Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015
PL 114-120 (H.R.4188), enacted 02/08/2016

130 STAT. 27 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
Public Law 114–120 
114th Congress 
An Act 
To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, 
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 ‘‘Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2015’’. 
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
The table of contents for this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title. 
Sec. 2. Table of contents. 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATIONS 
Sec. 101. Authorizations. 
Sec. 102. Conforming amendments. 
TITLE II—COAST GUARD 
Sec. 201. Vice Commandant. 
Sec. 202. Vice admirals. 
Sec. 203. Coast Guard remission of indebtedness. 
Sec. 204. Acquisition reform. 
Sec. 205. Auxiliary jurisdiction. 
Sec. 206. Coast Guard communities. 
Sec. 207. Polar icebreakers. 
Sec. 208. Air facility closures. 
Sec. 209. Technical corrections to title 14, United States Code. 
Sec. 210. Discontinuance of an aid to navigation. 
Sec. 211. Mission performance measures. 
Sec. 212. Communications. 
Sec. 213. Coast Guard graduate maritime operations education. 
Sec. 214. Professional development. 
Sec. 215. Senior enlisted member continuation boards. 
Sec. 216. Coast Guard member pay. 
Sec. 217. Transfer of funds necessary to provide medical care. 
Sec. 218. Participation of the Coast Guard Academy in Federal, State, or other edu-
cational research grants. 
Sec. 219. National Coast Guard Museum. 
Sec. 220. Investigations. 
Sec. 221. Clarification of eligibility of members of the Coast Guard for combat-re-
lated special compensation. 
Sec. 222. Leave policies for the Coast Guard. 
TITLE III—SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION 
Sec. 301. Survival craft. 
Sec. 302. Vessel replacement. 
Sec. 303. Model years for recreational vessels. 
Sec. 304. Merchant mariner credential expiration harmonization. 
Sec. 305. Safety zones for permitted marine events. 
Sec. 306. Technical corrections. 
Coast Guard 
Authorization 
Act of 2015. 
Feb. 8, 2016 
[H.R. 4188] 
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130 STAT. 28 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
Sec. 307. Recommendations for improvements of marine casualty reporting. 
Sec. 308. Recreational vessel engine weights. 
Sec. 309. Merchant mariner medical certification reform. 
Sec. 310. Atlantic Coast port access route study. 
Sec. 311. Certificates of documentation for recreational vessels. 
Sec. 312. Program guidelines. 
Sec. 313. Repeals. 
Sec. 314. Maritime drug law enforcement. 
Sec. 315. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials. 
Sec. 316. Higher volume port area regulatory definition change. 
Sec. 317. Recognition of port security assessments conducted by other entities. 
Sec. 318. Fishing vessel and fish tender vessel certification. 
Sec. 319. Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research. 
Sec. 320. International port and facility inspection coordination. 
TITLE IV—FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION 
Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations. 
Sec. 402. Duties of the Chairman. 
Sec. 403. Prohibition on awards. 
TITLE V—CONVEYANCES 
Subtitle A—Miscellaneous Conveyances 
Sec. 501. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Point Reyes Station, California. 
Sec. 502. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Tok, Alaska. 
Subtitle B—Pribilof Islands 
Sec. 521. Short title. 
Sec. 522. Transfer and disposition of property. 
Sec. 523. Notice of certification. 
Sec. 524. Redundant capability. 
Subtitle C—Conveyance of Coast Guard Property at Point Spencer, Alaska 
Sec. 531. Findings. 
Sec. 532. Definitions. 
Sec. 533. Authority to convey land in Point Spencer. 
Sec. 534. Environmental compliance, liability, and monitoring. 
Sec. 535. Easements and access. 
Sec. 536. Relationship to Public Land Order 2650. 
Sec. 537. Archeological and cultural resources. 
Sec. 538. Maps and legal descriptions. 
Sec. 539. Chargeability for land conveyed. 
Sec. 540. Redundant capability. 
Sec. 541. Port Coordination Council for Point Spencer. 
TITLE VI—MISCELLANEOUS 
Sec. 601. Modification of reports. 
Sec. 602. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes. 
Sec. 603. Use of vessel sale proceeds. 
Sec. 604. National Academy of Sciences cost assessment. 
Sec. 605. Coastwise endorsements. 
Sec. 606. International Ice Patrol. 
Sec. 607. Assessment of oil spill response and cleanup activities in the Great Lakes. 
Sec. 608. Report on status of technology detecting passengers who have fallen over-
board. 
Sec. 609. Venue. 
Sec. 610. Disposition of infrastructure related to e-loran. 
