An act to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, and for other purposes
PL 115-282 (S.140), enacted 12/04/2018

132 STAT. 4192 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Public Law 115–282 
115th Congress 
An Act 
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. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2018’’. 
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
The table of contents of this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title. 
Sec. 2. Table of contents. 
TITLE I—REORGANIZATION OF TITLE 14, UNITED STATES CODE 
Sec. 101. Initial matter. 
Sec. 102. Subtitle I. 
Sec. 103. Chapter 1. 
Sec. 104. Chapter 3. 
Sec. 105. Chapter 5. 
Sec. 106. Chapter 7. 
Sec. 107. Chapter 9. 
Sec. 108. Chapter 11. 
Sec. 109. Subtitle II. 
Sec. 110. Chapter 19. 
Sec. 111. Part II. 
Sec. 112. Chapter 21. 
Sec. 113. Chapter 23. 
Sec. 114. Chapter 25. 
Sec. 115. Part III. 
Sec. 116. Chapter 27. 
Sec. 117. Chapter 29. 
Sec. 118. Subtitle III and chapter 37. 
Sec. 119. Chapter 39. 
Sec. 120. Chapter 41. 
Sec. 121. Subtitle IV and chapter 49. 
Sec. 122. Chapter 51. 
Sec. 123. References. 
Sec. 124. Rule of construction. 
TITLE II—AUTHORIZATIONS 
Sec. 201. Amendments to title 14, United States Code, as amended by title I of this 
Act. 
Sec. 202. Authorizations of appropriations. 
Sec. 203. Authorized levels of military strength and training. 
Sec. 204. Authorization of amounts for Fast Response Cutters. 
Sec. 205. Authorization of amounts for shoreside infrastructure. 
Sec. 206. Authorization of amounts for aircraft improvements. 
TITLE III—COAST GUARD 
Sec. 301. Amendments to title 14, United States Code, as amended by title I of this 
Act. 
Frank LoBiondo 
Coast Guard 
Authorization 
Act of 2018. 
Dec. 4, 2018 
[S. 140] 
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132 STAT. 4193 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Sec. 302. Primary duties. 
Sec. 303. National Coast Guard Museum. 
Sec. 304. Unmanned aircraft. 
Sec. 305. Coast Guard health-care professionals; licensure portability. 
Sec. 306. Training; emergency response providers. 
Sec. 307. Incentive contracts for Coast Guard yard and industrial establishments. 
Sec. 308. Confidential investigative expenses. 
Sec. 309. Regular captains; retirement. 
Sec. 310. Conversion, alteration, and repair projects. 
Sec. 311. Contracting for major acquisitions programs. 
Sec. 312. Officer promotion zones. 
Sec. 313. Cross reference. 
Sec. 314. Commissioned service retirement. 
Sec. 315. Leave for birth or adoption of child. 
Sec. 316. Clothing at time of discharge. 
Sec. 317. Unfunded priorities list. 
Sec. 318. Safety of vessels of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 319. Air facilities. 
TITLE IV—PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY 
Sec. 401. Codification of Ports and Waterways Safety Act. 
Sec. 402. Conforming amendments. 
Sec. 403. Transitional and savings provisions. 
Sec. 404. Rule of construction. 
Sec. 405. Advisory committee: repeal. 
Sec. 406. Regattas and marine parades. 
Sec. 407. Regulation of vessels in territorial waters of United States. 
Sec. 408. Port, harbor, and coastal facility security. 
TITLE V—MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 
Sec. 501. Consistency in marine inspections. 
Sec. 502. Uninspected passenger vessels in St. Louis County, Minnesota. 
Sec. 503. Engine cut-off switch requirements. 
Sec. 504. Exception from survival craft requirements. 
Sec. 505. Safety standards. 
Sec. 506. Fishing safety grants. 
Sec. 507. Fishing, fish tender, and fish processing vessel certification. 
Sec. 508. Deadline for compliance with alternate safety compliance program. 
Sec. 509. Termination of unsafe operations; technical correction. 
Sec. 510. Technical corrections: Licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant 
mariner documents. 
Sec. 511. Clarification of logbook entries. 
Sec. 512. Certificates of documentation for recreational vessels. 
Sec. 513. Numbering for undocumented barges. 
Sec. 514. Backup national timing system. 
Sec. 515. Scientific personnel. 
Sec. 516. Transparency. 
TITLE VI—ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
Sec. 601. National maritime transportation advisory committees. 
Sec. 602. Maritime Security Advisory Committees. 
TITLE VII—FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION 
Sec. 701. Short title. 
Sec. 702. Authorization of appropriations. 
Sec. 703. Reporting on impact of alliances on competition. 
Sec. 704. Definition of certain covered services. 
Sec. 705. Reports filed with the Commission. 
Sec. 706. Public participation. 
Sec. 707. Ocean transportation intermediaries. 
Sec. 708. Common carriers. 
Sec. 709. Negotiations. 
Sec. 710. Injunctive relief sought by the Commission. 
Sec. 711. Discussions. 
Sec. 712. Transparency. 
Sec. 713. Study of bankruptcy preparation and response. 
Sec. 714. Agreements unaffected. 
TITLE VIII—MISCELLANEOUS 
Sec. 801. Repeal of obsolete reporting requirement. 
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132 STAT. 4194 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Sec. 802. Corrections to provisions enacted by Coast Guard Authorization Acts. 
Sec. 803. Officer evaluation report. 
Sec. 804. Extension of authority. 
Sec. 805. Coast Guard ROTC program. 
Sec. 806. Currency detection canine team program. 
Sec. 807. Center of expertise for Great Lakes oil spill search and response. 
Sec. 808. Public safety answering points and maritime search and rescue coordina-
tion. 
Sec. 809. Ship shoal lighthouse transfer: repeal. 
Sec. 810. Land exchange, Ayakulik Island, Alaska. 
Sec. 811. Use of Tract 43. 
Sec. 812. Coast Guard maritime domain awareness. 
Sec. 813. Monitoring. 
Sec. 814. Reimbursements for non-Federal construction costs of certain aids to 
navigation. 
Sec. 815. Towing safety management system fees. 
Sec. 816. Oil spill disbursements auditing and report. 
Sec. 817. Fleet requirements assessment and strategy. 
Sec. 818. National Security Cutter. 
Sec. 819. Acquisition plan for inland waterway and river tenders and bay-class ice-
breakers. 
Sec. 820. Great Lakes icebreaker acquisition. 
Sec. 821. Polar icebreakers. 
Sec. 822. Strategic assets in the Arctic. 
Sec. 823. Arctic planning criteria. 
Sec. 824. Vessel response plan audit. 
Sec. 825. Waters deemed not navigable waters of the United States for certain pur-
poses. 
Sec. 826. Documentation of recreational vessels. 
Sec. 827. Equipment requirements; exemption from throwable personal flotation 
devices requirement. 
Sec. 828. Visual distress signals and alternative use. 
Sec. 829. Radar refresher training. 
Sec. 830. Commercial fishing vessel safety national communications plan. 
Sec. 831. Atlantic Coast port access route study recommendations. 
Sec. 832. Drawbridges. 
Sec. 833. Waiver. 
Sec. 834. Fire-retardant materials. 
Sec. 835. Vessel waiver. 
Sec. 836. Temporary limitations. 
Sec. 837. Transfer of Coast Guard property in Jupiter Island, Florida, for inclusion 
in Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. 
Sec. 838. Emergency response. 
Sec. 839. Drawbridges consultation. 
TITLE IX—VESSEL INCIDENTAL DISCHARGE ACT 
Sec. 901. Short title. 
Sec. 902. Purposes; findings. 
Sec. 903. Standards for discharges incidental to normal operation of vessels. 
TITLE X—HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS 
Sec. 1001. Reauthorization of Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998. 
Sec. 1002. System for tracking and reporting all-inclusive cost of hydrographic sur-
veys. 
Sec. 1003. Homeport of certain research vessels. 
TITLE I—REORGANIZATION OF TITLE 
14, UNITED STATES CODE 
SEC. 101. INITIAL MATTER. 
Title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the title 
designation, the title heading, and the table of parts at the begin-
ning and inserting the following: 
‘‘TITLE 14—COAST GUARD 
‘‘Subtitle
Sec.
‘‘I. Establishment, Powers, Duties, and Administration ..........................
101
14 USC 
prec. 101. 
14 USC 
prec. 1. 
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132 STAT. 4195 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘II. Personnel ...................................................................................................... 1901
‘‘III. Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary ..................................................... 3701
‘‘IV. Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress .................... 4901’’. 
SEC. 102. SUBTITLE I. 
Part I of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
the part designation, the part heading, and the table of chapters 
at the beginning and inserting the following: 
‘‘Subtitle I—Establishment, Powers, Duties, 
and Administration 
‘‘Chap.
Sec.
‘‘1. Establishment and Duties ..........................................................................
101
‘‘3. Composition and Organization ................................................................
301
‘‘5. Functions and Powers ................................................................................
501
‘‘7. Cooperation ...................................................................................................
701
‘‘9. Administration ..............................................................................................
901
‘‘11. Acquisitions ................................................................................................. 1101’’. 
SEC. 103. CHAPTER 1. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 1 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 1—ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘101. Establishment of Coast Guard. 
‘‘102. Primary duties. 
‘‘103. Department in which the Coast Guard operates. 
‘‘104. Removing restrictions. 
‘‘105. Secretary defined. 
‘‘106. Commandant defined.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
1 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
1 
Establishment of Coast Guard 
101 
14 USC 
prec. 101. 
14 USC 
prec. 1. 
14 USC 
prec. 101. 
14 USC 
prec. 1. 
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132 STAT. 4196 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
2 
Primary duties 
102 
3 
Department in which the Coast 
Guard operates 
103 
652 
Removing restrictions 
104 
4 
Secretary defined 
105 
5 
Commandant defined 
106 
SEC. 104. CHAPTER 3. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 3—COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘301. Grades and ratings. 
‘‘302. Commandant; appointment. 
‘‘303. Retirement of Commandant or Vice Commandant. 
‘‘304. Vice Commandant; appointment. 
‘‘305. Vice admirals. 
‘‘306. Retirement. 
‘‘307. Vice admirals and admiral, continuity of grade. 
‘‘308. Chief Acquisition Officer. 
‘‘309. Office of the Coast Guard Reserve; Director. 
‘‘310. Chief of Staff to President: appointment. 
‘‘311. Captains of the port. 
‘‘312. Prevention and response workforces. 
‘‘313. Centers of expertise for Coast Guard prevention and response. 
‘‘314. Marine industry training program. 
‘‘315. Training course on workings of Congress. 
‘‘316. National Coast Guard Museum. 
‘‘317. United States Coast Guard Band; composition; director. 
‘‘318. Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
3 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
14 USC 
prec. 301. 
14 USC 
prec. 41. 
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132 STAT. 4197 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
41 
Grades and ratings 
301 
44 
Commandant; appointment 
302 
46 
Retirement of Commandant or Vice 
Commandant 
303 
47 
Vice Commandant; appointment 
304 
50 
Vice admirals 
305 
51 
Retirement 
306 
52 
Vice admirals and admiral, con-
tinuity of grade 
307 
56 
Chief Acquisition Officer 
308 
53 
Office of the Coast Guard Reserve; 
Director 
309 
54 
Chief of Staff to President: appoint-
ment 
310 
57 
Prevention and response workforces 
312 
58 
Centers of expertise for Coast Guard 
prevention and response 
313 
59 
Marine industry training program 
314 
60 
Training course on workings of Con-
gress 
315 
98 
National Coast Guard Museum 
316 
336 
United States Coast Guard Band; 
composition; director 
317 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, 
is further amended— 
(A) by inserting after section 310 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
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132 STAT. 4198 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘§ 311. Captains of the port 
‘‘Any officer, including any petty officer, may be designated 
by the Commandant as captain of the port or ports or adjacent 
high seas or waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, 
as the Commandant deems necessary to facilitate execution of Coast 
Guard duties.’’; and 
(B) by inserting after section 317 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘§ 318. Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program 
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—For the purposes of this section— 
‘‘(1) ‘environment’, ‘facility’, ‘person’, ‘release’, ‘removal’, 
‘remedial’, and ‘response’ have the same meaning they have 
in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601); 
‘‘(2) ‘hazardous substance’ has the same meaning it has 
in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601), except that 
it also includes the meaning given ‘oil’ in section 311 of the 
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321); and 
‘‘(3) ‘pollutant’ has the same meaning it has in section 
502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
1362). 
‘‘(b) PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) The Secretary shall carry out a program of environ-
mental compliance and restoration at current and former Coast 
Guard facilities. 
‘‘(2) Program goals include: 
‘‘(A) 
Identifying, 
investigating, 
and 
cleaning 
up 
contamination from hazardous substances and pollutants. 
‘‘(B) Correcting other environmental damage that poses 
an imminent and substantial danger to the public health 
or welfare or to the environment. 
‘‘(C) Demolishing and removing unsafe buildings and 
structures, including buildings and structures at former 
Coast Guard facilities. 
‘‘(D) Preventing contamination from hazardous sub-
stances and pollutants at current Coast Guard facilities. 
‘‘(3)(A) The Secretary shall respond to releases of hazardous 
substances and pollutants— 
‘‘(i) at each Coast Guard facility the United States 
owns, leases, or otherwise possesses; 
‘‘(ii) at each Coast Guard facility the United States 
owned, leased, or otherwise possessed when the actions 
leading to contamination from hazardous substances or 
pollutants occurred; and 
‘‘(iii) on each vessel the Coast Guard owns or operates. 
‘‘(B) Subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not apply 
to a removal or remedial action when a potentially responsible 
person responds under section 122 of the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 
U.S.C. 9622). 
‘‘(C) The Secretary shall pay a fee or charge imposed by 
a State authority for permit services for disposing of hazardous 
substances or pollutants from Coast Guard facilities to the 
same extent that nongovernmental entities are required to 
pay for permit services. This subparagraph does not apply 
14 USC 318. 
14 USC 311. 
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132 STAT. 4199 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
to a payment that is the responsibility of a lessee, contractor, 
or other private person. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary may agree with another Federal agency 
for that agency to assist in carrying out the Secretary’s respon-
sibilities under this section. The Secretary may enter into con-
tracts, cooperative agreements, and grant agreements with 
State and local governments to assist in carrying out the Sec-
retary’s responsibilities under this section. Services that may 
be obtained under this paragraph include identifying, inves-
tigating, and cleaning up off-site contamination that may have 
resulted from the release of a hazardous substance or pollutant 
at a Coast Guard facility. 
‘‘(5) Section 119 of the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9619) 
applies to response action contractors that carry out response 
actions under this section. The Coast Guard shall indemnify 
response action contractors to the extent that adequate insur-
ance is not generally available at a fair price at the time 
the contractor enters into the contract to cover the contractor’s 
reasonable, potential, long-term liability. 
‘‘(c) AMOUNTS RECOVERED FOR RESPONSE ACTIONS.— 
‘‘(1) All sums appropriated to carry out the Coast Guard’s 
environmental compliance and restoration functions under this 
section or another law shall be credited or transferred to an 
appropriate Coast Guard account, as determined by the Com-
mandant and remain available until expended. 
‘‘(2) Funds may be obligated or expended from such account 
to carry out the Coast Guard’s environmental compliance and 
restoration functions under this section or another law. 
‘‘(3) In proposing the budget for any fiscal year under 
section 1105 of title 31, the President shall set forth separately 
the amount requested for the Coast Guard’s environmental 
compliance and restoration activities under this section or 
another law. 
‘‘(4) Amounts recovered under section 107 of the Com-
prehensive 
Environmental 
Response, 
Compensation, 
and 
Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9607) for the Secretary’s response 
actions at current and former Coast Guard facilities shall be 
credited to an appropriate Coast Guard account, as determined 
by the Commandant. 
‘‘(d) ANNUAL LIST
OF PROJECTS
TO CONGRESS.—The Com-
mandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
prioritized list of projects eligible for environmental compliance 
and restoration funding for each fiscal year concurrent with the 
President’s budget submission for that fiscal year.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING REPEALS.—Sections 634, 690, 691, 692, 
and 693 of title 14, United States Code, are repealed. 
SEC. 105. CHAPTER 5. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
14 USC 
prec. 81. 
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132 STAT. 4200 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘CHAPTER 5—FUNCTIONS AND POWERS 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL POWERS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘501. Secretary; general powers. 
‘‘502. Delegation of powers by the Secretary. 
‘‘503. Regulations. 
‘‘504. Commandant; general powers. 
‘‘505. Functions and powers vested in the Commandant. 
‘‘506. Prospective payment of funds necessary to provide medical care. 
‘‘507. Appointment of judges. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—LIFE SAVING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES 
‘‘521. Saving life and property. 
‘‘522. Law enforcement. 
‘‘523. Enforcement authority. 
‘‘524. Enforcement of coastwise trade laws. 
‘‘525. Special agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service law enforcement au-
thority. 
‘‘526. Stopping vessels; indemnity for firing at or into vessel. 
‘‘527. Safety of naval vessels. 
‘‘528. Protecting against unmanned aircraft. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—AIDS TO NAVIGATION 
‘‘541. Aids to navigation authorized. 
‘‘542. Unauthorized aids to maritime navigation; penalty. 
‘‘543. Interference with aids to navigation; penalty. 
‘‘544. Aids to maritime navigation; penalty. 
‘‘545. Marking of obstructions. 
‘‘546. Deposit of damage payments. 
‘‘547. Rewards for apprehension of persons interfering with aids to navigation. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—MISCELLANEOUS 
‘‘561. Icebreaking in polar regions. 
‘‘562. Appeals and waivers. 
‘‘563. Notification of certain determinations.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
5 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
92 
Secretary; general powers 
501 
631 
Delegation of powers by the Sec-
retary 
502 
633 
Regulations 
503 
14 USC 
prec. 501. 
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132 STAT. 4201 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
93 
Commandant; general powers 
504 
632 
Functions and powers vested in the 
Commandant 
505 
520 
Prospective payment of funds nec-
essary to provide medical care 
506 
153 
Appointment of judges 
507 
88 
Saving life and property 
521 
89 
Law enforcement 
522 
99 
Enforcement authority 
523 
100 
Enforcement of coastwise trade laws 
524 
95 
Special agents of the Coast Guard 
Investigative Service law enforce-
ment authority 
525 
637 
Stopping vessels; indemnity for fir-
ing at or into vessel 
526 
91 
Safety of naval vessels 
527 
104 
Protecting against unmanned air-
craft 
528 
81 
Aids to navigation authorized 
541 
83 
Unauthorized aids to maritime navi-
gation; penalty 
542 
84 
Interference with aids to navigation; 
penalty 
543 
85 
Aids to maritime navigation; penalty 
544 
86 
Marking of obstructions 
545 
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132 STAT. 4202 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
642 
Deposit of damage payments 
546 
643 Rewards for apprehension of persons 
interfering with aids to navigation 
547 
87 
Icebreaking in polar regions 
561 
101 
Appeals and waivers 
562 
103 
Notification of certain determina-
tions 
563 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 5 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by inserting before section 501 (as so redesignated and 
transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL POWERS’’; 
(2) by inserting before section 521 (as so redesignated and 
transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—LIFE SAVING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT 
AUTHORITIES’’; 
(3) by inserting before section 541 (as so redesignated and 
transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—AIDS TO NAVIGATION’’; 
and 
(4) by inserting before section 561 (as so redesignated and 
transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—MISCELLANEOUS’’. 
SEC. 106. CHAPTER 7. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 7—COOPERATION 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘701. Cooperation with other agencies, States, territories, and political subdivisions. 
‘‘702. State Department. 
‘‘703. Treasury Department. 
‘‘704. Department of the Army and Department of the Air Force. 
‘‘705. Navy Department. 
14 USC 
prec. 701. 
14 USC 
prec. 141. 
14 USC 
prec. 561. 
14 USC 
prec. 541. 
14 USC 
prec. 521. 
14 USC 
prec. 501. 
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132 STAT. 4203 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘706. United States Postal Service. 
‘‘707. Department of Commerce. 
‘‘708. Department of Health and Human Services. 
‘‘709. Maritime instruction. 
‘‘710. Assistance to foreign governments and maritime authorities. 
‘‘711. Coast Guard officers as attache
´s to missions. 
‘‘712. Contracts with Government-owned establishments for work and material. 
‘‘713. Nonappropriated fund instrumentalities: contracts with other agencies and in-
strumentalities to provide or obtain goods and services. 
‘‘714. Arctic maritime domain awareness. 
‘‘715. Oceanographic research. 
‘‘716. Arctic maritime transportation. 
‘‘717. Agreements.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
7 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
141 
Cooperation with other agencies, 
States, territories, and political sub-
divisions 
701 
142 
State Department 
702 
143 
Treasury Department 
703 
144 
Department of the Army and De-
partment of the Air Force 
704 
145 
Navy Department 
705 
146 
United States Postal Service 
706 
147 
Department of Commerce 
707 
147a 
Department of Health and Human 
Services 
708 
148 
Maritime instruction 
709 
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132 STAT. 4204 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
149 
Assistance to foreign governments 
and maritime authorities 
710 
150 
Coast Guard officers as attache
´s to 
missions 
711 
151 
Contracts with Government-owned 
establishments for work and mate-
rial 
712 
152 
Nonappropriated fund instrumental-
ities: contracts with other agencies 
and instrumentalities to provide or 
obtain goods and services 
713 
154 
Arctic maritime domain awareness 
714 
94 
Oceanographic research 
715 
90 
Arctic maritime transportation 
716 
102 
Agreements 
717 
SEC. 107. CHAPTER 9. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 9—ADMINISTRATION 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘901. Disposal of certain material. 
‘‘902. Employment of draftsmen and engineers. 
‘‘903. Use of certain appropriated funds. 
‘‘904. Local hire. 
‘‘905. Procurement authority for family housing. 
‘‘906. Air Station Cape Cod Improvements. 
‘‘907. Long-term lease of special purpose facilities. 
‘‘908. Long-term lease authority for lighthouse property. 
‘‘909. Small boat station rescue capability. 
‘‘910. Small boat station closures. 
‘‘911. Search and rescue center standards. 
‘‘912. Air facility closures. 
‘‘913. Turnkey selection procedures. 
‘‘914. Disposition of infrastructure related to E–LORAN. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—MISCELLANEOUS 
‘‘931. Oaths required for boards. 
14 USC 
prec. 901. 
14 USC 
prec. 181. 
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132 STAT. 4205 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘932. Administration of oaths. 
‘‘933. Coast Guard ensigns and pennants. 
‘‘934. Penalty for unauthorized use of words ‘Coast Guard’. 
‘‘935. Coast Guard band recordings for commercial sale. 
‘‘936. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance records; qualified immunity for 
participants. 
‘‘937. Admiralty claims against the United States. 
‘‘938. Claims for damage to property of the United States. 
‘‘939. Accounting for industrial work. 
‘‘940. Supplies and equipment from stock. 
‘‘941. Coast Guard Supply Fund. 
‘‘942. Public and commercial vessels and other watercraft; sale of fuel, supplies, and 
services. 
‘‘943. Arms and ammunition; immunity from taxation. 
‘‘944. Confidential investigative expenses. 
‘‘945. Assistance to film producers. 
‘‘946. User fees. 
‘‘947. Vessel construction bonding requirements. 
‘‘948. Contracts for medical care for retirees, dependents, and survivors: alternative 
delivery of health care. 
‘‘949. Telephone installation and charges. 
‘‘950. Designation, powers, and accountability of deputy disbursing officials. 
‘‘951. Aircraft accident investigations.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
9 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
641 
Disposal of certain material 
901 
653 
Employment of draftsmen and engi-
neers 
902 
656 
Use of certain appropriated funds 
903 
666 
Local hire 
904 
670 
Procurement authority for family 
housing 
905 
671 
Air Station Cape Cod Improvements 
906 
672 
Long-term lease of special purpose 
facilities 
907 
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132 STAT. 4206 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
672a 
Long-term lease authority for light-
house property 
908 
674 
Small boat station rescue capability 
909 
675 
Small boat station closures 
910 
676 
Search and rescue center standards 
911 
676a 
Air facility closures 
912 
677 
Turnkey selection procedures 
913 
681 
Disposition of infrastructure related 
to E–LORAN 
914 
635 
Oaths required for boards 
931 
636 
Administration of oaths 
932 
638 
Coast Guard ensigns and pennants 
933 
639 
Penalty for unauthorized use of 
words ‘‘Coast Guard’’ 
934 
640 
Coast Guard band recordings for 
commercial sale 
935 
645 
Confidentiality of medical quality 
assurance records; qualified immu-
nity for participants 
936 
646 
Admiralty claims against the United 
States 
937 
647 Claims for damage to property of the 
United States 
938 
648 
Accounting for industrial work 
939 
649 
Supplies and equipment from stock 
940 
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132 STAT. 4207 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
650 
Coast Guard Supply Fund 
941 
654 
Public and commercial vessels and 
other watercraft; sale of fuel, sup-
plies, and services 
942 
655 
Arms and ammunition; immunity 
from taxation 
943 
658 
Confidential investigative expenses 
944 
659 
Assistance to film producers 
945 
664 
User fees 
946 
667 
Vessel construction bonding require-
ments 
947 
668 
Contracts for medical care for retir-
ees, dependents, and survivors: al-
ternative delivery of health care 
948 
669 
Telephone installation and charges 
949 
673 
Designation, powers, and account-
ability of deputy disbursing officials 
950 
678 
Aircraft accident investigations 
951 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 9 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by inserting before section 901 (as so redesignated and 
transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY’’; 
and 
(2) by inserting before section 931 (as so redesignated and 
transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—MISCELLANEOUS’’. 
SEC. 108. CHAPTER 11. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 11 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
14 USC 
prec. 211. 
14 USC 
prec. 931. 
14 USC 
prec. 901. 
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132 STAT. 4208 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 11—ACQUISITIONS 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘1101. Acquisition directorate. 
‘‘1102. Improvements in Coast Guard acquisition management. 
‘‘1103. Role of Vice Commandant in major acquisition programs. 
‘‘1104. Recognition of Coast Guard personnel for excellence in acquisition. 
‘‘1105. Prohibition on use of lead systems integrators. 
‘‘1106. Required contract terms. 
‘‘1107. Extension of major acquisition program contracts. 
‘‘1108. Department of Defense consultation. 
‘‘1109. Undefinitized contractual actions. 
‘‘1110. Mission need statement. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—IMPROVED ACQUISITION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES 
‘‘1131. Identification of major system acquisitions. 
‘‘1132. Acquisition. 
‘‘1133. Preliminary development and demonstration. 
‘‘1134. Acquisition, production, deployment, and support. 
‘‘1135. Acquisition program baseline breach. 
‘‘1136. Acquisition approval authority. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—PROCUREMENT 
‘‘1151. Restriction on construction of vessels in foreign shipyards. 
‘‘1152. Advance procurement funding. 
‘‘1153. Prohibition on overhaul, repair, and maintenance of Coast Guard vessels in 
foreign shipyards. 
‘‘1154. Procurement of buoy chain. 
‘‘1155. Contract termination. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—DEFINITIONS 
‘‘1171. Definitions.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
11 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
561 
Acquisition directorate 
1101 
562 
Improvements in Coast Guard ac-
quisition management 
1102 
14 USC 
prec. 1101. 
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132 STAT. 4209 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
578 
Role of Vice Commandant in major 
acquisition programs 
1103 
563 
Recognition of Coast Guard per-
sonnel for excellence in acquisition 
1104 
564 
Prohibition on use of lead systems 
integrators 
1105 
565 
Required contract terms 
1106 
579 
Extension of major acquisition pro-
gram contracts 
1107 
566 
Department of Defense consultation 
1108 
567 
Undefinitized contractual actions 
1109 
569 
Mission need statement 
1110 
571 
Identification of major system acqui-
sitions 
1131 
572 
Acquisition 
1132 
573 
Preliminary development and dem-
onstration 
1133 
574 
Acquisition, production, deployment, 
and support 
1134 
575 
Acquisition program baseline breach 
1135 
576 
Acquisition approval authority 
1136 
665 Restriction on construction of vessels 
in foreign shipyards 
1151 
577 
Advance procurement funding 
1152 
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132 STAT. 4210 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
96 
Prohibition on overhaul, repair, and 
maintenance of Coast Guard vessels 
in foreign shipyards 
1153 
97 
Procurement of buoy chain 
1154 
657 
Contract termination 
1155 
581 
Definitions 
1171 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 11 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by striking all subdivision designations and headings 
in such chapter, except for— 
(A) the chapter designation and heading added by sub-
section (a); 
(B) the subchapter designations and headings added 
by this subsection; and 
(C) any designation or heading of a section or a subdivi-
sion of a section; 
(2) by inserting before section 1101 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS’’; 
(3) by inserting before section 1131 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—IMPROVED ACQUISITION PROCESS AND 
PROCEDURES’’; 
(4) by inserting before section 1151 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—PROCUREMENT’’; 
and 
(5) by inserting before section 1171 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—DEFINITIONS’’. 
SEC. 109. SUBTITLE II. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Title 14, United States Code, is further 
amended by inserting after chapter 11 (as amended by section 
108) the following: 
14 USC 
prec. 1171. 
14 USC 
prec. 1151. 
14 USC 
prec. 1131. 
14 USC 
prec. 1101. 
14 USC 
prec. 211, 
prec. 251, 
prec. 271, 
prec. 281, 
prec. 321, 
prec. 331, 
prec. 350, 
prec. 421, 
prec. 432. 
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132 STAT. 4211 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘Subtitle II—Personnel 
‘‘Chap.
Sec.
‘‘19. Coast Guard Academy .............................................................................. 1901
‘‘21. Personnel; Officers .................................................................................... 2101
‘‘23. Personnel; Enlisted .................................................................................... 2301
‘‘25. Personnel; General Provisions ............................................................... 2501
‘‘27. Pay, Allowances, Awards, and Other Rights and Benefits .............. 2701
‘‘29. Coast Guard Family Support, Child Care, and Housing ................. 2901’’. 
(b) RESERVED CHAPTER NUMBERS.— 
(1) CHAPTER
13.—Chapter 13 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the 
chapter heading, and the table of sections at the beginning. 
(2) CHAPTER
14.—Chapter 14 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(A) by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning; and 
(B) by striking the subchapter designation and the 
subchapter heading for each of the subchapters of such 
chapter. 
(3) CHAPTER
15.—Chapter 15 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(A) by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning; and 
(B) by striking the subchapter designation and the 
subchapter heading for each of the subchapters of such 
chapter. 
(4) CHAPTER
17.—Chapter 17 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the 
chapter heading, and the table of sections at the beginning. 
(5) CHAPTER
18.—Chapter 18 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the 
chapter heading, and the table of sections at the beginning. 
SEC. 110. CHAPTER 19. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 19 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 19—COAST GUARD ACADEMY 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—ADMINISTRATION 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘1901. Administration of Academy. 
‘‘1902. Policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence. 
‘‘1903. Annual Board of Visitors. 
‘‘1904. Participation in Federal, State, or other educational research grants. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—CADETS 
‘‘1921. Corps of Cadets authorized strength. 
‘‘1922. Appointments. 
‘‘1923. Admission of foreign nationals for instruction; restrictions; conditions. 
‘‘1924. Conduct. 
‘‘1925. Agreement. 
‘‘1926. Cadet applicants; preappointment travel to Academy. 
‘‘1927. Cadets; initial clothing allowance. 
‘‘1928. Cadets; degree of bachelor of science. 
‘‘1929. Cadets; appointment as ensign. 
‘‘1930. Cadets: charges and fees for attendance; limitation. 
14 USC 
prec. 1901. 
14 USC 
prec. 690. 
14 USC 
prec. 680. 
14 USC 
prec. 631. 
14 USC 
prec. 561, 
prec. 571, 
prec. 581. 
14 USC 
prec. 561. 
14 USC 
prec. 531, 
prec. 541, 
prec. 551. 
14 USC 
prec. 531. 
14 USC 
prec. 461. 
14 USC 
prec. 1901. 
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132 STAT. 4212 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—FACULTY 
‘‘1941. Civilian teaching staff. 
‘‘1942. Permanent commissioned teaching staff; composition. 
‘‘1943. Appointment of permanent commissioned teaching staff. 
‘‘1944. Grade of permanent commissioned teaching staff. 
‘‘1945. Retirement of permanent commissioned teaching staff. 
‘‘1946. Credit for service as member of civilian teaching staff. 
‘‘1947. Assignment of personnel as instructors. 
‘‘1948. Marine safety curriculum.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
19 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
181 
Administration of Academy 
1901 
200 
Policy on sexual harassment and 
sexual violence 
1902 
194 
Annual Board of Visitors 
1903 
196 
Participation in Federal, State, or 
other educational research grants 
1904 
195 
Admission of foreign nationals for 
instruction; restrictions; conditions 
1923 
181a 
Cadet applicants; preappointment 
travel to Academy 
1926 
183 
Cadets; initial clothing allowance 
1927 
184 
Cadets; degree of bachelor of science 
1928 
185 
Cadets; appointment as ensign 
1929 
197 
Cadets: charges and fees for attend-
ance; limitation 
1930 
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132 STAT. 4213 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
186 
Civilian teaching staff 
1941 
187 
Permanent commissioned teaching 
staff; composition 
1942 
188 
Appointment of permanent commis-
sioned teaching staff 
1943 
189 
Grade of permanent commissioned 
teaching staff 
1944 
190 
Retirement of permanent commis-
sioned teaching staff 
1945 
191 Credit for service as member of civil-
ian teaching staff 
1946 
192 
Assignment of personnel as instruc-
tors 
1947 
199 
Marine safety curriculum 
1948 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 19 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(A) by inserting before section 1901 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—ADMINISTRATION’’; 
(B) by inserting before section 1923 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—CADETS 
‘‘§ 1921. Corps of Cadets authorized strength 
‘‘The number of cadets appointed annually to the Academy 
shall be as determined by the Secretary but the number appointed 
in any one year shall not exceed six hundred. 
‘‘§ 1922. Appointments 
‘‘Appointments to cadetships shall be made under regulations 
prescribed by the Secretary, who shall determine age limits, 
methods of selection of applicants, term of service as a cadet before 
graduation, and all other matters affecting such appointments. In 
the administration of this section, the Secretary shall take such 
action as may be necessary and appropriate to insure that female 
14 USC 1922. 
14 USC 1921. 
14 USC 
prec. 1921. 
14 USC 
prec. 1901. 
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132 STAT. 4214 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
individuals shall be eligible for appointment and admission to the 
Coast Guard Academy, and that the relevant standards required 
for appointment, admission, training, graduation, and commis-
sioning of female individuals shall be the same as those required 
for male individuals, except for those minimum essential adjust-
ments in such standards required because of physiological dif-
ferences between male and female individuals.’’; 
(C) by inserting before section 1926 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘§ 1924. Conduct 
‘‘The Secretary may summarily dismiss from the Coast Guard 
any cadet who, during his cadetship, is found unsatisfactory in 
either studies or conduct, or may be deemed not adapted for a 
career in the Coast Guard. Cadets shall be subject to rules governing 
discipline prescribed by the Commandant. 
‘‘§ 1925. Agreement 
‘‘(a) Each cadet shall sign an agreement with respect to the 
cadet’s length of service in the Coast Guard. The agreement shall 
provide that the cadet agrees to the following: 
‘‘(1) That the cadet will complete the course of instruction 
at the Coast Guard Academy. 
‘‘(2) That upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy 
the cadet— 
‘‘(A) will accept an appointment, if tendered, as a 
commissioned officer of the Coast Guard; and 
‘‘(B) will serve on active duty for at least five years 
immediately after such appointment. 
‘‘(3) That if an appointment described in paragraph (2) 
is not tendered or if the cadet is permitted to resign as a 
regular officer before the completion of the commissioned 
service obligation of the cadet, the cadet— 
‘‘(A) will accept an appointment as a commissioned 
officer in the Coast Guard Reserve; and 
‘‘(B) will remain in that reserve component until 
completion of the commissioned service obligation of the 
cadet. 
‘‘(b)(1) The Secretary may transfer to the Coast Guard Reserve, 
and may order to active duty for such period of time as the Secretary 
prescribes (but not to exceed four years), a cadet who breaches 
an agreement under subsection (a). The period of time for which 
a cadet is ordered to active duty under this paragraph may be 
determined without regard to section 651(a) of title 10. 
‘‘(2) A cadet who is transferred to the Coast Guard Reserve 
under paragraph (1) shall be transferred in an appropriate enlisted 
grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1), a cadet shall be consid-
ered to have breached an agreement under subsection (a) if the 
cadet is separated from the Coast Guard Academy under cir-
cumstances which the Secretary determines constitute a breach 
by the cadet of the cadet’s agreement to complete the course of 
instruction at the Coast Guard Academy and accept an appointment 
as a commissioned officer upon graduation from the Coast Guard 
Academy. 
‘‘(c) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this 
section. Those regulations shall include— 
14 USC 1925. 
14 USC 1924. 
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132 STAT. 4215 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(1) standards for determining what constitutes, for the 
purpose of subsection (b), a breach of an agreement under 
subsection (a); 
‘‘(2) procedures for determining whether such a breach 
has occurred; and 
‘‘(3) standards for determining the period of time for which 
a person may be ordered to serve on active duty under sub-
section (b). 
‘‘(d) In this section, ‘commissioned service obligation’, with 
respect to an officer who is a graduate of the Academy, means 
the period beginning on the date of the officer’s appointment as 
a commissioned officer and ending on the sixth anniversary of 
such appointment or, at the discretion of the Secretary, any later 
date up to the eighth anniversary of such appointment. 
‘‘(e)(1) This section does not apply to a cadet who is not a 
citizen or national of the United States. 
‘‘(2) In the case of a cadet who is a minor and who has parents 
or a guardian, the cadet may sign the agreement required by 
subsection (a) only with the consent of the parent or guardian. 
‘‘(f) A cadet or former cadet who does not fulfill the terms 
of the obligation to serve as specified under section (a), or the 
alternative obligation imposed under subsection (b), shall be subject 
to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of title 37.’’; and 
(D) by inserting before section 1941 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—FACULTY’’. 
(2) CONFORMING REPEAL.—Section 182 of title 14, United 
States Code, is repealed. 
SEC. 111. PART II. 
Part II of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
the part designation, the part heading, and the table of chapters 
at the beginning. 
SEC. 112. CHAPTER 21. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 21 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 21—PERSONNEL; OFFICERS 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTION 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2101. Original appointment of permanent commissioned officers. 
‘‘2102. Active duty promotion list. 
‘‘2103. Number and distribution of commissioned officers on active duty promotion 
list. 
‘‘2104. Appointment of temporary officers. 
‘‘2105. Rank of warrant officers. 
‘‘2106. Selection boards; convening of boards. 
‘‘2107. Selection boards; composition of boards. 
‘‘2108. Selection boards; notice of convening; communication with board. 
‘‘2109. Selection boards; oath of members. 
‘‘2110. Number of officers to be selected for promotion. 
‘‘2111. Promotion zones. 
‘‘2112. Promotion year; defined. 
‘‘2113. Eligibility of officers for consideration for promotion. 
‘‘2114. United States Deputy Marshals in Alaska. 
14 USC 
prec. 2101. 
14 USC 
prec. 701. 
14 USC 
prec. 701. 
14 USC 
prec. 1941. 
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132 STAT. 4216 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘2115. Selection boards; information to be furnished boards. 
‘‘2116. Officers to be recommended for promotion. 
‘‘2117. Selection boards; reports. 
‘‘2118. Selection boards; submission of reports. 
‘‘2119. Failure of selection for promotion. 
‘‘2120. Special selection boards; correction of errors. 
‘‘2121. Promotions; appointments. 
‘‘2122. Removal of officer from list of selectees for promotion. 
‘‘2123. Promotions; acceptance; oath of office. 
‘‘2124. Promotions; pay and allowances. 
‘‘2125. Wartime temporary service promotions. 
‘‘2126. Promotion of officers not included on active duty promotion list. 
‘‘2127. Recall to active duty during war or national emergency. 
‘‘2128. Recall to active duty with consent of officer. 
‘‘2129. Aviation cadets; appointment as Reserve officers. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—DISCHARGES; RETIREMENTS; REVOCATION OF COMMISSIONS; 
SEPARATION FOR CAUSE 
‘‘2141. Revocation of commissions during first five years of commissioned service. 
‘‘2142. Regular lieutenants (junior grade); separation for failure of selection for pro-
motion. 
‘‘2143. Regular lieutenants; separation for failure of selection for promotion; continu-
ation. 
‘‘2144. Regular Coast Guard; officers serving under temporary appointments. 
‘‘2145. Regular lieutenant commanders and commanders; retirement for failure of 
selection for promotion. 
‘‘2146. Discharge in lieu of retirement; separation pay. 
‘‘2147. Regular warrant officers: separation pay. 
‘‘2148. Separation for failure of selection for promotion or continuation; time of. 
‘‘2149. Regular captains; retirement. 
‘‘2150. Captains; continuation on active duty; involuntary retirement. 
‘‘2151. Rear admirals and rear admirals (lower half); continuation on active duty; 
involuntary retirement. 
‘‘2152. Voluntary retirement after twenty years’ service. 
‘‘2153. Voluntary retirement after thirty years’ service. 
‘‘2154. Compulsory retirement. 
‘‘2155. Retirement for physical disability after selection for promotion; grade in 
which retired. 
‘‘2156. Deferment of retirement or separation for medical reasons. 
‘‘2157. Flag officers. 
‘‘2158. Review of records of officers. 
‘‘2159. Boards of inquiry. 
‘‘2160. Boards of review. 
‘‘2161. Composition of boards. 
‘‘2162. Rights and procedures. 
‘‘2163. Removal of officer from active duty; action by Secretary. 
‘‘2164. Officers considered for removal; retirement or discharge; separation benefits. 
‘‘2165. Relief of retired officer promoted while on active duty. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
‘‘2181. Physical fitness of officers. 
