``(C) the law enforcement organization with 
                jurisdiction over the roadway that abuts the approaches 
                to the bridge.
    ``(e) Drawbridge Movements.--The Secretary of the department in 
which the Coast Guard is operating--
            ``(1) shall require a drawbridge operator to record each 
        movement of the drawbridge in a log;
            ``(2) may inspect the log to ensure drawbridge movement is 
        in accordance with the posted operating schedule; and
            ``(3) may determine if the operating schedule should be 
        adjusted for efficiency.''.

SEC. 504. INCENTIVE CONTRACT; COAST GUARD YARD AND INDUSTRIAL 
              ESTABLISHMENTS.

    (a) In General.--Whenever the parties to a project order for 
industrial work to be performed by the Coast Guard Yard or a designated 
Coast Guard industrial establishment agree that delivery or technical 
performance of the wage-grade industrial employees may, during the term 
of such project order, improve, the parties to such project order may, 
notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any provision of 
law that provides for the time or purpose of appropriated funds, enter 
into an incentive project order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee project 
order by which an agreed upon amount of the adjustment to be made 
pursuant to section 648(a) of title 14, United States Code, may, 
notwithstanding that provision of law or any other provision of law, be 
distributed as an incentive to the wage-grade industrial employees who 
completed the project order.
    (b) Condition.--Before entering into an incentive project order or 
a cost-plus-incentive-fee project order, the commanding officer of the 
Coast Guard Yard or the commanding officer of the Coast Guard 
industrial establishment, as the case may be, shall complete a 
determination and finding for such incentive project order or cost-
plus-incentive-fee project order that justifies the use of such project 
order as in the best interest of the Federal Government.
    (c) Treatment of Incentive Award.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, in the event that the industrial workforce of the 
Coast Guard Yard or a Coast Guard industrial establishment satisfies 
the performance target set out in an incentive project order or a cost-
plus-incentive-fee project order--
            (1) the adjustment to be made pursuant to section 648(a) of 
        title 14, United States Code, shall, notwithstanding that 
        provision of law, be reduced by the agreed amount and 
        distributed as an incentive to such wage-grade industrial 
        employees; and
            (2) the remainder of the adjustment shall be credited to 
        the appropriation current at that time.

SEC. 505. COAST GUARD HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS; LICENSURE PORTABILITY.

    (a) In General.--Section 1094(d)(1) of title 10, United States 
Code, shall apply in the same manner and to the same degree as such 
section applies to a health-care professional described in subsection 
(d)(2) of that section to a health-care professional described in 
subsection (b) of this section.
    (b) Health-Care Professional.--A health-care professional described 
in this subsection is a member of the Coast Guard, civilian employee of 
the Coast Guard, member of the Public Health Service assigned to the 
Coast Guard, personal services contractor under section 1091 of title 
10, United States Code, or other health-care professional credentialed 
and privileged at a Federal health care institution or location 
specially designated by the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating for this purpose who--
            (1) has a current license to practice medicine, osteopathic 
        medicine, dentistry, or another health profession; and
            (2) is performing authorized duties for the Coast Guard.

SEC. 506. LAND EXCHANGE; AYAKULIK ISLAND, ALASKA.

    (a) Land Exchange; Ayakulik Island, Alaska.--If the owner of 
Ayakulik Island, Alaska, offers to exchange the Island for the Tract--
            (1) within 30 days after receiving such offer, the 
        Secretary shall provide notice of the offer to the Commandant;
            (2) within 30 days after receiving the notice under 
        paragraph (1), the Commandant shall develop and transmit to the 
        Secretary proposed operational restrictions on commercial 
        activity conducted on the Tract, including the right of the 
        Commandant to--
                    (A) order the immediate termination, for a period 
                of up to 72 hours, of any activity occurring on or from 
                the Tract that violates or threatens to violate 1 or 
                more of such restrictions; or
                    (B) commence a civil action for appropriate relief, 
                including a permanent or temporary injunction enjoining 
                the activity that violates or threatens to violate such 
                restrictions;
            (3) within 30 days after receiving the proposed operational 
        restrictions from the Commandant, the Secretary shall transmit 
        such restrictions to the owner of Ayakulik Island; and
            (4) within 30 days after transmitting the proposed 
        operational restrictions to the owner of Ayakulik Island, and 
        if the owner agrees to such restrictions, the Secretary shall 
        convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in 
        and to the Tract to the owner, subject to an easement granted 
        to the Commandant to enforce such restrictions, in exchange for 
        all right, title, and interest of such owner in and to Ayakulik 
        Island.
    (b) Boundary Revisions.--The Secretary may make technical and 
conforming revisions to the boundaries of the Tract before the date of 
the exchange.
    (c) Public Land Order.--Effective on the date of an exchange under 
subsection (a), Public Land Order 5550 shall have no force or effect 
with respect to submerged lands that are part of the Tract.
    (d) Failure To Timely Respond to Notice.--If the Commandant does 
not transmit proposed operational restrictions to the Secretary within 
30 days after receiving the notice under subsection (a)(1), the 
Secretary shall, by not later than 60 days after transmitting such 
notice, convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in 
and to the Tract to the owner of Ayakulik Island in exchange for all 
right, title, and interest of such owner in and to Ayakulik Island.
    (e) CERCLA Not Affected.--This section and an exchange under this 
section shall not be construed to limit the application of or otherwise 
affect section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)).
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Commandant.--The term ``Commandant'' means the 
        Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
        operating, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of the Interior.
            (3) Tract.--The term ``Tract'' means the land (including 
        submerged land) depicted as ``PROPOSED PROPERTY EXCHANGE AREA'' 
        on the survey titled ``PROPOSED PROPERTY EXCHANGE PARCEL'' and 
        dated March 22, 2017.