Sec. 611. Parking. 
Sec. 612. Inapplicability of load line requirements to certain United States vessels 
traveling in the Gulf of Mexico. 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATIONS 
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Title 14, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
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130 STAT. 29 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘PART III—COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATIONS 
AND REPORTS TO CONGRESS 
‘‘Chap.
Sec. 
‘‘27. Authorizations ............................................................................................
2701 
‘‘29. Reports .........................................................................................................
2901. 
‘‘CHAPTER 27—AUTHORIZATIONS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2702. Authorization of appropriations. 
‘‘2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training. 
‘‘§ 2702. Authorization of appropriations 
‘‘Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal 
years 2016 and 2017 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard 
as follows: 
‘‘(1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, 
not otherwise provided for— 
‘‘(A) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2016; and 
‘‘(B) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2017. 
‘‘(2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and 
improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, 
and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for 
maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities 
and equipment— 
‘‘(A) $1,945,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; and 
‘‘(B) $1,945,000,000 for fiscal year 2017. 
‘‘(3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including oper-
ations and maintenance of the program, personnel and training 
costs, equipment, and services— 
‘‘(A) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2016; and 
‘‘(B) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2017. 
‘‘(4) For the environmental compliance and restoration func-
tions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title— 
‘‘(A) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2016; and 
‘‘(B) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2017. 
‘‘(5) To the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, 
development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, 
and human factors directly related to improving the perform-
ance 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 mainte-
nance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and 
equipment— 
‘‘(A) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016; and 
‘‘(B) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2017. 
‘‘§ 2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training 
‘‘(a) ACTIVE DUTY STRENGTH.—The Coast Guard is authorized 
an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017. 
‘‘(b) MILITARY TRAINING STUDENT LOADS.—The Coast Guard 
is authorized average military training student loads for each of 
fiscal years 2016 and 2017 as follows: 
‘‘(1) For recruit and special training, 2,500 student years. 
‘‘(2) For flight training, 165 student years. 
14 USC 2704. 
14 USC 2702. 
14 USC 
2701 prec. 
14 USC 
2701 prec. 
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130 STAT. 30 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(3) For professional training in military and civilian 
institutions, 350 student years. 
‘‘(4) For officer acquisition, 1,200 student years. 
‘‘CHAPTER 29—REPORTS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘2904. Manpower requirements plan. 
‘‘§ 2904. Manpower requirements plan 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—On the date on which the President submits 
to the Congress a budget for fiscal year 2017 under section 1105 
of title 31, on the date on which the President submits to the 
Congress a budget for fiscal year 2019 under such section, and 
every 4 years thereafter, 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 manpower requirements plan. 
‘‘(b) SCOPE.—A manpower requirements plan submitted under 
subsection (a) shall include for each mission of the Coast Guard— 
‘‘(1) an assessment of all projected mission requirements 
for the upcoming fiscal year and for each of the 3 fiscal years 
thereafter; 
‘‘(2) the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian per-
sonnel assigned or available to fulfill such mission require-
ments— 
‘‘(A) currently; and 
‘‘(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each 
of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; 
‘‘(3) the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian per-
sonnel required to fulfill such mission requirements— 
‘‘(A) currently; and 
‘‘(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each 
of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; 
‘‘(4) an identification of any capability gaps between mission 
requirements and mission performance caused by deficiencies 
in the numbers of personnel available— 
‘‘(A) currently; and 
‘‘(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each 
of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; and 
‘‘(5) an identification of the actions the Commandant will 
take to address capability gaps identified under paragraph 
(4). 
‘‘(c) CONSIDERATION.—In composing a manpower requirements 
plan for submission under subsection (a), the Commandant shall 
consider— 
‘‘(1) the marine safety strategy required under section 2116 
of title 46; 
‘‘(2) information on the adequacy of the acquisition 
workforce included in the most recent report under section 
2903 of this title; and 
‘‘(3) any other Federal strategic planning effort the Com-
mandant considers appropriate.’’. 
(b) REQUIREMENT FOR PRIOR AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIA-
TIONS.—Section 662 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating such section as section 2701; 
14 USC 2701. 
Assessment. 
Time period. 
14 USC 2904. 
14 USC 
2901 prec. 
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130 STAT. 31 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(2) by transferring such section to appear before section 
2702 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section); 
and 
(3) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, 
not otherwise provided for. 
‘‘(2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and 
improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, 
and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for 
maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities 
and equipment. 
‘‘(3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including oper-
ations and maintenance of the program, personnel and training 
costs, equipment, and services. 