‘‘2182. Multirater assessment of certain personnel.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
21 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
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132 STAT. 4217 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
211 
Original appointment of permanent 
commissioned officers 
2101 
41a 
Active duty promotion list 
2102 
42 
Number and distribution of commis-
sioned officers on active duty pro-
motion list 
2103 
214 
Appointment of temporary officers 
2104 
215 
Rank of warrant officers 
2105 
251 
Selection boards; convening of 
boards 
2106 
252 
Selection boards; composition of 
boards 
2107 
253 
Selection boards; notice of con-
vening; communication with board 
2108 
254 
Selection boards; oath of members 
2109 
255 
Number of officers to be selected for 
promotion 
2110 
256 
Promotion zones 
2111 
256a 
Promotion year; defined 
2112 
257 
Eligibility of officers for consider-
ation for promotion 
2113 
258 
Selection boards; information to be 
furnished boards 
2115 
259 
Officers to be recommended for pro-
motion 
2116 
260 
Selection boards; reports 
2117 
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132 STAT. 4218 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
261 
Selection boards; submission of re-
ports 
2118 
262 
Failure of selection for promotion 
2119 
263 
Special selection boards; correction 
of errors 
2120 
271 
Promotions; appointments 
2121 
272 
Removal of officer from list of select-
ees for promotion 
2122 
273 
Promotions; acceptance; oath of of-
fice 
2123 
274 
Promotions; pay and allowances 
2124 
275 
Wartime temporary service pro-
motions 
2125 
276 
Promotion of officers not included on 
active duty promotion list 
2126 
331 
Recall to active duty during war or 
national emergency 
2127 
332 
Recall to active duty with consent of 
officer 
2128 
373 
Aviation cadets; appointment as Re-
serve officers 
2129 
281 
Revocation of commissions during 
first five years of commissioned 
service 
2141 
282 
Regular lieutenants (junior grade); 
separation for failure of selection for 
promotion 
2142 
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132 STAT. 4219 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
283 
Regular lieutenants; separation for 
failure of selection for promotion; 
continuation 
2143 
284 
Regular Coast Guard; officers serv-
ing under temporary appointments 
2144 
285 
Regular lieutenant commanders and 
commanders; retirement for failure 
of selection for promotion 
2145 
286 
Discharge in lieu of retirement; sep-
aration pay 
2146 
286a 
Regular warrant officers: separation 
pay 
2147 
287 
Separation for failure of selection for 
promotion or continuation; time of 
2148 
288 
Regular captains; retirement 
2149 
289 
Captains; continuation on active 
duty; involuntary retirement 
2150 
290 
Rear admirals and rear admirals 
(lower half); continuation on active 
duty; involuntary retirement 
2151 
291 
Voluntary retirement after twenty 
years’ service 
2152 
292 
Voluntary retirement after thirty 
years’ service 
2153 
293 
Compulsory retirement 
2154 
294 
Retirement for physical disability 
after selection for promotion; grade 
in which retired 
2155 
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132 STAT. 4220 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
295 
Deferment of retirement or separa-
tion for medical reasons 
2156 
296 
Flag officers 
2157 
321 
Review of records of officers 
2158 
322 
Boards of inquiry 
2159 
323 
Boards of review 
2160 
324 
Composition of boards 
2161 
325 
Rights and procedures 
2162 
326 
Removal of officer from active duty; 
action by Secretary 
2163 
327 
Officers considered for removal; re-
tirement or discharge; separation 
benefits 
2164 
333 
Relief of retired officer promoted 
while on active duty 
2165 
335 
Physical fitness of officers 
2181 
429 
Multirater assessment of certain 
personnel 
2182 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 21 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by striking all subchapter designations and headings 
in such chapter, except for the subchapter designations and 
headings added by this subsection; 
(2) by inserting before section 2101 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTION’’; 
(3) by inserting before section 2115 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
14 USC 
prec. 2101. 
14 USC 
prec. 701, 
prec. 720. 
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132 STAT. 4221 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘§ 2114. United States Deputy Marshals in Alaska 
‘‘Commissioned officers may be appointed as United States 
Deputy Marshals in Alaska.’’; 
(4) by inserting before section 2141 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—DISCHARGES; RETIREMENTS; 
REVOCATION OF COMMISSIONS; SEPARATION FOR CAUSE’’; 
and 
(5) by inserting before section 2181 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—GENERAL PROVISIONS’’. 
SEC. 113. CHAPTER 23. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 23 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 23—PERSONNEL; ENLISTED 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2301. Recruiting campaigns. 
‘‘2302. Enlistments; term, grade. 
‘‘2303. Promotion. 
‘‘2304. Compulsory retirement at age of sixty-two. 
‘‘2305. Voluntary retirement after thirty years’ service. 
‘‘2306. Voluntary retirement after twenty years’ service. 
‘‘2307. Retirement of enlisted members: increase in retired pay. 
‘‘2308. Recall to active duty during war or national emergency. 
‘‘2309. Recall to active duty with consent of member. 
‘‘2310. Relief of retired enlisted member promoted while on active duty. 
‘‘2311. Retirement in cases where higher grade or rating has been held. 
‘‘2312. Extension of enlistments. 
‘‘2313. Retention beyond term of enlistment in case of disability. 
‘‘2314. Detention beyond term of enlistment. 
‘‘2315. Inclusion of certain conditions in enlistment contract. 
‘‘2316. Discharge within three months before expiration of enlistment. 
‘‘2317. Aviation cadets; procurement; transfer. 
‘‘2318. Aviation cadets; benefits. 
‘‘2319. Critical skill training bonus.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
23 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
14 USC 
prec. 2301. 
14 USC 
prec. 821. 
14 USC 
prec. 2181. 
14 USC 
prec. 2141. 
14 USC 2114. 
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132 STAT. 4222 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
350 
Recruiting campaigns 
2301 
351 
Enlistments; term, grade 
2302 
352 
Promotion 
2303 
353 
Compulsory retirement at age of 
sixty-two 
2304 
354 
Voluntary retirement after thirty 
years’ service 
2305 
355 
Voluntary retirement after twenty 
years’ service 
2306 
357 
Retirement of enlisted members: in-
crease in retired pay 
2307 
359 
Recall to active duty during war or 
national emergency 
2308 
360 
Recall to active duty with consent of 
member 
2309 
361 
Relief of retired enlisted member 
promoted while on active duty 
2310 
362 
Retirement in cases where higher 
grade or rating has been held 
2311 
365 
Extension of enlistments 
2312 
366 
Retention beyond term of enlistment 
in case of disability 
2313 
367 
Detention beyond term of enlistment 
2314 
369 
Inclusion of certain conditions in en-
listment contract 
2315 
370 
Discharge within three months be-
fore expiration of enlistment 
2316 
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132 STAT. 4223 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
371 
Aviation cadets; procurement; trans-
fer 
2317 
372 
Aviation cadets; benefits 
2318 
374 
Critical skill training bonus 
2319 
SEC. 114. CHAPTER 25. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 25 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 25—PERSONNEL; GENERAL PROVISIONS 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2501. Grade on retirement. 
‘‘2502. Retirement. 
‘‘2503. Status of recalled personnel. 
‘‘2504. Computation of retired pay. 
‘‘2505. Limitations on retirement and retired pay. 
‘‘2506. Suspension of payment of retired pay of members who are absent from the 
United States to avoid prosecution. 
‘‘2507. Board for Correction of Military Records deadline. 
‘‘2508. Emergency leave retention authority. 
‘‘2509. Prohibition of certain involuntary administrative separations. 
‘‘2510. Sea service letters. 
‘‘2511. Investigations of flag officers and Senior Executive Service employees. 
‘‘2512. Leave policies for the Coast Guard. 
‘‘2513. Computation of length of service. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE 
‘‘2531. Personnel of former Lighthouse Service.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
25 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
14 USC 
prec. 2501. 
14 USC 
prec. 891. 
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132 STAT. 4224 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
334 
Grade on retirement 
2501 
421 
Retirement 
2502 
422 
Status of recalled personnel 
2503 
423 
Computation of retired pay 
2504 
424 
Limitations on retirement and re-
tired pay 
2505 
424a 
Suspension of payment of retired 
pay of members who are absent 
from the United States to avoid 
prosecution 
2506 
425 
Board for Correction of Military 
Records deadline 
2507 
426 
Emergency leave retention authority 
2508 
427 
Prohibition of certain involuntary 
administrative separations 
2509 
428 
Sea service letters 
2510 
430 
Investigations of flag officers and 
Senior Executive Service employees 
2511 
431 
Leave policies for the Coast Guard 
2512 
467 
Computation of length of service 
2513 
432 
Personnel of former Lighthouse 
Service 
2531 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 25 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by inserting before section 2501 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS’’; 
and 
14 USC 
prec. 2501. 
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132 STAT. 4225 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(2) by inserting before section 2531 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE’’. 
SEC. 115. PART III. 
Part III of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
the part designation, the part heading, and the table of chapters 
at the beginning. 
SEC. 116. CHAPTER 27. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 27 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 27—PAY, ALLOWANCES, AWARDS, AND 
OTHER RIGHTS AND BENEFITS 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—PERSONNEL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2701. Procurement of personnel. 
‘‘2702. Training. 
‘‘2703. Contingent expenses. 
‘‘2704. Equipment to prevent accidents. 
‘‘2705. Clothing at time of discharge for good of service. 
‘‘2706. Right to wear uniform. 
‘‘2707. Protection of uniform. 
‘‘2708. Clothing for officers and enlisted personnel. 
‘‘2709. Procurement and sale of stores to members and civilian employees. 
‘‘2710. Disposition of effects of decedents. 
‘‘2711. Deserters; payment of expenses incident to apprehension and delivery; pen-
alties. 
‘‘2712. Payment for the apprehension of stragglers. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—AWARDS 
‘‘2731. Delegation of powers to make awards; rules and regulations. 
‘‘2732. Medal of honor. 
‘‘2733. Medal of honor: duplicate medal. 
‘‘2734. Medal of honor: presentation of Medal of Honor Flag. 
‘‘2735. Coast Guard cross. 
‘‘2736. Distinguished service medal. 
‘‘2737. Silver star medal. 
‘‘2738. Distinguished flying cross. 
‘‘2739. Coast Guard medal. 
‘‘2740. Insignia for additional awards. 
‘‘2741. Time limit on award; report concerning deed. 
‘‘2742. Honorable subsequent service as condition to award. 
‘‘2743. Posthumous awards. 
‘‘2744. Life-saving medals. 
‘‘2745. Replacement of medals. 
‘‘2746. Award of other medals. 
‘‘2747. Awards and insignia for excellence in service or conduct. 
‘‘2748. Presentation of United States flag upon retirement. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—PAYMENTS 
‘‘2761. Persons discharged as result of court-martial; allowances to. 
‘‘2762. Shore patrol duty; payment of expenses. 
‘‘2763. Compensatory absence from duty for military personnel at isolated duty sta-
tions. 
‘‘2764. Monetary allowance for transportation of household effects. 
‘‘2765. Retroactive payment of pay and allowances delayed by administrative error 
or oversight. 
‘‘2766. Travel card management. 
‘‘2767. Reimbursement for medical-related travel expenses for certain persons resid-
ing on islands in the continental United States. 
14 USC 
prec. 2701. 
14 USC 
prec. 2701. 
14 USC 
prec. 2701. 
14 USC 
prec. 2531. 
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132 STAT. 4226 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘2768. Annual audit of pay and allowances of members undergoing permanent 
change of station. 
‘‘2769. Remission of indebtedness. 
‘‘2770. Special instruction at universities. 
‘‘2771. Attendance at professional meetings. 
‘‘2772. Education loan repayment program. 
‘‘2773. Rations or commutation therefor in money. 
‘‘2774. Sales of ration supplies to messes. 
‘‘2775. Flight rations. 
‘‘2776. Payments at time of discharge for good of service. 
‘‘2777. Clothing for destitute shipwrecked persons. 
‘‘2778. Advancement of public funds to personnel. 
‘‘2779. Transportation to and from certain places of employment.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
27 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
468 
Procurement of personnel 
2701 
469 
Training 
2702 
476 
Contingent expenses 
2703 
477 
Equipment to prevent accidents 
2704 
482 
Clothing at time of discharge for 
good of service 
2705 
483 
Right to wear uniform 
2706 
484 
Protection of uniform 
2707 
485 
Clothing for officers and enlisted 
personnel 
2708 
487 
Procurement and sale of stores to 
members and civilian employees 
2709 
507 
Disposition of effects of decedents 
2710 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
508 
Deserters; payment of expenses inci-
dent to apprehension and delivery; 
penalties 
2711 
644 
Payment for the apprehension of 
stragglers 
2712 
499 
Delegation of powers to make 
awards; rules and regulations 
2731 
491 
Medal of honor 
2732 
504 
Medal of honor: duplicate medal 
2733 
505 
Medal of honor: presentation of 
Medal of Honor Flag 
2734 
491a 
Coast Guard cross 
2735 
492 
Distinguished service medal 
2736 
492a 
Silver star medal 
2737 
492b 
Distinguished flying cross 
2738 
493 
Coast Guard medal 
2739 
494 
Insignia for additional awards 
2740 
496 
Time limit on award; report con-
cerning deed 
2741 
497 
Honorable subsequent service as 
condition to award 
2742 
498 
Posthumous awards 
2743 
500 
Life-saving medals 
2744 
501 
Replacement of medals 
2745 
502 
Award of other medals 
2746 
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132 STAT. 4228 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
503 
Awards and insignia for excellence 
in service or conduct 
2747 
516 
Presentation of United States flag 
upon retirement 
2748 
509 
Persons discharged as result of 
court-martial; allowances to 
2761 
510 
Shore patrol duty; payment of ex-
penses 
2762 
511 
Compensatory absence from duty for 
military personnel at isolated duty 
stations 
2763 
512 
Monetary allowance for transpor-
tation of household effects 
2764 
513 
Retroactive payment of pay and al-
lowances delayed by administrative 
error or oversight 
2765 
517 
Travel card management 
2766 
518 
Reimbursement for medical-related 
travel expenses for certain persons 
residing on islands in the conti-
nental United States 
2767 
519 
Annual audit of pay and allowances 
of members undergoing permanent 
change of station 
2768 
461 
Remission of indebtedness 
2769 
470 
Special instruction at universities 
2770 
471 
Attendance at professional meetings 
2771 
472 
Education loan repayment program 
2772 
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132 STAT. 4229 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
478 
Rations or commutation therefor in 
money 
2773 
479 
Sales of ration supplies to messes 
2774 
480 
Flight rations 
2775 
481 
Payments at time of discharge for 
good of service 
2776 
486 
Clothing for destitute shipwrecked 
persons 
2777 
488 
Advancement of public funds to per-
sonnel 
2778 
660 
Transportation to and from certain 
places of employment 
2779 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 27 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by inserting before section 2701 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—PERSONNEL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS’’; 
(2) by inserting before section 2731 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—AWARDS’’; 
and 
(3) by inserting before section 2761 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—PAYMENTS’’. 
SEC. 117. CHAPTER 29. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Chapter 29 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the chapter designation, the chapter 
heading, and the table of sections at the beginning and inserting 
the following: 
14 USC 
prec. 2901. 
14 USC 
prec. 2761. 
14 USC 
prec. 2731. 
14 USC 
prec. 2701. 
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132 STAT. 4230 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘CHAPTER 29—COAST GUARD FAMILY SUPPORT, CHILD 
CARE, AND HOUSING 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—COAST GUARD FAMILIES 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2901. Work-life policies and programs. 
‘‘2902. Surveys of Coast Guard families. 
‘‘2903. Reimbursement for adoption expenses. 
‘‘2904. Education and training opportunities for Coast Guard spouses. 
‘‘2905. Youth sponsorship initiatives. 
‘‘2906. Dependent school children. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—COAST GUARD CHILD CARE 
‘‘2921. Definitions. 
‘‘2922. Child development services. 
‘‘2923. Child development center standards and inspections. 
‘‘2924. Child development center employees. 
‘‘2925. Parent partnerships with child development centers. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—HOUSING 
‘‘2941. Definitions. 
‘‘2942. General authority. 
‘‘2943. Leasing and hiring of quarters; rental of inadequate housing. 
‘‘2944. Retired service members and dependents serving on advisory committees. 
‘‘2945. Conveyance of real property. 
‘‘2946. Coast Guard Housing Fund. 
‘‘2947. Reports.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
29 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
531 
Work-life policies and programs 
2901 
532 
Surveys of Coast Guard families 
2902 
541 
Reimbursement for adoption ex-
penses 
2903 
542 
Education and training opportuni-
ties for Coast Guard spouses 
2904 
543 
Youth sponsorship initiatives 
2905 
14 USC 
prec. 2901. 
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132 STAT. 4231 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
544 
Dependent school children 
2906 
551 
Definitions 
2921 
552 
Child development services 
2922 
553 
Child development center standards 
and inspections 
2923 
554 
Child development center employees 
2924 
555 
Parent partnerships with child de-
velopment centers 
2925 
680 
Definitions 
2941 
681 
General authority 
2942 
475 
Leasing and hiring of quarters; rent-
al of inadequate housing 
2943 
680 
Retired service members and de-
pendents serving on advisory com-
mittees 
2944 
685 
Conveyance of real property 
2945 
687 
Coast Guard Housing Fund 
2946 
688 
Reports 
2947 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 29 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by inserting before section 2901 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—COAST GUARD FAMILIES’’; 
(2) by inserting before section 2921 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—COAST GUARD CHILD CARE’’; 
and 
14 USC 
prec. 2921. 
14 USC 
prec. 2901. 
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132 STAT. 4232 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(3) by inserting before section 2941 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—HOUSING’’. 
SEC. 118. SUBTITLE III AND CHAPTER 37. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Title 14, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding after chapter 29 (as amended by section 117) 
the following: 
‘‘Subtitle III—Coast Guard Reserve and 
Auxiliary 
‘‘Chap.
Sec. 
‘‘37. Coast Guard Reserve ................................................................................
3701 
‘‘39. Coast Guard Auxiliary ..............................................................................
3901 
‘‘41. General Provisions for Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary .........
4101 
‘‘CHAPTER 1—COAST GUARD RESERVE 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—ADMINISTRATION 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘3701. Organization. 
‘‘3702. Authorized strength. 
‘‘3703. Coast Guard Reserve Boards. 
‘‘3704. Grades and ratings; military authority. 
‘‘3705. Benefits. 
‘‘3706. Temporary members of the Reserve; eligibility and compensation. 
‘‘3707. Temporary members of the Reserve; disability or death benefits. 
‘‘3708. Temporary members of the Reserve; certificate of honorable service. 
‘‘3709. Reserve student aviation pilots; Reserve aviation pilots; appointments in 
commissioned grade. 
‘‘3710. Reserve student pre-commissioning assistance program. 
‘‘3711. Appointment or wartime promotion; retention of grade upon release from ac-
tive duty. 
‘‘3712. Exclusiveness of service. 
‘‘3713. Active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces. 
‘‘3714. Enlistment of members engaged in schooling. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—PERSONNEL 
‘‘3731. Definitions. 
‘‘3732. Applicability of this subchapter. 
‘‘3733. Suspension of this subchapter in time of war or national emergency. 
‘‘3734. Effect of this subchapter on retirement and retired pay. 
‘‘3735. Authorized number of officers. 
‘‘3736. Precedence. 
‘‘3737. Running mates. 
‘‘3738. Constructive credit upon initial appointment. 
‘‘3739. Promotion of Reserve officers on active duty. 
‘‘3740. Promotion; recommendations of selection boards. 
‘‘3741. Selection boards; appointment. 
‘‘3742. Establishment of promotion zones under running mate system. 
‘‘3743. Eligibility for promotion. 
‘‘3744. Recommendation for promotion of an officer previously removed from an ac-
tive status. 
‘‘3745. Qualifications for promotion. 
‘‘3746. Promotion; acceptance; oath of office. 
‘‘3747. Date of rank upon promotion; entitlement to pay. 
‘‘3748. Type of promotion; temporary. 
‘‘3749. Effect of removal by the President or failure of consent of the Senate. 
‘‘3750. Failure of selection for promotion. 
‘‘3751. Failure of selection and removal from an active status. 
‘‘3752. Retention boards; removal from an active status to provide a flow of pro-
motion. 
14 USC 
prec. 3701. 
14 USC 
prec. 3701. 
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132 STAT. 4233 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘3753. Maximum ages for retention in an active status. 
‘‘3754. Rear admiral and rear admiral (lower half); maximum service in grade. 
‘‘3755. Appointment of a former Navy or Coast Guard officer. 
‘‘3756. Grade on entry upon active duty. 
‘‘3757. Recall of a retired officer; grade upon release.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
37 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
701 
Organization 
3701 
702 
Authorized strength 
3702 
703 
Coast Guard Reserve Boards 
3703 
704 
Grades and ratings; military author-
ity 
3704 
705 
Benefits 
3705 
706 
Temporary members of the Reserve; 
eligibility and compensation 
3706 
707 
Temporary members of the Reserve; 
disability or death benefits 
3707 
708 
Temporary members of the Reserve; 
certificate of honorable service 
3708 
709 
Reserve student aviation pilots; Re-
serve aviation pilots; appointments 
in commissioned grade 
3709 
709a 
Reserve student pre-commissioning 
assistance program 
3710 
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132 STAT. 4234 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
710 
Appointment or wartime promotion; 
retention of grade upon release from 
active duty 
3711 
711 
Exclusiveness of service 
3712 
712 
Active duty for emergency aug-
mentation of regular forces 
3713 
713 
Enlistment of members engaged in 
schooling 
3714 
720 
Definitions 
3731 
721 
Applicability of this subchapter 
3732 
722 
Suspension of this subchapter in 
time of war or national emergency 
3733 
723 
Effect of this subchapter on retire-
ment and retired pay 
3734 
724 
Authorized number of officers 
3735 
725 
Precedence 
3736 
726 
Running mates 
3737 
727 
Constructive credit upon initial ap-
pointment 
3738 
728 
Promotion of Reserve officers on ac-
tive duty 
3739 
729 
Promotion; recommendations of se-
lection boards 
3740 
730 
Selection boards; appointment 
3741 
731 
Establishment of promotion zones 
under running mate system 
3742 
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132 STAT. 4235 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
732 
Eligibility for promotion 
3743 
733 Recommendation for promotion of an 
officer previously removed from an 
active status 
3744 
734 
Qualifications for promotion 
3745 
735 
Promotion; acceptance; oath of office 
3746 
736 
Date of rank upon promotion; enti-
tlement to pay 
3747 
737 
Type of promotion; temporary 
3748 
738 Effect of removal by the President or 
failure of consent of the Senate 
3749 
739 
Failure of selection for promotion 
3750 
740 
Failure of selection and removal 
from an active status 
3751 
741 
Retention boards; removal from an 
active status to provide a flow of 
promotion 
3752 
742 
Maximum ages for retention in an 
active status 
3753 
743 
Rear admiral and rear admiral 
(lower half); maximum service in 
grade 
3754 
744 
Appointment of a former Navy or 
Coast Guard officer 
3755 
745 
Grade on entry upon active duty 
3756 
746 
Recall of a retired officer; grade 
upon release 
3757 
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132 STAT. 4236 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(c) ADDITIONAL CHANGES.—Chapter 37 of title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(1) by inserting before section 3701 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—ADMINISTRATION’’; 
and 
(2) by inserting before section 3731 (as so redesignated 
and transferred under subsection (b)) the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—PERSONNEL’’. 
SEC. 119. CHAPTER 39. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Title 14, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding after chapter 37 (as added by section 118) 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 39—COAST GUARD AUXILIARY 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘3901. Administration of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 
‘‘3902. Purpose of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 
‘‘3903. Eligibility; enrollments. 
‘‘3904. Members of the Auxiliary; status. 
‘‘3905. Disenrollment. 
‘‘3906. Membership in other organizations. 
‘‘3907. Use of member’s facilities. 
‘‘3908. Vessel deemed public vessel. 
‘‘3909. Aircraft deemed public aircraft. 
‘‘3910. Radio station deemed government station. 
‘‘3911. Availability of appropriations. 
‘‘3912. Assignment and performance of duties. 
‘‘3913. Injury or death in line of duty.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
39 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
821 
Administration of the Coast Guard 
Auxiliary 
3901 
822 
Purpose of the Coast Guard Auxil-
iary 
3902 
14 USC 
prec. 3901. 
14 USC 
prec. 3731. 
14 USC 
prec. 3701. 
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132 STAT. 4237 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
823 
Eligibility; enrollments 
3903 
823a 
Members of the Auxiliary; status 
3904 
824 
Disenrollment 
3905 
825 
Membership in other organizations 
3906 
826 
Use of member’s facilities 
3907 
827 
Vessel deemed public vessel 
3908 
828 
Aircraft deemed public aircraft 
3909 
829 
Radio station deemed government 
station 
3910 
830 
Availability of appropriations 
3911 
831 
Assignment and performance of du-
ties 
3912 
832 
Injury or death in line of duty 
3913 
SEC. 120. CHAPTER 41. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Title 14, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding after chapter 39 (as added by section 119) 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 41—GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR COAST 
GUARD RESERVE AND AUXILIARY 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘4101. Flags; pennants; uniforms and insignia. 
‘‘4102. Penalty. 
‘‘4103. Limitation on rights of members of the Auxiliary and temporary members of 
the Reserve. 
‘‘4104. Availability of facilities and appropriations.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
14 USC 
prec. 4101. 
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132 STAT. 4238 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
41 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
891 
Flags; pennants; uniforms and insig-
nia 
4101 
892 
Penalty 
4102 
893 
Limitation on rights of members of 
the Auxiliary and temporary mem-
bers of the Reserve 
4103 
894 
Availability of facilities and appro-
priations 
4104 
SEC. 121. SUBTITLE IV AND CHAPTER 49. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Title 14, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding after chapter 41 (as added by section 120) 
the following: 
‘‘Subtitle IV—Coast Guard Authorizations 
and Reports to Congress 
‘‘Chap.
Sec. 
‘‘49. Authorizations ............................................................................................
4901 
‘‘51. Reports .........................................................................................................
5101 
‘‘CHAPTER 49—AUTHORIZATIONS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘4901. Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations. 
‘‘4902. Authorization of appropriations. 
‘‘4903. Authorization of personnel end strengths. 
‘‘4904. Authorized levels of military strength and training.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
49 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
14 USC 
prec. 4901. 
14 USC 
prec. 4901. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
2701 
Requirement for prior authorization 
of appropriations 
4901 
2702 
Authorization of appropriations 
4902 
2703 
Authorization of personnel end 
strengths 
4903 
2704 
Authorized levels of military 
strength and training 
4904 
SEC. 122. CHAPTER 51. 
(a) INITIAL MATTER.—Title 14, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding after chapter 49 (as added by section 121) 
the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 51—REPORTS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘5101. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request. 
‘‘5102. Capital investment plan. 
‘‘5103. Major acquisitions. 
‘‘5104. Manpower requirements plan. 
‘‘5105. Inventory of real property. 
‘‘5106. Annual performance report. 
‘‘5107. Major acquisition risk assessment.’’. 
(b) REDESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—The sections of title 14, United States 
Code, identified in the table provided in paragraph (2) are 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating the sections as described in the 
table; and 
(B) by transferring the sections, as necessary, so that 
the sections appear after the table of sections for chapter 
51 of such title (as added by subsection (a)), in the order 
in which the sections are presented in the table. 
(2) TABLE.—The table referred to in paragraph (1) is the 
following: 
14 USC 
prec. 5101. 
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132 STAT. 4240 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Title 14 
section 
number be-
fore redes-
ignation 
Section heading (provided for identi-
fication purposes only-not amended) 
Title 14 
section 
number 
after redes-
ignation 
2901 Transmission of annual Coast Guard 
authorization request 
5101 
2902 
Capital investment plan 
5102 
2903 
Major acquisitions 
5103 
2904 
Manpower requirements plan 
5104 
679 
Inventory of real property 
5105 
2905 
Annual performance report 
5106 
2906 
Major acquisition risk assessment 
5107 
SEC. 123. REFERENCES. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following definitions 
apply: 
(1) REDESIGNATED SECTION.—The term ‘‘redesignated sec-
tion’’ means a section of title 14, United States Code, that 
is redesignated by this title, as that section is so redesignated. 
(2) SOURCE
SECTION.—The term ‘‘source section’’ means 
a section of title 14, United States Code, that is redesignated 
by this title, as that section was in effect before the redesigna-
tion. 
(b) REFERENCE TO SOURCE SECTION.— 
(1) TREATMENT OF REFERENCE.—A reference to a source 
section, including a reference in a regulation, order, or other 
law, is deemed to refer to the corresponding redesignated sec-
tion. 
(2) TITLE 14.—In title 14, United States Code, each ref-
erence in the text of such title to a source section is amended 
by striking such reference and inserting a reference to the 
appropriate, as determined using the tables located in this 
title, redesignated section. 
(c) OTHER CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) REFERENCE TO SECTION 182.—Section 1923(c) of title 
14, United States Code, as so redesignated by this title, is 
further amended by striking ‘‘section 182’’ and inserting ‘‘section 
1922’’. 
(2) REFERENCES TO CHAPTER 11.—Title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(A) in section 2146(d), as so redesignated by this title, 
by striking ‘‘chapter 11 of this title’’ and inserting ‘‘this 
chapter’’; and 
49 USC 303–305, 
308, 313, 317, 
504, 528, 543, 
717, 908, 1106, 
1107, 1110, 1133, 
1171, 1904, 1945, 
2107–2110, 2113, 
2115–2125, 
2142–2146, 
2148–2151, 
2159–2164, 2307, 
2311, 2315, 2734, 
2922, 2945, 2946, 
3711, 3731, 3734, 
3735, 3737, 3740, 
3742, 3743, 3747, 
3749, 3752, 3901, 
3902, 3908, 3909, 
3911, 5101, 5103, 
5104, 5107. 
14 USC 101 note. 
14 USC 101 note. 
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132 STAT. 4241 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(B) in section 3739, as so redesignated by this title, 
by striking ‘‘chapter 11’’ each place that it appears and 
inserting ‘‘chapter 21’’. 
(3) REFERENCE TO CHAPTER 13.—Section 3705(b) of title 
14, United States Code, as so redesignated by this title, is 
further amended by striking ‘‘chapter 13’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter 
27’’. 
(4) REFERENCE TO CHAPTER 15.—Section 308(b)(3) of title 
14, United States Code, as so redesignated by this title, is 
further amended by striking ‘‘chapter 15’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter 
11’’. 
(5) REFERENCES TO CHAPTER 19.—Title 14, United States 
Code, is further amended— 
(A) in section 4901(4), as so redesignated by this title, 
by striking ‘‘chapter 19’’ and inserting ‘‘section 318’’; and 
(B) in section 4902(4), as so redesignated by this title, 
by striking ‘‘chapter 19’’ and inserting ‘‘section 318’’. 
(6) REFERENCE TO CHAPTER 23.—Section 701(a) of title 14, 
United States Code, as so redesignated by this title, is further 
amended by striking ‘‘chapter 23’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter 39’’. 
SEC. 124. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. 
This title, including the amendments made by this title, is 
intended only to reorganize title 14, United States Code, and may 
not be construed to alter— 
(1) the effect of a provision of title 14, United States Code, 
including any authority or requirement therein; 
(2) a department or agency interpretation with respect 
to title 14, United States Code; or 
(3) a judicial interpretation with respect to title 14, United 
States Code. 
TITLE II—AUTHORIZATIONS 
SEC. 201. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 14, UNITED STATES CODE, AS 
AMENDED BY TITLE I OF THIS ACT. 
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title 
an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment 
to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision of title 14, United 
States Code, the reference shall be considered to be made to title 
14, United States Code, as amended by title I of this Act. 
SEC. 202. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 4902. Authorizations of appropriations 
‘‘(a) FISCAL YEAR 2018.—Funds are authorized to be appro-
priated for fiscal year 2018 for necessary expenses of the Coast 
Guard as follows: 
‘‘(1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, 
not otherwise provided for, $7,210,313,000 for fiscal year 2018. 
‘‘(2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and 
improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, 
aircraft, and systems, including equipment related thereto, and 
for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities 
and equipment, $2,694,745,000 for fiscal year 2018. 
14 USC note 
prec. 101. 
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132 STAT. 4242 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including oper-
ations and maintenance of the program, personnel and training 
costs, equipment, and services, $114,875,000 for fiscal year 
2018. 
‘‘(4) For the environmental compliance and restoration func-
tions of the Coast Guard under chapter 3 of this title, 
$13,397,000 for fiscal year 2018. 
‘‘(5) To the Commandant 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, 
$29,141,000 for fiscal year 2018. 
‘‘(b) FISCAL YEAR 2019.—Funds are authorized to be appro-
priated for fiscal year 2019 for necessary expenses of the Coast 
Guard as follows: 
‘‘(1)(A) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast 
Guard, not otherwise provided for, $7,914,195,000 for fiscal 
year 2019. 
‘‘(B) Of the amount authorized under subparagraph (A)— 
‘‘(i) $16,701,000 shall be for environmental compliance 
and restoration; and 
‘‘(ii) $199,360,000 shall be for the Coast Guard’s Medi-
care-eligible retiree health care fund contribution to the 
Department of Defense. 
‘‘(2) For the procurement, construction, renovation, and 
improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, 
aircraft, and systems, including equipment related thereto, and 
for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities 
and equipment, $2,694,745,000 for fiscal year 2019. 
‘‘(3) To the Commandant 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, 
$29,141,000 for fiscal year 2019.’’. 
(b) REPEAL.—On October 1, 2018— 
(1) section 4902(a) of title 14, United States Code, as 
amended by subsection (a), shall be repealed; and 
(2) subsection 4902(b) of title 14, United States Code, as 
amended by subsection (a), shall be amended by striking ‘‘(b) 
FISCAL YEAR 2019.—’’. 
SEC. 203. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH AND 
TRAINING. 
Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘for each of fiscal years 
2016 and 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘for fiscal year 2018 and 44,500 
for fiscal year 2019’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2016 and 
2017’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 2018 and 2019’’. 
14 USC 4902 
note. 
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132 STAT. 4243 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF AMOUNTS FOR FAST RESPONSE CUT-
TERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts authorized under section 
4902 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, 
for each of fiscal years 2018 and 2019 up to $167,500,000 is author-
ized for the acquisition of 3 Fast Response Cutters. 
(b) TREATMENT OF ACQUIRED CUTTERS.—Any cutters acquired 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall be in addition to the 58 cutters 
approved under the existing acquisition baseline. 
SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF AMOUNTS FOR SHORESIDE INFRA-
STRUCTURE. 
Of the amounts authorized under section 4902 of title 14, 
United States Code, as amended by this Act, for each of fiscal 
years 2018 and 2019 up to $167,500,000 is authorized for the 
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
to fund the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, or improvement 
of Coast Guard shoreside infrastructure and facilities necessary 
to support Coast Guard operations and readiness. 
SEC. 206. AUTHORIZATION OF AMOUNTS FOR AIRCRAFT IMPROVE-
MENTS. 
Of the amounts authorized under section 4902 of title 14, 
United States Code, as amended by this Act, for each of fiscal 
years 2018 and 2019 up to $3,500,000 is authorized for the Secretary 
of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to fund 
analysis and program development for improvements to or the 
replacement of rotary-wing aircraft. 
TITLE III—COAST GUARD 
SEC. 301. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 14, UNITED STATES CODE, AS 
AMENDED BY TITLE I OF THIS ACT. 
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title 
an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment 
to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision of title 14, United 
States Code, the reference shall be considered to be made to title 
14, United States Code, as amended by title I of this Act. 
SEC. 302. PRIMARY DUTIES. 
Section 102(7) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(7) maintain a state of readiness to assist in the defense 
of the United States, including when functioning as a special-
ized service in the Navy pursuant to section 103.’’. 
SEC. 303. NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM. 
Section 316 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘§ 316. National Coast Guard Museum 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Commandant may establish a 
National Coast Guard Museum, on lands which will be federally 
owned and administered by the Coast Guard, and are located in 
New London, Connecticut, at, or in close proximity to, the Coast 
Guard Academy. 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION ON EXPENDITURES.— 
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132 STAT. 4244 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(1) The Secretary shall not expend any funds appropriated 
to the Coast Guard on the construction of any museum estab-
lished under this section. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall fund the National Coast Guard 
Museum with nonappropriated and non-Federal funds to the 
maximum extent practicable. The priority use of Federal funds 
should be to preserve and protect historic Coast Guard artifacts, 
including the design, fabrication, and installation of exhibits 
or displays in which such artifacts are included. 
‘‘(3) The Secretary may expend funds appropriated to the 
Coast Guard on the engineering and design of a National 
Coast Guard Museum. 
‘‘(c) FUNDING PLAN.—Before the date on which the Commandant 
establishes a National Coast Guard Museum under subsection (a), 
the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
a plan for constructing, operating, and maintaining such a museum, 
including— 
‘‘(1) estimated planning, engineering, design, construction, 
operation, and maintenance costs; 
‘‘(2) the extent to which appropriated, nonappropriated, 
and non-Federal funds will be used for such purposes, including 
the extent to which there is any shortfall in funding for 
engineering, design, or construction; and 
‘‘(3) a certification by the Inspector General of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating that the estimates 
provided pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) are reasonable 
and realistic. 
‘‘(d) AUTHORITY.—The Commandant may not establish a 
National Coast Guard museum except as set forth in this section.’’. 
SEC. 304. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT. 
(a) LAND-BASED UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PROGRAM.— 
Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 319. Land-based unmanned aircraft system program 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
the Secretary shall establish a land-based unmanned aircraft 
system program under the control of the Commandant. 
‘‘(b) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘unmanned aircraft system’ has the meaning given that 
term in section 331 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act 
of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).’’. 
(b) LIMITATION ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.—Chapter 
11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
section 1155 the following: 
‘‘§ 1156. Limitation on unmanned aircraft systems 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—During any fiscal year for which funds are 
appropriated for the design or construction of an Offshore Patrol 
Cutter, the Commandant— 
‘‘(1) may not award a contract for design of an unmanned 
aircraft system for use by the Coast Guard; and 
‘‘(2) may lease, acquire, or acquire the services of an 
unmanned aircraft system only if such system— 
14 USC 1156. 
14 USC 319. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(A) has been part of a program of record of, procured 
by, or used by a Federal entity (or funds for research, 
development, test, and evaluation have been received from 
a Federal entity with regard to such system) before the 
date on which the Commandant leases, acquires, or 
acquires the services of the system; and 
‘‘(B) is leased, acquired, or utilized by the Commandant 
through an agreement with a Federal entity, unless such 
an agreement is not practicable or would be less cost- 
effective than an independent contract action by the Coast 
Guard. 
‘‘(b) SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT EXEMPTION.—Subsection (a)(2) 
does not apply to small unmanned aircraft. 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘small unmanned 
aircraft’ and ‘unmanned aircraft system’ have the meanings given 
those terms in section 331 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) CHAPTER 3.—The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘319. Land-based unmanned aircraft system program.’’. 
(2) CHAPTER 11.—The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 1155 the following: 
‘‘1156. Limitation on unmanned aircraft systems.’’. 
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Subsection (c) of section 1105 
of title 14, United States Code, is repealed. 
SEC. 305. COAST GUARD HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS; LICENSURE 
PORTABILITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 507 the following: 
‘‘§ 508. Coast Guard health-care professionals; licensure port-
ability 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law 
regarding the licensure of health-care providers, a health-care 
professional described in subsection (b) may practice the health 
profession or professions of the health-care professional at any 
location in any State, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, 
territory, or possession of the United States, regardless of where 
such health-care professional or the patient is located, if the practice 
is within the scope of the authorized Federal duties of such health- 
care professional. 
‘‘(b) 
DESCRIBED
INDIVIDUALS.—A 
health-care 
professional 
described in this subsection is an individual— 
‘‘(1) who is— 
‘‘(A) a member of the Coast Guard; 
‘‘(B) a civilian employee of the Coast Guard; 
‘‘(C) a member of the Public Health Service who is 
assigned to the Coast Guard; or 
‘‘(D) any other health-care professional credentialed 
and privileged at a Federal health-care institution or loca-
tion specially designated by the Secretary; and 
‘‘(2) who— 
14 USC 508. 
14 USC 
prec. 1101. 
14 USC 
prec. 301. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(A) has a current license to practice medicine, osteo-
pathic medicine, dentistry, or another health profession; 
and 
‘‘(B) is performing authorized duties for the Coast 
Guard. 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘license’ and 
‘health-care professional’ have the meanings given those terms in 
section 1094(e) of title 10.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 5 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 507 the following: 
‘‘508. Coast Guard health-care professionals; licensure portability.’’. 
(c) ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS.— 
(1) SYSTEM.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard is 
authorized to procure for the Coast Guard an electronic health 
record system that— 
(A) has been competitively awarded by the Department 
of Defense; and 
(B) ensures full integration with the Department of 
Defense electronic health record systems. 
(2) SUPPORT SERVICES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant is authorized to 
procure support services for the electronic health record 
system procured under paragraph (1) necessary to ensure 
full integration with the Department of Defense electronic 
health record systems. 
(B) SCOPE.—Support services procured pursuant to this 
paragraph may include services for the following: 
(i) System integration support. 
(ii) Hosting support. 
(iii) Training, testing, technical, and data migra-
tion support. 
(iv) Hardware support. 
(v) Any other support the Commandant considers 
appropriate. 
(3) 
AUTHORIZED
PROCUREMENT
ACTIONS.—The 
Com-
mandant is authorized to procure an electronic health record 
system under this subsection through the following: 
(A) A task order under the Department of Defense 
electronic health record contract. 
(B) A sole source contract award. 
(C) An agreement made pursuant to sections 1535 
and 1536 of title 31, United States Code. 
(D) A contract or other procurement vehicle otherwise 
authorized. 
(4) COMPETITION IN CONTRACTING; EXEMPTION.—Procure-
ment of an electronic health record system and support services 
pursuant to this subsection shall be exempt from the competi-
tion requirements of section 2304 of title 10, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 306. TRAINING; EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROVIDERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
14 USC 504 note. 
14 USC 
prec. 501. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘§ 718. Training; emergency response providers 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant may, on a reimbursable 
or a non-reimbursable basis, make a training available to emergency 
response providers whenever the Commandant determines that— 
‘‘(1) a member of the Coast Guard, who is scheduled to 
participate in such training, is unable or unavailable to partici-
pate 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 who 
is unable or unavailable to participate in such training is 
assigned, is able or available to participate in such training; 
and 
‘‘(3) such training, if made available to such emergency 
response providers, would further the goal of interoperability 
among Federal agencies, non-Federal governmental agencies, 
or both. 
‘‘(b) EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROVIDERS DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘emergency response providers’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 
2002 (6 U.S.C. 101). 
‘‘(c) TREATMENT OF REIMBURSEMENT.—Any reimbursements for 
a 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, 
who is not otherwise a Federal employee, shall not, because 
of that training, be considered a Federal employee for any 
purpose (including the purposes of chapter 81 of title 5 (relating 
to compensation for injury) and sections 2671 through 2680 
of title 28 (relating to tort claims)). 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION
ON
LIABILITY.—The United States shall 
not be liable for actions taken by an individual in the course 
of training made available under this section.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 7 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘718. Training; emergency response providers.’’. 
SEC. 307. INCENTIVE CONTRACTS FOR COAST GUARD YARD AND 
INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS. 