SEC. 507. ABANDONED SEAFARERS FUND AMENDMENTS.

    Section 11113 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``may be appropriated 
        to the Secretary'' in the matter before subparagraph (A) and 
        inserting ``shall be available to the Secretary without further 
        appropriation, and shall remain available until expended,''; 
        and
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``plus a 
                surcharge of 25 percent of such total amount,'' after 
                ``seafarer,'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A); 
                and
                    (B) by striking paragraph (4).

SEC. 508. ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL SHIPYARDS.

    (a) In General.--Section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in the heading, by striking ``and maritime 
        communities'';
            (2) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``in communities'' 
        and all that follows through the period and inserting 
        ``relating to shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated 
        industries.'';
            (3) by amending subsection (b)(1) to read as follows:
            ``(1) consider projects that foster--
                    ``(A) efficiency, competitive operations, and 
                quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration; 
                and
                    ``(B) employee skills and enhancing productivity 
                related to shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated 
                industries; and'';
            (4) in subsection (c)(1), by striking subparagraphs (A), 
        (B), and (C) and inserting the following:
                    ``(A) to make capital and related improvements in 
                small shipyards; and
                    ``(B) to provide training for workers in 
                shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated 
                industries.'';
            (5) in subsection (d), by striking ``unless'' and all that 
        follows and inserting a period;
            (6) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph 
                (2); and
            (7) in subsection (i), by striking ``for each of fiscal 
        years 2015 through 2017'' and all that follows and inserting 
        ``to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
        2018 and 2019.''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 54101(f)(2) is amended by 
striking ``shall include'' and all that follows and inserting: ``shall 
include a comprehensive description of--
            ``(1) the need for the project;
            ``(2) the methodology for implementing the project; and
            ``(3) any existing programs or arrangements that can be 
        used to supplement or leverage assistance under the program.''.
    (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section, or the amendments 
made by this section, shall affect an agreement to provide assistance 
under section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, that was executed 
before October 1, 2017. Such an agreement shall continue to be subject 
to the requirements to which such agreement was subject under section 
54101 of that title as in effect on the day before October 1, 2017.

SEC. 509. SMALL SHIPYARD CONTRACTS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 667 the following:
``Sec. 667a. Construction of Coast Guard vessels and assignment of 
              vessel projects
    ``The assignment of Coast Guard vessel conversion, alteration, and 
repair projects shall be based on economic and military considerations 
and may not be restricted by a requirement that certain parts of Coast 
Guard shipwork be assigned to a particular type of shipyard or 
geographical area or by a similar requirement.''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of chapter 17 of 
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 667 the following:

``667a. Construction of Coast Guard vessels and assignment of vessel 
                            projects.''.

SEC. 510. WESTERN CHALLENGER; CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION.

    Section 604(b) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-281; 128 Stat. 3062) is 
amended by inserting ``and a fisheries endorsement'' after 
``endorsement''.

                TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE VESSELS

SEC. 601. WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN CONTRACTS.

    Section 3134 of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``Secretary of Homeland Security,'' after 
        ``Air Force,'' each place it appears; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Commerce.--The Secretary of Commerce may waive this 
subchapter with respect to contracts for the construction, alteration, 
or repair of vessels, regardless of the terms of the contracts as to 
payment or title, when the contract is made under the Act entitled `An 
Act to define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic 
Survey, and for other purposes', approved August 6, 1947 (33 U.S.C. 
883a et seq.).''.
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