‘‘(4) For the environmental compliance and restoration func-
tions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title. 
‘‘(5) For research, development, test, and evaluation of tech-
nologies, materials, and human factors directly related to 
improving the performance of the Coast Guard. 
‘‘(6) For alteration or removal of bridges over navigable 
waters of the United States constituting obstructions to naviga-
tion, and for personnel and administrative costs associated 
with the Alteration of Bridges Program.’’. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF PERSONNEL END STRENGTHS.—Section 
661 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating such section as section 2703; and 
(2) by transferring such section to appear before section 
2704 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this section). 
(d) REPORTS.— 
(1) TRANSMISSION OF ANNUAL COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION 
REQUEST.—Section 662a of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(A) by redesignating such section as section 2901; 
(B) by transferring such section to appear before sec-
tion 2904 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this 
section); and 
(C) in subsection (b)— 
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘described in sec-
tion 661’’ and inserting ‘‘described in section 2703’’; 
and 
(ii) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘described in sec-
tion 662’’ and inserting ‘‘described in section 2701’’. 
(2) CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN.—Section 663 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(A) by redesignating such section as section 2902; and 
(B) by transferring such section to appear after section 
2901 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by 
paragraph (1) of this subsection). 
(3) MAJOR ACQUISITIONS.—Section 569a of title 14, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(A) by redesignating such section as section 2903; 
(B) by transferring such section to appear after section 
2902 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by 
paragraph (2) of this subsection); and 
(C) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ‘‘of this subchapter’’. 
(e) ICEBREAKERS.— 
14 USC 2903. 
14 USC 2902. 
14 USC 2901. 
14 USC 2703. 
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130 STAT. 32 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(1) ICEBREAKING ON THE GREAT LAKES.—For fiscal years 
2016 and 2017, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may 
use funds made available pursuant to section 2702(2) of title 
14, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this 
section) for the selection of a design for and the construction 
of an icebreaker that is capable of buoy tending to enhance 
icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes. 
(2) POLAR
ICEBREAKING.—Of the amounts authorized to 
be appropriated under section 2702(2) of title 14, United States 
Code, as amended by subsection (a), there is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Coast Guard $4,000,000 for fiscal year 
2016 and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2017 for preacquisition 
activities for a new polar icebreaker, including initial specifica-
tion development and feasibility studies. 
(f) ADDITIONAL SUBMISSIONS.—The Commandant of the Coast 
Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of 
the House of Representatives— 
(1) each plan required under section 2904 of title 14, United 
States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section; 
(2) each plan required under section 2903(e) of title 14, 
United States Code, as added by section 206 of this Act; 
(3) each plan required under section 2902 of title 14, United 
States Code, as redesignated by subsection (d) of this section; 
and 
(4) each mission need statement required under section 
569 of title 14, United States Code. 
SEC. 102. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. 
(a) ANALYSIS FOR TITLE 14.—The analysis for title 14, United 
States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to part 
II the following: 
‘‘III. Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress ................... 2701’’. 
(b) ANALYSIS FOR CHAPTER 15.—The analysis for chapter 15 
of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
relating to section 569a. 
(c) ANALYSIS FOR CHAPTER 17.—The analysis for chapter 17 
of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the items 
relating to sections 661, 662, 662a, and 663. 
(d) ANALYSIS FOR CHAPTER 27.—The analysis for chapter 27 
of title 14, United States Code, as added by section 101(a) of 
this Act, is amended by inserting— 
(1) before the item relating to section 2702 the following: 
‘‘2701. Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations.’’; 
and 
(2) before the item relating to section 2704 the following: 
‘‘2703. Authorization of personnel end strengths.’’. 
(e) ANALYSIS FOR CHAPTER 29.—The analysis for chapter 29 
of title 14, United States Code, as added by section 101(a) of 
this Act, is amended by inserting before the item relating to section 
2904 the following: 
‘‘2901. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request. 
‘‘2902. Capital investment plan. 
‘‘2903. Major acquisitions.’’. 
14 USC 
2901 prec. 
14 USC 
2701 prec. 
14 USC 
631 prec. 
14 USC 
561 prec. 
14 USC 
1 prec. 
14 USC 569 note. 
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130 STAT. 33 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(f) MISSION NEED STATEMENT.—Section 569(b) of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘in section 569a(e)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘in section 2903’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘under section 663(a)(1)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘under section 2902(a)(1)’’. 
TITLE II—COAST GUARD 
SEC. 201. VICE COMMANDANT. 
(a) GRADES AND RATINGS.—Section 41 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ‘‘an admiral,’’ and inserting ‘‘admirals 
(two);’’. 