Section 939 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting before ‘‘The Secretary may’’ the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’; 
(2) in subsection (a), as so designated by paragraph (1) 
of this section, by striking the period at the end of the last 
sentence and inserting ‘‘or in accordance with subsection (b).’’; 
and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) INCENTIVE CONTRACTS.— 
‘‘(1) The parties to an order for industrial work to be 
performed by the Coast Guard Yard or a Coast Guard industrial 
establishment designated under subsection (a) may enter into 
an order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee order in accordance with 
this subsection. 
14 USC 
prec. 701. 
14 USC 718. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(2) If such parties enter into such an order or a cost- 
plus-incentive-fee order, an agreed-upon amount of any adjust-
ment described in subsection (a) may be distributed as an 
incentive to the wage-grade industrial employees who complete 
the order. 
‘‘(3) Before entering into such an order or cost-plus-incen-
tive-fee order such parties must agree that the wage-grade 
employees of the Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard industrial 
establishment will take action to improve the delivery schedule 
or technical performance agreed to in the order for industrial 
work to which such parties initially agreed. 
‘‘(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the 
industrial workforce of the Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard 
industrial establishment satisfies the performance target estab-
lished in such an order or cost-plus-incentive-fee order— 
‘‘(A) the adjustment to be made pursuant to subsection 
(a) shall be reduced by an agreed-upon amount and distrib-
uted to such wage-grade industrial employees; and 
‘‘(B) the remainder of the adjustment shall be credited 
to the appropriation for such order current at that time.’’. 
SEC. 308. CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATIVE EXPENSES. 
Section 944 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ‘‘$45,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$250,000’’. 
SEC. 309. REGULAR CAPTAINS; RETIREMENT. 
Section 2149(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘zone is’’ and inserting ‘‘zone, or from being 
placed at the top of the list of selectees promulgated by the 
Secretary under section 2121(a) of this title, is’’; and 
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘‘or 
placed at the top of the list of selectees, as applicable.’’. 
SEC. 310. CONVERSION, ALTERATION, AND REPAIR PROJECTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, 
as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after 
section 951 the following: 
‘‘§ 952. 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 consid-
erations 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) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 9 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 951 the following: 
‘‘952. Construction of Coast Guard vessels and assignment of vessel projects.’’. 
SEC. 311. CONTRACTING FOR MAJOR ACQUISITIONS PROGRAMS. 
(a) GENERAL ACQUISITION AUTHORITY.—Section 501(d) of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘aircraft, and 
systems,’’ after ‘‘vessels,’’. 
(b) CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.—Chapter 11 of title 14, United 
States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by 
inserting after section 1136 the following: 
14 USC 
prec. 901. 
14 USC 952. 
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132 STAT. 4249 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘§ 1137. Contracting for major acquisitions programs 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out authorities provided to the 
Secretary to design, construct, accept, or otherwise acquire assets 
and systems under section 501(d), the Secretary, acting through 
the Commandant or the head of an integrated program office estab-
lished for a major acquisition program, may enter into contracts 
for a major acquisition program. 
‘‘(b) AUTHORIZED METHODS.—Contracts entered into under sub-
section (a)— 
‘‘(1) may be block buy contracts; 
‘‘(2) may be incrementally funded; 
‘‘(3) may include combined purchases, also known as eco-
nomic order quantity purchases, of— 
‘‘(A) materials and components; and 
‘‘(B) long lead time materials; and 
‘‘(4) as provided in section 2306b of title 10, may be 
multiyear contracts. 
‘‘(c) SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATIONS.—Any contract entered into 
under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United 
States to make a payment under the contract is subject to the 
availability of amounts specifically provided in advance for that 
purpose in subsequent appropriations Acts.’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 11 of title 
14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended 
by inserting after the item relating to section 1136 the following: 
‘‘1137. Contracting for major acquisitions programs.’’. 
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—The following provisions are 
repealed: 
(1) Section 223 of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (14 U.S.C. 1152 note), 
and the item relating to that section in the table of contents 
in section 2 of such Act. 
(2) Section 221(a) of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2012 (14 U.S.C. 1133 note). 
(3) Section 207(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2016 (14 U.S.C. 561 note). 
(e) INTERNAL REGULATIONS AND POLICY.—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 estab-
lish the internal regulations and policies necessary to exercise the 
authorities provided under this section, including the amendments 
made in this section. 
(f) MULTIYEAR CONTRACTS.—The Secretary of the department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating 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. 312. OFFICER PROMOTION ZONES. 
Section 2111(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘six-tenths.’’ and inserting ‘‘one-half.’’. 
SEC. 313. CROSS REFERENCE. 
Section 2129(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting ‘‘designated under section 2317’’ after ‘‘cadet’’. 
14 USC 1133 
note. 
14 USC 1137 
note. 
14 USC 87. 
14 USC 573. 
14 USC 577 note. 
14 USC 
prec. 1101. 
14 USC 1137. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
SEC. 314. COMMISSIONED SERVICE RETIREMENT. 
For Coast Guard officers who retire in fiscal year 2018 or 
2019, the President may reduce the period of active commissioned 
service required under section 2152 of title 14, United States Code, 
to a period of not less than 8 years. 
SEC. 315. LEAVE FOR BIRTH OR ADOPTION OF CHILD. 
(a) POLICY.—Section 2512 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 BIRTH OR ADOPTION OF CHILD.— 
Notwithstanding subsection (a), sections 701 and 704 of title 10, 
or any other provision of law, all officers and enlisted members 
of the Coast Guard shall be authorized leave associated with the 
birth or adoption of a child during the 1-year period immediately 
following such birth or adoption and, at the discretion of the Com-
manding Officer, such officer or enlisted member shall be per-
mitted— 
‘‘(1) to take such leave in increments; and 
‘‘(2) to use flexible work schedules (pursuant to a program 
established by the Secretary in accordance with chapter 61 
of title 5).’’. 
(b) FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES.—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 ensure that a flexible 
work schedule program under chapter 61 of title 5, United States 
Code, is in place for officers and enlisted members of the Coast 
Guard. 
SEC. 316. CLOTHING AT TIME OF DISCHARGE. 
Section 2705 of title 14, United States Code, and the item 
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 27 of that 
title, are repealed. 
SEC. 317. UNFUNDED PRIORITIES LIST. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 5102 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the date on 
which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to 
section 1105 of title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a capital investment plan for the 
Coast Guard that identifies for each capital asset for which appro-
priations are proposed in that budget— 
‘‘(1) the proposed appropriations included in the budget; 
‘‘(2) the total estimated cost of completion based on the 
proposed appropriations included in the budget; 
‘‘(3) projected funding levels for each fiscal year for the 
next 5 fiscal years or until project completion, whichever is 
earlier; 
‘‘(4) an estimated completion date based on the proposed 
appropriations included in the budget; 
14 USC 
prec. 2701. 
14 USC 2512 
note. 
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132 STAT. 4251 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(5) an acquisition program baseline, as applicable; and 
‘‘(6) projected commissioning and decommissioning dates 
for each asset.’’; and 
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ‘new capital asset’ 
means— 
‘‘(1) an acquisition program that does not have an approved 
acquisition program baseline; or 
‘‘(2) the acquisition of a capital asset in excess of the 
number included in the approved acquisition program base-
line.’’. 
(b) UNFUNDED PRIORITIES.—Chapter 51 of title 14, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 5108. Unfunded priorities list 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the date on 
which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to 
section 1105 of title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a list of each unfunded priority for 
the Coast Guard. 
‘‘(b) PRIORITIZATION.—The list required under subsection (a) 
shall present the unfunded priorities in order from the highest 
priority to the lowest, as determined by the Commandant. 
‘‘(c) UNFUNDED PRIORITY DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘unfunded priority’ means a program or mission requirement that— 
‘‘(1) has not been selected for funding in the applicable 
proposed budget; 
‘‘(2) is necessary to fulfill a requirement associated with 
an operational need; and 
‘‘(3) the Commandant would have recommended for inclu-
sion in the applicable proposed budget had additional resources 
been available or had the requirement emerged before the 
budget was submitted.’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 51 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘5108. Unfunded priorities list.’’. 
SEC. 318. SAFETY OF VESSELS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 527 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in the heading, by striking ‘‘naval vessels’’ and 
inserting ‘‘vessels of the Armed Forces’’; 
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘United States naval 
vessel’’ and inserting ‘‘vessel of the Armed Forces’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘senior naval officer present in com-
mand’’ and inserting ‘‘senior officer present in command’’; 
and 
(B) by striking ‘‘United States naval vessel’’ and 
inserting ‘‘vessel of the Armed Forces’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) For purposes of this title, the term ‘vessel of the Armed 
Forces’ means— 
14 USC 
prec. 510. 
14 USC 5108. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(1) any vessel owned or operated by the Department of 
Defense or the Coast Guard, other than a time- or voyage- 
chartered vessel; and 
‘‘(2) any vessel owned and operated by the Department 
of Transportation that is designated by the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating as a vessel 
equivalent to a vessel described in paragraph (1).’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 5 of title 
14, United States Code, is further amended by striking the item 
relating to section 527 and inserting the following: 
‘‘527. Safety of vessels of the Armed Forces.’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 2510(a)(1) of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘armed forces’’ and inserting ‘‘Armed Forces’’; 
and 
(2) by striking ‘‘section 101(a) of title 10’’ and inserting 
‘‘section 527(e)’’. 
SEC. 319. AIR FACILITIES. 
Section 912 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (a); 
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
(a) and (b), respectively; 
(3) in subsection (a) as redesignated— 
(A) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENT.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Prior to closing an air facility, the 
Secretary shall provide opportunities for public comment, 
including the convening of public meetings in communities 
in the area of responsibility of the air facility with regard 
to the proposed closure or cessation of operations at the 
air facility. 
‘‘(B) PUBLIC MEETINGS.—Prior to convening a public 
meeting under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall notify 
each congressional office representing any portion of the 
area of responsibility of the air station that is the subject 
to such public meeting of the schedule and location of 
such public meeting.’’; 
(B) in paragraph (4)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by 
striking ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2017’’; and 
(ii) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(A) submit to the Congress a proposal for such closure, 
cessation, or reduction in operations along with the budget 
of the President submitted to Congress under section 
1105(a) of title 31 that includes— 
‘‘(i) a discussion of the determination made by 
the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2); and 
‘‘(ii) a report summarizing the public comments 
received by the Secretary under paragraph (3)’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW.—The Secretary may not close, 
cease operations, or significantly reduce personnel and use 
of a Coast Guard air facility for which a written notice is 
provided under paragraph (4)(A) until a period of 18 months 
14 USC 
prec. 501. 
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132 STAT. 4253 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
beginning on the date on which such notice is provided has 
elapsed.’’. 
TITLE IV—PORTS AND WATERWAYS 
SAFETY 
SEC. 401. CODIFICATION OF PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY ACT. 
(a) CODIFICATION.—Subtitle VII of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting before chapter 701 the following: 
‘‘CHAPTER 700—PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER A—VESSEL OPERATIONS 
‘‘70001. Vessel traffic services. 
‘‘70002. Special powers. 
‘‘70003. Port access routes. 
‘‘70004. Considerations by Secretary. 
‘‘70005. International agreements. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER B—PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY 
‘‘70011. Waterfront safety. 
‘‘70012. Navigational hazards. 
‘‘70013. Requirement to notify Coast Guard of release of objects into the navigable 
waters of the United States. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER C—CONDITION FOR ENTRY INTO PORTS IN THE UNITED STATES 
‘‘70021. Conditions for entry to ports in the united states. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER D—DEFINITIONS, REGULATIONS, ENFORCEMENT, INVESTIGATORY POWERS, 
APPLICABILITY 
‘‘70031. Definitions. 
‘‘70032. Saint Lawrence Seaway. 
‘‘70033. Limitation on application to foreign vessels. 
‘‘70034. Regulations. 
‘‘70035. Investigatory powers. 
‘‘70036. Enforcement. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—VESSEL OPERATIONS 
‘‘§ 70001. Vessel traffic services 
‘‘(a) Subject to the requirements of section 70004, the Sec-
retary— 
‘‘(1) in any port or place under the jurisdiction of the 
United States, in the navigable waters of the United States, 
or in any area covered by an international agreement negotiated 
pursuant to section 70005, may construct, operate, maintain, 
improve, or expand vessel traffic services, that consist of meas-
ures for controlling or supervising vessel traffic or for protecting 
navigation and the marine environment and that may include 
one or more of reporting and operating requirements, surveil-
lance and communications systems, routing systems, and fair-
ways; 
‘‘(2) shall require appropriate vessels that operate in an 
area of a vessel traffic service to utilize or comply with that 
service; 
‘‘(3)(A) may require vessels to install and use specified 
navigation equipment, communications equipment, electronic 
relative motion analyzer equipment, or any electronic or other 
device necessary to comply with a vessel traffic service or 
that is necessary in the interests of vessel safety. 
46 USC 70001. 
46 USC 
prec. 70001. 
46 USC 
prec. 70001. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
not require fishing vessels under 300 gross tons as measured 
under section 14502, or an alternate tonnage measured under 
section 14302 as prescribed by the Secretary under section 
14104, or recreational vessels 65 feet or less to possess or 
use the equipment or devices required by this subsection solely 
under the authority of this chapter; 
‘‘(4) may control vessel traffic in areas subject to the juris-
diction of the United States that the Secretary determines 
to be hazardous, or under conditions of reduced visibility, 
adverse weather, vessel congestion, or other hazardous cir-
cumstances, by— 
‘‘(A) specifying times of entry, movement, or departure; 
‘‘(B) establishing vessel traffic routing schemes; 
‘‘(C) establishing vessel size, speed, or draft limitations 
and vessel operating conditions; and 
‘‘(D) restricting operation, in any hazardous area or 
under hazardous conditions, to vessels that have particular 
operating characteristics or capabilities that the Secretary 
considers necessary for safe operation under the cir-
cumstances; 
‘‘(5) may require the receipt of prearrival messages from 
any vessel, destined for a port or place subject to the jurisdiction 
of the United States, in sufficient time to permit advance vessel 
traffic planning before port entry, which shall include any 
information that is not already a matter of record and that 
the Secretary determines necessary for the control of the vessel 
and the safety of the port or the marine environment; and 
‘‘(6) may prohibit the use on vessels of electronic or other 
devices that interfere with communication and navigation 
equipment, except that such authority shall not apply to elec-
tronic or other devices certified to transmit in the maritime 
services by the Federal Communications Commission and used 
within the frequency bands 157.1875–157.4375 MHz and 
161.7875–162.0375 MHz. 
‘‘(b) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may enter into cooperative 
agreements with public or private agencies, authorities, associa-
tions, institutions, corporations, organizations, or other persons 
to carry out the functions under subsection (a)(1). 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION.— 
‘‘(A) A nongovernmental entity may not under this 
subsection carry out an inherently governmental function. 
‘‘(B) As used in this paragraph, the term ‘inherently 
governmental function’ means any activity that is so 
intimately related to the public interest as to mandate 
performance by an officer or employee of the Federal 
Government, including an activity that requires either the 
exercise of discretion in applying the authority of the 
Government or the use of judgment in making a decision 
for the Government. 
‘‘(c) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR COAST GUARD VESSEL TRAFFIC 
SERVICE PILOTS AND NON-FEDERAL VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE OPERA-
TORS.— 
‘‘(1) COAST GUARD VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE PILOTS.—Any 
pilot, acting in the course and scope of his or her duties while 
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132 STAT. 4255 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
at a Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service, who provides informa-
tion, advice, or communication assistance while under the 
supervision of a Coast Guard officer, member, or employee 
shall not be liable for damages caused by or related to such 
assistance unless the acts or omissions of such pilot constitute 
gross negligence or willful misconduct. 
‘‘(2) NON-FEDERAL VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE OPERATORS.— 
An entity operating a non-Federal vessel traffic information 
service or advisory service pursuant to a duly executed written 
agreement with the Coast Guard, and any pilot acting on 
behalf of such entity, is not liable for damages caused by 
or related to information, advice, or communication assistance 
provided by such entity or pilot while so operating or acting 
unless the acts or omissions of such entity or pilot constitute 
gross negligence or willful misconduct. 
‘‘§ 70002. Special powers 
‘‘The Secretary may order any vessel, in a port or place subject 
to the jurisdiction of the United States or in the navigable waters 
of the United States, to operate or anchor in a manner the Secretary 
directs if— 
‘‘(1) the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe such 
vessel does not comply with any regulation issued under section 
70034 or any other applicable law or treaty; 
‘‘(2) the Secretary determines such vessel does not satisfy 
the conditions for port entry set forth in section 70021 of 
this title; or 
‘‘(3) by reason of weather, visibility, sea conditions, port 
congestion, other hazardous circumstances, or the condition 
of such vessel, the Secretary is satisfied such direction is justi-
fied in the interest of safety. 
‘‘§ 70003. Port access routes 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE.—Except as provided in sub-
section (b) and subject to the requirements of subsection (c), in 
order to provide safe access routes for the movement of vessel 
traffic proceeding to or from ports or places subject to the jurisdic-
tion of the United States, the Secretary shall designate necessary 
fairways and traffic separation schemes for vessels operating in 
the territorial sea of the United States and in high seas approaches, 
outside the territorial sea, to such ports or places. Such a designa-
tion shall recognize, within the designated area, the paramount 
right of navigation over all other uses. 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—No designation may be made by the 
Secretary under this section if— 
‘‘(A) the Secretary determines such a designation, as 
implemented, would deprive any person of the effective 
exercise of a right granted by a lease or permit executed 
or issued under other applicable provisions of law; and 
‘‘(B) such right has become vested before the time 
of publication of the notice required by paragraph (1) of 
subsection (c). 
‘‘(2) CONSULTATION REQUIRED.—The Secretary shall make 
the determination under paragraph (1)(A) after consultation 
with the head of the agency responsible for executing the lease 
or issuing the permit. 
46 USC 70003. 
46 USC 70002. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(c) CONSIDERATION OF OTHER USES.—Before making a designa-
tion under subsection (a), and in accordance with the requirements 
of section 70004, the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) undertake a study of the potential traffic density and 
the need for safe access routes for vessels in any area for 
which fairways or traffic separation schemes are proposed or 
that may otherwise be considered and publish notice of such 
undertaking in the Federal Register; 
‘‘(2) in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Sec-
retary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary 
of the Army, and the Governors of affected States, as their 
responsibilities may require, take into account all other uses 
of the area under consideration, including, as appropriate, the 
exploration for, or exploitation of, oil, gas, or other mineral 
resources, the construction or operation of deepwater ports 
or other structures on or above the seabed or subsoil of the 
submerged lands or the Outer Continental Shelf of the United 
States, the establishment or operation of marine or estuarine 
sanctuaries, and activities involving recreational or commercial 
fishing; and 
‘‘(3) to the extent practicable, reconcile the need for safe 
access routes with the needs of all other reasonable uses of 
the area involved. 
‘‘(d) STUDY.—In carrying out the Secretary’s responsibilities 
under subsection (c), the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) proceed expeditiously to complete any study under-
taken; and 
‘‘(2) after completion of such a study, promptly— 
‘‘(A) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for the 
designation contemplated; or 
‘‘(B) publish in the Federal Register a notice that no 
designation is contemplated as a result of the study and 
the reason for such determination. 
‘‘(e) IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGNATION.—In connection with a 
designation made under this section, the Secretary— 
‘‘(1) shall issue reasonable rules and regulations governing 
the use of such designated areas, including rules and regula-
tions regarding the applicability of rules 9 and 10 of the Inter-
national Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, 
relating to narrow channels and traffic separation schemes, 
respectively, in waters where such regulations apply; 
‘‘(2) to the extent that the Secretary finds reasonable and 
necessary to effectuate the purposes of the designation, make 
the use of designated fairways and traffic separation schemes 
mandatory for specific types and sizes of vessels, foreign and 
domestic, operating in the territorial sea of the United States 
and for specific types and sizes of vessels of the United States 
operating on the high seas beyond the territorial sea of the 
United States; 
‘‘(3) may, from time to time, as necessary, adjust the loca-
tion or limits of designated fairways or traffic separation 
schemes in order to accommodate the needs of other uses that 
cannot be reasonably accommodated otherwise, except that such 
an adjustment may not, in the judgment of the Secretary, 
unacceptably adversely affect the purpose for which the existing 
designation was made and the need for which continues; and 
‘‘(4) shall, through appropriate channels— 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(A) notify cognizant international organizations of any 
designation, or adjustment thereof; and 
‘‘(B) take action to seek the cooperation of foreign 
States in making it mandatory for vessels under their 
control to use, to the same extent as required by the 
Secretary for vessels of the United States, any fairway 
or traffic separation scheme designated under this section 
in any area of the high seas. 
‘‘§ 70004. Considerations by Secretary 
‘‘In carrying out the duties of the Secretary under sections 
70001, 70002, and 70003, the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) take into account all relevant factors concerning 
navigation and vessel safety, protection of the marine environ-
ment, and the safety and security of United States ports and 
waterways, including— 
‘‘(A) the scope and degree of the risk or hazard involved; 
‘‘(B) vessel traffic characteristics and trends, including 
traffic volume, the sizes and types of vessels involved, 
potential interference with the flow of commercial traffic, 
the presence of any unusual cargoes, and other similar 
factors; 
‘‘(C) port and waterway configurations and variations 
in local conditions of geography, climate, and other similar 
factors; 
‘‘(D) the need for granting exemptions for the installa-
tion and use of equipment or devices for use with vessel 
traffic services for certain classes of small vessels, such 
as self-propelled fishing vessels and recreational vessels; 
‘‘(E) the proximity of fishing grounds, oil and gas 
drilling and production operations, or any other potential 
or actual conflicting activity; 
‘‘(F) environmental factors; 
‘‘(G) economic impact and effects; 
‘‘(H) existing vessel traffic services; and 
‘‘(I) local practices and customs, including voluntary 
arrangements and agreements within the maritime commu-
nity; and 
‘‘(2) at the earliest possible time, consult with and receive 
and consider the views of representatives of the maritime 
community, ports and harbor authorities or associations, 
environmental groups, and other persons who may be affected 
by the proposed actions. 
‘‘§ 70005. International agreements 
‘‘(a) TRANSMITTAL
OF
REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall 
transmit, via the Secretary of State, to appropriate international 
bodies or forums, any regulations issued under this subchapter, 
for consideration as international standards. 
‘‘(b) AGREEMENTS.—The President is authorized and encouraged 
to— 
‘‘(1) enter into negotiations and conclude and execute agree-
ments with neighboring nations, to establish compatible vessel 
standards and vessel traffic services, and to establish, operate, 
and maintain international vessel traffic services, in areas and 
under circumstances of mutual concern; and 
46 USC 70005. 
46 USC 70004. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(2) enter into negotiations, through appropriate inter-
national bodies, and conclude and execute agreements to estab-
lish vessel traffic services in appropriate areas of the high 
seas. 
‘‘(c) OPERATIONS.—The Secretary, pursuant to any agreement 
negotiated under subsection (b) that is binding upon the United 
States in accordance with constitutional requirements, may— 
‘‘(1) require vessels operating in an area of a vessel traffic 
service to utilize or to comply with the vessel traffic service, 
including the carrying or installation of equipment and devices 
as necessary for the use of the service; and 
‘‘(2) waive, by order or regulation, the application of any 
United States law or regulation concerning the design, construc-
tion, operation, equipment, personnel qualifications, and man-
ning standards for vessels operating in waters over which the 
United States exercises jurisdiction if such vessel is not en 
route to or from a United States port or place, and if vessels 
en route to or from a United States port or place are accorded 
equivalent waivers of laws and regulations of the neighboring 
nation, when operating in waters over which that nation exer-
cises jurisdiction. 
‘‘(d) SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS.—The Secretary, in cooperation 
with the International Maritime Organization, may implement and 
enforce two mandatory ship reporting systems, consistent with 
international law, with respect to vessels subject to such reporting 
systems entering the following areas of the Atlantic Ocean: 
‘‘(1) Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Great South 
Channel (in the area generally bounded by a line starting 
from a point on Cape Ann, Massachusetts at 42 deg. 39′ N., 
70 deg. 37′ W; then northeast to 42 deg. 45′ N., 70 deg. 13′ 
W; then southeast to 42 deg. 10′ N., 68 deg. 31′ W, then 
south to 41 deg. 00′ N., 68 deg. 31′ W; then west to 41 deg. 
00′ N., 69 deg. 17′ W; then northeast to 42 deg. 05′ N., 70 
deg. 02′ W, then west to 42 deg. 04′ N., 70 deg. 10′ W; and 
then along the Massachusetts shoreline of Cape Cod Bay and 
Massachusetts Bay back to the point on Cape Ann at 42 deg. 
39′ N., 70 deg. 37′ W). 
‘‘(2) In the coastal waters of the Southeastern United States 
within about 25 nm along a 90 nm stretch of the Atlantic 
seaboard (in an area generally extending from the shoreline 
east to longitude 80 deg. 51.6′ W with the southern and 
northern boundary at latitudes 30 deg. 00′ N., 31 deg. 27′ 
N., respectively). 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY 
‘‘§ 70011. Waterfront safety 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may take such action as is 
necessary to— 
‘‘(1) prevent damage to, or the destruction of, any bridge 
or other structure on or in the navigable waters of the United 
States, or any land structure or shore area immediately adja-
cent to such waters; and 
‘‘(2) protect the navigable waters and the resources therein 
from harm resulting from vessel or structure damage, destruc-
tion, or loss. 
46 USC 70011. 
46 USC 
prec. 70011. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(b) ACTIONS AUTHORIZED.—Actions authorized by subsection 
(a) include— 
‘‘(1) establishing procedures, measures, and standards for 
the handling, loading, unloading, storage, stowage, and move-
ment on a structure (including the emergency removal, control, 
and disposition) of explosives or other dangerous articles and 
substances, including oil or hazardous material as those terms 
are defined in section 2101; 
‘‘(2) prescribing minimum safety equipment requirements 
for a structure to assure adequate protection from fire, explo-
sion, natural disaster, and other serious accidents or casualties; 
‘‘(3) establishing water or waterfront safety zones, or other 
measures, for limited, controlled, or conditional access and 
activity when necessary for the protection of any vessel, struc-
ture, waters, or shore area; and 
‘‘(4) establishing procedures for examination to assure 
compliance with the requirements prescribed under this section. 
‘‘(c) STATE LAW.—Nothing in this section, with respect to struc-
tures, prohibits a State or political subdivision thereof from pre-
scribing higher safety equipment requirements or safety standards 
than those that may be prescribed by regulations under this section. 
‘‘§ 70012. Navigational hazards 
‘‘(a) REPORTING PROCEDURE.—The Secretary shall establish a 
program to encourage fishermen and other vessel operators to report 
potential or existing navigational hazards involving pipelines to 
the Secretary through Coast Guard field offices. 
‘‘(b) SECRETARY’S RESPONSE.— 
‘‘(1) NOTIFICATION BY THE OPERATOR OF A PIPELINE.—Upon 
notification by the operator of a pipeline of a hazard to naviga-
tion with respect to that pipeline, the Secretary shall imme-
diately notify Coast Guard headquarters, the Pipeline and Haz-
ardous Materials Safety Administration, other affected Federal 
and State agencies, and vessel owners and operators in the 
pipeline’s vicinity. 
‘‘(2) NOTIFICATION BY OTHER PERSONS.—Upon notification 
by any other person of a hazard or potential hazard to naviga-
tion with respect to a pipeline, the Secretary shall promptly 
determine whether a hazard exists, and if so shall immediately 
notify Coast Guard headquarters, the Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration, other affected Federal and 
State agencies, vessel owners and operators in the pipeline’s 
vicinity, and the owner and operator of the pipeline. 
‘‘(c) PIPELINE DEFINED.—For purposes of this section, the term 
‘pipeline’ has the meaning given the term ‘pipeline facility’ in section 
60101(a)(18) of title 49. 
‘‘§ 70013. Requirement to notify Coast Guard of release of 
objects into the navigable waters of the United 
States 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT.—As soon as a person has knowledge of 
any release from a vessel or facility into the navigable waters 
of the United States of any object that creates an obstruction 
prohibited under section 10 of the Act of March 3, 1899, popularly 
known as the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 (33 
U.S.C. 403), such person shall notify the Secretary and the Sec-
retary of the Army of such release. 
46 USC 70013. 
46 USC 70012. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(b) RESTRICTION ON USE OF NOTIFICATION.—Any notification 
provided by an individual in accordance with subsection (a) may 
not be used against such individual in any criminal case, except 
a prosecution for perjury or for giving a false statement. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—CONDITION FOR ENTRY INTO PORTS IN 
THE UNITED STATES 
‘‘§ 70021. Conditions for entry to ports in the United States 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—No vessel that is subject to chapter 37 shall 
operate in the navigable waters of the United States or transfer 
cargo or residue in any port or place under the jurisdiction of 
the United States, if such vessel— 
‘‘(1) has a history of accidents, pollution incidents, or 
serious repair problems that, as determined by the Secretary, 
creates reason to believe that such vessel may be unsafe or 
may create a threat to the marine environment; 
‘‘(2) fails to comply with any applicable regulation issued 
under section 70034, chapter 37, or any other applicable law 
or treaty; 
‘‘(3) discharges oil or hazardous material in violation of 
any law of the United States or in a manner or quantities 
inconsistent with any treaty to which the United States is 
a party; 
‘‘(4) does not comply with any applicable vessel traffic 
service requirements; 
‘‘(5) is manned by one or more officers who are licensed 
by a certificating State that the Secretary has determined, 
pursuant to section 9101 of title 46, does not have standards 
for licensing and certification of seafarers that are comparable 
to or more stringent than United States standards or inter-
national standards that are accepted by the United States; 
‘‘(6) is not manned in compliance with manning levels 
as determined by the Secretary to be necessary to insure the 
safe navigation of the vessel; or 
‘‘(7) while underway, does not have at least one licensed 
deck officer on the navigation bridge who is capable of clearly 
understanding English. 
‘‘(b) EXCEPTIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary may allow provisional 
entry of a vessel that is not in compliance with subsection 
(a), if the owner or operator of such vessel proves, to the 
satisfaction of the Secretary, that such vessel is not unsafe 
or a threat to the marine environment, and if such entry 
is necessary for the safety of the vessel or persons aboard. 
‘‘(2) PROVISIONS NOT APPLICABLE.—Paragraphs (1), (2), (3), 
and (4) of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to 
a vessel allowed provisional entry under paragraph (1) if the 
owner or operator of such vessel proves, to the satisfaction 
of the Secretary, that such vessel is no longer unsafe or a 
threat to the marine environment, and is no longer in violation 
of any applicable law, treaty, regulation, or condition, as appro-
priate. 
46 USC 70021. 
46 USC 
prec. 70021. 
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‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—DEFINITIONS, REGULATIONS, 
ENFORCEMENT, INVESTIGATORY POWERS, APPLICABILITY 
‘‘§ 70031. Definitions 
‘‘As used in subchapters A through C and this subchapter, 
unless the context otherwise requires: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘marine environment’ means— 
‘‘(A) the navigable waters of the United States and 
the land and resources therein and thereunder; 
‘‘(B) the waters and fishery resources of any area over 
which the United States asserts exclusive fishery manage-
ment authority; 
‘‘(C) the seabed and subsoil of the Outer Continental 
Shelf of the United States, the resources thereof, and the 
waters superjacent thereto; and 
‘‘(D) the recreational, economic, and scenic values of 
such waters and resources. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating, except that such 
term means the Secretary of Transportation with respect to 
the application of this chapter to the Saint Lawrence Seaway. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘navigable waters of the United States’ 
includes all waters of the territorial sea of the United States 
as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 of December 
27, 1988. 
‘‘§ 70032. Saint Lawrence Seaway 
‘‘The authority granted to the Secretary under sections 70001, 
70002, 70003, 70004, and 70011 may not be delegated with respect 
to the Saint Lawrence Seaway to any agency other than the Saint 
Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Any other authority 
granted the Secretary under subchapters A through C and this 
subchapter shall be delegated by the Secretary to the Saint Law-
rence Seaway Development Corporation to the extent the Secretary 
determines such delegation is necessary for the proper operation 
of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. 
‘‘§ 70033. Limitation on application to foreign vessels 
‘‘Except pursuant to international treaty, convention, or agree-
ment, to which the United States is a party, subchapters A through 
C and this subchapter shall not apply to any foreign vessel that 
is not destined for, or departing from, a port or place subject 
to the jurisdiction of the United States and that is in— 
‘‘(1) innocent passage through the territorial sea of the 
United States; or 
‘‘(2) transit through the navigable waters of the United 
States that form a part of an international strait. 
‘‘§ 70034. Regulations 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with section 553 of title 5, 
the Secretary shall issue, and may from time to time amend or 
repeal, regulations necessary to implement subchapters A through 
C and this subchapter. 
‘‘(b) CONSULTATION.—In the exercise of the regulatory authority 
under subchapters A through C and this subchapter, the Secretary 
shall consult with, and receive and consider the views of all 
interested persons, including— 
46 USC 70034. 
46 USC 70033. 
46 USC 70032. 
46 USC 70031. 
46 USC 
prec. 70031. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(1) interested Federal departments and agencies; 
‘‘(2) officials of State and local governments; 
‘‘(3) representatives of the maritime community; 
‘‘(4) representatives of port and harbor authorities or 
associations; 
‘‘(5) representatives of environmental groups; 
‘‘(6) any other interested persons who are knowledgeable 
or experienced in dealing with problems involving vessel safety, 
port and waterways safety, and protection of the marine 
environment; and 
‘‘(7) advisory committees consisting of all interested seg-
ments of the public when the establishment of such committees 
is considered necessary because the issues involved are highly 
complex or controversial. 
‘‘§ 70035. Investigatory powers 
‘‘(a) SECRETARY.—The Secretary may investigate any incident, 
accident, or act involving the loss or destruction of, or damage 
to, any structure subject to subchapters A through C and this 
subchapter, or that affects or may affect the safety or environmental 
quality of the ports, harbors, or navigable waters of the United 
States. 
‘‘(b) POWERS.—In an investigation under this section, the Sec-
retary may issue subpoenas to require the attendance of witnesses 
and the production of documents or other evidence relating to 
such incident, accident, or act. If any person refuses to obey a 
subpoena, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to invoke 
the aid of the appropriate district court of the United States to 
compel compliance with the subpoena. Any district court of the 
United States may, in the case of refusal to obey a subpoena, 
issue an order requiring compliance with the subpoena, and failure 
to obey the order may be punished by the court as contempt. 
Witnesses may be paid fees for travel and attendance at rates 
not exceeding those allowed in a district court of the United States. 
‘‘§ 70036. Enforcement 
‘‘(a) CIVIL PENALTY.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Any person who is found by the Sec-
retary, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have 
violated subchapters A through C or this subchapter or a regu-
lation issued under subchapters A through C or this subchapter 
shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not 
to exceed $25,000 for each violation. Each day of a continuing 
violation shall constitute a separate violation. The amount of 
such civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary, or the 
Secretary’s designee, by written notice. In determining the 
amount of such penalty, the Secretary shall take into account 
the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited 
acts committed and, with respect to the violator, the degree 
of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay, 
and such other matters as justice may require. 
‘‘(2) COMPROMISE, MODIFICATION, OR REMISSION.—The Sec-
retary may compromise, modify, or remit, with or without condi-
tions, any civil penalty that is subject to imposition or that 
has been imposed under this section. 
‘‘(3) FAILURE TO PAY PENALTY.—If any person fails to pay 
an assessment of a civil penalty after it has become final, 
46 USC 70036. 
46 USC 70035. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General 
of the United States, for collection in any appropriate district 
court of the United States. 
‘‘(b) CRIMINAL PENALTY.— 
‘‘(1) CLASS D FELONY.—Any person who willfully and know-
ingly violates subchapters A through C or this subchapter or 
any regulation issued thereunder commits a class D felony. 
‘‘(2) CLASS C FELONY.—Any person who, in the willful and 
knowing violation of subchapters A through C or this sub-
chapter or of any regulation issued thereunder, uses a dan-
gerous weapon, or engages in conduct that causes bodily injury 
or fear of imminent bodily injury to any officer authorized 
to enforce the provisions of such a subchapter or the regulations 
issued under such subchapter, commits a class C felony. 
‘‘(c) IN REM LIABILITY.—Any vessel that is used in violation 
of subchapters A, B, or C or this subchapter, or any regulations 
issued under such subchapter, shall be liable in rem for any civil 
penalty assessed pursuant to subsection (a) and may be proceeded 
against in the United States district court for any district in which 
such vessel may be found. 
‘‘(d) INJUNCTION.—The United States district courts shall have 
jurisdiction to restrain violations of subchapter A, B, or C or this 
subchapter or of regulations issued under such subchapter, for 
cause shown. 
‘‘(e) DENIAL OF ENTRY.—Except as provided in section 70021, 
the Secretary may, subject to recognized principles of international 
law, deny entry by any vessel that is not in compliance with 
subchapter A, B, or C or this subchapter or the regulations issued 
under such subchapter— 
‘‘(1) into the navigable waters of the United States; or 
‘‘(2) to any port or place under the jurisdiction of the 
United States. 
‘‘(f) WITHHOLDING OF CLEARANCE.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If any owner, operator, or individual 
in charge of a vessel is liable for a penalty or fine under 
this section, or if reasonable cause exists to believe that the 
owner, operator, or individual in charge may be subject to 
a penalty or fine under this section, the Secretary of the 
Treasury, upon the request of the Secretary, shall with respect 
to such vessel refuse or revoke any clearance required by section 
60105 of title 46. 
‘‘(2) GRANTING CLEARANCE REFUSED OR REVOKED.—Clear-
ance refused or revoked under this subsection may be granted 
upon filing of a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Sec-
retary.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning of 
such subtitle is amended by inserting before the item relating 
to chapter 701 the following: 
‘‘700. Ports and Waterways Safety .................................................................
70001.’’. 
SEC. 402. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. 
(a) ELECTRONIC CHARTS.— 
(1) TRANSFER OF PROVISION.—Section 4A of the Ports and 
Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1223a)— 
(A) is redesignated as section 3105 of title 46, United 
States Code, and transferred to appear after section 3104 
of that title; and 
46 USC 
prec. 70001. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(B) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION ON APPLICATION.—Except pursuant to an inter-
national treaty, convention, or agreement, to which the United 
States is a party, this section shall not apply to any foreign vessel 
that is not destined for, or departing from, a port or place subject 
to the jurisdiction of the United States and that is in— 
‘‘(1) innocent passage through the territorial sea of the 
United States; or 
‘‘(2) transit through the navigable waters of the United 
States that form a part of an international strait.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning 
of chapter 31 of such title is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘3105. Electronic charts.’’. 
(b) PORT, HARBOR, AND COASTAL FACILITY SECURITY.— 
(1) TRANSFER
OF
PROVISIONS.—So much of section 7 of 
the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1226) as pre-
cedes subsection (c) of that section is redesignated as section 
70116 of title 46, United States Code, and transferred to section 
70116 of that title. 
(2) DEFINITIONS, ADMINISTRATION, AND
ENFORCEMENT.— 
Section 70116 of title 46, United States Code, as amended 
by paragraph (1) of this subsection, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS, ADMINISTRATION, AND ENFORCEMENT.—This 
section shall be treated as part of chapter 700 for purposes of 
sections 70031, 70032, 70034, 70035, and 70036.’’. 
(3) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning 
of chapter 701 of such title is amended by striking the item 
relating to section 70116 and inserting the following: 
‘‘70116. Port, harbor, and coastal facility security.’’. 
(c) NONDISCLOSURE OF PORT SECURITY PLANS.—Subsection (c) 
of section 7 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 
1226), as so designated before the application of subsection (b)(1) 
of this section— 
(1) is redesignated as subsection (f) of section 70103 of 
title 46, United States Code, and transferred so as to appear 
after subsection (e) of such section; and 
(2) is amended by striking ‘‘this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘this 
chapter’’. 
(d) REPEAL.—Section 2307 of title 46, United States Code, and 
the item relating to that section in the analysis at the beginning 
of chapter 23 of that title, are repealed. 
(e) REPEAL.—The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 
1221–1231, 1232–1232b), as amended by this Act, is repealed. 
SEC. 403. TRANSITIONAL AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) SOURCE PROVISION.—The term ‘‘source provision’’ means 
a provision of law that is replaced by a title 46 provision 
under this title. 
(2) TITLE
46
PROVISION.—The term ‘‘title 46 provision’’ 
means a provision of title 46, United States Code, that is 
enacted by section 402. 
46 USC note 
prec. 101. 
46 USC 
prec. 2301. 
46 USC 
prec. 70101. 
46 USC 
prec. 3101. 
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(b) CUTOFF DATE.—The title 46 provisions replace certain provi-
sions of law enacted before the date of the enactment of this 
Act. If a law enacted after that date amends or repeals a source 
provision, that law is deemed to amend or repeal, as the case 
may be, the corresponding title 46 provision. If a law enacted 
after that date is otherwise inconsistent with a title 46 provision 
or a provision of this title, that law supersedes the title 46 provision 
or provision of this title to the extent of the inconsistency. 
(c) ORIGINAL DATE OF ENACTMENT UNCHANGED.—For purposes 
of determining whether one provision of law supersedes another 
based on enactment later in time, a title 46 provision is deemed 
to have been enacted on the date of enactment of the source provi-
sion that the title 46 provision replaces. 
(d) REFERENCES TO TITLE 46 PROVISIONS.—A reference to a 
title 46 provision, including a reference in a regulation, order, 
or other law, is deemed to refer to the corresponding source provi-
sion. 
(e) REFERENCES
TO SOURCE PROVISIONS.—A reference to a 
source provision, including a reference in a regulation, order, or 
other law, is deemed to refer to the corresponding title 46 provision. 
(f) 
REGULATIONS, 
ORDERS, 
AND
OTHER
ADMINISTRATIVE 
ACTIONS.—A regulation, order, or other administrative action in 
effect under a source provision continues in effect under the cor-
responding title 46 provision. 
(g) ACTIONS TAKEN
AND OFFENSES COMMITTED.—An action 
taken or an offense committed under a source provision is deemed 
to have been taken or committed under the corresponding title 
46 provision. 
SEC. 404. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. 
This title, including the amendments made by this title, is 
intended only to transfer provisions of the Ports and Waterways 
Safety Act to title 46, United States Code, and may not be construed 
to alter— 
(1) the effect of a provision of the Ports and Waterways 
Safety Act, including any authority or requirement therein; 
(2) a department or agency interpretation with respect 
to the Ports and Waterways Safety Act; or 
(3) a judicial interpretation with respect to the Ports and 
Waterways Safety Act. 
SEC. 405. ADVISORY COMMITTEE: REPEAL. 
Section 18 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 (Public 
Law 102–241; 105 Stat. 2213) is repealed. 
SEC. 406. REGATTAS AND MARINE PARADES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, 
as established by section 401 of this Act, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER V—REGATTAS AND MARINE PARADES 
‘‘§ 70041. Regattas and marine parades 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard may 
issue regulations to promote the safety of life on navigable waters 
during regattas or marine parades. 
‘‘(b) DETAIL
AND USE
OF VESSELS.—To enforce regulations 
issued under this section— 
46 USC 70041. 
46 USC 
prec. 70041. 
46 USC note 
prec. 101. 
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‘‘(1) the Commandant may detail any public vessel in the 
service of the Coast Guard and make use of any private vessel 
tendered gratuitously for that purpose; and 
‘‘(2) upon the request of the Commandant, the head of 
any other Federal department or agency may enforce the regu-
lations by means of any public vessel of such department and 
any private vessel tendered gratuitously for that purpose. 
‘‘(c) TRANSFER
OF AUTHORITY.—The authority of the Com-
mandant under this section may be transferred by the President 
for any special occasion to the head of another Federal department 
or agency whenever in the President’s judgment such transfer is 
desirable. 
‘‘(d) PENALTIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For any violation of regulations issued 
pursuant to this section the following penalties shall be 
incurred: 
‘‘(A) A licensed officer shall be liable to suspension 
or revocation of license in the manner prescribed by law 
for incompetency or misconduct. 
‘‘(B) Any person in charge of the navigation of a vessel 
other than a licensed officer shall be liable to a penalty 
of $5,000. 
‘‘(C) The owner of a vessel (including any corporate 
officer of a corporation owning the vessel) actually on board 
shall be liable to a penalty of $5,000, unless the violation 
of regulations occurred without the owner’s knowledge. 
‘‘(D) Any other person shall be liable to a penalty 
of $2,500. 
‘‘(2) MITIGATION
OR
REMISSION.—The Commandant may 
mitigate or remit any penalty provided for in this subsection 
in the manner prescribed by law for the mitigation or remission 
of penalties for violation of the navigation laws.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 700 of 
title 46, United States Code, as established by section 401 of this 
Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER E—REGATTAS AND MARINE PARADES 
‘‘70041. Regattas and marine parades.’’. 
(c) REPEAL.—The Act of April 28, 1908 (35 Stat. 69, chapter 
151; 33 U.S.C. 1233 et seq.), is repealed. 
SEC. 407. REGULATION OF VESSELS IN TERRITORIAL WATERS OF 
UNITED STATES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF SUBCHAPTER F.—Chapter 700 of title 
46, United States Code, as established by section 401 of this Act, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER VI—REGULATION OF VESSELS IN 
TERRITORIAL WATERS OF UNITED STATES 
‘‘§ 70054. Definitions 
‘‘In this subchapter: 
‘‘(1) UNITED
STATES.—The term ‘United States’ includes 
all territory and waters, continental or insular, subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States. 
‘‘(2) TERRITORIAL WATERS.—The term ‘territorial waters of 
the United States’ includes all waters of the territorial sea 
46 USC 
prec. 70054. 
46 USC 
prec. 70051. 
33 USC 
1233–1236. 
46 USC 
prec. 70001. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
of the United States as described in Presidential Proclamation 
5928 of December 27, 1988.’’. 
(b) REGULATION OF ANCHORAGE AND MOVEMENT OF VESSELS 
DURING NATIONAL EMERGENCY.—Section 1 of title II of the Act 
of June 15, 1917 (40 Stat. 220, chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 191), is 
amended— 
(1) by striking the section designation and all that follows 
before ‘‘by proclamation’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘§ 70051. Regulation of anchorage and movement of vessels 
during national emergency 
‘‘Whenever the President’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘of the Treasury’’; 
(3) by striking ‘‘of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating’’; 
(4) by striking ‘‘this title’’ and inserting ‘‘this subchapter’’; 
and 
(5) by transferring the section so that the section appears 
before section 70054 of title 46, United States Code (as added 
by subsection (a) of this section). 
(c) SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE OF VESSEL; FINE AND IMPRISON-
MENT.—Section 2 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 (40 Stat. 
220, chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 192), is amended— 
(1) by striking the section designation and all that follows 
before ‘‘agent,’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘§ 70052. Seizure and forfeiture of vessel; fine and imprison-
ment 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—If any owner,’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘this title’’ each place it appears and 
inserting ‘‘this subchapter’’; and 
(3) by transferring the section so that the section appears 
after section 70051 of title 46, United States Code (as trans-
ferred by subsection (b) of this section). 
(d) ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS.—Section 4 of title II of the Act 
of June 15, 1917 (40 Stat. 220, chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 194), is 
amended— 
(1) by striking all before ‘‘may employ’’ and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘§ 70053. Enforcement provisions 
‘‘The President’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘the purpose of this title’’ and inserting 
‘‘this subchapter’’; and 
(3) by transferring the section so that the section appears 
after section 70052 of title 46, United States Code (as trans-
ferred by subsection (c) of this section). 
(e) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 700 of 
title 46, United States Code, as established by section 401 of this 
Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER F—REGULATION OF VESSELS IN TERRITORIAL WATERS OF UNITED STATES 
‘‘70051. Regulation of anchorage and movement of vessels during national emer-
gency. 
‘‘70052. Seizure and forfeiture of vessel; fine and imprisonment. 
‘‘70053. Enforcement provisions. 
‘‘70054. Definitions.’’. 
46 USC 
prec. 70001. 
46 USC 70053. 
46 USC 70052. 
46 USC 70051. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
SEC. 408. PORT, HARBOR, AND COASTAL FACILITY SECURITY. 
(a) TRANSFER OF PROVISIONS.—So much of section 7 of the 
Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1226) as precedes 
subsection (c) of that section is redesignated as section 70102a 
of title 46, United States Code, and transferred so as to appear 
after section 70102 of that title. 
(b) DEFINITIONS, ADMINISTRATION, AND ENFORCEMENT.—Section 
70102a of title 46, United States Code, as amended by paragraph 
(1) of this subsection, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS, ADMINISTRATION, AND ENFORCEMENT.—This 
section shall be treated as part of chapter 700 for purposes of 
sections 70031, 70032, 70034, 70035, and 70036.’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning of 
chapter 701 of such title is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 70102 the following: 
‘‘70102a. Port, harbor, and coastal facility security.’’. 
(d) NONDISCLOSURE OF PORT SECURITY PLANS.—Subsection (c) 
of section 7 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 
1226), as so designated before the application of subsection (b)(1) 
of this section— 
(1) is redesignated as subsection (f) of section 70103 of 
title 46, United States Code, and transferred so as to appear 
after subsection (e) of such section; and 
(2) is amended by striking ‘‘this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘this 
chapter’’. 
TITLE V—MARITIME TRANSPORTATION 
SAFETY 
SEC. 501. CONSISTENCY IN MARINE INSPECTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3305 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(d)(1) The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall ensure that 
Officers in Charge, Marine Inspections consistently interpret regula-
tions and standards under this subtitle and chapter 700 to avoid 
disruption and undue expense to industry. 
‘‘(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), in the event of a disagree-
ment regarding the condition of a vessel or the interpretation of 
a regulation or standard referred to in subsection (a) between 
a local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection conducting an inspec-
tion of the vessel and the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection 
that issued the most recent certificate of inspection for the vessel, 
such Officers shall seek to resolve such disagreement. 
‘‘(B) If a disagreement described in subparagraph (A) involves 
vessel design or plan review, the Coast Guard marine safety center 
shall be included in all efforts to resolve such disagreement. 
‘‘(C) If a disagreement described in subparagraph (A) or (B) 
cannot be resolved, the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection 
shall submit to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, through 
the cognizant Coast Guard district commander, a request for a 
final agency determination of the matter in disagreement. 
‘‘(3) The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— 
‘‘(A) provide to each person affected by a decision or action 
by an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection or by the Coast 
46 USC 
prec. 70101. 
46 USC 70102a. 
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132 STAT. 4269 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Guard marine safety center all information necessary for such 
person to exercise any right to appeal such decision or action; 
and 
‘‘(B) if such an appeal is filed, process such appeal under 
parts 1 through 4 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, 
as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2017. 
‘‘(4) In this section, the term ‘Officer in Charge, Marine Inspec-
tion’ means any person from the civilian or military branch of 
the Coast Guard who— 
‘‘(A) is designated as such by the Commandant; and 
‘‘(B) under the superintendence and direction of the cog-
nizant Coast Guard district commander, is in charge of an 
inspection zone for the performance of duties with respect to 
the inspections under, and enforcement and administration of, 
subtitle II, chapter 700, and regulations under such laws.’’. 
(b) REPORT ON MARINE INSPECTOR TRAINING.—Not later than 
1 year after the date of the 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 training, experience, and qualifications required 
for assignment as a marine inspector under section 312 of title 
14, United States Code, including— 
(1) a description of any continuing education requirement, 
including a specific list of the required courses; 
(2) a description of the training, including a specific list 
of the included courses, offered to a journeyman or an advanced 
journeyman marine inspector to advance inspection expertise; 
(3) a description of any training that was offered in the 
15-year period before the date of the enactment of this Act, 
but is no longer required or offered, including a specific list 
of the included courses, including the senior marine inspector 
course and any plan review courses; 
(4) a justification for why a course described in paragraph 
(3) is no longer required or offered; and 
(5) a list of the course content the Commandant considers 
necessary to promote consistency among marine inspectors in 
an environment of increasingly complex vessels and vessel sys-
tems. 
SEC. 502. UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSELS IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, 
MINNESOTA. 
Section 4105 of title 46, United States Code, amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: 
‘‘(c) In applying this title with respect to an uninspected vessel 
of less than 25 feet overall in length that carries passengers on 
Crane Lake or waters contiguous to such lake in St. Louis County, 
Minnesota, the Secretary shall substitute ‘12 passengers’ for ‘6 
passengers’ each place it appears in section 2101(51).’’. 
SEC. 503. ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH REQUIREMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 43 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘§ 4312. Engine cut-off switches 
‘‘(a) INSTALLATION REQUIREMENT.—A manufacturer, distributor, 
or dealer that installs propulsion machinery and associated starting 
controls on a covered recreational vessel shall equip such vessel 
with an engine cut-off switch and engine cut-off switch link that 
meet American Boat and Yacht Council Standard A–33, as in effect 
on the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization 
Act of 2017. 
‘‘(b) EDUCATION ON CUT-OFF SWITCHES.—The Commandant of 
the Coast Guard, through the National Boating Safety Advisory 
Committee established under section 15105, may initiate a boating 
safety program on the use and benefits of cut-off switches for 
recreational vessels. 
‘‘(c) AVAILABILITY OF STANDARD FOR INSPECTION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of the enactment of this section, the Commandant shall 
transmit American Boat and Yacht Council Standard A–33, 
as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2017, to— 
‘‘(A) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives; 
‘‘(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate; and 
‘‘(C) the Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering 
Standards; and 
‘‘(D) the National Archives and Records Administra-
tion. 
‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY.—The standard submitted under para-
graph (1) shall be kept on file and available for public inspection 
at such Coast Guard office and the National Archives and 
Records Administration. 
‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) COVERED RECREATIONAL VESSEL.—The term ‘covered 
recreational vessel’ means a recreational vessel that is— 
‘‘(A) less than 26 feet overall in length; and 
‘‘(B) capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static 
thrust. 
‘‘(2) DEALER.—The term ‘dealer’ means any person who 
is engaged in the sale and distribution of recreational vessels 
or associated equipment to purchasers whom the seller in good 
faith believes to be purchasing any such vessel or associated 
equipment for purposes other than resale. 
‘‘(3) DISTRIBUTOR.—The term ‘distributor’ means any person 
engaged in the sale and distribution of recreational vessels 
and associated equipment for the purposes of resale. 
‘‘(4) MANUFACTURER.—The term ‘equipment manufacturer’ 
means any person engaged in the manufacture, construction, 
or assembly of recreational vessels or associated equipment, 
or the importation of recreational vessels into the United States 
for subsequent sale. 
‘‘(5) 
PROPULSION
MACHINERY.—The 
term 
‘propulsion 
machinery’ means a self-contained propulsion system, and 
includes, but is not limited to, inboard engines, outboard 
motors, and sterndrive engines. 
‘‘(6) STATIC THRUST.—The term ‘static thrust’ means the 
forward 
or 
backwards 
thrust 
developed 
by 
propulsion 
machinery while stationary.’’. 
46 USC 4312. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘4312. Engine cut-off switches.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 4312 of title 46, United States 
Code, as amended by this section, shall take effect one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 504. EXCEPTION FROM SURVIVAL CRAFT REQUIREMENTS. 
Section 4502(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘‘a survival craft’’ and 
inserting ‘‘subject to paragraph (3), a survival craft’’; 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) Except for a nonapplicable vessel, an auxiliary craft 
shall satisfy the equipment requirement under paragraph (2)(B) 
if such craft is— 
‘‘(A) necessary for normal fishing operations; 
‘‘(B) readily accessible during an emergency; and 
‘‘(C) capable, in accordance with the Coast Guard 
capacity rating, when applicable, of safely holding all 
individuals on board the vessel to which the craft functions 
as an auxiliary.’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(k) For the purposes of this section, the term ‘auxiliary craft’ 
means a vessel that is carried onboard a fishing vessel and is 
normally used to support fishing operations.’’. 
SEC. 505. SAFETY STANDARDS. 
Section 4502(f) of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(2) shall examine at dockside a vessel described in sub-
section (b) at least once every 5 years, but may require an 
exam at dockside every 2 years for certain vessels described 
in subsection (b) if requested by the owner or operator; and 
‘‘(3) shall issue a certificate of compliance to a vessel 
meeting the requirements of this chapter and satisfying the 
requirements in paragraph (2).’’. 
SEC. 506. FISHING SAFETY GRANTS. 
Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsections (i) and (j), by striking ‘‘Secretary’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of Health and Human 
Services’’; 
(2) in subsection (i)(2), as amended by paragraph (1), by 
inserting ‘‘, in consultation with and based on criteria estab-
lished by the Commandant of the Coast Guard’’ after ‘‘Health 
and Human Services’’; 
(3) in subsection (i)(3), by striking ‘‘75’’ and inserting ‘‘50’’; 
(4) in subsection (i)(4), by striking ‘‘$3,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2015 through 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘$3,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2019’’; 
(5) in subsection (j)(2), as amended by paragraph (1), by 
inserting ‘‘, in consultation with and based on criteria estab-
lished by the Commandant of the Coast Guard,’’ after ‘‘Health 
and Human Services’’; 
(6) in subsection (j)(3), by striking ‘‘75’’ and inserting ‘‘50’’; 
and 
46 USC 4312 
note. 
46 USC 
prec. 4301. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(7) in subsection (j)(4), by striking ‘‘$3,000,000 for each 
fiscal years 2015 through 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘$3,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2018 through 2019’’. 
SEC. 507. FISHING, FISH TENDER, AND FISH PROCESSING VESSEL CER-
TIFICATION. 
(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(f) of title 
46, United States Code, as redesignated by section 508 of this 
Act, is further amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(f)(1) For purposes of this section and section 4503a, the term 
‘built’ means, with respect to a vessel, that the vessel’s construction 
has reached any of the following stages: 
‘‘(A) The vessel’s keel is laid. 
‘‘(B) Construction identifiable with the vessel has begun 
and assembly of that vessel has commenced comprising of at 
least 50 metric tons or one percent of the estimated mass 
of all structural material, whichever is less. 
‘‘(2) In the case of a vessel greater than 79 feet overall in 
length, for purposes of paragraph (1)(A) a keel is deemed to be 
laid when a marine surveyor affirms that a structure adequate 
for serving as a keel for such vessel is in place and identified 
for use in the construction of such vessel.’’. 
SEC. 508. DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ALTERNATE SAFETY 
COMPLIANCE PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4503(d) of title 46, United States 
Code, is redesignated as section 4503a and transferred to appear 
after section 4503 of such title. 
(b) FISHING, FISH TENDER, AND FISH PROCESSING VESSEL CER-
TIFICATION.—Section 4503 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as sub-
sections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; 
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘subsection (d)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘section 4503a’’; 
(3) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii)(I), by striking ‘‘subsection (e)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘subsection (d)’’; 
(4) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii)(II), by striking ‘‘subsection (f)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘subsection (e)’’; 
(5) in subsection (e)(1), as amended by paragraph (1) of 
this subsection, by striking ‘‘subsection (e)’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘subsection (d)’’; and 
(6) in subsection (e)(2), as amended by paragraph (1) of 
this subsection, by striking ‘‘subsection (e)’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘subsection (d)’’; 
(c) ALTERNATE SAFETY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.—Section 4503a 
of title 46, United States Code, as redesignated and transferred 
by subsection (a) of this section, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) 
as subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e), respectively; 
(2) by inserting before subsection (a), as so redesignated, 
the following: 
‘‘§ 4503a. Alternate safety compliance program’’; 
(3) in subsection (a), as redesignated by paragraph (1) 
of this subsection, by striking ‘‘After January 1, 2020,’’ and 
46 USC 4503a. 
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all that follows through ‘‘the Secretary, if’’ and inserting ‘‘Sub-
ject to subsection (c), 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 such an alternate safety compliance 
program, if’’; 
(4) in subsection (a), as so redesignated, by redesignating 
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as paragraphs (1), (2), and 
(3), respectively; 
(5) in subsection (b), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘estab-
lishes standards for an alternate safety compliance program, 
shall comply with such an alternative safety compliance pro-
gram that is developed in cooperation with the commercial 
fishing industry and prescribed by the Secretary’’ and inserting 
‘‘prescribes an alternate safety compliance program under sub-
section (a), shall comply with such an alternate safety compli-
ance program’’; 
(6) by amending subsection (c), as so redesignated, to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(c) For purposes of subsection (a), a separate alternate safety 
compliance program may be developed for a specific region or spe-
cific fishery.’’; 
(7) in subsection (d), as so redesignated— 
(A) by striking ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub-
section (a)’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘that paragraph’’ each place it appears 
and inserting ‘‘that subsection’’; 
(8) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by— 
(A) inserting ‘‘is not eligible to participate in an alter-
native safety compliance program prescribed under sub-
section (a) and’’ after ‘‘July 1, 2012’’; and 
(B) redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as para-
graphs (1) and (2), respectively; 
(9) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) For the purposes of this section, the term ‘built’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 4503(f).’’. 
(d) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning of 
chapter 45 of such title is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 4503 the following 
‘‘4503a. Alternate safety compliance program.’’. 
(e) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 3104 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘section 4503(e)’’ and inserting 
‘‘section 4503(d)’’. 
(f) FINAL RULE.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall issue a final rule implementing 
the requirements enumerated in section 4503(d) of title 46, as 
amended by subsection (b)(1) of this section. 
(g) 
ALTERNATE
SAFETY
COMPLIANCE
PROGRAM
STATUS 
REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than January 1, 2020, the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
46 USC 4503 
note. 
46 USC 
prec. 4501. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
report on the status of the development of the alternate safety 
compliance program directed by section 4503a of title 46, United 
States Code, as redesignated by subsection (c). 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report required under paragraph (1) 
shall include discussion of— 
(A) steps taken in the rulemaking process to establish 
the alternate safety compliance program; 
(B) communication and collaboration between the 
Coast Guard, the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating, and the commercial fishing vessel industry 
regarding the development of the alternate safety compli-
ance program; 
(C) consideration given to developing alternate safety 
compliance programs for specific regions and fisheries, as 
authorized in section 4503a(c) of such title, as redesignated 
by subsection (c); 
(D) any identified legislative changes necessary to 
implement an effective alternate safety compliance pro-
gram; and 
(E) the timeline and planned actions that will be taken 
to implement regulations necessary to fully establish an 
alternate safety compliance program before January 1, 
2020. 
SEC. 
509. 
TERMINATION 
OF 
UNSAFE 
OPERATIONS; 
TECHNICAL 
CORRECTION. 
Section 4505(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘4503(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘4503(a)(2)’’; and 
(2) by inserting before the period the following: ‘‘, except 
that this paragraph shall not apply with respect to a vessel 
to which section 4503a applies’’. 
SEC. 510. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS: LICENSES, CERTIFICATES OF 
REGISTRY, AND MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENTS. 
Title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in section 7106(b), by striking ‘‘merchant mariner’s docu-
ment,’’ and inserting ‘‘license,’’; 
(2) in section 7107(b), by striking ‘‘merchant mariner’s docu-
ment,’’ and inserting ‘‘certificate of registry,’’; 
(3) in section 7507(b)(1), by striking ‘‘licenses or certificates 
of registry’’ and inserting ‘‘merchant mariner documents’’; and 
(4) in section 7507(b)(2) by striking ‘‘merchant mariner’s 
document.’’ and inserting ‘‘license or certificate of registry.’’. 
SEC. 511. CLARIFICATION OF LOGBOOK ENTRIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 11304 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘an official logbook, which’’ 
and inserting ‘‘a logbook, which may be in any form, including 
electronic, and’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b), by amending paragraph (3) to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(3) Each illness of, and injury to, a seaman of the vessel, 
the nature of the illness or injury, and the medical treatment 
provided for the injury or illness.’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Section 11304(b) is amended by 
striking ‘‘log book’’ and inserting ‘‘logbook’’. 
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SEC. 512. CERTIFICATES OF DOCUMENTATION FOR RECREATIONAL 
VESSELS. 
Section 12105 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) EFFECTIVE PERIOD.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraphs (2) 
and (3), a certificate of documentation issued under this part 
is valid for a 1-year period and may be renewed for additional 
1-year periods. 
‘‘(2) RECREATIONAL VESSELS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A certificate of documentation for 
a recreational vessel and the renewal of such a certificate 
shall be effective for a 5-year period. 
‘‘(B) PHASE-IN PERIOD.—During the period beginning 
January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2021, the owner 
or operator of a recreational vessel may choose a period 
of effectiveness of between 1 and 5 years for such a certifi-
cate of documentation for such vessel or the renewal 
thereof. 
‘‘(C) FEES.— 
‘‘(i) REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary shall assess and 
collect a fee— 
‘‘(I) for the issuance of a certificate of docu-
mentation for a recreational vessel that is equiva-
lent to the fee established for the issuance of a 
certificate of documentation under section 2110; 
and 
‘‘(II) for the renewal of a certificate of docu-
mentation for a recreational vessel that is equiva-
lent to the number of years of effectiveness of 
the certificate of documentation multiplied by the 
fee established for the renewal of a certificate of 
documentation under section 2110. 
‘‘(ii) TREATMENT.—Fees collected under this sub-
section— 
‘‘(I) shall be credited to the account from which 
the costs of such issuance or renewal were paid; 
and 
‘‘(II) may remain available until expended. 
‘‘(3) NOTICE OF CHANGE IN INFORMATION.— 
‘‘(A) REQUIREMENT.—The owner of a vessel shall notify 
the Coast Guard of each change in the information on 
which the issuance of the certificate of documentation for 
the vessel is based that occurs before the expiration of 
the certificate under this subsection, by not later than 
30 days after such change. 
‘‘(B) TERMINATION OF CERTIFICATE.—The certificate of 
documentation for a vessel shall terminate upon the expira-
tion of such 30-day period if the owner has not notified 
the Coast Guard of such change before the end of such 
period. 
‘‘(4) STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITY TO REMOVE ABANDONED 
AND DERELICT VESSELS.—Nothing in this section shall be con-
strued to limit the authority of a State or local authority 
from taking action to remove an abandoned or derelict vessel.’’. 
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132 STAT. 4276 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
SEC. 513. NUMBERING FOR UNDOCUMENTED BARGES. 
Section 12301(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘shall’’ and inserting ‘‘may’’; and 
(2) by inserting ‘‘of’’ after ‘‘barge’’. 
SEC. 514. BACKUP NATIONAL TIMING SYSTEM. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘National 
Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2018’’. 
(b) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 30 of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 312. Alternative timing system 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
the Secretary of Transportation shall provide for the establishment, 
sustainment, and operation of a land-based, resilient, and reliable 
alternative timing system— 
‘‘(1) to reduce critical dependencies and provide a com-
plement to and backup for the timing component of the Global 
Positioning System (referred to in this section as ‘GPS’); and 
‘‘(2) to ensure the availability of uncorrupted and non- 
degraded timing signals for military and civilian users in the 
event that GPS timing signals are corrupted, degraded, unreli-
able, or otherwise unavailable. 
‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of the National Timing Resilience and Security 
Act of 2018, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish 
requirements for the procurement of the system required by 
subsection (a) as a complement to and backup for the timing 
component of GPS in accordance with the timing requirements 
study required by section 1618 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 
130 Stat. 2595). 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary of Transportation shall 
ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the system 
established under subsection (a) will— 
‘‘(A) be wireless; 
‘‘(B) be terrestrial; 
‘‘(C) provide wide-area coverage; 
‘‘(D) be synchronized with coordinated universal time; 
‘‘(E) be resilient and extremely difficult to disrupt or 
degrade; 
‘‘(F) be able to penetrate underground and inside 
buildings; 
‘‘(G) be capable of deployment to remote locations; 
‘‘(H) be developed, constructed, and operated incor-
porating applicable private sector expertise; 
‘‘(I) work in concert with and complement any other 
similar positioning, navigation, and timing systems, 
including enhanced long-range navigation systems and 
Nationwide Differential GPS systems; 
‘‘(J) be available for use by Federal and non-Federal 
government agencies for public purposes at no net cost 
to the Federal Government within 10 years of initiation 
of operation; 
‘‘(K) be capable of adaptation and expansion to provide 
position and navigation capabilities; 
49 USC 312. 
49 USC 101 note. 
National Timing 
Resilience and 
Security Act 
of 2018. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(L) incorporate the recommendations from any GPS 
back-up demonstration program initiated and completed 
by the Secretary, in coordination with other Federal agen-
cies, before the date specified in subsection (c)(1); and 
‘‘(M) incorporate such other elements as the Secretary 
considers appropriate. 
‘‘(c) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.— 
‘‘(1) PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of the National Timing Resilience and Secu-
rity Act of 2018, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives a report setting forth 
the following: 
‘‘(A) A plan to develop, construct, and operate the 
system required by subsection (a). 
‘‘(B) A description and assessment of the advantages 
of a system to provide a follow-on complementary and 
backup positioning and navigation capability to the timing 
component of GPS. 
‘‘(2) DEADLINE FOR COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION.—The 
system required by subsection (a) shall be in operation by 
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the 
National Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2018. 
‘‘(3) MINIMUM DURATION OF OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY.—The 
system required by subsection (a) shall be designed to be fully 
operational for not less than 20 years. 
‘‘(d) LORAN FACILITIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary of Transportation deter-
mines that any LORAN infrastructure, including the underlying 
real property and any spectrum associated with LORAN, in 
the possession of the Coast Guard is required by the Depart-
ment of Transportation for the purpose of establishing the 
system required by subsection (a), the Commandant shall 
transfer such property, spectrum, and equipment to the Sec-
retary. 
‘‘(2) CERCLA NOT AFFECTED.—This subsection 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)) 
with respect to the Federal Government facilities described 
in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(e) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transportation may 
enter into a cooperative agreement (as that term is described 
in section 6305 of title 31) with an entity upon such terms 
and conditions as the Secretary of Transportation determines 
will fulfill the purpose and requirements of this section and 
be in the public interest. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The cooperative agreement under 
paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, require the Secretary of 
Transportation to— 
‘‘(A) authorize the entity to sell timing and other serv-
ices to commercial and non-commercial third parties, sub-
ject to any national security requirements determined by 
the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Defense; 
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132 STAT. 4278 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(B) require the entity to develop, construct, and 
operate at private expense the backup timing system in 
accordance with this section; 
‘‘(C) allow the entity to make any investments in tech-
nologies necessary over the life of such agreement to meet 
future requirements for advanced timing resilience and 
technologies; 
‘‘(D) require the entity to share 25 percent of the gross 
proceeds received by the entity from the sale of timing 
services to third parties with the Secretary for at least 
10 years after the date upon which the Secretary enters 
into the cooperative agreement; 
‘‘(E) require the entity— 
‘‘(i) to assume all financial risk for the completion 
and operational capability of the system, after the Sec-
retary provides any LORAN facilities necessary for 
the system under subsection (d), if required for the 
alternative timing system; and 
‘‘(ii) to furnish performance and payment bonds 
in connection with the system in a reasonable amount 
as determined by the Secretary; and 
‘‘(F) require the entity to make any investments in 
technologies necessary over the life of the agreement to 
meet future requirements for advanced timing resiliency. 
‘‘(3) COMPETITION
REQUIRED.—The Secretary shall use 
competitive procedures similar to those authorized under sec-
tion 2667 of title 10 in selecting an entity to enter into a 
cooperative agreement pursuant to this subsection. 
‘‘(4) AUTHORIZATION
TO
PURCHASE
SERVICES.—The Sec-
retary may not purchase timing system services from the entity 
for use by the Department of Transportation or for provision 
to other Federal and non-Federal governmental agencies until 
the system achieves operational status, and then only if the 
necessary funds for such purchases are provided for in subse-
quent yearly appropriations acts made available to the Sec-
retary for each and every year in which such purchases are 
made. 
‘‘(5) DETERMINATION
REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary may 
not enter into a cooperative agreement under this subsection 
unless the Secretary determines that the cooperative agreement 
is in the best financial interest of the Federal Government. 
The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives of such determination not later than 30 
days after the date of the determination. 
‘‘(6) DEFINITION.—In this subsection the term ‘entity’ means 
a non-Federal entity with the demonstrated technical expertise 
and requisite administrative and financial resources to meet 
any terms and conditions established by the Secretary for pur-
poses of this subsection.’’. 
(c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for chapter 
3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘312. Alternative timing system.’’. 
49 USC 
prec. 301. 
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132 STAT. 4279 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
SEC. 515. SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL. 
Section 2101(41) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(A) Subject to subparagraph (B),’’ before 
the text; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(B)(i) Such term includes an individual who is on board 
an oceanographic research vessel only to— 
‘‘(I) engage in scientific research; 
‘‘(II) instruct in oceanography or limnology; or 
‘‘(III) receive instruction in oceanography or limnology. 
‘‘(ii) For purposes of clause (i), the age of an individual 
may not be considered in determining whether the individual 
is described in such clause.’’. 
SEC. 516. TRANSPARENCY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
publish any letter of determination issued by the Coast Guard 
National Vessel Documentation Center after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act on the National Vessel Documentation Center 
website not later than 30 days after the date of issuance of such 
letter of determination. 
(b) AUDIT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct an audit, the results of which shall be 
made publicly available, of— 
(A) the method or process by which the Coast Guard 
National Vessel Documentation Center develops policy for 
and documents compliance with the requirements of section 
67.97 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, for the 
purpose of issuing endorsements under section 12112 and 
12113 of title 46, United States Code; 
(B) the coordination between the Coast Guard and 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection with respect to the 
enforcement of such requirements; and 
(C) the extent to which the Secretary of the department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Secretary 
of Transportation, through the Maritime Administration, 
have published and disseminated information to promote 
compliance with applicable vessel construction require-
ments. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the audit under 
paragraph (1) is complete, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report regarding the results of and recommenda-
tions made pursuant to such audit. 
(c) OUTLINE.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
submission of the Comptroller General of the United States report 
required under subsection (b), the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives an outline of plans— 
(1) to enhance the transparency of the documentation 
process, and communications with the maritime industry 
regarding such process over the next 5 years; and 
46 USC note 
prec. 12101. 
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132 STAT. 4280 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(2) to implement the recommendations made by the Comp-
troller General of the United States in the report required 
under subsection (b)(2). 
TITLE VI—ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
SEC. 601. NATIONAL MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMIT-
TEES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘PART K—NATIONAL MARITIME 
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
‘‘CHAPTER 151—NATIONAL MARITIME 
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘15101. National Chemical Transportation Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15102. National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15103. National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15104. National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15105. National Boating Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15106. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15107. National Navigation Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15108. National Towing Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15109. Administration. 
‘‘§ 15101. National Chemical Transportation Safety Advisory 
Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Chemical 
Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred 
to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to the safe and secure marine transportation of 
hazardous materials. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of not more 
than 25 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance 
with this section and section 15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Each member of the Committee 
shall represent 1 of the following: 
‘‘(A) Chemical manufacturing entities. 
‘‘(B) Entities related to marine handling or transpor-
tation of chemicals. 
‘‘(C) Vessel design and construction entities. 
‘‘(D) Marine safety or security entities. 
‘‘(E) Marine environmental protection entities. 
‘‘(4) DISTRIBUTION.—The Secretary shall, based on the 
needs of the Coast Guard, determine the number of members 
of the Committee who represent each entity specified in para-
graph (3). Neither this paragraph nor any other provision of 
law shall be construed to require an equal distribution of mem-
bers representing each entity specified in paragraph (3). 
46 USC 15101. 
46 USC 
prec. 15101. 
46 USC 
prec. 15101. 
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132 STAT. 4281 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘§ 15102. National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Com-
mittee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Commer-
cial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred 
to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall— 
‘‘(1) advise the Secretary on matters relating to the safe 
operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies, 
including the matters of— 
‘‘(A) navigation safety; 
‘‘(B) safety equipment and procedures; 
‘‘(C) marine insurance; 
‘‘(D) vessel design, construction, maintenance, and 
operation; and 
‘‘(E) personnel qualifications and training; and 
‘‘(2) review regulations proposed under chapter 45 of this 
title (during preparation of the regulations). 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of 18 mem-
bers appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section 
and section 15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Committee shall 
be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 10 members shall represent the commercial fishing 
industry and— 
‘‘(i) as a group, shall together reflect a regional 
and representational balance; and 
‘‘(ii) as individuals, shall each have experience— 
‘‘(I) in the operation of vessels to which chapter 
45 of this title applies; or 
‘‘(II) as a crew member or processing line 
worker on a fish processing vessel. 
‘‘(B) 1 member shall represent naval architects and 
marine engineers. 
‘‘(C) 1 member shall represent manufacturers of equip-
ment for vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies. 
‘‘(D) 1 member shall represent education and training 
professionals related to fishing vessel, fish processing 
vessel, and fish tender vessel safety and personnel quali-
fications. 
‘‘(E) 1 member shall represent underwriters that insure 
vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies. 
‘‘(F) 1 member shall represent owners of vessels to 
which chapter 45 of this title applies. 
‘‘(G) 3 members shall represent the general public and, 
to the extent possible, shall include— 
‘‘(i) an independent expert or consultant in mari-
time safety; 
‘‘(ii) a marine surveyor who provides services to 
vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies; and 
‘‘(iii) a person familiar with issues affecting fishing 
communities and the families of fishermen. 
46 USC 15102. 
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132 STAT. 4282 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘§ 15103. National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory 
Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Mer-
chant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (in this section 
referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to personnel in the United States merchant marine, 
including the training, qualifications, certification, documentation, 
and fitness of mariners. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of 19 mem-
bers appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section 
and section 15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Committee shall 
be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 9 members shall represent mariners and, of the 
9— 
‘‘(i) each shall— 
‘‘(I) be a citizen of the United States; and 
‘‘(II) hold an active license or certificate issued 
under chapter 71 of this title or a merchant mar-
iner document issued under chapter 73 of this 
title; 
‘‘(ii) 3 shall be deck officers who represent mer-
chant marine deck officers and, of the 3— 
‘‘(I) 2 shall be licensed for oceans any gross 
tons; 
‘‘(II) 1 shall be licensed for inland river route 
with a limited or unlimited tonnage; 
‘‘(III) 2 shall have a master’s license or a 
master of towing vessels license; 
‘‘(IV) 1 shall have significant tanker experi-
ence; and 
‘‘(V) to the extent practicable— 
‘‘(aa) 1 shall represent labor; and 
‘‘(bb) 1 shall represent management; 
‘‘(iii) 3 shall be engineering officers who represent 
merchant marine engineering officers and, of the 3— 
‘‘(I) 2 shall be licensed as chief engineer any 
horsepower; 
‘‘(II) 1 shall be licensed as either a limited 
chief engineer or a designated duty engineer; and 
‘‘(III) to the extent practicable— 
‘‘(aa) 1 shall represent labor; and 
‘‘(bb) 1 shall represent management; 
‘‘(iv) 2 shall be unlicensed seamen who represent 
merchant marine unlicensed seaman and, of the 2— 
‘‘(I) 1 shall represent able-bodied seamen; and 
‘‘(II) 1 shall represent qualified members of 
the engine department; and 
‘‘(v) 1 shall be a pilot who represents merchant 
marine pilots. 
‘‘(B) 6 members shall represent marine educators and, 
of the 6— 
46 USC 15103. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(i) 3 shall be marine educators who represent 
maritime academies and, of the 3— 
‘‘(I) 2 shall represent State maritime acad-
emies (and are jointly recommended by such acad-
emies); and 
‘‘(II) 1 shall represent either State maritime 
academies or the United States Merchant Marine 
Academy; and 
‘‘(ii) 3 shall be marine educators who represent 
other maritime training institutions and, of the 3, 1 
shall represent the small vessel industry. 
‘‘(C) 2 members shall represent shipping companies 
employed in ship operation management. 
‘‘(D) 2 members shall represent the general public. 
‘‘§ 15104. National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Com-
mittee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Mer-
chant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (in this section referred 
to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to— 
‘‘(1) medical certification determinations for the issuance 
of licenses, certification of registry, and merchant mariners’ 
documents with respect to merchant mariners; 
‘‘(2) medical standards and guidelines for the physical quali-
fications of operators of commercial vessels; 
‘‘(3) medical examiner education; and 
‘‘(4) medical research. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of 14 mem-
bers appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section 
and section 15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Committee shall 
be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 9 shall represent health-care professionals and 
have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience 
regarding the medical examinations of merchant mariners 
or occupational medicine. 
‘‘(B) 5 shall represent professional mariners and have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in occupa-
tional requirements for mariners. 
‘‘§ 15105. National Boating Safety Advisory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Boating 
Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ‘Com-
mittee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to national boating safety. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of 21 mem-
bers appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section 
and section 15109 of this chapter. 
46 USC 15105. 
46 USC 15104. 
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132 STAT. 4284 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Committee shall 
be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 7 members shall represent State officials respon-
sible for State boating safety programs. 
‘‘(B) 7 members shall represent recreational vessel and 
associated equipment manufacturers. 
‘‘(C) 7 members shall represent the general public or 
national recreational boating organizations and, of the 7, 
at least 5 shall represent national recreational boating 
organizations. 
‘‘§ 15106. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Offshore 
Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ‘Com-
mittee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to activities directly involved with, or in support 
of, the exploration of offshore mineral and energy resources, to 
the extent that such matters are within the jurisdiction of the 
Coast Guard. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of 15 mem-
bers appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section 
and section 15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Committee shall 
be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 2 members shall represent entities engaged in 
the production of petroleum. 
‘‘(B) 2 members shall represent entities engaged in 
offshore drilling. 
‘‘(C) 2 members shall represent entities engaged in 
the support, by offshore supply vessels or other vessels, 
of offshore mineral and oil operations, including geophysical 
services. 
‘‘(D) 1 member shall represent entities engaged in the 
construction of offshore exploration and recovery facilities. 
‘‘(E) 1 member shall represent entities engaged in 
diving services related to offshore construction, inspection, 
and maintenance. 
‘‘(F) 1 member shall represent entities engaged in 
safety and training services related to offshore exploration 
and construction. 
‘‘(G) 1 member shall represent entities engaged in pipe-
laying services related to offshore construction. 
‘‘(H) 2 members shall represent individuals employed 
in offshore operations and, of the 2, 1 shall have recent 
practical experience on a vessel or offshore unit involved 
in the offshore mineral and energy industry. 
‘‘(I) 1 member shall represent national environmental 
entities. 
‘‘(J) 1 member shall represent deepwater ports. 
46 USC 15106. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(K) 1 member shall represent the general public (but 
not a specific environmental group). 
‘‘§ 15107. National Navigation Safety Advisory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Naviga-
tion Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the 
‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to maritime collisions, rammings, and groundings, 
Inland Rules of the Road, International Rules of the Road, naviga-
tion regulations and equipment, routing measures, marine informa-
tion, and aids to navigation systems. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of not more 
than 21 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance 
with this section and section 15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Each member of the Committee 
shall represent 1 of the following: 
‘‘(A) Commercial vessel owners or operators. 
‘‘(B) Professional mariners. 
‘‘(C) Recreational boaters. 
‘‘(D) The recreational boating industry. 
‘‘(E) State agencies responsible for vessel or port safety. 
‘‘(F) The Maritime Law Association. 
‘‘(4) DISTRIBUTION.—The Secretary shall, based on the 
needs of the Coast Guard, determine the number of members 
of the Committee who represent each entity specified in para-
graph (3). Neither this paragraph nor any other provision of 
law shall be construed to require an equal distribution of mem-
bers representing each entity specified in paragraph (3). 
‘‘§ 15108. National Towing Safety Advisory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National Towing 
Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ‘Com-
mittee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on 
matters relating to shallow-draft inland navigation, coastal water-
way navigation, and towing safety. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of 18 mem-
bers appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section 
and section 15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall have 
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Committee shall 
be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 7 members shall represent the barge and towing 
industry, reflecting a regional geographic balance. 
‘‘(B) 1 member shall represent the offshore mineral 
and oil supply vessel industry. 
‘‘(C) 1 member shall represent masters and pilots of 
towing vessels who hold active licenses and have experience 
on the Western Rivers and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. 
46 USC 15108. 
46 USC 15107. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(D) 1 member shall represent masters of towing ves-
sels in offshore service who hold active licenses. 
‘‘(E) 1 member shall represent masters of active ship- 
docking or harbor towing vessels. 
‘‘(F) 1 member shall represent licensed and unlicensed 
towing vessel engineers with formal training and experi-
ence. 
‘‘(G) 2 members shall represent port districts, authori-
ties, or terminal operators. 
‘‘(H) 2 members shall represent shippers and, of the 
2, 1 shall be engaged in the shipment of oil or hazardous 
materials by barge. 
‘‘(I) 2 members shall represent the general public. 
‘‘§ 15109. Administration 
‘‘(a) MEETINGS.—Each committee established under this chapter 
shall, at least once each year, meet at the call of the Secretary 
or a majority of the members of the committee. 
‘‘(b) EMPLOYEE STATUS.—A member of a committee established 
under this chapter shall not be considered an employee of the 
Federal Government by reason of service on such committee, except 
for the purposes of the following: 
‘‘(1) Chapter 81 of title 5. 
‘‘(2) Chapter 171 of title 28 and any other Federal law 
relating to tort liability. 
‘‘(c) COMPENSATION.—Notwithstanding subsection (b), a member 
of a committee established under this chapter, when actually 
engaged in the performance of the duties of such committee, may— 
‘‘(1) receive compensation at a rate established by the Sec-
retary, not to exceed the maximum daily rate payable under 
section 5376 of title 5; or 
‘‘(2) if not compensated in accordance with paragraph (1)— 
‘‘(A) be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses 
incurred in the performance of such duties; or 
‘‘(B) be allowed travel expenses, including per diem 
in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of 
title 5. 
‘‘(d) ACCEPTANCE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES.—A member of a 
committee established under this chapter may serve on such com-
mittee on a voluntary basis without pay without regard to section 
1342 of title 31 or any other law. 
‘‘(e) STATUS OF MEMBERS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
with respect to a member of a committee established under 
this chapter whom the Secretary appoints to represent an entity 
or group— 
‘‘(A) the member is authorized to represent the 
interests of the applicable entity or group; and 
‘‘(B) requirements under Federal law that would inter-
fere with such representation and that apply to a special 
Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 
18), including requirements relating to employee conduct, 
political activities, ethics, conflicts of interest, and corrup-
tion, do not apply to the member. 
‘‘(2) 
EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding 
subsection 
(b), 
a 
member of a committee established under this chapter shall 
46 USC 15109. 
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132 STAT. 4287 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
be treated as a special Government employee for purposes 
of the committee service of the member if— 
‘‘(A) the Secretary appointed the member to represent 
the general public; or 
‘‘(B) the member, without regard to service on the 
committee, is a special Government employee. 
‘‘(f) SERVICE ON COMMITTEE.— 
‘‘(1) SOLICITATION OF NOMINATIONS.—Before appointing an 
individual as a member of a committee established under this 
chapter, the Secretary shall publish, in the Federal Register, 
a timely notice soliciting nominations for membership on such 
committee. 
‘‘(2) APPOINTMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—After considering nominations 
received pursuant to a notice published under paragraph 
(1), the Secretary may, as necessary, appoint a member 
to the applicable committee established under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary shall not seek, con-
sider, or otherwise use information concerning the political 
affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to any 
committee established under this chapter. 
‘‘(3) SERVICE AT PLEASURE OF THE SECRETARY.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Each member of a committee estab-
lished under this chapter shall serve at the pleasure of 
the Secretary. 
‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), 
a member of the committee established under section 15102 
may only be removed prior to the end of the term of 
that member for just cause. 
‘‘(4) SECURITY BACKGROUND EXAMINATIONS.—The Secretary 
may require an individual to have passed an appropriate secu-
rity background examination before appointment to a com-
mittee established under this chapter. 
‘‘(5) PROHIBITION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), a Federal employee may not be appointed as a member 
of a committee established under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) SPECIAL RULE FOR NATIONAL MERCHANT MARINE 
PERSONNEL
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.—The Secretary may 
appoint a Federal employee to serve as a member of the 
National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee 
to represent the interests of the United States Merchant 
Marine Academy and, notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and 
(2), may do so without soliciting, receiving, or considering 
nominations for such appointment. 
‘‘(6) TERMS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term of each member of a com-
mittee established under this chapter shall expire on 
December 31 of the third full year after the effective date 
of the appointment. 
‘‘(B) CONTINUED SERVICE AFTER TERM.—When the term 
of a member of a committee established under this chapter 
ends, the member, for a period not to exceed 1 year, may 
continue to serve as a member until a successor is 
appointed. 
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132 STAT. 4288 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(7) VACANCIES.—A vacancy on a committee established 
under this chapter shall be filled in the same manner as the 
original appointment. 
‘‘(8) SPECIAL RULE FOR REAPPOINTMENTS.—Notwithstanding 
paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary may reappoint a member 
of a committee established under this chapter for any term, 
other than the first term of the member, without soliciting, 
receiving, or considering nominations for such appointment. 
‘‘(g) STAFF SERVICES.—The Secretary shall furnish to each com-
mittee established under this chapter any staff and services consid-
ered by the Secretary to be necessary for the conduct of the commit-
tee’s functions. 
‘‘(h) CHAIRMAN; VICE CHAIRMAN.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each committee established under this 
chapter shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among 
the committee’s members. 
‘‘(2) VICE CHAIRMAN ACTING AS CHAIRMAN.—The Vice Chair-
man shall act as Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, 
or in the event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman. 
‘‘(i) SUBCOMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman of a committee estab-
lished under this chapter may establish and disestablish sub-
committees and working groups for any purpose consistent 
with the function of the committee. 
‘‘(2) PARTICIPANTS.—Subject to conditions imposed by the 
Chairman, members of a committee established under this 
chapter and additional persons drawn from entities or groups 
designated by this chapter to be represented on the committee 
or the general public may be assigned to subcommittees and 
working groups established under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(3) CHAIR.—Only committee members may chair sub-
committees and working groups established under paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(j) CONSULTATION, ADVICE, REPORTS, 
AND
RECOMMENDA-
TIONS.— 
‘‘(1) CONSULTATION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Before taking any significant action, 
the Secretary shall consult with, and consider the informa-
tion, advice, and recommendations of, a committee estab-
lished under this chapter if the function of the committee 
is to advise the Secretary on matters related to the signifi-
cant action. 
‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—For purposes of this paragraph, regu-
lations proposed under chapter 45 of this title are signifi-
cant actions. 
‘‘(2) ADVICE, REPORTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS.—Each com-
mittee established under this chapter shall submit, in writing, 
to the Secretary its advice, reports, and recommendations, in 
a form and at a frequency determined appropriate by the com-
mittee. 
‘‘(3) EXPLANATION OF ACTIONS TAKEN.—Not later than 60 
days after the date on which the Secretary receives rec-
ommendations from a committee under paragraph (2), the Sec-
retary shall— 
‘‘(A) publish the recommendations on a website acces-
sible at no charge to the public; 
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132 STAT. 4289 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(B) if the recommendations are from the committee 
established under section 15102, establish a mechanism 
for the submission of public comments on the recommenda-
tions; and 
‘‘(C) respond, in writing, to the committee regarding 
the recommendations, including by providing an expla-
nation of actions taken regarding the recommendations. 
‘‘(4) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate the advice, 
reports, and recommendations received from committees 
under paragraph (2). 
‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION.—With respect to a com-
mittee established under section 70112 and to which this 
section applies, the Secretary shall submit the advice, 
reports, and recommendations received from the committee 
under paragraph (2) to the Committee on Homeland Secu-
rity of the House of Representatives in addition to the 
committees specified in subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(k) OBSERVERS.—Any Federal agency with matters under such 
agency’s administrative jurisdiction related to the function of a 
committee established under this chapter may designate a rep-
resentative to— 
‘‘(1) attend any meeting of such committee; and 
‘‘(2) participate as an observer at meetings of such com-
mittee that relate to such a matter. 
‘‘(l) TERMINATION.—Each committee established under this 
chapter shall terminate on September 30, 2027.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for subtitle II of title 
46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to chapter 147 the following: 
‘‘Part K–National Maritime Transportation Advisory Committees 
‘‘151. National Maritime Transportation Advisory Committees ............
15101’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) COMMERCIAL FISHING SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
Section 4508 of title 46, United States Code, and the item 
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 45 of that 
title, are repealed. 
(2) MERCHANT MARINER MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
Section 7115 of title 46, United States Code, and the item 
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 71 of that 
title, are repealed. 
(3) MERCHANT MARINE PERSONNEL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
(A) REPEAL.—Section 8108 of title 46, United States 
Code, and the item relating to that section in the analysis 
for chapter 81 of that title, are repealed. 
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 7510(c)(1)(C) of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
‘‘National’’ before ‘‘Merchant Marine’’. 
(4) NATIONAL BOATING SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL.— 
(A) REPEAL.—Section 13110 of title 46, United States 
Code, and the item relating to that section in the analysis 
for chapter 131 of that title, are repealed. 
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
46 USC 
prec. 13101. 
46 USC 
prec. 8101. 
46 USC 
prec. 7101. 
46 USC 
prec. 4501. 
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132 STAT. 4290 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(i) REGULATIONS.—Section 4302(c)(4) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘Council 
established under section 13110 of this title’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Committee established under section 15105 
of this title’’. 
(ii) REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTS.—Sec-
tion 4310(f) of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘Advisory Council’’ and inserting ‘‘Advisory 
Committee’’. 
(5) NAVIGATION SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL.—Section 5 of 
the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 2073) 
is repealed. 
(6) TOWING SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
(A) REPEAL.—Public Law 96–380 (33 U.S.C. 1231a) 
is repealed. 
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(i) REDUCTION OF OIL SPILLS FROM SINGLE HULL 
NON-SELF-PROPELLED TANK VESSELS.—Section 3719 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
‘‘National’’ before ‘‘Towing Safety’’. 
(ii) SAFETY EQUIPMENT.—Section 4102(f)(1) of title 
46, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
‘‘National’’ before ‘‘Towing Safety’’. 
(d) TREATMENT OF EXISTING COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES.—Not-
withstanding any other provision of law— 
(1) an advisory council or committee substantially similar 
to an advisory committee established under chapter 151 of 
title 46, United States Code, as added by this Act, and that 
was in force or in effect on the day before the date of enactment 
of this section, including a council or committee the authority 
for which was repealed under subsection (c), may remain in 
force or in effect for a period of 2 years from the date of 
enactment of this section, including that the charter, member-
ship, and other aspects of the council or committee may remain 
in force or in effect; and 
(2) during the 2-year period referenced in paragraph (1)— 
(A) requirements relating to the applicable advisory 
committee established under chapter 151 of title 46, United 
States Code, shall be treated as satisfied by the substan-
tially similar advisory council or committee; and 
(B) the enactment of this section, including the amend-
ments made in this section, shall not be the basis— 
(i) to deem, find, or declare such council or com-
mittee, including the charter, membership, and other 
aspects thereof, void, not in force, or not in effect; 
(ii) to suspend the activities of such council or 
committee; or 
(iii) to bar the members of such council or com-
mittee from meeting. 
SEC. 602. MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 70112 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 70112. Maritime Security Advisory Committees 
‘‘(a) NATIONAL MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
46 USC note 
prec. 15101. 
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132 STAT. 4291 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a National 
Maritime Security Advisory Committee (in this subsection 
referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(2) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the Secretary 
on matters relating to national maritime security, including 
on enhancing the sharing of information related to cybersecurity 
risks that may cause a transportation security incident, 
between relevant Federal agencies and— 
‘‘(A) State, local, and tribal governments; 
‘‘(B) relevant public safety and emergency response 
agencies; 
‘‘(C) relevant law enforcement and security organiza-
tions; 
‘‘(D) maritime industry; 
‘‘(E) port owners and operators; and 
‘‘(F) terminal owners and operators. 
‘‘(3) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall consist of at 
least 8 members, but not more than 21 members, appointed 
by the Secretary in accordance with this subsection and 
section 15109 of this title. 
‘‘(B) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Committee shall 
have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in 
matters relating to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(C) REPRESENTATION.—Each of the following shall be 
represented by at least 1 member of the Committee: 
‘‘(i) Port authorities. 
‘‘(ii) Facilities owners and operators. 
‘‘(iii) Terminal owners and operators. 
‘‘(iv) Vessel owners and operators. 
‘‘(v) Maritime labor organizations. 
‘‘(vi) The academic community. 
‘‘(vii) State and local governments. 
‘‘(viii) The maritime industry. 
‘‘(D) DISTRIBUTION.—If the Committee consists of at 
least 8 members who, together, satisfy the minimum rep-
resentation requirements of subparagraph (C), the Sec-
retary shall, based on the needs of the Coast Guard, deter-
mine the number of additional members of the Committee 
who represent each entity specified in that subparagraph. 
Neither this subparagraph nor any other provision of law 
shall be construed to require an equal distribution of mem-
bers representing each entity specified in subparagraph 
(C). 
‘‘(4) ADMINISTRATION.—For purposes of section 15109 of 
this title, the Committee shall be treated as a committee estab-
lished under chapter 151 of such title. 
‘‘(b) AREA MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— 
‘‘(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary may— 
‘‘(i) establish an Area Maritime Security Advisory 
Committee for any port area of the United States; 
and 
‘‘(ii) request such a committee to review the pro-
posed Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan 
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132 STAT. 4292 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
developed under section 70103(b) and make rec-
ommendations to the Secretary that the committee 
considers appropriate. 
‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND MEETINGS.—A com-
mittee established under this subsection for an area— 
‘‘(i) may advise, consult with, report to, and make 
recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating 
to maritime security in that area; 
‘‘(ii) may make available to the Congress rec-
ommendations that the committee makes to the Sec-
retary; and 
‘‘(iii) 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. 
‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Each committee established under 
this subsection shall consist of at least 7 members 
appointed by the Secretary, each of whom has at least 
5 years practical experience in maritime security oper-
ations. 
‘‘(B) TERMS.—The term of each member of a committee 
established under this subsection shall be for a period 
of not more than 5 years, specified by the Secretary. 
‘‘(C) NOTICE.—Before appointing an individual to a 
position on a committee established under this subsection, 
the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register 
soliciting nominations for membership on the committee. 
‘‘(D) BACKGROUND EXAMINATIONS.—The Secretary may 
require an individual to have passed an appropriate secu-
rity background examination before appointment to a com-
mittee established under this subsection. 
‘‘(E) REPRESENTATION.—Each committee established 
under this subsection shall be composed of individuals who 
represent the interests of the port industry, terminal opera-
tors, port labor organizations, and other users of the port 
areas. 
‘‘(3) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Each committee established under 
this subsection shall elect 1 of the committee’s members 
as the Chairperson and 1 of the committee’s members 
as the Vice Chairperson. 
‘‘(B) VICE CHAIRPERSON ACTING AS CHAIRPERSON.—The 
Vice Chairperson shall act as Chairperson in the absence 
or incapacity of the Chairperson, or in the event of a 
vacancy in the office of the Chairperson. 
‘‘(4) OBSERVERS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall, and the head 
of any other interested Federal agency may, designate a 
representative to participate as an observer with a com-
mittee established under this subsection. 
‘‘(B) ROLE.—The Secretary’s designated representative 
to a committee established under this subsection shall act 
as the executive secretary of the committee and shall per-
form the duties set forth in section 10(c) of the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). 
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132 STAT. 4293 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(5) CONSIDERATION OF VIEWS.—The Secretary shall con-
sider the information, advice, and recommendations of each 
committee established under this subsection in formulating 
policy regarding matters affecting maritime security. 
‘‘(6) COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A member of a committee estab-
lished under this subsection, when attending meetings of 
the committee or when otherwise engaged in the business 
of the committee, is entitled to receive— 
‘‘(i) compensation at a rate fixed by the Secretary, 
not exceeding the daily equivalent of the current rate 
of basic pay in effect for GS–15 of the General Schedule 
under section 5332 of title 5 including travel time; 
and 
‘‘(ii) travel or transportation expenses under sec-
tion 5703 of title 5. 
‘‘(B) STATUS.—A member of a committee established 
under this subsection shall not be considered to be an 
officer or employee of the United States for any purpose 
based on the receipt of any payment under this paragraph. 
‘‘(7) FACA.—The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
App.) does not apply to a committee established under this 
subsection.’’. 
(b) TREATMENT OF EXISTING COMMITTEE.—Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law— 
(1) an advisory committee substantially similar to the 
National Maritime Security Advisory Committee established 
under section 70112(a) of title 46, United States Code, as 
amended by this section, and that was in force or in effect 
on the day before the date of enactment of this section, may 
remain in force or in effect for a period of 2 years from the 
date of enactment of this section, including that the charter, 
membership, and other aspects of the committee may remain 
in force or in effect; and 
(2) during the 2-year period referenced in paragraph (1)— 
(A) requirements relating to the National Maritime 
Security Advisory Committee established under section 
70112(a) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by 
this section, shall be treated as satisfied by the substan-
tially similar advisory committee; and 
(B) the enactment of this section, including the amend-
ments made in this section, shall not be the basis— 
(i) to deem, find, or declare such committee, 
including the charter, membership, and other aspects 
thereof, void, not in force, or not in effect; 
(ii) to suspend the activities of such committee; 
or 
(iii) to bar the members of such committee from 
meeting. 
TITLE VII—FEDERAL MARITIME 
COMMISSION 
SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Federal Maritime Commission 
Authorization Act of 2017’’. 
Federal Maritime 
Commission 
Authorization 
Act of 2017. 
46 USC 70112 
note. 
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132 STAT. 4294 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
Section 308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ‘‘$24,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017’’ and 
inserting ‘‘$28,012,310 for fiscal year 2018 and $28,544,543 for 
fiscal year 2019’’. 
SEC. 703. REPORTING ON IMPACT OF ALLIANCES ON COMPETITION. 
Section 306 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 
a semicolon; 
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6) an analysis of the impacts on competition for the 
purchase of certain covered services by alliances of ocean 
common carriers acting pursuant to an agreement under this 
part between or among ocean common carriers, including a 
summary of actions, including corrective actions, taken by the 
Commission to promote such competition.’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) DEFINITION OF CERTAIN COVERED SERVICES.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘certain covered services’ has the meaning given 
the term in section 40102.’’. 
SEC. 704. DEFINITION OF CERTAIN COVERED SERVICES. 
Section 40102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (25) as para-
graphs (6) through (26), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4), the following: 
‘‘(5) CERTAIN COVERED SERVICES.—For purposes of sections 
41105 and 41307, the term ‘certain covered services’ means, 
with respect to a vessel— 
‘‘(A) the berthing or bunkering of the vessel; 
‘‘(B) the loading or unloading of cargo to or from the 
vessel to or from a point on a wharf or terminal; 
‘‘(C) the positioning, removal, or replacement of buoys 
related to the movement of the vessel; and 
‘‘(D) with respect to injunctive relief under section 
41307, towing vessel services provided to such a vessel.’’. 
SEC. 705. REPORTS FILED WITH THE COMMISSION. 
Section 40104(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) REPORTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Maritime Commission may 
require a common carrier or marine terminal operator, or an 
officer, receiver, trustee, lessee, agent, or employee of the 
common carrier or marine terminal operator to file with the 
Commission a periodical or special report, an account, record, 
rate, or charge, or a memorandum of facts and transactions 
related to the business of the common carrier or marine ter-
minal operator, as applicable. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—Any report, account, record, rate, 
charge, or memorandum required to be filed under paragraph 
(1) shall— 
‘‘(A) be made under oath if the Commission requires; 
and 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(B) be filed in the form and within the time prescribed 
by the Commission. 
‘‘(3) LIMITATION.—The Commission shall— 
‘‘(A) limit the scope of any filing ordered under this 
section to fulfill the objective of the order; and 
‘‘(B) provide a reasonable period of time for respondents 
to respond based upon their capabilities and the scope 
of the order.’’. 
SEC. 706. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. 
(a) NOTICE OF FILING.—Section 40304(a) of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) NOTICE OF FILING.—Not later than 7 days after the date 
an agreement is filed, the Federal Maritime Commission shall— 
‘‘(1) transmit a notice of the filing to the Federal Register 
for publication; and 
‘‘(2) request interested persons to submit relevant informa-
tion and documents.’’. 
(b) REQUEST
FOR
INFORMATION
AND
DOCUMENTS.—Section 
40304(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘section’’ and inserting ‘‘part’’. 
(c) SAVING CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section, or the amend-
ments made by this section, may be construed— 
(1) to prevent the Federal Maritime Commission from 
requesting from a person, at any time, any additional informa-
tion or documents the Commission considers necessary to carry 
out chapter 403 of title 46, United States Code; 
(2) to prescribe a specific deadline for the submission of 
relevant information and documents in response to a request 
under section 40304(a)(2) of title 46, United States Code; or 
(3) to limit the authority of the Commission to request 
information under section 40304(d) of title 46, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 707. OCEAN TRANSPORTATION INTERMEDIARIES. 
(a) LICENSE REQUIREMENT.—Section 40901(a) of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘advertise, hold oneself out, 
or’’ after ‘‘may not’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—Section 40901 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (a) and section 40902 do not 
apply to a person that performs ocean transportation intermediary 
services on behalf of an ocean transportation intermediary for which 
it is a disclosed agent.’’. 
(c) FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.—Section 40902(a) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘advertise, hold oneself 
out, or’’ after ‘‘may not’’. 
SEC. 708. COMMON CARRIERS. 
(a) Section 41104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’ before ‘‘A common carrier’’; 
(2) in subsection (a), as designated— 
(A) by amending paragraph (11) to read as follows: 
‘‘(11) knowingly and willfully accept cargo from or transport 
cargo for the account of a non-vessel-operating common carrier 
that does not have a tariff as required by section 40501 of 
this title, or an ocean transportation intermediary that does 
46 USC 40304 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
not have a bond, insurance, or other surety as required by 
section 40902 of this title;’’; 
(B) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(13) continue to participate simultaneously in a rate 
discussion agreement and an agreement to share vessels, in 
the same trade, if the interplay of the authorities exercised 
by the specified agreements is likely, by a reduction in competi-
tion, to produce an unreasonable reduction in transportation 
service or an unreasonable increase in transportation cost.’’; 
and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, there is no private right of action to enforce 
the prohibition under subsection (a)(13). 
‘‘(c) AGREEMENT VIOLATION.—Participants in an agreement 
found by the Commission to violate subsection (a)(13) shall have 
90 days from the date of such Commission finding to withdraw 
from the agreement as necessary to comply with that subsection.’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—Section 41104(a)(13) of title 46, United States 
Code, as amended, shall apply to any agreement filed or with 
an effective date before, on, or after the date of enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 709. NEGOTIATIONS. 
(a) CONCERTED ACTION.—Section 41105 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (8) as para-
graphs (7) through (10), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: 
‘‘(5) negotiate with a tug or towing vessel service provider 
on any matter relating to rates or services provided within 
the United States by those tugs or towing vessels; 
‘‘(6) with respect to a vessel operated by an ocean common 
carrier within the United States, negotiate for the purchase 
of certain covered services, unless the negotiations and any 
resulting agreements are not in violation of the antitrust laws 
and are consistent with the purposes of this part, except that 
this paragraph does not prohibit the setting and publishing 
of a joint through rate by a conference, joint venture, or associa-
tion of ocean common carriers;’’. 
(b) AUTHORITY.—Chapter 411 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by inserting after section 41105 the following: 
‘‘§ 41105A. Authority 
‘‘Nothing in section 41105, as amended by the Federal Maritime 
Commission Authorization Act of 2017, shall be construed to limit 
the authority of the Department of Justice regarding antitrust 
matters.’’; and 
(2) in the analysis at the beginning of chapter 411, by 
inserting after the item relating to section 41105 the following: 
‘‘41105A. Authority.’’. 
46 USC 
prec. 41101. 
46 USC 41105A. 
46 USC 41104 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(c) EXEMPTION.—Section 40307(b)(1) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘tug operators,’’ after ‘‘motor car-
riers,’’. 
SEC. 710. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF SOUGHT BY THE COMMISSION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 41307(b) of title 46, United States 
Code is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ‘‘or to substantially lessen 
competition in the purchasing of certain covered services’’ after 
‘‘transportation cost’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) COMPETITION FACTORS.—In making a determination 
under this subsection regarding whether an agreement is likely 
to substantially lessen competition in the purchasing of certain 
covered services, the Commission may consider any relevant 
competition factors in affected markets, including, without 
limitation, the competitive effect of agreements other than the 
agreement under review.’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—Section 41307(b) of title 46, United States 
Code, as amended, shall apply to any agreement filed or with 
an effective date before, on, or after the date of enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 711. DISCUSSIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 303 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 303. Meetings 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Maritime Commission shall 
be deemed to be an agency for purposes of section 552b of title 
5. 
‘‘(b) RECORD.—The Commission, through its secretary, shall 
keep a record of its meetings and the votes taken on any action, 
order, contract, or financial transaction of the Commission. 
‘‘(c) NONPUBLIC COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section 552b of title 
5, a majority of the Commissioners may hold a meeting that 
is not open to public observation to discuss official agency 
business if— 
‘‘(A) no formal or informal vote or other official agency 
action is taken at the meeting; 
‘‘(B) each individual present at the meeting is a 
Commissioner or an employee of the Commission; 
‘‘(C) at least 1 Commissioner from each political party 
is present at the meeting, if applicable; and 
‘‘(D) the General Counsel of the Commission is present 
at the meeting. 
‘‘(2) DISCLOSURE
OF
NONPUBLIC
COLLABORATIVE
DISCUS-
SIONS.—Except as provided under paragraph (3), not later than 
2 business days after the conclusion of a meeting under para-
graph (1), the Commission shall make available to the public, 
in a place easily accessible to the public— 
‘‘(A) a list of the individuals present at the meeting; 
and 
‘‘(B) a summary of the matters discussed at the 
meeting, except for any matters the Commission properly 
determines may be withheld from the public under section 
552b(c) of title 5. 
46 USC 41307 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(3) EXCEPTION.—If the Commission properly determines 
matters may be withheld from the public under section 555b(c) 
of title 5, the Commission shall provide a summary with as 
much general information as possible on those matters withheld 
from the public. 
‘‘(4) ONGOING PROCEEDINGS.—If a meeting under paragraph 
(1) directly relates to an ongoing proceeding before the Commis-
sion, the Commission shall make the disclosure under para-
graph (2) on the date of the final Commission decision. 
‘‘(5) PRESERVATION OF OPEN MEETINGS REQUIREMENTS FOR 
AGENCY ACTION.—Nothing in this subsection may be construed 
to limit the applicability of section 552b of title 5 with respect 
to a meeting of the Commissioners other than that described 
in this subsection. 
‘‘(6) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this subsection 
may be construed— 
‘‘(A) to limit the applicability of section 552b of title 
5 with respect to any information which is proposed to 
be withheld from the public under paragraph (2)(B) of 
this subsection; or 
‘‘(B) to authorize the Commission to withhold from 
any individual any record that is accessible to that indi-
vidual under section 552a of title 5.’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The analysis at the beginning of 
chapter 3 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by amending 
the item relating to section 303 to read as follows: 
‘‘303. Meetings.’’. 
SEC. 712. TRANSPARENCY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Beginning not later than 60 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives biannual reports 
that describe the Commission’s progress toward addressing the 
issues raised in each unfinished regulatory proceeding, regardless 
of whether the proceeding is subject to a statutory or regulatory 
deadline. 
(b) FORMAT OF REPORTS.—Each report under subsection (a) 
shall, among other things, clearly identify for each unfinished regu-
latory proceeding— 
(1) the popular title; 
(2) the current stage of the proceeding; 
(3) an abstract of the proceeding; 
(4) what prompted the action in question; 
(5) any applicable statutory, regulatory, or judicial dead-
line; 
(6) the associated docket number; 
(7) the date the rulemaking was initiated; 
(8) a date for the next action; and 
(9) if a date for next action identified in the previous 
report is not met, the reason for the delay. 
SEC. 713. STUDY OF BANKRUPTCY PREPARATION AND RESPONSE. 
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct a study that examines the immediate aftermath of a major 
ocean carrier bankruptcy and its impact through the supply chain. 
46 USC 305 note. 
46 USC 
prec. 301. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
The study shall consider any financial mechanisms that could be 
used to mitigate the impact of any future bankruptcy events on 
the supply chain. 
(b) REPORT.—No later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives a report containing the 
findings, conclusions, and recommendations, if any, from the study 
required under subsection (a). 
SEC. 714. AGREEMENTS UNAFFECTED. 
Nothing in this Act may be construed— 
(1) to limit or amend the definition of ‘‘agreement’’ in 
section 40102(1) of title 46, United States Code, with respect 
to the exclusion of maritime labor agreements; or 
(2) to apply to a maritime labor agreement (as defined 
in section 40102(15) of that title). 
TITLE VIII—MISCELLANEOUS 
SEC. 801. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE REPORTING REQUIREMENT. 
Subsection (h) of section 888 of the Homeland Security Act 
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 468) is repealed. 
SEC. 802. CORRECTIONS TO PROVISIONS ENACTED BY COAST GUARD 
AUTHORIZATION ACTS. 
Section 604(b) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–281; 128 Stat. 3061) 
is amended by inserting ‘‘and fishery endorsement’’ after ‘‘endorse-
ment’’. 
SEC. 803. OFFICER EVALUATION REPORT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the date of 
the 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) SURVEYS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
conduct surveys of— 
(1) outgoing promotion board members and assignment 
officers to determine, at a minimum— 
(A) which sections of the officer evaluation report were 
most useful; 
(B) which sections of the officer evaluation report were 
least useful; 
(C) how to better reflect high performers; and 
(D) any recommendations for improving the officer 
evaluation report; and 
(2) at least 10 percent of the officers from each grade 
of officers from O1 to O6 to determine how much time each 
member of the rating chain spends on that member’s portion 
of the officer evaluation report. 
(c) REVISIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 4 years after the date 
of the completion of the surveys required by subsection (b), 
14 USC note 
prec. 2101. 
46 USC 40102 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall revise the officer 
evaluation report, and provide corresponding directions, taking 
into account the requirements under paragraph (2). 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—In revising the officer evaluation 
report under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall— 
(A) consider the findings of the surveys under sub-
section (b); 
(B) improve administrative efficiency; 
(C) reduce and streamline performance dimensions and 
narrative text; 
(D) eliminate redundancy with the officer specialty 
management system and any other record information sys-
tems that are used during the officer assignment or pro-
motion process; 
(E) provide for fairness and equity for Coast Guard 
officers with regard to promotion boards, selection panels, 
and the assignment process; and 
(F) ensure officer evaluation responsibilities can be 
accomplished within normal working hours— 
(i) to minimize any impact to officer duties; and 
(ii) to eliminate any need for an officer to take 
liberty or leave for administrative purposes. 
(d) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 545 days after the date 
of the 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 Representa-
tives a report on the findings of the surveys under subsection 
(b). 
(2) FORMAT.—The report under paragraph (1) shall be for-
matted by each rank, type of board, and position, as applicable. 
SEC. 804. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY. 
Section 404 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 
(Public Law 111–281; 124 Stat. 2950) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), in the text preceding paragraph (1), 
by striking ‘‘sections 3304, 5333, and 5753’’ and inserting ‘‘sec-
tion 3304’’; and 
(2) by striking subsection (b), and redesignating subsection 
(c) as subsection (b). 
SEC. 805. 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. 
SEC. 806. 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. 
14 USC 522 note. 
14 USC 1102 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(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, 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. 807. CENTER OF EXPERTISE FOR GREAT LAKES OIL SPILL 
SEARCH AND RESPONSE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall estab-
lish a Center of Expertise for Great Lakes Oil Spill Preparedness 
and Response (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Center of Exper-
tise’’) in accordance with section 313 of title 14, United States 
Code, as amended by this Act. 
(b) LOCATION.—The Center of Expertise shall be located in 
close proximity to— 
(1) critical crude oil transportation infrastructure on and 
connecting the Great Lakes, such as submerged pipelines and 
high-traffic navigation locks; and 
(2) an institution of higher education with adequate aquatic 
research laboratory facilities and capabilities and expertise in 
Great Lakes aquatic ecology, environmental chemistry, fish 
and wildlife, and water resources. 
(c) FUNCTIONS.—The Center of Expertise shall— 
(1) monitor and assess, on an ongoing basis, the current 
state of knowledge regarding freshwater oil spill response tech-
nologies and the behavior and effects of oil spills in the Great 
Lakes; 
(2) identify any significant gaps in Great Lakes oil spill 
research, including an assessment of major scientific or techno-
logical deficiencies in responses to past spills in the Great 
Lakes and other freshwater bodies, and seek to fill those gaps; 
(3) conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation 
for freshwater oil spill response equipment, technologies, and 
techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in the Great 
Lakes; 
(4) educate and train Federal, State, and local first 
responders located in Coast Guard District 9 in— 
(A) the incident command system structure; 
(B) Great Lakes oil spill response techniques and 
strategies; and 
(C) public affairs; and 
(5) work with academic and private sector response training 
centers to develop and standardize maritime oil spill response 
training and techniques for use on the Great Lakes. 
(d) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘Great Lakes’’ means 
Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake 
Ontario. 
SEC. 808. PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINTS AND MARITIME SEARCH 
AND RESCUE COORDINATION. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act— 
(1) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating acting through the Commandant of the 
14 USC 313 note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Coast Guard shall review Coast Guard policies and procedures 
for public safety answering points and search-and-rescue 
coordination with State and local law enforcement entities in 
order to— 
(A) further minimize the possibility of maritime 911 
calls being improperly routed; and 
(B) assure the Coast Guard is able to effectively carry 
out the Coast Guard’s maritime search and rescue mission; 
and 
(2) the Commandant shall— 
(A) formulate a national maritime public safety 
answering points policy; and 
(B) submit a report to the Congress on such assessment 
and policy, which shall include an update to the report 
submitted in accordance with section 233 of the Howard 
Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
2014. 
SEC. 809. SHIP SHOAL LIGHTHOUSE TRANSFER: REPEAL. 
Effective January 1, 2021, section 27 of the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–241; 105 Stat. 2218) 
is repealed. 
SEC. 810. 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 10 days after receiving such offer, the Secretary 
shall provide notice of the offer to the Commandant; 
(2) within 90 days after receiving the notice under para-
graph (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 one 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 90 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 oper-
ational 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 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
or effect with respect to submerged lands that are part of the 
Tract. 
(d) FAILURE
TO TIMELY RESPOND
TO NOTICE.—If the Com-
mandant does not transmit proposed operational restrictions to 
the Secretary within 30 days after receiving the notice under sub-
section (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 Environ-
mental 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 oper-
ating, 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 PROP-
ERTY EXCHANGE PARCEL’’ and dated 3/22/17. 
SEC. 811. USE OF TRACT 43. 
Section 524(e)(2) of the Pribilof Island Transition Completion 
Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–120), as amended by section 3533 
of the Pribilof Island Transition Completion Amendments Act of 
2016 (subtitle B of title XXXV of Public Law 114–328), is amended 
by— 
(1) striking ‘‘each month’’ and inserting ‘‘each April and 
October’’; and 
(2) striking ‘‘previous month’’ and inserting ‘‘previous six 
months’’. 
SEC. 812. COAST GUARD MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an arrange-
ment with the National Academy of Sciences not later than 60 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act under which 
the Academy shall prepare an assessment of available unmanned, 
autonomous, or remotely controlled maritime domain awareness 
technologies for use by the Coast Guard. 
(b) ASSESSMENT.—The assessment shall— 
(1) describe the potential limitations of current and 
emerging unmanned technologies used in the maritime domain 
for— 
(A) ocean observation; 
(B) vessel monitoring and identification; 
(C) weather observation; 
(D) to the extent practicable for consideration by the 
Academy, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and recon-
naissance; and 
(E) communications; 
(2) examine how technologies described in paragraph (1) 
can help prioritize Federal investment by examining; 
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132 STAT. 4304 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(A) affordability, including acquisition, operations, and 
maintenance; 
(B) reliability; 
(C) versatility; 
(D) efficiency; and 
(E) estimated service life and persistence of effort; and 
(3) analyze whether the use of new and emerging maritime 
domain awareness technologies can be used to— 
(A) carry out Coast Guard missions at lower costs; 
(B) expand the scope and range of Coast Guard mari-
time domain awareness; 
(C) allow the Coast Guard to more efficiently and effec-
tively allocate Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and personnel; 
and 
(D) identify adjustments that would be necessary in 
Coast Guard policies, procedures, and protocols to incor-
porate unmanned technologies to enhance efficiency. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after entering 
into an arrangement with the Secretary under subsection (a), the 
National Academy of Sciences shall submit the assessment prepared 
under this section to the Committees on Transportation and Infra-
structure and Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate. 
(d) USE OF INFORMATION.—In formulating costs pursuant to 
subsection (b), the National Academy of Sciences may utilize 
information from other Coast Guard reports, assessments, or anal-
yses regarding existing Coast Guard manpower requirements or 
other reports, assessments, or analyses for the acquisition of 
unmanned, autonomous, or remotely controlled technologies by the 
Federal Government. 
SEC. 813. MONITORING. 
(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 use of different types of 
surveillance systems on illegal maritime activities, including illegal, 
unreported, and unregulated fishing, in the Western Pacific region. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The pilot program shall— 
(1) consider the use of light aircraft-based detection systems 
that can identify potential illegal activity from high altitudes 
and produce enforcement-quality evidence at low altitudes; and 
(2) be directed at detecting and deterring illegal maritime 
activities, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated 
fishing, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. 
SEC. 814. REIMBURSEMENTS FOR NON-FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION 
COSTS OF CERTAIN AIDS TO NAVIGATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of amounts specifi-
cally provided in advance in subsequent appropriations Acts and 
in accordance with this section, the Commandant of the Coast 
Guard may reimburse a non-Federal entity for costs incurred by 
the entity for a covered project. 
(b) CONDITIONS.—The Commandant may not provide reimburse-
ment under subsection (a) with respect to a covered project unless— 
(1) the need for the project is a result of the completion 
of construction with respect to a federally authorized navigation 
channel; 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(2) the Commandant determines, through an appropriate 
navigation safety analysis, that the project is necessary to 
ensure safe marine transportation; 
(3) the Commandant approves the design of the project 
to ensure that it meets all applicable Coast Guard aids-to- 
navigation standards and requirements; 
(4) the non-Federal entity agrees to transfer the project 
upon completion to the Coast Guard for operation and mainte-
nance by the Coast Guard as a Federal aid to navigation; 
(5) the non-Federal entity carries out the project in accord-
ance with the same laws and regulations that would apply 
to the Coast Guard if the Coast Guard carried out the project, 
including obtaining all permits required for the project under 
Federal and State law; and 
(6) the Commandant determines that the project satisfies 
such additional requirements as may be established by the 
Commandant. 
(c) LIMITATIONS.—Reimbursements under subsection (a) may 
not exceed the following: 
(1) For a single covered project, $5,000,000. 
(2) For all covered projects in a single fiscal year, 
$5,000,000. 
(d) EXPIRATION.—The authority granted under this section shall 
expire on the date that is 4 years after the date of enactment 
of this section. 
(e) COVERED PROJECT DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘cov-
ered project’’ means a project carried out— 
(1) by a non-Federal entity to construct and establish an 
aid to navigation that facilitates safe and efficient marine 
transportation on a Federal navigation project authorized by 
title I of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Public 
Law 110–114); and 
(2) in an area that was affected by Hurricane Harvey. 
SEC. 815. TOWING SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FEES. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— 
(1) review and compare the costs to the Government of— 
(A) towing vessel inspections performed by the Coast 
Guard; and 
(B) such inspections performed by a third party; and 
(2) based on such review and comparison, determine 
whether the costs to the Government of such inspections per-
formed by a third party are different than the costs to the 
Government of such inspections performed by the Coast Guard. 
(b) REVISION OF FEES.—If the Commandant determines under 
subsection (a) that the costs to the Government of such inspections 
performed by a third party are different than the costs to the 
Government of such inspections performed by the Coast Guard, 
then the Commandant shall revise the fee assessed by the Coast 
Guard for such inspections as necessary to conform to the require-
ments under section 9701 of title 31, United States Code, that 
such fee be based on the cost to the Government of such inspections 
and accurately reflect such costs. 
SEC. 816. OIL SPILL DISBURSEMENTS AUDITING AND REPORT. 
Section 1012 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712) 
is amended— 
(1) by repealing subsection (g); 
14 USC 946 note. 
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132 STAT. 4306 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(2) in subsection (l)(1), by striking ‘‘Within one year after 
the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2010, and annually thereafter,’’ and inserting ‘‘Each year, 
on the date on which the President submits to Congress a 
budget under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code,’’; 
and 
(3) by amending subsection (l)(2) to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—The report shall include— 
‘‘(A) a list of each incident that— 
‘‘(i) occurred in the preceding fiscal year; and 
‘‘(ii) resulted in disbursements from the Fund, for 
removal costs and damages, totaling $500,000 or more; 
‘‘(B) a list of each incident that— 
‘‘(i) occurred in the fiscal year preceding the pre-
ceding fiscal year; and 
‘‘(ii) resulted in disbursements from the Fund, for 
removal costs and damages, totaling $500,000 or more; 
and 
‘‘(C) an accounting of any amounts reimbursed to the 
Fund in the preceding fiscal year that were recovered from 
a responsible party for an incident that resulted in 
disbursements from the Fund, for removal costs and dam-
ages, totaling $500,000 or more.’’. 
SEC. 817. FLEET REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY. 
(a) REPORT.—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, in consultation with interested Federal and 
non-Federal stakeholders, shall submit to the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report including— 
(1) an assessment of Coast Guard at-sea operational fleet 
requirements to support its statutory missions established in 
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.); 
and 
(2) a strategic plan for meeting the requirements identified 
under paragraph (1). 
(b) CONTENTS.—The report under subsection (a) shall include— 
(1) an assessment of— 
(A) the extent to which the Coast Guard at-sea oper-
ational fleet requirements referred to in subsection (a)(1) 
are currently being met; 
(B) the Coast Guard’s current fleet, its operational 
lifespan, and how the anticipated changes in the age and 
distribution of vessels in the fleet will impact the ability 
to meet at-sea operational requirements; 
(C) fleet operations and recommended improvements 
to minimize costs and extend operational vessel life spans; 
and 
(D) the number of Fast Response Cutters, Offshore 
Patrol Cutters, and National Security Cutters needed to 
meet at-sea operational requirements as compared to 
planned acquisitions under the current programs of record; 
(2) an analysis of— 
(A) how the Coast Guard at-sea operational fleet 
requirements are currently met, including the use of the 
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132 STAT. 4307 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Coast Guard’s current cutter fleet, agreements with part-
ners, chartered vessels, and unmanned vehicle technology; 
and 
(B) whether existing and planned cutter programs of 
record (including the Fast Response Cutter, Offshore Patrol 
Cutter, and National Security Cutter) will enable the Coast 
Guard to meet at-sea operational requirements; and 
(3) a description of— 
(A) planned manned and unmanned vessel acquisition; 
and 
(B) how such acquisitions will change the extent to 
which the Coast Guard at-sea operational requirements 
are met. 
(c) CONSULTATION AND TRANSPARENCY.— 
(1) CONSULTATION.—In consulting with the Federal and 
non-Federal stakeholders under subsection (a), the Secretary 
of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall— 
(A) provide the stakeholders with opportunities for 
input— 
(i) prior to initially drafting the report, including 
the assessment and strategic plan; and 
(ii) not later than 3 months prior to finalizing 
the report, including the assessment and strategic plan, 
for submission; and 
(B) document the input and its disposition in the 
report. 
(2) TRANSPARENCY.—All input provided under paragraph 
(1) shall be made available to the public. 
(d) ENSURING MARITIME COVERAGE.—In order to meet Coast 
Guard mission requirements for search and rescue, ports, water-
ways, and coastal security, and maritime environmental response 
during recapitalization of Coast Guard vessels, the Coast Guard 
shall ensure continuity of the coverage, to the maximum extent 
practicable, in the locations that may lose assets. 
SEC. 818. NATIONAL SECURITY CUTTER. 
(a) STANDARD METHOD FOR TRACKING.—The Commandant of 
the Coast Guard may not certify an eighth National Security Cutter 
as Ready for Operations before the date on which the Commandant 
provides to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate— 
(1) a notification of a new standard method for tracking 
operational employment of Coast Guard major cutters that 
does not include time during which such a cutter is away 
from its homeport for maintenance or repair; and 
(2) a report analyzing cost and performance for different 
approaches to achieving varied levels of operational employ-
ment using the standard method required by paragraph (1) 
that, at a minimum— 
(A) compares over a 30-year period the average 
annualized baseline cost and performances for a certified 
National Security Cutter that operated for 185 days away 
from homeport or an equivalent alternative measure of 
operational tempo— 
(i) against the cost of a 15 percent increase in 
days away from homeport or an equivalent alternative 
14 USC 1133 
note. 
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132 STAT. 4308 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
measure of operational tempo for a National Security 
Cutter; and 
(ii) against the cost of the acquisition and operation 
of an additional National Security Cutter; and 
(B) examines the optimal level of operational employ-
ment of National Security Cutters to balance National 
Security Cutter cost and mission performance. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) Section 221(b) of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2012 (126 Stat. 1560) is repealed. 
(2) Section 204(c)(1) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2016 (130 Stat. 35) is repealed. 
SEC. 819. ACQUISITION PLAN FOR INLAND WATERWAY AND RIVER 
TENDERS AND BAY-CLASS ICEBREAKERS. 
(a) ACQUISITION PLAN.—Not later than 270 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a plan to replace 
or extend the life of the Coast Guard fleet of inland waterway 
and river tenders, and the Bay-class icebreakers. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The plan under subsection (a) shall include— 
(1) an analysis of the work required to extend the life 
of vessels described in subsection (a); 
(2) recommendations for which, if any, such vessels it is 
cost effective to undertake a ship-life extension or enhanced 
maintenance program; 
(3) an analysis of the aids to navigation program to deter-
mine if advances in navigation technology may reduce the 
needs for physical aids to navigation; 
(4) recommendations for changes to physical aids to naviga-
tion and the distribution of such aids that reduce the need 
for the acquisition of vessels to replace the vessels described 
in subsection (a); 
(5) a schedule for the acquisition of vessels to replace 
the vessels described in subsection (a), including the date on 
which the first vessel will be delivered; 
(6) the date such acquisition will be complete; 
(7) a description of the order and location of replacement 
vessels; 
(8) an estimate of the cost per vessel and of the total 
cost of the acquisition program of record; and 
(9) an analysis of whether existing vessels can be used. 
SEC. 820. GREAT LAKES ICEBREAKER ACQUISITION. 
(a) ICEBREAKING ON THE GREAT LAKES.—For fiscal years 2018 
and 2019, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may use funds 
made available pursuant to section 4902 of title 14, United States 
Code, as amended by this Act, for the construction of an icebreaker 
that is at least as capable as the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw 
to enhance icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes. 
(b) ACQUISITION PLAN.—Not later than 45 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit a plan 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives for acquiring an icebreaker 
described in subsections (a) and (b). Such plan shall include— 
14 USC 504 note. 
14 USC 573 note. 
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132 STAT. 4309 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(1) the details and schedule of the acquisition activities 
to be completed; and 
(2) a description of how the funding for Coast Guard 
acquisition, construction, and improvements that was appro-
priated under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 
(Public Law 115–31) will be allocated to support the acquisition 
activities referred to in paragraph (1). 
SEC. 821. POLAR ICEBREAKERS. 
(a) ENHANCED MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR THE POLAR STAR.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of appropria-
tions, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall conduct an 
enhanced maintenance program on Coast Guard Cutter Polar 
Star (WAGB–10) to extend the service life of such vessel until 
at least December 31, 2025. 
(2) REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authoriza-
tion Act of 2017, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with Naval Sea 
Systems Command, shall submit to the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives a detailed report describing 
a plan to extend the service life of the Coast Guard Cutter 
Polar Star (WAGB–10) until at least December 31, 2025, 
through an enhanced maintenance program. 
(3) CONTENT.—The report required by paragraph (2) shall 
include the following: 
(A) An assessment and discussion of the enhanced 
maintenance program recommended by the National Acad-
emies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee 
on Polar Icebreaker Cost Assessment in the letter report 
‘‘Acquisition and Operation of Polar Icebreakers: Fulfilling 
the Nation’s Needs’’. 
(B) An assessment and discussion of the Government 
Accountability Office’s concerns and recommendations 
regarding service life extension work on Coast Guard 
Cutter Polar Star (WAGB–10) in the report ‘‘Status of 
the Coast Guard’s Polar Icebreaking Fleet Capability and 
Recapitalization Plan’’. 
(C) Based upon a materiel condition assessment of 
the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB–10)— 
(i) a description of the service life extension needs 
of the vessel; 
(ii) detailed information regarding planned ship-
yard work for each fiscal year to meet such needs; 
and 
(iii) an estimate of the amount needed to be appro-
priated to complete the enhanced maintenance pro-
gram. 
(D) A plan to ensure the vessel will maintain seasonally 
operational status during the enhanced maintenance pro-
gram. 
(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—The Commandant 
of the Coast Guard may use funds made available pursuant 
to section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, as amended 
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132 STAT. 4310 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
by section 202 of this Act, for the enhanced maintenance pro-
gram described in the report required by subsection (a). 
(b) COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2012; 
AMENDMENT.—Section 222 of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–213), as amended, 
is further amended as follows: 
(1) by striking subsections (a) through (d); 
(2) by redesignating subsections (e) through (g) as sub-
sections (a) through (c), respectively; 
(3) in subsection (a), as redesignated— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘Except as provided in subsection (c), the Commandant’’ 
and inserting ‘‘The Commandant’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘Polar Sea or’’; 
(C) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘either of the vessels’’ 
and inserting ‘‘the Polar Star or the Polar Sea’’; and 
(D) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘either of the vessels’’ 
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘the Polar Star’’. 
SEC. 822. 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, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Defense and taking into consideration the 
Department of Defense 2016 Arctic Strategy, 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 imple-
menting 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 identified in the United States Coast 
Guard Arctic Strategy dated May 2013; 
(2) an assessment of the assets and infrastructure nec-
essary 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; 
(3) an analysis of the sufficiency of the distribution of 
National Security Cutters, Offshore Patrol Cutters, and Fast 
Response Cutters both stationed in various Alaskan ports and 
in other locations to meet the strategic objectives identified 
in the United States Coast Guard Arctic Strategy, dated May 
2013; 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(4) 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; 
(5) plans to prevent marine casualties, when possible, by 
ensuring vessels avoid environmentally sensitive areas and 
permanent security zones; 
(6) 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, equip-
ment, resources, training, and doctrine to prepare, respond 
to, and recover spilled oil in the Arctic; and 
(7) 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. 
SEC. 823. ARCTIC PLANNING CRITERIA. 
(a) ALTERNATIVE PLANNING CRITERIA.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of the Oil Pollution Act 
of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.), the Commandant of the Coast 
Guard may approve a vessel response plan under section 311 
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321) 
for a vessel operating in any area covered by the Captain 
of the Port Zone (as established by the Commandant) that 
includes the Arctic, if the Commandant verifies that— 
(A) equipment required to be available for response 
under the plan has been tested and proven capable of 
operating in the environmental conditions expected in the 
area in which it is intended to be operated; and 
(B) the operators of such equipment have conducted 
training on the equipment within the area covered by such 
Captain of the Port Zone. 
(2) POST-APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS.—In approving a vessel 
response plan under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall— 
(A) require that the oil spill removal organization 
identified in the vessel response plan conduct regular exer-
cises and drills using the response resources identified 
in the plan in the area covered by the Captain of the 
Port Zone that includes the Arctic; and 
(B) allow such oil spill removal organization to take 
credit for a response to an actual spill or release in the 
area covered by such Captain of the Port Zone, instead 
of conducting an exercise or drill required under subpara-
graph (A), if the oil spill removal organization— 
(i) documents which exercise or drill requirements 
were met during the response; and 
(ii) submits a request for credit to, and receives 
approval from, the Commandant. 
(b) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 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 Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a 
33 USC 1321 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
report on the oil spill prevention and response capabilities 
for the area covered by the Captain of the Port Zone (as 
established by the Commandant) that includes the Arctic. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following: 
(A) A description of equipment and assets available 
for response under the vessel response plans approved for 
vessels operating in the area covered by the Captain of 
the Port Zone, including details on any providers of such 
equipment and assets. 
(B) A description of the location of such equipment 
and assets, including an estimate of the time to deploy 
the equipment and assets. 
(C) A determination of how effectively such equipment 
and assets are distributed throughout the area covered 
by the Captain of the Port Zone. 
(D) A statement regarding whether the ability to main-
tain and deploy such equipment and assets is taken into 
account when measuring the equipment and assets avail-
able throughout the area covered by the Captain of the 
Port Zone. 
(E) A validation of the port assessment visit process 
and response resource inventory for response under the 
vessel response plans approved for vessels operating in 
the area covered by the Captain of the Port Zone. 
(F) A determination of the compliance rate with Fed-
eral vessel response plan regulations in the area covered 
by the Captain of the Port Zone during the previous 3 
years. 
(G) A description of the resources needed throughout 
the area covered by the Captain of the Port Zone to conduct 
port assessments, exercises, response plan reviews, 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). 
SEC. 824. VESSEL RESPONSE PLAN AUDIT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall complete and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a com-
prehensive review of the processes and resources used by the Coast 
Guard to implement vessel response plan requirements under sec-
tion 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
1321). 
(b) REQUIRED ELEMENTS
OF REVIEW.—The review required 
under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, include— 
(1) a study, or an audit if appropriate, of the processes 
the Coast Guard uses— 
(A) to approve the vessel response plans referred to 
in subsection (a); 
(B) to approve alternate planning criteria used in lieu 
of National Planning Criteria in approving such plans; 
(C) to verify compliance with such plans; and 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(D) to act in the event of a failure to comply with 
the requirements of such plans; 
(2) an examination of all Federal and State agency 
resources used by the Coast Guard in carrying out the processes 
identified under paragraph (1), including— 
(A) the current staffing model and organization; 
(B) data, software, simulators, systems, or other tech-
nology, including those pertaining to weather, oil spill 
trajectory modeling, and risk management; 
(C) the total amount of time per fiscal year expended 
by Coast Guard personnel to approve and verify compliance 
with vessel response plans; and 
(D) the average amount of time expended by the Coast 
Guard for approval of, and verification of compliance with, 
a single vessel response plan; 
(3) an analysis of how, including by what means or 
methods, the processes identified under paragraph (1)— 
(A) ensure compliance with applicable law; 
(B) are implemented by the Coast Guard, including 
at the district and sector levels; 
(C) are informed by public comment and engagement 
with States, Indian Tribes, and other regional stakeholders; 
(D) ensure availability and adequate operational capa-
bility and capacity of required assets and equipment, 
including in cases in which contractual obligations may 
limit the availability of such assets and equipment for 
response; 
(E) provide for adequate asset and equipment mobiliza-
tion time requirements, particularly with respect to— 
(i) calculation and establishment of such require-
ments; 
(ii) verifying compliance with such requirements; 
and 
(iii) factoring in weather, including specific 
regional adverse weather as defined in section 155.1020 
of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, in calculating, 
establishing, and verifying compliance with such 
requirements; 
(F) ensure response plan updates and vessel compli-
ance when changes occur in response planning criteria, 
asset and equipment mobilization times, or regional 
response needs, such as trends in transportation of high 
gravity oils or changes in vessel traffic volume; and 
(G) enable effective action by the Coast Guard in the 
event of a failure to comply with response plan require-
ments; 
(4) a determination regarding whether asset and equipment 
mobilization time requirements under approved vessel response 
plans can be met by the vessels to which they apply; and 
(5) recommendations for improving the processes identified 
under paragraph (1), including recommendations regarding the 
sufficiency of Coast Guard resources dedicated to those proc-
esses. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
SEC. 825. WATERS DEEMED NOT NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED 
STATES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES. 
For purposes of the application of subtitle II of title 46, United 
States Code, to the Volunteer (Hull Number CCA4108), the Illinois 
and Michigan Canal is deemed to not be navigable waters of the 
United States. 
SEC. 826. DOCUMENTATION OF RECREATIONAL VESSELS. 
Coast Guard personnel performing nonrecreational vessel docu-
mentation functions under subchapter II of chapter 121 of title 
46, United States Code, may perform recreational vessel documenta-
tion under section 12114 of such title in any fiscal year in which— 
(1) funds available for Coast Guard operating expenses 
may not be used for expenses incurred for recreational vessel 
documentation; 
(2) fees collected from owners of yachts and credited to 
such use are insufficient to pay expenses of recreational vessel 
documentation; and 
(3) there is a backlog of applications for recreational vessel 
documentation. 
SEC. 
827. 
EQUIPMENT 
REQUIREMENTS; 
EXEMPTION 
FROM 
THROWABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES REQUIRE-
MENT. 
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall— 
(1) prescribe regulations in part 160 of title 46, Code of 
Federal Regulations, that treat a marine throw bag, as that 
term is commonly used in the commercial whitewater rafting 
industry, as a type of lifesaving equipment; and 
(2) revise section 175.17 of title 33, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, to exempt rafts that are 16 feet or more overall in 
length from the requirement to carry an additional throwable 
personal flotation device when such a marine throw bag is 
onboard and accessible. 
SEC. 828. 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 alerting 
and locating 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 perform-
ance standard for alternative use and possession of visual distress 
alerting and locating signals is finalized, the Secretary shall revise 
part 175 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, to allow for 
carriage of such alternative signal devices. 
SEC. 829. RADAR REFRESHER TRAINING. 
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall prescribe a final rule eliminating the requirement 
that a mariner actively using the mariner’s credential complete 
an approved refresher or recertification course to maintain a radar 
46 USC 7302. 
46 USC 4302 
note. 
46 USC 4302 
note. 
46 USC 12114 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
observer endorsement. This rulemaking shall be exempt from chap-
ters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 
12866 and 13563. 
SEC. 830. COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY NATIONAL COMMU-
NICATIONS PLAN. 
(a) REQUIREMENT FOR PLAN.—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 develop and 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 national communications plan 
for the purposes of— 
(1) disseminating information to the commercial fishing 
vessel industry; 
(2) conducting outreach with the commercial fishing vessel 
industry; 
(3) facilitating interaction with the commercial fishing 
vessel industry; and 
(4) releasing information collected under section 15102 of 
title 46, United States Code, as added by this Act, to the 
commercial fishing vessel industry. 
(b) CONTENT.—The plan required by subsection (a), and each 
annual update, shall— 
(1) identify staff, resources, and systems available to the 
Secretary to ensure the widest dissemination of information 
to the commercial fishing vessel industry; 
(2) include a means to document all communication and 
outreach conducted with the commercial fishing vessel industry; 
and 
(3) include a mechanism to measure effectiveness of such 
plan. 
(c) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than one year after submission 
of the initial plan, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall implement the plan and shall at 
a minimum— 
(1) leverage Coast Guard staff, resources, and systems 
available; 
(2) monitor implementation nationwide to ensure adherence 
to plan contents; 
(3) allow each Captain of the Port to adopt the most effec-
tive strategy and means to communicate with commercial 
fishing vessel industry in that Captain of the Port Zone; 
(4) document communication and outreach; and 
(5) solicit feedback from the commercial fishing vessel 
industry. 
(d) REPORT AND UPDATES.—The Secretary of the department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating shall— 
(1) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a 
report on the effectiveness of the plan to date and any updates 
to ensure maximum impact of the plan one year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter; 
and 
46 USC 4502 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(2) include in such report input from individual Captains 
of the Port and any feedback received from the commercial 
fishing vessel industry. 
SEC. 831. ATLANTIC COAST PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY REC-
OMMENDATIONS. 
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of 
the Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall notify the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate of action taken to carry out the rec-
ommendations contained in the final report issued by the Atlantic 
Coast Port Access Route Study (ACPARS) workgroup for which 
notice of availability was published March 14, 2016 (81 Fed. Reg. 
13307). 
SEC. 832. DRAWBRIDGES. 
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 SCHED-
ULES.—Notwithstanding section 553 of title 5, United States Code, 
whenever a temporary change to the operating schedule of a draw-
bridge, lasting 180 days or less— 
‘‘(1) is approved— 
‘‘(A) the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall— 
‘‘(i) issue a deviation approval letter to the bridge 
owner; and 
‘‘(ii) announce the temporary change in— 
‘‘(I) the Local Notice to Mariners; 
‘‘(II) a broadcast notice to mariners and 
through radio stations; or 
‘‘(III) such other local media as the Secretary 
considers appropriate; and 
‘‘(B) the bridge owner, except a railroad bridge owner, 
shall notify— 
‘‘(i) the public by publishing notice of the tem-
porary change in a newspaper of general circulation 
published in the place where the bridge is located; 
‘‘(ii) the department, agency, or office of transpor-
tation with jurisdiction over the roadway that abuts 
the approaches to the bridge; and 
‘‘(iii) the law enforcement organization with juris-
diction over the roadway that abuts the approaches 
to the bridge; or 
‘‘(2) is denied, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall— 
‘‘(A) not later than 10 days after the date of receipt 
of the request, provide the bridge owner in writing the 
reasons for the denial, including any supporting data and 
evidence used to make the determination; and 
‘‘(B) provide the bridge owner a reasonable opportunity 
to address each reason for the denial and resubmit the 
request. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(e) DRAWBRIDGE MOVEMENTS.—The Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating— 
‘‘(1) shall require a drawbridge operator to record each 
movement of the drawbridge in a logbook; 
‘‘(2) may inspect the logbook to ensure drawbridge move-
ment is in accordance with the posted operating schedule; 
‘‘(3) shall review whether deviations from the posted oper-
ating schedule are impairing vehicular and pedestrian traffic; 
and 
‘‘(4) may determine if the operating schedule should be 
adjusted for efficiency of maritime or vehicular and pedestrian 
traffic. 
‘‘(f) REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) LOGBOOKS.—An operator of a drawbridge built across 
a navigable river or other water of the United States— 
‘‘(A) that opens the draw of such bridge for the passage 
of a vessel, shall record in a logbook— 
‘‘(i) the bridge identification and date of each 
opening; 
‘‘(ii) the bridge tender or operator for each opening; 
‘‘(iii) each time it is opened for navigation; 
‘‘(iv) each time it is closed for navigation; 
‘‘(v) the number and direction of vessels passing 
through during each opening; 
‘‘(vi) the types of vessels passing through during 
each opening; 
‘‘(vii) an estimated or known size (height, length, 
and beam) of the largest vessel passing through during 
each opening; 
‘‘(viii) for each vessel, the vessel name and registra-
tion number if easily observable; and 
‘‘(ix) all maintenance openings, malfunctions, or 
other comments; and 
‘‘(B) that remains open to navigation but closes to 
allow for trains to cross, shall record in a logbook— 
‘‘(i) the bridge identification and date of each 
opening and closing; 
‘‘(ii) the bridge tender or operator; 
‘‘(iii) each time it is opened to navigation; 
‘‘(iv) each time it is closed to navigation; and 
‘‘(v) all maintenance openings, closings, malfunc-
tions, or other comments. 
‘‘(2) MAINTENANCE OF LOGBOOKS.—A drawbridge operator 
shall maintain logbooks required under paragraph (1) for not 
less than 5 years. 
‘‘(3) SUBMISSION OF LOGBOOKS.—At the request of the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, 
a drawbridge operator shall submit to the Secretary the logbook 
required under paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers nec-
essary to carry out this section. 
‘‘(4) EXEMPTION.—The requirements under paragraph (1) 
shall be exempt from sections 3501 to 3521 of title 44, United 
States Code.’’. 
SEC. 833. WAIVER. 
Section 8902 of title 46, United States Code, shall not apply 
to the chain ferry DIANE (United States official number CG002692) 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
when such vessel is operating on the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck, 
Michigan. 
SEC. 834. FIRE-RETARDANT MATERIALS. 
Section 3503 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘§ 3503. Fire-retardant materials 
‘‘(a)(1) A passenger vessel of the United States having berth 
or stateroom accommodations for at least 50 passengers shall be 
granted a certificate of inspection only if— 
‘‘(A) the vessel is constructed of fire-retardant mate-
rials; and 
‘‘(B) the vessel— 
‘‘(i) is operating engines, boilers, main electrical 
distribution panels, fuel tanks, oil tanks, and genera-
tors that meet current Coast Guard regulations; and 
‘‘(ii) is operating boilers and main electrical genera-
tors that are contained within noncombustible enclo-
sures equipped with fire suppression systems. 
‘‘(2) Before December 1, 2028, this subsection does not 
apply to any vessel in operation before January 1, 1968, and 
operating only within the Boundary Line. 
‘‘(b)(1) The owner or managing operator of an exempted vessel 
described in subsection (a)(2) shall— 
‘‘(A) notify in writing prospective passengers, prior to 
purchase, and each crew member that the vessel does 
not comply with applicable fire safety standards due pri-
marily to the wooden construction of passenger berthing 
areas; 
‘‘(B) display in clearly legible font prominently through-
out the vessel, including in each state room the following: 
‘THIS VESSEL FAILS TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY 
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE U.S. COAST 
GUARD.’; 
‘‘(C) acquire prior to the vessel entering service, and 
maintain, liability insurance in an amount to be prescribed 
by the Federal Maritime Commission; 
‘‘(D) make annual structural alteration to not less than 
10 percent of the areas of the vessel that are not con-
structed of fire retardant materials; 
‘‘(E) prioritize alterations in galleys, engineering areas 
of the vessel, including all spaces and compartments con-
taining, or adjacent to spaces and compartments con-
taining, engines, boilers, main electrical distribution 
panels, fuel tanks, oil tanks, and generators; 
‘‘(F) ensure, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that 
the combustible fire-load has been reduced pursuant to 
subparagraph (D) during each annual inspection for certifi-
cation; 
‘‘(G) ensure the vessel has multiple forms of egress 
off the vessel’s bow and stern; 
‘‘(H) provide advance notice to the Coast Guard 
regarding the structural alterations made pursuant to 
subparagraph (D) and comply with any noncombustible 
material requirements prescribed by the Coast Guard; 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(I) annually notify all ports of call and State emer-
gency management offices of jurisdiction that the vessel 
does not comply with the requirement under subsection 
(a)(1); 
‘‘(J) provide crewmembers manning such vessel ship-
board training that— 
‘‘(i) is specialized for exempted vessels; 
‘‘(ii) exceeds requirements related to standards for 
firefighting training under chapter I of title 46, Code 
of Federal Regulations, as in effect on October 1, 2017; 
and 
‘‘(iii) is approved by the Coast Guard; and 
‘‘(K) to the extent practicable, take all steps to retain 
previously trained crew knowledgeable of such vessel or 
to hire crew trained in operations aboard exempted vessels. 
‘‘(2) The owner or managing operator of an exempted vessel 
described in subsection (a)(2) may not disclaim liability to a 
passenger or crew member of such vessel for death, injury, 
or any other loss caused by fire due to the negligence of the 
owner or managing operator. 
‘‘(3) The Secretary shall— 
‘‘(A) conduct an annual audit and inspection of each 
exempted vessel described in subsection (a)(2); 
‘‘(B) in implementing subparagraph (b)(1)(F), consider, 
to the extent practicable, the goal of preservation of the 
historic integrity of such vessel in areas carrying or acces-
sible to passengers or generally visible to the public; and 
‘‘(C) prescribe regulations to carry out this section, 
including to prescribe the manner in which prospective 
passengers are to be notified under paragraph (1)(A). 
‘‘(4) The penalties provided in section 3504(c) of this title 
shall apply to a violation of this subsection. 
‘‘(c) In addition to otherwise applicable penalties, the Secretary 
may immediately withdraw a certificate of inspection for an 
exempted vessel described in subsection (a)(2) that does not comply 
with any requirement under subsection (b).’’. 
SEC. 835. VESSEL WAIVER. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Upon the date of enactment of this Act and 
notwithstanding sections 12112(a)(2)(A) and 12113(a)(2) of title 46, 
United States Code, the Secretary shall issue a certificate of docu-
mentation with coastwise and fishery endorsements to the certifi-
cated vessel. 
(b) REPLACEMENT VESSEL.—The certificated vessel shall qualify 
as a replacement vessel for the vessel ‘‘AMERICA NO.1’’ (United 
States official number 610654) and not be precluded from operating 
as an Amendment 80 replacement vessel under the provisions of 
part 679 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(c) COAST GUARD REVIEW AND DETERMINATION.— 
(1) REVIEW.—Not later than 30 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review 
of the use of certain foreign fabricated steel components in 
the hull or superstructure of the certificated vessel. 
(2) DETERMINATION.—Based on the review conducted under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine whether the ship-
yard that constructed the certificated vessel or the purchaser 
of the certificated vessel knew before such components were 
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132 STAT. 4320 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
procured or installed that the use of such components would 
violate 
requirements 
under 
sections 
12112(a)(2)(A) 
and 
12113(a)(2) of title 46, United States Code. 
(3) REVOCATION.—If the Secretary determines under para-
graph (2) that the shipyard that constructed the certificated 
vessel or the purchaser of the certificated vessel knew before 
such components were procured or installed that the use of 
such components would violate requirements under sections 
12112(a)(2)(A) and 12113(a)(2) of title 46, United States Code, 
the Secretary shall immediately revoke the certificate of docu-
mentation issued under subsection (a). 
(4) USE OF DOCUMENTS.—In conducting the review required 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary may request and review 
any information, correspondence, or documents related to the 
construction of the certificated vessel, including from the ship-
yard that constructed the certificated vessel and the purchaser 
of the certificated vessel. 
(d) TERMINATION.—If the contract for purchase of the certifi-
cated vessel that is in effect on the date of enactment of this 
Act is terminated, the purchasing party to that contract shall be 
prohibited from entering into a subsequent contract or agreement 
for purchase of such vessel. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) CERTIFICATED VESSEL.—The term ‘‘certificated vessel’’ 
means the vessel America’s Finest (United States official 
number 1276760). 
(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary 
of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, 
acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard. 
SEC. 836. TEMPORARY LIMITATIONS. 
(a) LIMITATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Upon the Coast Guard issuing a certifi-
cate of documentation with coastwise and fishery endorsements 
for the vessel ‘‘AMERICA’S FINEST’’ (United States official 
number 1276760) and during any period such certificate is 
in effect, and subject to subsection (b), the total amount of 
groundfish harvested with respect to subparagraph (A) or the 
total amount of deliveries processed from other vessels with 
respect to subparagraph (B) by the vessels described in para-
graph (2) shall not collectively exceed— 
(A) the percentage of the harvest available in any 
Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries (other than fisheries 
subject to a limited access privilege program created by 
the North Pacific Fishery Management Council) that is 
equivalent to the total harvest by the vessels described 
in paragraph (2) in those fisheries in the calendar years 
that a vessel described in paragraph (2) had harvest from 
2012 through 2017 relative to the total allowable catch 
available to such vessels in the calendar years 2012 through 
2017; or 
(B) the percentage of processing of deliveries from other 
vessels in any Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of 
Alaska groundfish fisheries (including fisheries subject to 
a limited access privilege program created by the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council, or community 
development quotas as described in section 305(i) of the 
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132 STAT. 4321 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(i))) that is equivalent to the total 
processing of such deliveries by the vessels described in 
paragraph (2) in those fisheries in the calendar years 2012 
through 2017 relative to the total allowable catch available 
in the calendar years 2012 through 2017. 
(2) APPLICABLE
VESSELS.—The limitations described in 
paragraph (1) shall apply, in the aggregate, to— 
(A) the vessel AMERICA’S FINEST (United States offi-
cial number 1276760); 
(B) the vessel US INTREPID (United States official 
number 604439); 
(C) the vessel AMERICAN NO. 1 (United States official 
number 610654); 
(D) any replacement of a vessel described in subpara-
graph (A), (B), or (C); and 
(E) any vessel assigned license number LLG3217 under 
the license limitation program under part 679 of title 50, 
Code of Federal Regulations. 
(b) EXPIRATION.—The limitations described in subsection (a) 
shall apply to a groundfish species in Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, 
and Gulf of Alaska only until the earlier of— 
(1) the end of the 6-year period beginning on the date 
of enactment of this Act; or 
(2) the date on which the Secretary of Commerce issues 
a final rule, based on recommendations developed by the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council consistent with the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), that limits processing deliveries of 
that groundfish species from other vessels in any Bering Sea, 
Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries that 
are not subject to conservation and management measures 
under section 206 of the American Fisheries Act (16 U.S.C. 
1851 note). 
(c) EXISTING AUTHORITY.—Except for the measures required 
by this section, nothing in this title shall be construed to limit 
the authority of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council 
or the Secretary of Commerce under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). 
SEC. 837. TRANSFER OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN JUPITER ISLAND, 
FLORIDA, FOR INCLUSION IN HOBE SOUND NATIONAL 
WILDLIFE REFUGE. 
(a) TRANSFER.—Administrative jurisdiction over the property 
described in subsection (b) is transferred to the Secretary of the 
Interior. 
(b) PROPERTY DESCRIBED.—The property described in this sub-
section is real property administered by the Coast Guard in the 
Town of Jupiter Island, Florida, comprising Parcel #35–38–42– 
004–000–02590–6 (Bon Air Beach lots 259 and 260 located at 83 
North Beach Road) and Parcel #35–38–42–004–000–02610–2 (Bon 
Air Beach lots 261 to 267), including any improvements thereon 
that are not authorized or required by another provision of law 
to be conveyed to another person. 
(c) ADMINISTRATION.—The property described in subsection (b) 
is included in Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, and shall 
16 USC 668dd 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
be administered by the Secretary of the Interior acting through 
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 
SEC. 838. EMERGENCY RESPONSE. 
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall request the National 
Offshore Safety Advisory Committee to examine whether there are 
unnecessary regulatory barriers to the use of small passenger ves-
sels, crewboats, and offshore supply vessels in disaster response 
and provide recommendations, as appropriate, to reduce such bar-
riers. 
SEC. 839. DRAWBRIDGES CONSULTATION. 
(a) CONSULTATION.—In addition and subsequent to any rule-
making conducted under section 117.8 of title 33, Code of Federal 
Regulations, related to permanent changes to drawbridge openings 
that result from Amtrak service between New Orleans, Louisiana 
and Orlando, Florida, the Commandant shall consult with owners 
or operators of rail lines used for Amtrak passenger service between 
New Orleans, Louisiana and Orlando, Florida and affected water-
way users on changes to drawbridge operating schedules necessary 
to facilitate the On Time Performance of passenger trains. These 
changes to schedules shall not impact Coast Guard response times 
to operational missions. 
(b) TIMING.—Consultation in subsection (a) shall occur after 
commencement of Amtrak passenger service on the rail lines 
between New Orleans, Louisiana and Orlando, Florida at the fol-
lowing intervals: 
(1) Not less than 3 months following the commencement 
of Amtrak passenger service. 
(2) Not less than 6 months following the commencement 
of Amtrak passenger service. 
(c) REPORT.—If after conducting the consultations required by 
subsection (b)(2), the Commandant finds that permanent changes 
to drawbridge operations are necessary to mitigate delays in the 
movement of trains described in subsection (a) and that those 
changes do not unreasonably obstruct the navigability of the 
affected waterways, then the Commandant shall submit those 
findings to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 
TITLE IX—VESSEL INCIDENTAL 
DISCHARGE ACT 
SEC. 901. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Vessel Incidental Discharge 
Act of 2018’’. 
SEC. 902. PURPOSES; FINDINGS. 
(a) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this title are— 
(1) to provide for the establishment of uniform, environ-
mentally sound standards and requirements for the manage-
ment of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a 
vessel; 
33 USC 1322 
note. 
33 USC 1251 
note. 
Vessel Incidental 
Discharge Act 
of 2018. 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(2) to charge the Environmental Protection Agency with 
primary responsibility for establishing standards relating to 
the discharge of pollutants from vessels; 
(3) to charge the Coast Guard with primary responsibility 
for prescribing, administering, and enforcing regulations, con-
sistent with the discharge standards established by the 
Environmental Protection Agency, for the design, construction, 
installation, and operation of the equipment and management 
practices required onboard vessels; and 
(4) to preserve the flexibility of States, political subdivi-
sions, and certain regions with respect to the administration 
and enforcement of standards relating to the discharge of pollut-
ants from vessels engaged in maritime commerce and transpor-
tation. 
(b) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) the Environmental Protection Agency is the principal 
Federal authority charged under the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) with regulating through 
the issuance of permits for the discharge of pollutants into 
the navigable waters of the United States; 
(2) the Coast Guard is the principal Federal authority 
charged with administering, enforcing, and prescribing regula-
tions relating to the discharge of pollutants from vessels; and 
(3) during the period of 1973 to 2010— 
(A) the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated 
regulations exempting certain discharges incidental to the 
normal operation of vessels from otherwise applicable 
permitting requirements of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); and 
(B) Congress enacted laws on numerous occasions gov-
erning the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal 
operation of vessels, including— 
(i) the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 
U.S.C. 1901 et seq.); 
(ii) the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Preven-
tion and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.); 
(iii) the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (16 
U.S.C. 4701 note; Public Law 104–332); 
(iv) section 415 of the Coast Guard Authorization 
Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–383; 112 Stat. 3434) and 
section 623 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor-
tation Act of 2004 (33 U.S.C. 1901 note; Public Law 
108–293), which established interim and permanent 
requirements, respectively, for the regulation of vessel 
discharges of certain bulk cargo residue; 
(v) title XIV of division B of Appendix D of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (Public Law 
106–554; 114 Stat. 2763A–315), which prohibited or 
limited certain vessel discharges in certain areas of 
Alaska; 
(vi) section 204 of the Maritime Transportation 
Security Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 1902a), which estab-
lished requirements for the regulation of vessel dis-
charges of agricultural cargo residue material in the 
form of hold washings; and 
(vii) title X of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2010 (33 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.), which provided for 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
the implementation of the International Convention 
on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on 
Ships, 2001. 
SEC. 903. STANDARDS FOR DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL TO NORMAL 
OPERATION OF VESSELS. 
(a) UNIFORM NATIONAL STANDARDS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 312 of the Federal Water Pollu-
tion Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322) is amended by adding at 
the end the following: 
‘‘(p) UNIFORM NATIONAL STANDARDS
FOR DISCHARGES INCI-
DENTAL TO NORMAL OPERATION OF VESSELS.— 
‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES.—The term ‘aquatic 
nuisance species’ means a nonindigenous species that 
threatens— 
‘‘(i) the diversity or abundance of a native species; 
‘‘(ii) the ecological stability of— 
‘‘(I) waters of the United States; or 
‘‘(II) waters of the contiguous zone; or 
‘‘(iii) a commercial, agricultural, aquacultural, or 
recreational activity that is dependent on— 
‘‘(I) waters of the United States; or 
‘‘(II) waters of the contiguous zone. 
‘‘(B) BALLAST WATER.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘ballast water’ means 
any water, suspended matter, and other materials 
taken onboard a vessel— 
‘‘(I) to control or maintain trim, draught, sta-
bility, or stresses of the vessel, regardless of the 
means by which any such water or suspended 
matter is carried; or 
‘‘(II) during the cleaning, maintenance, or 
other operation of a ballast tank or ballast water 
management system of the vessel. 
‘‘(ii) EXCLUSION.—The term ‘ballast water’ does not 
include any substance that is added to the water 
described in clause (i) that is directly related to the 
operation of a properly functioning ballast water 
management system. 
‘‘(C) BALLAST WATER DISCHARGE STANDARD.—The term 
‘ballast water discharge standard’ means— 
‘‘(i) the numerical ballast water discharge standard 
established by section 151.1511 or 151.2030 of title 
33, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regula-
tions); or 
‘‘(ii) if a standard referred to in clause (i) is super-
seded by a numerical standard of performance under 
this subsection, that superseding standard. 
‘‘(D) BALLAST
WATER
EXCHANGE.—The term ‘ballast 
water exchange’ means the replacement of water in a bal-
last water tank using 1 of the following methods: 
‘‘(i) Flow-through exchange, in which ballast water 
is flushed out by pumping in midocean water at the 
bottom of the tank if practicable, and continuously 
overflowing the tank from the top, until 3 full volumes 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
of water have been changed to minimize the number 
of original organisms remaining in the tank. 
‘‘(ii) Empty and refill exchange, in which ballast 
water taken on in ports, estuarine waters, or territorial 
waters is pumped out until the pump loses suction, 
after which the ballast tank is refilled with midocean 
water. 
‘‘(E) BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.—The term 
‘ballast water management system’ means any marine 
pollution control device (including all ballast water treat-
ment equipment, ballast tanks, pipes, pumps, and all asso-
ciated control and monitoring equipment) that processes 
ballast water— 
‘‘(i) to kill, render nonviable, or remove organisms; 
or 
‘‘(ii) to avoid the uptake or discharge of organisms. 
‘‘(F) BEST
AVAILABLE
TECHNOLOGY
ECONOMICALLY 
ACHIEVABLE.—The term ‘best available technology economi-
cally achievable’ means— 
‘‘(i) best available technology economically achiev-
able (within the meaning of section 301(b)(2)(A)); 
‘‘(ii) best available technology (within the meaning 
of section 304(b)(2)(B)); and 
‘‘(iii) best available technology, as determined in 
accordance with section 125.3(d)(3) of title 40, Code 
of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). 
‘‘(G) BEST CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANT CONTROL TECH-
NOLOGY.—The term ‘best conventional pollutant control 
technology’ means— 
‘‘(i) best conventional pollutant control technology 
(within the meaning of section 301(b)(2)(E)); 
‘‘(ii) best conventional pollutant control technology 
(within the meaning of section 304(b)(4)); and 
‘‘(iii) best conventional pollutant control tech-
nology, as determined in accordance with section 
125.3(d)(2) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or successor regulations). 
‘‘(H) BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—The term ‘best management 
practice’ means a schedule of activities, prohibitions 
of practices, maintenance procedures, and other 
management practices to prevent or reduce the pollu-
tion of— 
‘‘(I) the waters of the United States; or 
‘‘(II) the waters of the contiguous zone. 
‘‘(ii) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘best management 
practice’ includes any treatment requirement, oper-
ating procedure, or practice to control— 
‘‘(I) vessel runoff; 
‘‘(II) spillage or leaks; 
‘‘(III) sludge or waste disposal; or 
‘‘(IV) drainage from raw material storage. 
‘‘(I) BEST
PRACTICABLE
CONTROL
TECHNOLOGY
CUR-
RENTLY
AVAILABLE.—The term ‘best practicable control 
technology currently available’ means— 
‘‘(i) best practicable control technology currently 
available (within the meaning of section 301(b)(1)(A)); 
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132 STAT. 4326 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(ii) best practicable control technology currently 
available (within the meaning of section 304(b)(1)); 
and 
‘‘(iii) best practicable control technology currently 
available, as determined in accordance with section 
125.3(d)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or successor regulations). 
‘‘(J) CAPTAIN OF THE PORT ZONE.—The term ‘Captain 
of the Port Zone’ means a Captain of the Port Zone estab-
lished by the Secretary pursuant to sections 92, 93, and 
633 of title 14, United States Code. 
‘‘(K) EMPTY BALLAST TANK.—The term ‘empty ballast 
tank’ means a tank that— 
‘‘(i) has previously held ballast water that has 
been drained to the limit of the functional or oper-
ational capabilities of the tank (such as loss of suction); 
‘‘(ii) is recorded as empty on a vessel log; and 
‘‘(iii) contains unpumpable residual ballast water 
and sediment. 
‘‘(L) GREAT
LAKES
COMMISSION.—The term ‘Great 
Lakes Commission’ means the Great Lakes Commission 
established by article IV A of the Great Lakes Compact 
to which Congress granted consent in the Act of July 24, 
1968 (Public Law 90–419; 82 Stat. 414). 
‘‘(M) GREAT
LAKES
STATE.—The term ‘Great Lakes 
State’ means any of the States of— 
‘‘(i) Illinois; 
‘‘(ii) Indiana; 
‘‘(iii) Michigan; 
‘‘(iv) Minnesota; 
‘‘(v) New York; 
‘‘(vi) Ohio; 
‘‘(vii) Pennsylvania; and 
‘‘(viii) Wisconsin. 
‘‘(N) GREAT LAKES SYSTEM.—The term ‘Great Lakes 
System’ has the meaning given the term in section 
118(a)(3). 
‘‘(O) INTERNAL WATERS.—The term ‘internal waters’ has 
the meaning given the term in section 2.24 of title 33, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). 
‘‘(P) MARINE POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICE.—The term 
‘marine pollution control device’ means any equipment or 
management practice (or combination of equipment and 
a management practice), for installation or use onboard 
a vessel, that is— 
‘‘(i) designed to receive, retain, treat, control, or 
discharge a discharge incidental to the normal oper-
ation of a vessel; and 
‘‘(ii) determined by the Administrator and the Sec-
retary to be the most effective equipment or manage-
ment practice (or combination of equipment and a 
management practice) to reduce the environmental 
impacts of the discharge, consistent with the factors 
for consideration described in paragraphs (4) and (5). 
‘‘(Q) NONINDIGENOUS SPECIES.—The term ‘nonindige-
nous species’ means an organism of a species that enters 
an ecosystem beyond the historic range of the species. 
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132 STAT. 4327 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(R) ORGANISM.—The term ‘organism’ includes— 
‘‘(i) an animal, including fish and fish eggs and 
larvae; 
‘‘(ii) a plant; 
‘‘(iii) a pathogen; 
‘‘(iv) a microbe; 
‘‘(v) a virus; 
‘‘(vi) a prokaryote (including any archean or bac-
terium); 
‘‘(vii) a fungus; and 
‘‘(viii) a protist. 
‘‘(S) PACIFIC REGION.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘Pacific Region’ means 
any Federal or State water— 
‘‘(I) adjacent to the State of Alaska, California, 
Hawaii, Oregon, or Washington; and 
‘‘(II) extending from shore. 
‘‘(ii) INCLUSION.—The term ‘Pacific Region’ includes 
the entire exclusive economic zone (as defined in sec-
tion 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 
2701)) adjacent to each State described in clause (i)(I). 
‘‘(T) PORT OR PLACE OF DESTINATION.—The term ‘port 
or place of destination’ means a port or place to which 
a vessel is bound to anchor or moor. 
‘‘(U) RENDER NONVIABLE.—The term ‘render nonviable’, 
with respect to an organism in ballast water, means the 
action of a ballast water management system that renders 
the organism permanently incapable of reproduction fol-
lowing treatment. 
‘‘(V) SALTWATER FLUSH.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—The term ‘saltwater flush’ 
means— 
‘‘(I)(aa) the addition of as much midocean 
water into each empty ballast tank of a vessel 
as is safe for the vessel and crew; and 
‘‘(bb) the mixing of the flushwater with 
residual ballast water and sediment through the 
motion of the vessel; and 
‘‘(II) the discharge of that mixed water, such 
that the resultant residual water remaining in 
the tank— 
‘‘(aa) has the highest salinity possible; and 
‘‘(bb) is at least 30 parts per thousand. 
‘‘(ii) MULTIPLE SEQUENCES.—For purposes of clause 
(i), a saltwater flush may require more than 1 fill- 
mix-empty sequence, particularly if only small quan-
tities of water can be safely taken onboard a vessel 
at 1 time. 
‘‘(W) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ means the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating. 
‘‘(X) SMALL VESSEL GENERAL PERMIT.—The term ‘Small 
Vessel General Permit’ means the permit that is the subject 
of the notice of final permit issuance entitled ‘Final 
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 
Small Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to 
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132 STAT. 4328 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
the Normal Operation of Vessels Less Than 79 Feet’ (79 
Fed. Reg. 53702 (September 10, 2014)). 
‘‘(Y) SMALL
VESSEL
OR
FISHING
VESSEL.—The term 
‘small vessel or fishing vessel’ means a vessel that is— 
‘‘(i) less than 79 feet in length; or 
‘‘(ii) a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish 
tender vessel (as those terms are defined in section 
2101 of title 46, United States Code), regardless of 
the length of the vessel. 
‘‘(Z) VESSEL GENERAL PERMIT.—The term ‘Vessel Gen-
eral Permit’ means the permit that is the subject of the 
notice of final permit issuance entitled ‘Final National 
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General 
Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation 
of a Vessel’ (78 Fed. Reg. 21938 (April 12, 2013)). 
‘‘(2) APPLICABILITY.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), this subsection applies to— 
‘‘(i) any discharge incidental to the normal oper-
ation of a vessel; and 
‘‘(ii) any discharge incidental to the normal oper-
ation of a vessel (such as most graywater) that is 
commingled with sewage, subject to the conditions 
that— 
‘‘(I) nothing in this subsection prevents a State 
from regulating sewage discharges; and 
‘‘(II) any such commingled discharge shall 
comply with all applicable requirements of— 
‘‘(aa) this subsection; and 
‘‘(bb) any law applicable to discharges of 
sewage. 
‘‘(B) EXCLUSION.—This subsection does not apply to 
any discharge incidental to the normal operation of a 
vessel— 
‘‘(i) from— 
‘‘(I) a vessel of the Armed Forces subject to 
subsection (n); 
‘‘(II) a recreational vessel subject to subsection 
(o); 
‘‘(III) a small vessel or fishing vessel, except 
that this subsection shall apply to any discharge 
of ballast water from a small vessel or fishing 
vessel; or 
‘‘(IV) a floating craft that is permanently 
moored to a pier, including a ‘floating’ casino, hotel, 
restaurant, or bar; 
‘‘(ii) of ballast water from a vessel— 
‘‘(I) that continuously takes on and discharges 
ballast water in a flow-through system, if the 
Administrator determines that system cannot 
materially contribute to the spread or introduction 
of an aquatic nuisance species into waters of the 
United States; 
‘‘(II) in the National Defense Reserve Fleet 
that is scheduled for disposal, if the vessel does 
not have an operable ballast water management 
system; 
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132 STAT. 4329 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(III) that discharges ballast water consisting 
solely of water taken onboard from a public or 
commercial source that, at the time the water 
is taken onboard, meets the applicable require-
ments or permit requirements of the Safe Drinking 
Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.); 
‘‘(IV) that carries all permanent ballast water 
in sealed tanks that are not subject to discharge; 
or 
‘‘(V) that only discharges ballast water into 
a reception facility; or 
‘‘(iii) that results from, or contains material derived 
from, an activity other than the normal operation of 
the vessel, such as material resulting from an indus-
trial or manufacturing process onboard the vessel. 
‘‘(3) CONTINUATION
IN
EFFECT
OF
EXISTING
REQUIRE-
MENTS.— 
‘‘(A) VESSEL
GENERAL
PERMIT.—Notwithstanding the 
expiration date of the Vessel General Permit or any other 
provision of law, all provisions of the Vessel General Permit 
shall remain in force and effect, and shall not be modified, 
until the applicable date described in subparagraph (C). 
‘‘(B) NONINDIGENOUS AQUATIC NUISANCE PREVENTION 
AND CONTROL ACT REGULATIONS.—Notwithstanding section 
903(a)(2)(A) of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018, 
all regulations promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to 
section 1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance 
Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711) (as 
in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
subsection), including the regulations contained in subparts 
C and D of part 151 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, 
and subpart 162.060 of part 162 of title 46, Code of Federal 
Regulations (as in effect on the day before that date of 
enactment), shall remain in force and effect until the 
applicable date described in subparagraph (C). 
‘‘(C) REPEAL ON EXISTENCE OF FINAL, EFFECTIVE, AND 
ENFORCEABLE REQUIREMENTS.—Effective beginning on the 
date on which the requirements promulgated by the Sec-
retary under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph 
(5) with respect to every discharge incidental to the normal 
operation of a vessel that is subject to regulation under 
this subsection are final, effective, and enforceable, the 
requirements of the Vessel General Permit and the regula-
tions described in subparagraph (B) shall have no force 
or effect. 
‘‘(4) NATIONAL STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR MARINE 
POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICES AND WATER QUALITY ORDERS.— 
‘‘(A) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Adminis-
trator, in concurrence with the Secretary (subject to 
clause (ii)), and in consultation with interested Gov-
ernors (subject to clause (iii)), shall promulgate Federal 
standards of performance for marine pollution control 
devices for each type of discharge incidental to the 
normal operation of a vessel that is subject to regula-
tion under this subsection. 
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132 STAT. 4330 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(ii) CONCURRENCE WITH SECRETARY.— 
‘‘(I) 
REQUEST.—The 
Administrator 
shall 
submit to the Secretary a request for written 
concurrence with respect to a proposed standard 
of performance under clause (i). 
‘‘(II) EFFECT
OF
FAILURE
TO
CONCUR.—A 
failure by the Secretary to concur with the 
Administrator under clause (i) by the date that 
is 60 days after the date on which the Adminis-
trator submits a request for concurrence under 
subclause (I) shall not prevent the Administrator 
from promulgating the relevant standard of 
performance in accordance with the deadline under 
clause (i), subject to the condition that the 
Administrator shall include in the administrative 
record of the promulgation— 
‘‘(aa) documentation of the request sub-
mitted under subclause (I); and 
‘‘(bb) the response of the Administrator 
to any written objections received from the 
Secretary relating to the proposed standard 
of performance during the 60-day period begin-
ning on the date of submission of the request. 
‘‘(iii) CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNORS.— 
‘‘(I) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator, in 
promulgating a standard of performance under 
clause (i), shall develop the standard of perform-
ance— 
‘‘(aa) in consultation with interested Gov-
ernors; and 
‘‘(bb) in accordance with the deadlines 
under that clause. 
‘‘(II) 
PROCESS.—The 
Administrator 
shall 
develop a process for soliciting input from 
interested 
Governors, 
including 
information 
sharing relevant to such process, to allow 
interested Governors to inform the development 
of standards of performance under clause (i). 
‘‘(III) OBJECTION BY GOVERNORS.— 
‘‘(aa) SUBMISSION.—An interested Gov-
ernor that objects to a proposed standard of 
performance under clause (i) may submit to 
the Administrator in writing a detailed objec-
tion to the proposed standard of performance, 
describing the scientific, technical, or oper-
ational factors that form the basis of the objec-
tion. 
‘‘(bb) 
RESPONSE.—Before 
finalizing 
a 
standard of performance under clause (i) that 
is subject to an objection under item (aa) from 
1 or more interested Governors, the Adminis-
trator shall provide a written response to each 
interested Governor that submitted an objec-
tion under that item that details the scientific, 
technical, or operational factors that form the 
basis for that standard of performance. 
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132 STAT. 4331 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(cc) JUDICIAL REVIEW.—A response of the 
Administrator under item (bb) shall not be 
subject to judicial review. 
‘‘(iv) 
PROCEDURE.—The 
Administrator 
shall 
promulgate the standards of performance under this 
subparagraph in accordance with— 
‘‘(I) this paragraph; and 
‘‘(II) section 553 of title 5, United States Code. 
‘‘(B) STRINGENCY.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to clause (iii), the stand-
ards of performance promulgated under this paragraph 
shall require— 
‘‘(I) with respect to conventional pollutants, 
toxic pollutants, and nonconventional pollutants 
(including aquatic nuisance species), the applica-
tion of the best practicable control technology cur-
rently available; 
‘‘(II) with respect to conventional pollutants, 
the application of the best conventional pollutant 
control technology; and 
‘‘(III) with respect to toxic pollutants and non-
conventional pollutants (including aquatic nui-
sance species), the application of the best available 
technology economically achievable for categories 
and classes of vessels, which shall result in reason-
able progress toward the national goal of elimi-
nating discharges of all pollutants. 
‘‘(ii) BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.—The Adminis-
trator shall require the use of best management prac-
tices to control or abate any discharge incidental to 
the normal operation of a vessel if— 
‘‘(I) numeric standards of performance are 
infeasible under clause (i); or 
‘‘(II) the best management practices are 
reasonably necessary— 
‘‘(aa) to achieve the standards of perform-
ance; or 
‘‘(bb) to carry out the purpose and intent 
of this subsection. 
‘‘(iii) 
MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS.—Subject 
to 
subparagraph (D)(ii)(II), the combination of any equip-
ment or best management practice comprising a 
marine pollution control device shall not be less strin-
gent than the following provisions of the Vessel Gen-
eral Permit: 
‘‘(I) All requirements contained in parts 2.1 
and 2.2 (relating to effluent limits and related 
requirements), including with respect to waters 
subject to Federal protection, in whole or in part, 
for conservation purposes. 
‘‘(II) All requirements contained in part 5 
(relating to vessel class-specific requirements) that 
concern effluent limits and authorized discharges 
(within the meaning of that part), including with 
respect to waters subject to Federal protection, 
in whole or in part, for conservation purposes. 
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132 STAT. 4332 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(C) CLASSES, TYPES, AND
SIZES
OF
VESSELS.—The 
standards promulgated under this paragraph may distin-
guish— 
‘‘(i) among classes, types, and sizes of vessels; and 
‘‘(ii) between new vessels and existing vessels. 
‘‘(D) REVIEW AND REVISION.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than once 
every 5 years, the Administrator, in consultation with 
the Secretary, shall— 
‘‘(I) review the standards of performance in 
effect under this paragraph; and 
‘‘(II) if appropriate, revise those standards of 
performance— 
‘‘(aa) in accordance with subparagraphs 
(A) through (C); and 
‘‘(bb) as necessary to establish require-
ments for any discharge that is subject to regu-
lation under this subsection. 
‘‘(ii) MAINTAINING PROTECTIVENESS.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
clause (II), the Administrator shall not revise a 
standard of performance under this subsection to 
be less stringent than an applicable existing 
requirement. 
‘‘(II) EXCEPTIONS.—The Administrator may 
revise a standard of performance to be less strin-
gent than an applicable existing requirement— 
‘‘(aa) if information becomes available 
that— 
‘‘(AA) was not reasonably available 
when the Administrator promulgated the 
initial standard of performance or com-
parable requirement of the Vessel General 
Permit, as applicable (including the subse-
quent scarcity or unavailability of mate-
rials used to control the relevant dis-
charge); and 
‘‘(BB) 
would 
have 
justified 
the 
application of a less-stringent standard of 
performance at the time of promulgation; 
or 
‘‘(bb) if the Administrator determines that 
a material technical mistake or misinterpreta-
tion of law occurred when promulgating the 
existing standard of performance or com-
parable requirement of the Vessel General 
Permit, as applicable. 
‘‘(E) BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR AQUATIC NUI-
SANCE SPECIES EMERGENCIES AND FURTHER PROTECTION OF 
WATER QUALITY.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this subsection, the Administrator, in 
concurrence with the Secretary (subject to clause (ii)), 
and in consultation with States, may require, by order, 
the use of an emergency best management practice 
for any region or category of vessels in any case in 
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132 STAT. 4333 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
which the Administrator determines that such a best 
management practice— 
‘‘(I) is necessary to reduce the reasonably 
foreseeable risk of introduction or establishment 
of an aquatic nuisance species; or 
‘‘(II) will mitigate the adverse effects of a dis-
charge that contributes to a violation of a water 
quality requirement under section 303, other than 
a requirement based on the presence of an aquatic 
nuisance species. 
‘‘(ii) CONCURRENCE WITH SECRETARY.— 
‘‘(I) 
REQUEST.—The 
Administrator 
shall 
submit to the Secretary a request for written 
concurrence with respect to an order under clause 
(i). 
‘‘(II) EFFECT
OF
FAILURE
TO
CONCUR.—A 
failure by the Secretary to concur with the 
Administrator under clause (i) by the date that 
is 60 days after the date on which the Adminis-
trator submits a request for concurrence under 
subclause (I) shall not prevent the Administrator 
from issuing the relevant order, subject to the 
condition that the Administrator shall include in 
the administrative record of the issuance— 
‘‘(aa) documentation of the request sub-
mitted under subclause (I); and 
‘‘(bb) the response of the Administrator 
to any written objections received from the 
Secretary relating to the proposed order 
during the 60-day period beginning on the date 
of submission of the request. 
‘‘(iii) DURATION.—An order issued by the Adminis-
trator under clause (i) shall expire not later than the 
date that is 4 years after the date of issuance. 
‘‘(iv) EXTENSIONS.—The Administrator may reissue 
an order under clause (i) for such subsequent periods 
of not longer than 4 years as the Administrator deter-
mines to be appropriate. 
‘‘(5) IMPLEMENTATION, COMPLIANCE, AND
ENFORCEMENT 
REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable, but not 
later than 2 years, after the date on which the Adminis-
trator promulgates any new or revised standard of 
performance under paragraph (4) with respect to a 
discharge, the Secretary, in consultation with States, 
shall promulgate the regulations required under this 
paragraph with respect to that discharge. 
‘‘(ii) 
MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS.—Subject 
to 
subparagraph (C)(ii)(II), the regulations promulgated 
under this paragraph shall not be less stringent with 
respect to ensuring, monitoring, and enforcing compli-
ance than— 
‘‘(I) the requirements contained in part 3 of 
the Vessel General Permit (relating to corrective 
actions); 
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132 STAT. 4334 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(II) the requirements contained in part 4 of 
the Vessel General Permit (relating to inspections, 
monitoring, 
reporting, 
and 
recordkeeping), 
including with respect to waters subject to Federal 
protection, in whole or in part, for conservation 
purposes; 
‘‘(III) the requirements contained in part 5 
of the Vessel General Permit (relating to vessel 
class-specific requirements) regarding monitoring, 
inspection, and educational and training require-
ments (within the meaning of that part), including 
with respect to waters subject to Federal protec-
tion, in whole or in part, for conservation purposes; 
and 
‘‘(IV) any comparable, existing requirements 
promulgated under the Nonindigenous Aquatic 
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 
U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) (including section 1101 of 
that Act (16 U.S.C. 4711) (as in effect on the 
day before the date of enactment of this sub-
section)) applicable to that discharge. 
‘‘(iii) COORDINATION WITH STATES.—The Secretary, 
in coordination with the Governors of the States, shall 
develop, publish, and periodically update inspection, 
monitoring, data management, and enforcement proce-
dures for the enforcement by States of Federal stand-
ards and requirements under this subsection. 
‘‘(iv) EFFECTIVE DATE.—In determining the effec-
tive date of a regulation promulgated under this para-
graph, the Secretary shall take into consideration the 
period of time necessary— 
‘‘(I) to communicate to affected persons the 
applicability of the regulation; and 
‘‘(II) for affected persons reasonably to comply 
with the regulation. 
‘‘(v) PROCEDURE.—The Secretary shall promulgate 
the regulations under this subparagraph in accordance 
with— 
‘‘(I) this paragraph; and 
‘‘(II) section 553 of title 5, United States Code. 
‘‘(B) IMPLEMENTATION REGULATIONS FOR MARINE POLLU-
TION CONTROL DEVICES.—The Secretary shall promulgate 
such regulations governing the design, construction, 
testing, approval, installation, and use of marine pollution 
control devices as are necessary to ensure compliance with 
the standards of performance promulgated under para-
graph (4). 
‘‘(C) COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall promulgate 
requirements 
(including 
requirements 
for 
vessel 
owners and operators with respect to inspections, moni-
toring, reporting, sampling, and recordkeeping) to 
ensure, monitor, and enforce compliance with— 
‘‘(I) the standards of performance promulgated 
by the Administrator under paragraph (4); and 
‘‘(II) the implementation regulations promul-
gated by the Secretary under subparagraph (B). 
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132 STAT. 4335 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(ii) MAINTAINING PROTECTIVENESS.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
clause (II), the Secretary shall not revise a require-
ment under this subparagraph or subparagraph 
(B) to be less stringent with respect to ensuring, 
monitoring, or enforcing compliance than an 
applicable existing requirement. 
‘‘(II) EXCEPTIONS.—The Secretary may revise 
a 
requirement 
under 
this 
subparagraph 
or 
subparagraph (B) to be less stringent than an 
applicable existing requirement— 
‘‘(aa) in accordance with this subpara-
graph or subparagraph (B), as applicable; 
‘‘(bb) if information becomes available 
that— 
‘‘(AA) the Administrator determines 
was not reasonably available when the 
Administrator promulgated the existing 
requirement of the Vessel General Permit, 
or that the Secretary determines was not 
reasonably available when the Secretary 
promulgated the existing requirement 
under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nui-
sance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 
(16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) or the applicable 
existing requirement under this subpara-
graph, as applicable (including subsequent 
scarcity or unavailability of materials used 
to control the relevant discharge); and 
‘‘(BB) 
would 
have 
justified 
the 
application of a less-stringent requirement 
at the time of promulgation; or 
‘‘(cc) if the Administrator determines that 
a material technical mistake or misinterpreta-
tion of law occurred when promulgating an 
existing requirement of the Vessel General 
Permit, or if the Secretary determines that 
a material mistake or misinterpretation of law 
occurred when promulgating an existing 
requirement under the Nonindigenous Aquatic 
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 
(16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) or this subsection. 
‘‘(D) DATA AVAILABILITY.—Beginning not later than 1 
year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the 
Secretary shall provide to the Governor of a State, on 
request by the Governor, access to Automated Identification 
System arrival data for inbound vessels to specific ports 
or places of destination in the State. 
‘‘(6) ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS REGARDING BALLAST WATER.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In addition to the other applicable 
requirements of this subsection, the requirements of this 
paragraph shall apply with respect to any discharge inci-
dental to the normal operation of a vessel that is a dis-
charge of ballast water. 
‘‘(B) EMPTY BALLAST TANKS.— 
‘‘(i) REQUIREMENTS.—Except as provided in clause 
(ii), the owner or operator of a vessel with empty 
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132 STAT. 4336 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
ballast tanks bound for a port or place of destination 
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States shall, 
prior to arriving at that port or place of destination, 
conduct a ballast water exchange or saltwater flush— 
‘‘(I) not less than 200 nautical miles from any 
shore for a voyage originating outside the United 
States or Canadian exclusive economic zone; or 
‘‘(II) not less than 50 nautical miles from any 
shore for a voyage originating within the United 
States or Canadian exclusive economic zone. 
‘‘(ii) EXCEPTIONS.—Clause (i) shall not apply— 
‘‘(I) if the unpumpable residual waters and 
sediments of an empty ballast tank were subject 
to treatment, in compliance with applicable 
requirements, through a type-approved ballast 
water management system approved by the Sec-
retary; 
‘‘(II) except as otherwise required under this 
subsection, if the unpumpable residual waters and 
sediments of an empty ballast tank were sourced 
within— 
‘‘(aa) the same port or place of destination; 
or 
‘‘(bb) contiguous portions of a single Cap-
tain of the Port Zone; 
‘‘(III) if complying with an applicable require-
ment of clause (i)— 
‘‘(aa) would compromise the safety of the 
vessel; or 
‘‘(bb) is otherwise prohibited by any Fed-
eral, Canadian, or international law (including 
regulations) pertaining to vessel safety; 
‘‘(IV) if design limitations of the vessel prevent 
a ballast water exchange or saltwater flush from 
being conducted in accordance with clause (i); or 
‘‘(V) if the vessel is operating exclusively 
within the internal waters of the United States 
or Canada. 
‘‘(C) PERIOD
OF
USE
OF
INSTALLED
BALLAST
WATER 
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Except as provided in clause 
(ii), a vessel shall be deemed to be in compliance with 
a standard of performance for a marine pollution con-
trol device that is a ballast water management system 
if the ballast water management system— 
‘‘(I) is maintained in proper working condition, 
as determined by the Secretary; 
‘‘(II) is maintained and used in accordance 
with manufacturer specifications; 
‘‘(III) continues to meet the ballast water dis-
charge standard applicable to the vessel at the 
time of installation, as determined by the Sec-
retary; and 
‘‘(IV) has in effect a valid type-approval certifi-
cate issued by the Secretary. 
‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—Clause (i) shall cease to apply 
with respect to any vessel on, as applicable— 
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132 STAT. 4337 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(I) the expiration of the service life, as deter-
mined by the Secretary, of— 
‘‘(aa) the ballast water management 
system; or 
‘‘(bb) the vessel; 
‘‘(II) the completion of a major conversion (as 
defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States 
Code) of the vessel; or 
‘‘(III) a determination by the Secretary that 
there are other type-approved systems for the 
vessel or category of vessels, with respect to the 
use of which the environmental, health, and eco-
nomic benefits would exceed the costs. 
‘‘(D) REVIEW OF BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 
TYPE-APPROVAL TESTING METHODS.— 
‘‘(i) DEFINITION OF LIVE; LIVING.—Notwithstanding 
any other provision of law (including regulations), for 
purposes of section 151.1511 of title 33, and part 162 
of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
regulations), the terms ‘live’ and ‘living’ shall not— 
‘‘(I) include an organism that has been ren-
dered nonviable; or 
‘‘(II) preclude the consideration of any method 
of measuring the concentration of organisms in 
ballast water that are capable of reproduction. 
‘‘(ii) DRAFT POLICY.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, 
in coordination with the Administrator, shall publish 
a draft policy letter, based on the best available science, 
describing type-approval testing methods and protocols 
for ballast water management systems, if any, that— 
‘‘(I) render nonviable organisms in ballast 
water; and 
‘‘(II) may be used in addition to the methods 
established under subpart 162.060 of title 46, Code 
of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)— 
‘‘(aa) to measure the concentration of orga-
nisms in ballast water that are capable of 
reproduction; 
‘‘(bb) to certify the performance of each 
ballast water management system under this 
subsection; and 
‘‘(cc) to certify laboratories to evaluate 
applicable treatment technologies. 
‘‘(iii) PUBLIC COMMENT.—The Secretary shall pro-
vide a period of not more than 60 days for public 
comment regarding the draft policy letter published 
under clause (ii). 
‘‘(iv) FINAL POLICY.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Sec-
retary, in coordination with the Administrator, 
shall publish a final policy letter describing type- 
approval testing methods, if any, for ballast water 
management systems that render nonviable orga-
nisms in ballast water. 
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132 STAT. 4338 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(II) METHOD
OF
EVALUATION.—The ballast 
water management systems under subclause (I) 
shall be evaluated by measuring the concentration 
of organisms in ballast water that are capable 
of reproduction based on the best available science 
that may be used in addition to the methods estab-
lished under subpart 162.060 of title 46, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). 
‘‘(III) REVISIONS.—The Secretary shall revise 
the final policy letter under subclause (I) in any 
case in which the Secretary, in coordination with 
the Administrator, determines that additional 
testing methods are capable of measuring the con-
centration of organisms in ballast water that have 
not been rendered nonviable. 
‘‘(v) FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION.—In developing 
a policy letter under this subparagraph, the Secretary, 
in coordination with the Administrator— 
‘‘(I) shall take into consideration a testing 
method that uses organism grow-out and most 
probable number statistical analysis to determine 
the concentration of organisms in ballast water 
that are capable of reproduction; and 
‘‘(II) shall not take into consideration a testing 
method that relies on a staining method that meas-
ures the concentration of— 
‘‘(aa) organisms greater than or equal to 
10 micrometers; and 
‘‘(bb) organisms less than or equal to 50 
micrometers. 
‘‘(E) INTERGOVERNMENTAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in consultation 
with the Administrator and acting in coordination with, 
or through, the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force 
established by section 1201(a) of the Nonindigenous 
Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 
(16 U.S.C. 4721(a)), shall establish a framework for 
Federal and intergovernmental response to aquatic 
nuisance species risks from discharges from vessels 
subject to ballast water and incidental discharge 
compliance 
requirements 
under 
this 
subsection, 
including the introduction, spread, and establishment 
of aquatic nuisance species populations. 
‘‘(ii) BALLAST
DISCHARGE
RISK
RESPONSE.—The 
Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary and 
taking 
into 
consideration 
information 
from 
the 
National Ballast Information Clearinghouse developed 
under section 1102(f) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic 
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 
U.S.C. 4712(f)), shall establish a risk assessment and 
response framework using ballast water discharge data 
and aquatic nuisance species monitoring data for the 
purposes of— 
‘‘(I) identifying and tracking populations of 
aquatic invasive species; 
‘‘(II) evaluating the risk of any aquatic nui-
sance species population tracked under subclause 
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132 STAT. 4339 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(I) establishing and spreading in waters of the 
United States or waters of the contiguous zone; 
and 
‘‘(III) establishing emergency best manage-
ment practices that may be deployed rapidly, in 
a local or regional manner, to respond to emerging 
aquatic nuisance species threats. 
‘‘(7) PETITIONS BY GOVERNORS FOR REVIEW.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Governor of a State (or a des-
ignee) may submit to the Administrator or the Secretary 
a petition— 
‘‘(i) to issue an order under paragraph (4)(E); or 
‘‘(ii) to review any standard of performance, regula-
tion, or policy promulgated under paragraph (4), (5), 
or (6), respectively, if there exists new information 
that could reasonably result in a change to— 
‘‘(I) the standard of performance, regulation, 
or policy; or 
‘‘(II) a determination on which the standard 
of performance, regulation, or policy was based. 
‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—A petition under subparagraph (A) 
shall include a description of any applicable scientific or 
technical information that forms the basis of the petition. 
‘‘(C) DETERMINATION.— 
‘‘(i) TIMING.—The Administrator or the Secretary, 
as applicable, shall grant or deny— 
‘‘(I) a petition under subparagraph (A)(i) by 
not later than the date that is 180 days after 
the date on which the petition is submitted; and 
‘‘(II) a petition under subparagraph (A)(ii) by 
not later than the date that is 1 year after the 
date on which the petition is submitted. 
‘‘(ii) EFFECT OF GRANT.—If the Administrator or 
the Secretary determines under clause (i) to grant a 
petition— 
‘‘(I) in the case of a petition under subpara-
graph (A)(i), the Administrator shall immediately 
issue the relevant order under paragraph (4)(E); 
or 
‘‘(II) in the case of a petition under subpara-
graph (A)(ii), the Administrator or Secretary shall 
publish in the Federal Register, by not later than 
30 days after the date of that determination, a 
notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the rel-
evant standard, requirement, regulation, or policy 
under paragraph (4), (5), or (6), as applicable. 
‘‘(iii) NOTICE OF DENIAL.—If the Administrator or 
the Secretary determines under clause (i) to deny a 
petition, the Administrator or Secretary shall publish 
in the Federal Register, by not later than 30 days 
after the date of that determination, a detailed expla-
nation of the scientific, technical, or operational factors 
that form the basis of the determination. 
‘‘(iv) REVIEW.—A determination by the Adminis-
trator or the Secretary under clause (i) to deny a 
petition shall be— 
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132 STAT. 4340 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(I) considered to be a final agency action; 
and 
‘‘(II) subject to judicial review in accordance 
with section 509, subject to clause (v). 
‘‘(v) EXCEPTIONS.— 
‘‘(I) VENUE.—Notwithstanding section 509(b), 
a petition for review of a determination by the 
Administrator or the Secretary under clause (i) 
to deny a petition submitted by the Governor of 
a State under subparagraph (A) may be filed in 
any United States district court of competent juris-
diction. 
‘‘(II) DEADLINE FOR FILING.—Notwithstanding 
section 509(b), a petition for review of a determina-
tion by the Administrator or the Secretary under 
clause (i) shall be filed by not later than 180 days 
after the date on which the justification for the 
determination is published in the Federal Register 
under clause (iii). 
‘‘(8) PROHIBITION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—It shall be unlawful for any person 
to violate— 
‘‘(i) a provision of the Vessel General Permit in 
force and effect under paragraph (3)(A); 
‘‘(ii) a regulation promulgated pursuant to section 
1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Preven-
tion and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4711) (as 
in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
this subsection) in force and effect under paragraph 
(3)(B); or 
‘‘(iii) an applicable requirement or regulation under 
this subsection. 
‘‘(B) COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS.—Effective begin-
ning on the effective date of a regulation promulgated 
under paragraph (4), (5), (6), or (10), as applicable, it shall 
be unlawful for the owner or operator of a vessel subject 
to the regulation— 
‘‘(i) to discharge any discharge incidental to the 
normal operation of the vessel into waters of the United 
States or waters of the contiguous zone, except in 
compliance with the regulation; or 
‘‘(ii) to operate in waters of the United States 
or waters of the contiguous zone, if the vessel is not 
equipped with a required marine pollution control 
device that complies with the requirements established 
under this subsection, unless— 
‘‘(I) the owner or operator of the vessel denotes 
in an entry in the official logbook of the vessel 
that the equipment was not operational; and 
‘‘(II) either— 
‘‘(aa) 
the 
applicable 
discharge 
was 
avoided; or 
‘‘(bb) an alternate compliance option 
approved by the Secretary as meeting the 
applicable standard was employed. 
‘‘(C) AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE.—No person shall be found 
to be in violation of this paragraph if— 
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132 STAT. 4341 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(i) the violation was in the interest of ensuring 
the safety of life at sea, as determined by the Secretary; 
and 
‘‘(ii) the applicable emergency circumstance was 
not the result of negligence or malfeasance on the 
part of— 
‘‘(I) the owner or operator of the vessel; 
‘‘(II) the master of the vessel; or 
‘‘(III) the person in charge of the vessel. 
‘‘(D) TREATMENT.—Each day of continuing violation of 
an applicable requirement of this subsection shall con-
stitute a separate offense. 
‘‘(E) IN REM LIABILITY.—A vessel operated in violation 
of this subsection is liable in rem for any civil penalty 
assessed for the violation. 
‘‘(F) REVOCATION OF CLEARANCE.—The Secretary shall 
withhold or revoke the clearance of a vessel required under 
section 60105 of title 46, United States Code, if the owner 
or operator of the vessel is in violation of this subsection. 
‘‘(9) EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.— 
‘‘(A) STATE AUTHORITY.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in clauses 
(ii) through (v) and paragraph (10), effective beginning 
on the date on which the requirements promulgated 
by the Secretary under subparagraphs (A), (B), and 
(C) of paragraph (5) with respect to every discharge 
incidental to the normal operation of a vessel that 
is subject to regulation under this subsection are final, 
effective, and enforceable, no State, political subdivi-
sion of a State, or interstate agency may adopt or 
enforce any law, regulation, or other requirement of 
the State, political subdivision, or interstate agency 
with respect to any such discharge. 
‘‘(ii) IDENTICAL
OR
LESSER
STATE
LAWS.—Clause 
(i) shall not apply to any law, regulation, or other 
requirement of a State, political subdivision of a State, 
or interstate agency in effect on or after the date 
of enactment of this subsection— 
‘‘(I) that is identical to a Federal requirement 
under this subsection applicable to the relevant 
discharge; or 
‘‘(II) compliance with which would be achieved 
concurrently in achieving compliance with a Fed-
eral requirement under this subsection applicable 
to the relevant discharge. 
‘‘(iii) STATE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL REQUIRE-
MENTS.—A State may enforce any standard of perform-
ance or other Federal requirement of this subsection 
in accordance with subsection (k) or other applicable 
Federal authority. 
‘‘(iv) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN FEES.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subclauses (II) 
and (III), a State that assesses any fee pursuant 
to any State or Federal law relating to the regula-
tion of a discharge incidental to the normal oper-
ation of a vessel before the date of enactment 
of this subsection may assess or retain a fee to 
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132 STAT. 4342 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
cover the costs of administration, inspection, moni-
toring, and enforcement activities by the State to 
achieve compliance with the applicable require-
ments of this subsection. 
‘‘(II) MAXIMUM AMOUNT.— 
‘‘(aa) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
item (bb), a State may assess a fee for activi-
ties under this clause equal to not more than 
$1,000 against the owner or operator of a 
vessel that— 
‘‘(AA) has operated outside of that 
State; and 
‘‘(BB) arrives at a port or place of 
destination in the State (excluding move-
ment entirely within a single port or place 
of destination). 
‘‘(bb) VESSELS
ENGAGED
IN
COASTWISE 
TRADE.—A State may assess against the owner 
or operator of a vessel registered in accordance 
with applicable Federal law and lawfully 
engaged in the coastwise trade not more than 
$5,000 in fees under this clause per vessel 
during a calendar year. 
‘‘(III) ADJUSTMENT FOR INFLATION.— 
‘‘(aa) IN GENERAL.—A State may adjust 
the amount of a fee authorized under this 
clause not more frequently than once every 
5 years to reflect the percentage by which 
the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Con-
sumers published by the Department of Labor 
for the month of October immediately pre-
ceding the date of adjustment exceeds the Con-
sumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers 
published by the Department of Labor for the 
month of October that immediately precedes 
the date that is 5 years before the date of 
adjustment. 
‘‘(bb) EFFECT OF SUBCLAUSE.—Nothing in 
this subclause prevents a State from adjusting 
a fee in effect before the date of enactment 
of this subsection to the applicable maximum 
amount under subclause (II). 
‘‘(cc) 
APPLICABILITY.—This 
subclause 
applies only to increases in fees to amounts 
greater than the applicable maximum amount 
under subclause (II). 
‘‘(v) ALASKA
GRAYWATER.—Clause (i) shall not 
apply with respect to any discharge of graywater (as 
defined in section 1414 of the Consolidated Appropria-
tions Act, 2001 (Public Law 106–554; 114 Stat. 2763A– 
323)) from a passenger vessel (as defined in section 
2101 of title 46, United States Code) in the State 
of Alaska (including all waters in the Alexander Archi-
pelago) carrying 50 or more passengers. 
‘‘(vi) PRESERVATION
OF
AUTHORITY.—Nothing in 
this subsection preempts any State law, public initia-
tive, referendum, regulation, requirement, or other 
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132 STAT. 4343 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
State action, except as expressly provided in this sub-
section. 
‘‘(B) ESTABLISHED REGIMES.—Except as expressly pro-
vided in this subsection, nothing in this subsection affects 
the applicability to a vessel of any other provision of Fed-
eral law, including— 
‘‘(i) this section; 
‘‘(ii) section 311; 
‘‘(iii) the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 
U.S.C. 1901 et seq.); and 
‘‘(iv) title X of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2010 (33 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.). 
‘‘(C) PERMITTING.—Effective beginning on the date of 
enactment of this subsection— 
‘‘(i) the Small Vessel General Permit is repealed; 
and 
‘‘(ii) the Administrator, or a State in the case of 
a permit program approved under section 402, shall 
not require, or in any way modify, a permit under 
that section for— 
‘‘(I) any discharge that is subject to regulation 
under this subsection; 
‘‘(II) any discharge incidental to the normal 
operation of a vessel from a small vessel or fishing 
vessel, regardless of whether that discharge is sub-
ject to regulation under this subsection; or 
‘‘(III) any discharge described in paragraph 
(2)(B)(ii). 
‘‘(D) NO
EFFECT
ON
CIVIL
OR
CRIMINAL
ACTIONS.— 
Nothing in this subsection, or any standard, regulation, 
or requirement established under this subsection, modifies 
or otherwise affects, preempts, or displaces— 
‘‘(i) any cause of action; or 
‘‘(ii) any provision of Federal or State law estab-
lishing a remedy for civil relief or criminal penalty. 
‘‘(E) NO EFFECT ON CERTAIN SECRETARIAL AUTHORITY.— 
Nothing in this subsection affects the authority of the 
Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior 
to administer any land or waters under the administrative 
control of the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary 
of the Interior, respectively. 
‘‘(F) NO LIMITATION ON STATE INSPECTION AUTHORITY.— 
Nothing in this subsection limits the authority of a State 
to inspect a vessel pursuant to paragraph (5)(A)(iii) in 
order to monitor compliance with an applicable requirement 
of this section. 
‘‘(10) ADDITIONAL REGIONAL REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) MINIMUM GREAT LAKES SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Except as provided in clause 
(ii), the owner or operator of a vessel entering the 
St. Lawrence Seaway through the mouth of the St. 
Lawrence River shall conduct a complete ballast water 
exchange or saltwater flush— 
‘‘(I) not less than 200 nautical miles from any 
shore for a voyage originating outside the United 
States or Canadian exclusive economic zone; or 
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132 STAT. 4344 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(II) not less than 50 nautical miles from any 
shore for a voyage originating within the United 
States or Canadian exclusive economic zone. 
‘‘(ii) EXCEPTIONS.—Clause (i) shall not apply to 
a vessel if— 
‘‘(I) complying with an applicable requirement 
of clause (i)— 
‘‘(aa) would compromise the safety of the 
vessel; or 
‘‘(bb) is otherwise prohibited by any Fed-
eral, Canadian, or international law (including 
regulations) pertaining to vessel safety; 
‘‘(II) design limitations of the vessel prevent 
a ballast water exchange from being conducted 
in accordance with an applicable requirement of 
clause (i); 
‘‘(III) the vessel— 
‘‘(aa) is certified by the Secretary as 
having no residual ballast water or sediments 
onboard; or 
‘‘(bb) retains all ballast water while in 
waters subject to the requirement; or 
‘‘(IV) empty ballast tanks on the vessel are 
sealed and certified by the Secretary in a manner 
that ensures that— 
‘‘(aa) no discharge or uptake occurs; and 
‘‘(bb) any subsequent discharge of ballast 
water is subject to the requirement. 
‘‘(B) ENHANCED GREAT LAKES SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(i) PETITIONS
BY
GOVERNORS
FOR
PROPOSED 
ENHANCED STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—The Governor of a Great 
Lakes State (or a State employee designee) may 
submit a petition in accordance with subclause 
(II) to propose that other Governors of Great Lakes 
States endorse an enhanced standard of perform-
ance or other requirement with respect to any 
discharge that— 
‘‘(aa) is subject to regulation under this 
subsection; and 
‘‘(bb) occurs within the Great Lakes 
System. 
‘‘(II) SUBMISSION.—A Governor shall submit 
a petition under subclause (I), in writing, to— 
‘‘(aa) the Executive Director of the Great 
Lakes Commission, in such manner as may 
be prescribed by the Great Lakes Commission; 
‘‘(bb) the Governor of each other Great 
Lakes State; and 
‘‘(cc) the Director of the Great Lakes 
National Program Office established by section 
118(b). 
‘‘(III) PRELIMINARY
ASSESSMENT
BY
GREAT 
LAKES COMMISSION.— 
‘‘(aa) IN
GENERAL.—After the date of 
receipt of a petition under subclause (II)(aa), 
the Great Lakes Commission (acting through 
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132 STAT. 4345 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance 
Species, to the maximum extent practicable) 
may 
develop 
a 
preliminary 
assessment 
regarding each enhanced standard of perform-
ance or other requirement described in the 
petition. 
‘‘(bb) 
PROVISIONS.—The 
preliminary 
assessment developed by the Great Lakes 
Commission under item (aa)— 
‘‘(AA) may be developed in consulta-
tion with relevant experts and stake-
holders; 
‘‘(BB) may be narrative in nature; 
‘‘(CC) may include the preliminary 
views, if any, of the Great Lakes Commis-
sion on the propriety of the proposed 
enhanced standard of performance or 
other requirement; 
‘‘(DD) shall be submitted, in writing, 
to the Governor of each Great Lakes State 
and the Director of the Great Lakes 
National Program Office and published on 
the internet website of the Great Lakes 
National Program Office; and 
‘‘(EE) except as provided in clause 
(iii), shall not be taken into consideration, 
or provide a basis for review, by the 
Administrator or the Secretary for pur-
poses of that clause. 
‘‘(ii) 
PROPOSED
ENHANCED
STANDARDS
AND 
REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(I) PUBLICATION IN FEDERAL REGISTER.— 
‘‘(aa) REQUEST BY GOVERNOR.—Not earlier 
than the date that is 90 days after the date 
on which the Executive Director of the Great 
Lakes Commission receives from a Governor 
of a Great Lakes State a petition under clause 
(i)(II)(aa), the Governor may request the 
Director of the Great Lakes National Program 
Office to publish, for a period requested by 
the Governor of not less than 30 days, and 
the Director shall so publish, in the Federal 
Register for public comment— 
‘‘(AA) a copy of the petition; and 
‘‘(BB) if applicable as of the date of 
publication, any preliminary assessment 
of the Great Lakes Commission developed 
under clause (i)(III) relating to the peti-
tion. 
‘‘(bb) REVIEW OF PUBLIC COMMENTS.—On 
receipt of a written request of a Governor of 
a Great Lakes State, the Director of the Great 
Lakes National Program Office shall make 
available all public comments received in 
response to the notice under item (aa). 
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132 STAT. 4346 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(cc) NO
RESPONSE
REQUIRED.—Notwith-
standing any other provision of law, a Gov-
ernor of a Great Lakes State or the Director 
of the Great Lakes National Program Office 
shall not be required to provide a response 
to any comment received in response to the 
publication of a petition or preliminary assess-
ment under item (aa). 
‘‘(dd) PURPOSE.—Any public comments 
received in response to the publication of a 
petition or preliminary assessment under item 
(aa) shall be used solely for the purpose of 
providing information and feedback to the 
Governor of each Great Lakes State regarding 
the decision to endorse the proposed standard 
or requirement. 
‘‘(ee) EFFECT
OF
PETITION.—A proposed 
standard or requirement developed under sub-
clause (II) may differ from the proposed 
standard or requirement described in a peti-
tion published under item (aa). 
‘‘(II) COORDINATION
TO
DEVELOP
PROPOSED 
STANDARD OR REQUIREMENT.—After the expiration 
of the public comment period for the petition under 
subclause (I), any interested Governor of a Great 
Lakes State may work in coordination with the 
Great Lakes Commission to develop a proposed 
standard of performance or other requirement 
applicable to a discharge referred to in the petition. 
‘‘(III) REQUIREMENTS.—A proposed standard of 
performance or other requirement under subclause 
(II)— 
‘‘(aa) shall be developed— 
‘‘(AA) in consultation with representa-
tives from the Federal and provincial 
governments of Canada; 
‘‘(BB) after notice and opportunity for 
public comment on the petition published 
under subclause (I); and 
‘‘(CC) taking into consideration the 
preliminary assessment, if any, of the 
Great Lakes Commission under clause 
(i)(III); 
‘‘(bb) shall be specifically endorsed in 
writing by— 
‘‘(AA) the Governor of each Great 
Lakes State, if the proposed standard or 
requirement would impose any additional 
equipment requirement on a vessel; or 
‘‘(BB) not fewer than 5 Governors of 
Great Lakes States, if the proposed 
standard or requirement would not impose 
any additional equipment requirement on 
a vessel; and 
‘‘(cc) in the case of a proposed requirement 
to prohibit 1 or more types of discharge regu-
lated under this subsection, whether treated 
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132 STAT. 4347 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
or not treated, into waters within the Great 
Lakes System, shall not apply outside the 
waters of the Great Lakes States of the Gov-
ernors endorsing the proposed requirement 
under item (bb). 
‘‘(iii) PROMULGATION BY ADMINISTRATOR AND SEC-
RETARY.— 
‘‘(I) SUBMISSION.— 
‘‘(aa) 
IN
GENERAL.—The 
Governors 
endorsing a proposed standard or requirement 
under clause (ii)(III)(bb) may jointly submit 
to the Administrator and the Secretary for 
approval each proposed standard of perform-
ance or other requirement developed and 
endorsed pursuant to clause (ii). 
‘‘(bb) INCLUSION.—Each submission under 
item 
(aa) 
shall 
include 
an 
explanation 
regarding why the applicable standard of 
performance or other requirement is— 
‘‘(AA) at least as stringent as a com-
parable standard of performance or other 
requirement under this subsection; 
‘‘(BB) in accordance with maritime 
safety; and 
‘‘(CC) in accordance with applicable 
maritime and navigation laws and regula-
tions. 
‘‘(cc) WITHDRAWAL.— 
‘‘(AA) IN GENERAL.—The Governor of 
any Great Lakes State that endorses a 
proposed standard or requirement under 
clause (ii)(III)(bb) may withdraw the 
endorsement by not later than the date 
that is 90 days after the date on which 
the Administrator and the Secretary 
receive the proposed standard or require-
ment. 
‘‘(BB) EFFECT ON FEDERAL REVIEW.— 
If, after the withdrawal of an endorsement 
under 
subitem 
(AA), 
the 
proposed 
standard or requirement does not have 
the applicable number of endorsements 
under clause (ii)(III)(bb), the Adminis-
trator and the Secretary shall terminate 
the review under this clause. 
‘‘(dd) DISSENTING
OPINIONS.—The Gov-
ernor of a Great Lakes State that does not 
endorse a proposed standard or requirement 
under clause (ii)(III)(bb) may submit to the 
Administrator and the Secretary any dis-
senting opinions of the Governor. 
‘‘(II) JOINT NOTICE.—On receipt of a proposed 
standard of performance or other requirement 
under subclause (I), the Administrator and the 
Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register 
a joint notice that, at minimum— 
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132 STAT. 4348 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(aa) states that the proposed standard 
or requirement is publicly available; and 
‘‘(bb) provides an opportunity for public 
comment regarding the proposed standard or 
requirement during the 90-day period begin-
ning on the date of receipt by the Adminis-
trator and the Secretary of the proposed 
standard or requirement. 
‘‘(III) REVIEW.— 
‘‘(aa) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable 
after the date of publication of a joint notice 
under subclause (II)— 
‘‘(AA) the Administrator shall com-
mence a review of each proposed standard 
of performance or other requirement cov-
ered by the notice to determine whether 
that standard or requirement is at least 
as stringent as comparable standards and 
requirements under this subsection; and 
‘‘(BB) the Secretary shall commence 
a review of each proposed standard of 
performance or other requirement covered 
by the notice to determine whether that 
standard or requirement is in accordance 
with maritime safety and applicable mari-
time and navigation laws and regulations. 
‘‘(bb) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out 
item (aa), the Administrator and the Sec-
retary— 
‘‘(AA) shall consult with the Governor 
of each Great Lakes State and representa-
tives from the Federal and provincial 
governments of Canada; 
‘‘(BB) shall take into consideration 
any relevant data or public comments 
received under subclause (II)(bb); and 
‘‘(CC) shall not take into consideration 
any preliminary assessment by the Great 
Lakes Commission under clause (i)(III), 
or any dissenting opinion under subclause 
(I)(dd), except to the extent that such an 
assessment or opinion is relevant to the 
criteria for the applicable determination 
under item (aa). 
‘‘(IV) APPROVAL
OR
DISAPPROVAL.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of receipt of each 
proposed standard of performance or other require-
ment under subclause (I), the Administrator and 
the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(aa) determine, as applicable, whether 
each proposed standard or other requirement 
satisfies the criteria under subclause (III)(aa); 
‘‘(bb) approve each proposed standard or 
other requirement, unless the Administrator 
or the Secretary, as applicable, determines 
under item (aa) that the proposed standard 
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132 STAT. 4349 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
or other requirement does not satisfy the cri-
teria under subclause (III)(aa); and 
‘‘(cc) submit to the Governor of each Great 
Lakes State, and publish in the Federal Reg-
ister, a notice of the determination under item 
(aa). 
‘‘(V) ACTION ON DISAPPROVAL.— 
‘‘(aa) 
RATIONALE
AND
RECOMMENDA-
TIONS.—If the Administrator and the Sec-
retary disapprove a proposed standard of 
performance or other requirement under sub-
clause (IV)(bb), the notices under subclause 
(IV)(cc) shall include— 
‘‘(AA) a description of the reasons why 
the standard or requirement is, as 
applicable, less stringent than a com-
parable standard or requirement under 
this subsection, inconsistent with mari-
time 
safety, 
or 
inconsistent 
with 
applicable maritime and navigation laws 
and regulations; and 
‘‘(BB) any recommendations regarding 
changes the Governors of the Great Lakes 
States could make to conform the dis-
approved portion of the standard or 
requirement to the requirements of this 
subparagraph. 
‘‘(bb) REVIEW.—Disapproval of a proposed 
standard or requirement by the Administrator 
and the Secretary under this subparagraph 
shall be considered to be a final agency action 
subject to judicial review under section 509. 
‘‘(VI) ACTION ON APPROVAL.—On approval by 
the Administrator and the Secretary of a proposed 
standard of performance or other requirement 
under subclause (IV)(bb)— 
‘‘(aa) the Administrator shall establish, by 
regulation, the proposed standard or require-
ment within the Great Lakes System in lieu 
of any comparable standard or other require-
ment promulgated under paragraph (4); and 
‘‘(bb) the Secretary shall establish, by 
regulation, any requirements necessary to 
implement, ensure compliance with, and 
enforce the standard or requirement under 
item (aa), or to apply the proposed require-
ment, within the Great Lakes System in lieu 
of any comparable requirement promulgated 
under paragraph (5). 
‘‘(VII) NO
JUDICIAL
REVIEW
FOR
CERTAIN 
ACTIONS.—An action or inaction of a Governor of 
a Great Lakes State or the Great Lakes Commis-
sion under this subparagraph shall not be subject 
to judicial review. 
‘‘(VIII) GREAT
LAKES
COMPACT.—Nothing in 
this subsection limits, alters, or amends the Great 
Lakes Compact to which Congress granted consent 
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132 STAT. 4350 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
in the Act of July 24, 1968 (Public Law 90–419; 
82 Stat. 414). 
‘‘(IX) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Great 
Lakes Commission $5,000,000, to be available until 
expended. 
‘‘(C) MINIMUM PACIFIC REGION REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(i) DEFINITION OF COMMERCIAL VESSEL.—In this 
subparagraph, the term ‘commercial vessel’ means a 
vessel operating between— 
‘‘(I) 2 ports or places of destination within 
the Pacific Region; or 
‘‘(II) a port or place of destination within the 
Pacific Region and a port or place of destination 
on the Pacific Coast of Canada or Mexico north 
of parallel 20 degrees north latitude, inclusive of 
the Gulf of California. 
‘‘(ii) BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
clause (II) and clause (iv), the owner or operator 
of a commercial vessel shall conduct a complete 
ballast water exchange in waters more than 50 
nautical miles from shore. 
‘‘(II) EXEMPTIONS.—Subclause (I) shall not 
apply to a commercial vessel— 
‘‘(aa) using, in compliance with applicable 
requirements, a type-approved ballast water 
management system approved by the Sec-
retary; or 
‘‘(bb) voyaging— 
‘‘(AA) between or to a port or place 
of destination in the State of Washington, 
if the ballast water to be discharged from 
the commercial vessel originated solely 
from waters located between the parallel 
46 degrees north latitude, including the 
internal waters of the Columbia River, 
and the internal waters of Canada south 
of parallel 50 degrees north latitude, 
including the waters of the Strait of 
Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca; 
‘‘(BB) between ports or places of des-
tination in the State of Oregon, if the 
ballast water to be discharged from the 
commercial vessel originated solely from 
waters located between the parallel 40 
degrees north latitude and the parallel 
50 degrees north latitude; 
‘‘(CC) between ports or places of des-
tination in the State of California within 
the San Francisco Bay area east of the 
Golden Gate Bridge, including the Port 
of Stockton and the Port of Sacramento, 
if the ballast water to be discharged from 
the commercial vessel originated solely 
from ports or places within that area; 
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132 STAT. 4351 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(DD) between the Port of Los 
Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the 
El Segundo offshore marine oil terminal, 
if the ballast water to be discharged from 
the commercial vessel originated solely 
from the Port of Los Angeles, the Port 
of Long Beach, or the El Segundo offshore 
marine oil terminal; 
‘‘(EE) between a port or place of des-
tination in the State of Alaska within a 
single Captain of the Port Zone; 
‘‘(FF) between ports or places of des-
tination in different counties of the State 
of Hawaii, if the vessel may conduct a 
complete ballast water exchange in waters 
that are more than 10 nautical miles from 
shore and at least 200 meters deep; or 
‘‘(GG) between ports or places of des-
tination within the same county of the 
State of Hawaii, if the vessel does not 
transit 
outside 
State 
marine 
waters 
during the voyage. 
‘‘(iii) LOW-SALINITY BALLAST WATER.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
clause (II) and clause (iv), the owner or operator 
of a commercial vessel that transports ballast 
water sourced from waters with a measured 
salinity of less than 18 parts per thousand and 
voyages to a Pacific Region port or place of destina-
tion with a measured salinity of less than 18 parts 
per thousand shall conduct a complete ballast 
water exchange— 
‘‘(aa) not less than 50 nautical miles from 
shore, if the ballast water was sourced from 
a Pacific Region port or place of destination; 
or 
‘‘(bb) more than 200 nautical miles from 
shore, if the ballast water was not sourced 
from a Pacific Region port or place of destina-
tion. 
‘‘(II) EXCEPTION.—Subclause (I) shall not apply 
to a commercial vessel voyaging to a port or place 
of destination in the Pacific Region that is using, 
in compliance with applicable requirements, a 
type-approved ballast water management system 
approved by the Secretary to achieve standards 
of performance of— 
‘‘(aa) less than 1 organism per 10 cubic 
meters, if that organism— 
‘‘(AA) is living, or has not been ren-
dered nonviable; and 
‘‘(BB) is 50 or more micrometers in 
minimum dimension; 
‘‘(bb) less than 1 organism per 10 milli-
liters, if that organism— 
‘‘(AA) is living, or has not been ren-
dered nonviable; and 
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132 STAT. 4352 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(BB) is more than 10, but less than 
50, micrometers in minimum dimension; 
‘‘(cc) concentrations of indicator microbes 
that are less than— 
‘‘(AA) 
1 
colony-forming 
unit 
of 
toxicogenic Vibrio cholera (serotypes O1 
and O139) per 100 milliliters or less than 
1 colony-forming unit of that microbe per 
gram of wet weight of zoological samples; 
‘‘(BB) 126 colony-forming units of 
escherichia coli per 100 milliliters; and 
‘‘(CC) 33 colony-forming units of intes-
tinal enterococci per 100 milliliters; and 
‘‘(dd) concentrations of such additional 
indicator microbes and viruses as may be 
specified in the standards of performance 
established by the Administrator under para-
graph (4). 
‘‘(iv) GENERAL EXCEPTIONS.—The requirements of 
clauses (ii) and (iii) shall not apply to a commercial 
vessel if— 
‘‘(I) complying with the requirement would 
compromise the safety of the commercial vessel; 
‘‘(II) design limitations of the commercial 
vessel prevent a ballast water exchange from being 
conducted in accordance with clause (ii) or (iii), 
as applicable; 
‘‘(III) the commercial vessel— 
‘‘(aa) is certified by the Secretary as 
having no residual ballast water or sediments 
onboard; or 
‘‘(bb) retains all ballast water while in 
waters subject to those requirements; or 
‘‘(IV) empty ballast tanks on the commercial 
vessel are sealed and certified by the Secretary 
in a manner that ensures that— 
‘‘(aa) no discharge or uptake occurs; and 
‘‘(bb) any subsequent discharge of ballast 
water is subject to those requirements. 
‘‘(D) ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE NO-DISCHARGE ZONES.— 
‘‘(i) STATE
PROHIBITION.—Subject to clause (ii), 
after the effective date of regulations promulgated by 
the Secretary under paragraph (5), if any State deter-
mines that the protection and enhancement of the 
quality of some or all of the waters within the State 
require greater environmental protection, the State 
may prohibit 1 or more types of discharge regulated 
under this subsection, whether treated or not treated, 
into such waters. 
‘‘(ii) APPLICABILITY.—A prohibition by a State 
under clause (i) shall not apply until the date on which 
the Administrator makes the applicable determinations 
described in clause (iii). 
‘‘(iii) PROHIBITION BY ADMINISTRATOR.— 
‘‘(I) DETERMINATION.—On application of a 
State, the Administrator, in concurrence with the 
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132 STAT. 4353 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
Secretary (subject to subclause (II)), shall, by regu-
lation, prohibit the discharge from a vessel of 1 
or more discharges subject to regulation under 
this subsection, whether treated or not treated, 
into the waters covered by the application if the 
Administrator determines that— 
‘‘(aa) prohibition of the discharge would 
protect and enhance the quality of the speci-
fied waters within the State; 
‘‘(bb) adequate facilities for the safe and 
sanitary removal and treatment of the dis-
charge are reasonably available for the water 
and all vessels to which the prohibition would 
apply; 
‘‘(cc) the discharge can be safely collected 
and stored until a vessel reaches a discharge 
facility or other location; and 
‘‘(dd) in the case of an application for the 
prohibition of discharges of ballast water in 
a port (or in any other location where cargo, 
passengers, or fuel are loaded and unloaded)— 
‘‘(AA) the adequate facilities described 
in item (bb) are reasonably available for 
commercial vessels, after considering, at 
a minimum, water depth, dock size, 
pumpout facility capacity and flow rate, 
availability 
of 
year-round 
operations, 
proximity to navigation routes, and the 
ratio of pumpout facilities to the popu-
lation and discharge capacity of commer-
cial vessels operating in those waters; and 
‘‘(BB) 
the 
prohibition 
will 
not 
unreasonably interfere with the safe 
loading and unloading of cargo, pas-
sengers, or fuel. 
‘‘(II) CONCURRENCE WITH SECRETARY.— 
‘‘(aa) REQUEST.—The Administrator shall 
submit to the Secretary a request for written 
concurrence with respect to a prohibition 
under subclause (I). 
‘‘(bb) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO CONCUR.— 
A failure by the Secretary to concur with the 
Administrator under subclause (I) by the date 
that is 60 days after the date on which the 
Administrator submits a request for concur-
rence under item (aa) shall not prevent the 
Administrator from prohibiting the relevant 
discharge in accordance with subclause (III), 
subject to the condition that the Administrator 
shall include in the administrative record of 
the promulgation— 
‘‘(AA) documentation of the request 
submitted under item (aa); and 
‘‘(BB) the response of the Adminis-
trator to any written objections received 
from the Secretary relating to the pro-
posed standard of performance during the 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
60-day period beginning on the date of 
submission of the request. 
‘‘(III) 
TIMING.—The 
Administrator 
shall 
approve or disapprove an application submitted 
under subclause (I) by not later than 90 days 
after the date on which the application is sub-
mitted to the Administrator. 
‘‘(E) MAINTENANCE
IN
EFFECT
OF
MORE-STRINGENT 
STANDARDS.—In any case in which a requirement estab-
lished under this paragraph is more stringent or environ-
mentally protective than a comparable requirement estab-
lished under paragraph (4), (5), or (6), the more-stringent 
or more-protective requirement shall control.’’. 
(2) REPEALS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Effective beginning on the date of 
enactment of this Act, the following provisions of law are 
repealed: 
(i) Section 1101 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nui-
sance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 
4711). 
(ii) Public Law 110–299 (33 U.S.C. 1342 note). 
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 1102 of the 
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control 
Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4712) is amended— 
(i) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ‘‘(as in effect 
on the day before the date of enactment of the Vessel 
Incidental Discharge Act of 2018)’’ after ‘‘section 
1101(b)’’; and 
(ii) in subsection (f)(1)(B), by inserting ‘‘(as in effect 
on the day before the date of enactment of the Vessel 
Incidental Discharge Act of 2018)’’ after ‘‘section 
1101(c)’’. 
(b) REGULATIONS
FOR USE
OF MARINE POLLUTION CONTROL 
DEVICES.—Section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
(33 U.S.C. 1322) is amended— 
(1) by striking the section designation and heading and 
all that follows through ‘‘For the purpose of’’ in subsection 
(a) and inserting the following: 
‘‘SEC. 312. MARINE SANITATION DEVICES; DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL 
TO THE NORMAL OPERATION OF VESSELS. 
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In’’; 
(2) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘devices or of vessels’’ 
and inserting ‘‘devices, marine pollution control device 
equipment, or vessels’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (13), in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A), by inserting ‘‘, except as provided in subsection 
(p),’’ after ‘‘means’’; 
(3) in subsection (g)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘or marine pollution control device 
equipment’’ after ‘‘marine sanitation device’’ each place it 
appears; 
(B) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘or equipment’’ after ‘‘such device’’; 
and 
16 USC 4711 
note. 
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132 STAT. 4355 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘or equipment’’ after ‘‘test device’’; 
and 
(C) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘or equipment’’ after ‘‘the device’’ 
each place it appears; and 
(ii) in the fourth sentence, by inserting ‘‘or equip-
ment’’ after ‘‘device’’ each place it appears; and 
(4) in subsection (h)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘and marine pollution 
control device equipment’’ after ‘‘marine sanitation device’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘or any certified 
marine pollution control device equipment or element of 
design of such equipment’’ after ‘‘such device’’; 
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and indenting 
the subparagraphs appropriately; 
(D) by striking ‘‘(h) After’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(h) SALE AND RESALE OF PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS; OPER-
ABILITY OF CERTIFIED MARINE SANITATION DEVICES.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), after’’; and 
(E) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) EFFECT OF SUBSECTION.—Nothing in this subsection 
requires certification of a marine pollution control device for 
use on any vessel of the Armed Forces.’’. 
(c) ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 312(k) of the Federal Water Pollu-
tion Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322(k)) is amended— 
(A) by striking the second sentence and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(3) STATES.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—This section may be enforced by 
a State or political subdivision of a State (including the 
attorney general of a State), including by filing a civil 
action in an appropriate Federal district court to enforce 
any violation of subsection (p). 
‘‘(B) JURISDICTION.—The appropriate Federal district 
court shall have jurisdiction with respect to a civil action 
filed pursuant to subparagraph (A), without regard to the 
amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties— 
‘‘(i) to enforce the requirements of this section; 
and 
‘‘(ii) to apply appropriate civil penalties under this 
section or section 309(d), as appropriate.’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘(k) The provisions of this’’ and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(k) ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.— 
‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—This section shall be enforced by the 
Administrator, to the extent provided in section 309. 
‘‘(2) SECRETARY.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—This’’; and 
(C) in paragraph (2) (as so designated)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘operating and 
he may utilize by agreement’’ and inserting ‘‘operating, 
who may use, by agreement’’; and 
(ii) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(B) INSPECTIONS.—For purposes of ensuring compli-
ance with this section, the Secretary— 
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PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(i) may carry out an inspection (including the 
taking of ballast water samples) of any vessel at any 
time; and 
‘‘(ii) shall— 
‘‘(I) establish procedures for— 
‘‘(aa) reporting violations of this section; 
and 
‘‘(bb) accumulating evidence regarding 
those violations; and 
‘‘(II) use appropriate and practicable measures 
of detection and environmental monitoring of ves-
sels. 
‘‘(C) DETENTION.—The Secretary may detain a vessel 
if the Secretary— 
‘‘(i) has reasonable cause to believe that the 
vessel— 
‘‘(I) has failed to comply with an applicable 
requirement of this section; or 
‘‘(II) is being operated in violation of such a 
requirement; and 
‘‘(ii) the Secretary provides to the owner or oper-
ator of the vessel a notice of the intent to detain.’’. 
(2) PRESERVATION OF FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.— 
Section 309 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
U.S.C. 1319) is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ‘‘318’’ and inserting 
‘‘312(p), 318’’; 
(B) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘318’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘312(p), 318’’; 
(C) in subsection (d), in the first sentence— 
(i) by striking ‘‘318’’ and inserting ‘‘312(p), 318,’’; 
and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘State,,’’ and inserting ‘‘State,’’; and 
(D) in subsection (g)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘318’’ and 
inserting ‘‘312(p), 318’’. 
(3) PRESERVATION OF PUBLIC ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.— 
Section 505(f) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
U.S.C. 1365(f)) is amended by striking ‘‘(5) certification’’ and 
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
the following: ‘‘(5) a standard of performance or requirement 
under section 312(p); (6) a certification under section 401; (7) 
a permit or condition of a permit issued under section 402 
that is in effect under this Act (including a requirement 
applicable by reason of section 313); or (8) a regulation under 
section 405(d).’’. 
(4) REVIEW.—Section 509(b) of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1369(b)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘(4) DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL TO NORMAL OPERATION OF VES-
SELS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), any interested person may file a petition for review 
of a final agency action under section 312(p) of the Adminis-
trator or the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating in accordance with the require-
ments of this subsection. 
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132 STAT. 4357 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(B) 
VENUE
EXCEPTION.—Subject 
to 
section 
312(p)(7)(C)(v), a petition for review of a final agency action 
under section 312(p) of the Administrator or the Secretary 
of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
may be filed only in the United States Court of Appeals 
for the District of Columbia Circuit.’’. 
(d) LOGBOOK REQUIREMENTS.—Section 11301(b) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(13) when a vessel fails to carry out ballast water manage-
ment requirements as applicable and pursuant to regulations 
promulgated by the Secretary, including when the vessel fails 
to carry out ballast water management requirements due to 
an allowed safety exemption, a statement regarding the failure 
to comply and the circumstances under which the failure 
occurred, made immediately after the failure, when practicable 
to do so.’’. 
(e) QUAGGA MUSSEL.—Section 42(a)(1) of title 18, United States 
Code, is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting ‘‘of the quagga 
mussel of the species Dreissena rostriformis or Dreissena bugensis;’’ 
after ‘‘Dreissena polymorpha;’’. 
(f) COASTAL AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MITIGATION GRANT PRO-
GRAM AND MITIGATION FUND.— 
(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
(A) COASTAL ZONE.—The term ‘‘coastal zone’’ has the 
meaning given the term in section 304 of the Coastal 
Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453). 
(B) ELIGIBLE
ENTITY.—The term ‘‘eligible entity’’ 
means— 
(i) a State; 
(ii) a unit of local government; 
(iii) an Indian Tribe; 
(iv) a nongovernmental organization; and 
(v) an institution of higher education. 
(C) EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE.—The term ‘‘Exclusive 
Economic Zone’’ means the Exclusive Economic Zone of 
the United States, as established by Presidential Proclama-
tion 5030, dated March 10, 1983 (16 U.S.C. 1453 note). 
(D) FOUNDATION.—The term ‘‘Foundation’’ means the 
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established by sec-
tion 2(a) of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 
Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3701(a)). 
(E) FUND.—The term ‘‘Fund’’ means the Coastal 
Aquatic Invasive Species Mitigation Fund established by 
paragraph (3)(A). 
(F) PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘Program’’ means the Coastal 
Aquatic Invasive Species Mitigation Grant Program estab-
lished under paragraph (2)(A). 
(G) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec-
retary of Commerce. 
(2) GRANT PROGRAM.— 
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary and the Founda-
tion shall establish a program, to be known as the ‘‘Coastal 
Aquatic Invasive Species Mitigation Grant Program’’, under 
which the Secretary and the Foundation shall award grants 
to eligible entities in accordance with this paragraph. 
(B) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the Program are— 
16 USC 4729. 
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132 STAT. 4358 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(i) to improve the understanding, prevention, and 
mitigation of, and response to, aquatic invasive species 
in— 
(I) the coastal zone; and 
(II) the Exclusive Economic Zone; 
(ii) to support the prevention and mitigation of 
impacts from aquatic invasive species in the coastal 
zone; and 
(iii) to support the restoration of Pacific Island 
habitats, marine, estuarine, and Great Lakes environ-
ments in the coastal zone and the Exclusive Economic 
Zone that are impacted by aquatic invasive species. 
(C) USE OF GRANTS.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—A grant awarded under the Pro-
gram shall be used for an activity to carry out the 
purposes of the Program, including an activity— 
(I) to develop and implement procedures and 
programs, including permissible State ballast 
water inspection programs, to prevent, detect, con-
trol, mitigate, and rapidly or progressively eradi-
cate aquatic invasive species in the coastal zone 
or the Exclusive Economic Zone, particularly in 
areas with high numbers of established aquatic 
invasive species; 
(II) to restore habitat impacted by an aquatic 
invasive species; 
(III) to develop new shipboard and land-based 
ballast water treatment system technologies and 
performance standards to prevent the introduction 
of aquatic invasive species; 
(IV) to develop mitigation measures to protect 
natural and cultural living resources, including 
shellfish, from the impacts of aquatic invasive spe-
cies; or 
(V) to develop mitigation measures to protect 
infrastructure, such as hydroelectric infrastruc-
ture, from aquatic invasive species. 
(ii) PROHIBITION ON FUNDING LITIGATION.—A grant 
awarded under the Program may not be used to fund 
litigation in any matter. 
(D) ADMINISTRATION.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Foundation, in con-
sultation with the Secretary, shall establish the following: 
(i) Application and review procedures for awarding 
grants under the Program. 
(ii) Approval procedures for awarding grants under 
the Program, including a requirement for consultation 
with— 
(I) the Secretary of the Interior; and 
(II) the Administrator. 
(iii) Performance accountability and monitoring 
measures for activities funded by a grant awarded 
under the Program. 
(iv) Procedures and methods to ensure accurate 
accounting and appropriate administration of grants 
awarded under the Program, including standards of 
recordkeeping. 
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132 STAT. 4359 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(E) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.—Each eligible entity that 
receives a grant under the Program shall provide, in cash 
or through in-kind contributions from non-Federal sources, 
matching funds to carry out the activities funded by the 
grant in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent 
of the cost of the activities. 
(F) FUNDING.—The Secretary and the Foundation are 
authorized to use the amounts available in the Fund to 
award grants under the Program. 
(3) MITIGATION FUND.— 
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the 
Treasury of the United States a trust fund, to be known 
as the ‘‘Coastal Aquatic Invasive Species Mitigation Fund’’, 
consisting of such amounts as are appropriated or credited 
to the Fund in accordance with this paragraph or section 
9602 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 
(B) TRANSFERS TO FUND.— 
(i) APPROPRIATION.—There is authorized to be 
appropriated from the Treasury to the Fund, for each 
fiscal year, an amount equal to the amount of penalties 
assessed for violations of subsection (p) of section 312 
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
1322) during the preceding fiscal year. 
(ii) ADDITIONAL
AUTHORIZATION.—In addition to 
the amounts transferred to the Fund under clause 
(i), there is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund 
$5,000,000 for each fiscal year. 
(C) USE
OF
FUND.—Subject to appropriations, the 
amounts in the Fund shall be available to the Secretary 
and the Foundation to award grants under the Program. 
(g) GREAT LAKES AND LAKE CHAMPLAIN INVASIVE SPECIES PRO-
GRAM.— 
(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
(A) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Administrator’’ means 
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. 
(B) AQUATIC
NUISANCE
SPECIES.—The term ‘‘aquatic 
nuisance species’’ has the meaning given that term in sub-
section (p)(1) of section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322). 
(C) 
DIRECTOR.—The 
term 
‘‘Director’’ 
means 
the 
Director of the Great Lakes National Program Office estab-
lished by section 118(b) of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(b)). 
(D) GREAT
LAKES
AND
LAKE
CHAMPLAIN
SYSTEMS.— 
The term ‘‘Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems’’ 
includes— 
(i) Lake Champlain; and 
(ii) all bodies of water (including wetlands) 
within— 
(I) the Great Lakes System (as defined in sec-
tion 118(a)(3) of the Federal Water Pollution Con-
trol Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(a)(3))); or 
(II) the Lake Champlain drainage basin (as 
defined in section 120(g) of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1270(g))). 
16 USC 4730. 
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132 STAT. 4360 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(E) PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘Program’’ means the Great 
Lakes and Lake Champlain Invasive Species Program 
established under paragraph (2)(A). 
(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator shall establish 
within the Great Lakes National Program Office a program, 
to be known as the ‘‘Great Lakes and Lake Champlain 
Invasive Species Program’’— 
(i) in collaboration with— 
(I) the Director of the United States Fish and 
Wildlife Service; 
(II) the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration; 
(III) the Director of the United States 
Geological Survey; and 
(IV) the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating; and 
(ii) in consultation with— 
(I) the head of Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindige-
nous Species Information System of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and 
(II) the head of Great Lakes Environmental 
Research Laboratory of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration. 
(B) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the Program shall 
be— 
(i) to monitor for the introduction and spread of 
aquatic nuisance species into or within the Great Lakes 
and Lake Champlain Systems; 
(ii) to detect newly introduced aquatic nuisance 
species prior to the establishment of the aquatic nui-
sance species in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain 
Systems; 
(iii) to inform, and assist with, management and 
response actions to prevent or stop the establishment 
or spread of an aquatic nuisance species; 
(iv) to establish a watch list of candidate aquatic 
nuisance species that may be introduced or spread, 
and that may survive and establish, within the Great 
Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems; 
(v) to monitor vectors likely to be contributing 
to the introduction or spread of aquatic nuisance spe-
cies, including ballast water operations; 
(vi) to work collaboratively with the Federal, State, 
local, and Tribal agencies to develop criteria for 
prioritizing and distributing monitoring efforts; 
(vii) to develop, achieve type approval for, and 
pilot shipboard or land-based ballast water manage-
ment systems installed on, or available for use by, 
commercial vessels operating solely within the Great 
Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems to prevent the 
spread of aquatic nuisance species populations within 
the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems; and 
(viii) to facilitate meaningful Federal and State 
implementation of the regulatory framework in this 
subsection, including monitoring, shipboard education, 
inspection, and compliance conducted by States. 
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132 STAT. 4361 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
(3) METHODOLOGY.—The Program shall seek— 
(A) to build on— 
(i) existing aquatic nuisance species monitoring 
efforts; and 
(ii) efforts to develop criteria for prioritizing and 
distributing monitoring efforts, geographically and 
among taxa, in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain 
Systems; 
(B) to advance early detection and monitoring, and 
capacity to control the establishment and spread, of aquatic 
nuisance species within the Great Lakes and Lake Cham-
plain Systems; 
(C) to identify opportunities to interdict the introduc-
tion and spread of aquatic nuisance species through sound 
science and technological advancements; 
(D) to assess the risk of aquatic nuisance species 
introduction and spread via the range of vectors active 
within the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems; 
(E) to advance the development of type-approved bal-
last water management system (as defined in subsection 
(p)(1) of section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control 
Act (33 U.S.C. 1322) equipment for commercial, non-sea-
going vessels that operate solely within the Great Lakes 
System (as defined in section 118(a)(3) of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1268(a)(3))); 
(F) to immediately make available to the public 
information regarding— 
(i) the detection of new aquatic nuisance species 
within the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems; 
or 
(ii) the spread of aquatic nuisance species within 
the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems; 
(G) to annually submit to appropriate individuals and 
entities in each affected region a report describing the 
findings and activities of the Program; 
(H) to identify roles and responsibilities of Federal 
agencies in aquatic nuisance species monitoring and 
response; and 
(I) to provide resource assistance to States imple-
menting State-level programs to enter into partnerships 
with Federal agencies in enforcing the requirements under 
subsection (p) of section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322). 
(4) COLLABORATION.—In carrying out and developing the 
Program, the Director shall collaborate with— 
(A) applicable Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies; 
and 
(B) such other research entities or stakeholders as 
the Director determines to be appropriate. 
(5) DATA AVAILABILITY.—The Director shall— 
(A) make the data collected under the Program avail-
able on a publicly accessible internet website, including 
in an annual summary report; and 
(B) in coordination with the entities identified under 
paragraph (4), develop communication and notification 
protocols for the purpose of communicating the range of 
aquatic nuisance species and any identification of a new 
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132 STAT. 4362 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
aquatic nuisance species introduced to the Great Lakes 
and Lake Champlain Systems. 
(6) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31, 2019, 
the Director shall submit to Congress a report summarizing 
the outcomes of activities carried out under the Program. 
(B) CONTENTS.—The report under subparagraph (A) 
shall include— 
(i) a description of activities carried out under 
the Program, including an explanation of how those 
activities help to achieve the purposes described in 
paragraph (2)(B); 
(ii) an analysis of Federal, State, and local efforts 
to enhance multidisciplinary approaches to achieve the 
purposes described in paragraph (2)(B); 
(iii) recommendations relating to activities that 
would contribute to achievement of the purposes 
described in paragraph (2)(B); and 
(iv) recommendations to improve the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the Program. 
(7) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is author-
ized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $50,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023. 
(h) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) Section 1102(f) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance 
Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4712(f)) is 
amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(2) BALLAST WATER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The owner or operator of a vessel 
subject to this title shall submit to the National Ballast 
Information Clearinghouse, by not later than 6 hours after 
the arrival of the vessel at a United States port or place 
of destination, the ballast water management report form 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget num-
bered OMB 1625–0069 (or a successor form), unless the 
vessel is operating exclusively on a voyage between ports 
or places within contiguous portions of a single Captain 
of the Port Zone. 
‘‘(B) MULTIPLE DISCHARGES.—The owner or operator 
of a vessel subject to this title may submit a single report 
under subparagraph (A) for multiple ballast water dis-
charges within a single port or place of destination during 
the same voyage. 
‘‘(C) ADVANCE REPORT TO STATES.—A State may require 
the owner or operator of a vessel subject to this title to 
submit directly to the State, or to an appropriate regional 
forum, a ballast water management report form— 
‘‘(i) not later than 24 hours prior to arrival at 
a United States port or place of destination in the 
State, if the voyage of the vessel is anticipated to 
exceed 24 hours; or 
‘‘(ii) before departing the port or place of departure, 
if the voyage of the vessel to the United States port 
or place of destination is not anticipated to exceed 
24 hours. 
‘‘(3) VESSEL REPORTING DATA.— 
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132 STAT. 4363 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(A) DISSEMINATION TO STATES.—On receipt of a ballast 
water management report under paragraph (2), the 
National Ballast Information Clearinghouse shall— 
‘‘(i) in the case of a form submitted electronically, 
immediately disseminate the report to interested 
States; or 
‘‘(ii) in the case of a form submitted by means 
other than electronically, disseminate the report to 
interested States as soon as practicable. 
‘‘(B) AVAILABILITY TO PUBLIC.—Not later than 30 days 
after the date of receipt of a ballast water management 
report under paragraph (2), the National Ballast Informa-
tion Clearinghouse shall make the data in the report fully 
and readily available to the public in a searchable and 
fully retrievable electronic format. 
‘‘(4) REPORT.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than July 1, 2019, and 
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare and submit 
a report in accordance with this paragraph. 
‘‘(B) CONTENTS.—Each report under this paragraph 
shall synthesize and analyze the data described in para-
graph (1) for the preceding 2-year period to evaluate nation-
wide status and trends relating to— 
‘‘(i) ballast water delivery and management; and 
‘‘(ii) invasions of aquatic nuisance species resulting 
from ballast water. 
‘‘(C) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary shall prepare each 
report under this paragraph in consultation and coopera-
tion with— 
‘‘(i) the Task Force; and 
‘‘(ii) the Smithsonian Institution (acting through 
the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center). 
‘‘(D) SUBMISSION.—The Secretary shall— 
‘‘(i) submit each report under this paragraph to— 
‘‘(I) the Task Force; 
‘‘(II) the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate; and 
‘‘(III) the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; 
and 
‘‘(ii) make each report available to the public. 
‘‘(5) WORKING
GROUP.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall estab-
lish a working group, including members from the National 
Ballast Information Clearinghouse and States with ballast 
water management programs, to establish a process for com-
piling and readily sharing Federal and State commercial vessel 
reporting and enforcement data regarding compliance with this 
Act.’’. 
(2) Section 1205 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance 
Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4725) is 
amended— 
(A) in the third sentence, by striking ‘‘Compliance’’ 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘(c) EFFECT OF COMPLIANCE.—Compliance’’; 
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘Nothing’’ and 
inserting the following: 
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132 STAT. 4364 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(b) EFFECT OF TITLE.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
nothing’’; 
(C) in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘All actions’’ and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) CONSISTENCY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.—All actions’’; 
and 
(D) in subsection (b) (as so designated), by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—Any discharge incidental to the normal 
operation of a vessel, including any discharge of ballast water 
(as those terms are defined in subsections (a) and (p)(1) of 
section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
U.S.C. 1322)), shall be regulated in accordance with that sec-
tion.’’. 
TITLE X—HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICES 
AND OTHER MATTERS 
SEC. 
1001. 
REAUTHORIZATION 
OF 
HYDROGRAPHIC 
SERVICES 
IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1998. 
(a) REAUTHORIZATIONS.—Section 306 of the Hydrographic Serv-
ices Improvement Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 892d) is amended— 
(1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘There 
are’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There are’’; 
(2) in subsection (a) (as designated by paragraph (1))— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘surveys—’’ and all 
that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting 
‘‘surveys, $70,814,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
2023.’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘vessels—’’ and all 
that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting 
‘‘vessels, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
2023.’’; 
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘Administration— 
’’ and all that follows through the end of the paragraph 
and inserting ‘‘Administration, $29,932,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2019 through 2023.’’; 
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘title—’’ and all that 
follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting 
‘‘title, $26,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
2023.’’; and 
(E) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘title—’’ and all that 
follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting 
‘‘title, $30,564,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
2023.’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) ARCTIC PROGRAMS.—Of the amount authorized by this sec-
tion for each fiscal year— 
‘‘(1) $10,000,000 is authorized for use in the Arctic— 
‘‘(A) to acquire hydrographic data; 
‘‘(B) to provide hydrographic services; 
‘‘(C) to conduct coastal change analyses necessary to 
ensure safe navigation; 
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132 STAT. 4365 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
‘‘(D) to improve the management of coastal change; 
and 
‘‘(E) to reduce risks of harm to subsistence and coastal 
communities associated with increased international mari-
time traffic; and 
‘‘(2) $2,000,000 is authorized for use to acquire hydro-
graphic data and provide hydrographic services in the Arctic 
necessary to delineate the United States extended Continental 
Shelf.’’. 
(b) LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES FOR SURVEYS.— 
Section 306 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 892d) is further amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES FOR SURVEYS.— 
Of amounts authorized by this section for each fiscal year for 
contract hydrographic surveys, not more than 5 percent is author-
ized for administrative costs associated with contract manage-
ment.’’. 
SEC. 1002. SYSTEM FOR TRACKING AND REPORTING ALL-INCLUSIVE 
COST OF HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall— 
(1) develop and implement a system to track and report 
the full cost to the Department of Commerce of hydrographic 
data collection, including costs relating to vessel acquisition, 
vessel repair, and administration of contracts to procure data; 
(2) evaluate measures for comparing cost per unit effort 
in addition to measures of cost per nautical square mile; and 
(3) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural 
Resources of the House of Representatives a report on which 
additional measures for comparing cost per unit effort the Sec-
retary intends to use and the rationale for such use. 
(b) DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGY FOR INCREASED CONTRACTING 
WITH
NONGOVERNMENTAL
ENTITIES
FOR
HYDROGRAPHIC
DATA 
COLLECTION.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which 
the Secretary completes the activities required by subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall develop a strategy for how the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration will increase contracting with non-
governmental entities for hydrographic data collection in a manner 
that is consistent with the requirements of the Ocean and Coastal 
Mapping Integration Act (Public Law 111–11; 33 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.). 
SEC. 1003. HOMEPORT OF CERTAIN RESEARCH VESSELS. 
(a) ACCEPTANCE
OF FUNDS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of 
Commerce may accept non-Federal funds for the purpose of the 
construction of a new port facility, including obtaining such cost 
estimates, designs, and permits as may be necessary to facilitate 
the homeporting of the R/V FAIRWEATHER in accordance with 
title II of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the 
Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (Public 
Law 107–77; 115 Stat. 775) at a location that during such home-
porting shall be under the administrative jurisdiction of the Under 
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. 
(b) STRATEGIC PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop 
33 USC 892 note. 
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132 STAT. 4366 
PUBLIC LAW 115–282—DEC. 4, 2018 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 140: 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 115–441 (Comm. on Natural Resources). 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 115–7 (Comm. on Indian Affairs). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 163 (2017): May 8, considered and passed Senate. 
Vol. 164 (2018): Jan. 10, considered and passed House, amended. 
Apr. 12, 16, 18, Oct. 11, Nov. 13, 14, Senate considered and 
concurred in House amendment with an amendment. 
Nov. 27, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2018): 
Dec. 4, Presidential statement. 
and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources 
of the House of Representatives a strategic plan for implementing 
subsection (a). 
(c) ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary may 
accept non-Federal funds for the purpose of the construction of 
a new port facility, including obtaining such cost estimates, designs, 
and permits as may be necessary to facilitate the homeporting 
of a new, existing, or reactivated research vessel in the city of 
St. Petersburg, Florida, at a location that during such homeporting 
shall be under the administrative jurisdiction of the Under Sec-
retary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. 
(d) STRATEGIC PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop 
and submit to Congress a strategic plan for construction or acquisi-
tion of the facilities needed to allow for an oceanographic research 
vessel to be homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida. The strategic 
plan shall include an estimate of funding needed to construct such 
facilities. 
Approved December 4, 2018. 
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