(b) VICE COMMANDANT; APPOINTMENT.—Section 47 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘vice admiral’’ and 
inserting ‘‘admiral’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 51 of title 14, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ‘‘admiral or’’ before ‘‘vice 
admiral,’’; 
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting ‘‘admiral or’’ before ‘‘vice 
admiral,’’ each place it appears; and 
(3) in subsection (c) by inserting ‘‘admiral or’’ before ‘‘vice 
admiral,’’. 
SEC. 202. VICE ADMIRALS. 
Section 50 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(1) The President may— 
‘‘(A) designate, within the Coast Guard, no more than five 
positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held 
by officers who, while so serving— 
‘‘(i) shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the 
pay and allowances of that grade; and 
‘‘(ii) shall perform such duties as the Commandant 
may prescribe, except that if the President designates five 
such positions, one position shall be the Chief of Staff 
of the Coast Guard; and 
‘‘(B) designate, within the executive branch, other than 
within the Coast Guard or the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, positions of importance and 
responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so 
serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay 
and allowances of that grade.’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ‘‘under paragraph 
(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘under paragraph (1)(A)’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subpara-
graph (D); and 
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: 
‘‘(C) at the discretion of the Secretary, while awaiting 
orders after being relieved from the position, beginning on 
Effective date. 
Time period. 
President. 
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130 STAT. 34 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
the day the officer is relieved from the position, but not for 
more than 60 days; and’’. 
SEC. 203. COAST GUARD REMISSION OF INDEBTEDNESS. 
(a) EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO REMIT INDEBTEDNESS.—Sec-
tion 461 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows: 
‘‘§ 461. Remission of indebtedness 
‘‘The Secretary may have remitted or cancelled any part of 
a person’s indebtedness to the United States or any instrumentality 
of the United States if— 
‘‘(1) the indebtedness was incurred while the person served 
on active duty as a member of the Coast Guard; and 
‘‘(2) the Secretary determines that remitting or cancelling 
the indebtedness is in the best interest of the United States.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 13 of title 
14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating 
to section 461 and inserting the following: 
‘‘461. Remission of indebtedness.’’. 
SEC. 204. ACQUISITION REFORM. 
(a) MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.—Section 572(d)(3) of 
title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (H) as 
subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively; 
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph 
(C); 
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: 
‘‘(B) the performance data to be used to determine 
whether the key performance parameters have been 
resolved;’’; and 
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as redesignated 
by paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following: 
‘‘(D) the results during test and evaluation that will 
be required to demonstrate that a capability, asset, or 
subsystem meets performance requirements;’’. 
(b) CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN.—Section 2902 of title 14, United 
States Code, as redesignated and otherwise amended by this Act, 
is further amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1)— 
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘completion;’’ and 
inserting ‘‘completion based on the proposed appropriations 
included in the budget;’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘at the projected 
funding levels;’’ and inserting ‘‘based on the proposed appro-
priations included in the budget;’’; and 
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c), and 
inserting after subsection (a) the following: 
‘‘(b) NEW CAPITAL ASSETS.—In the fiscal year following each 
fiscal year for which appropriations are enacted for a new capital 
asset, the report submitted under subsection (a) shall include— 
‘‘(1) an estimated life-cycle cost estimate for the new capital 
asset; 
‘‘(2) an assessment of the impact the new capital asset 
will have on— 
‘‘(A) delivery dates for each capital asset; 
Assessment. 
Cost estimate. 
Determination. 
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130 STAT. 35 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(B) estimated completion dates for each capital asset; 
‘‘(C) the total estimated cost to complete each capital 
asset; and 
‘‘(D) other planned construction or improvement 
projects; and 
‘‘(3) recommended funding levels for each capital asset 
necessary to meet the estimated completion dates and total 
estimated costs included in the such asset’s approved acquisi-
tion program baseline.’’; and 
(3) by amending subsection (c), as so redesignated, to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— 
‘‘(1) the term ‘unfunded priority’ means a program or mis-
sion requirement that— 
‘‘(A) has not been selected for funding in the applicable 
proposed budget; 
‘‘(B) is necessary to fulfill a requirement associated 
with an operational need; and 
‘‘(C) the Commandant would have recommended for 
inclusion in the applicable proposed budget had additional 
resources been available or had the requirement emerged 
before the budget was submitted; and 
‘‘(2) the term ‘new capital asset’ means— 
‘‘(A) an acquisition program that does not have an 
approved acquisition program baseline; or 
‘‘(B) the acquisition of a capital asset in excess of 
the number included in the approved acquisition program 
baseline.’’. 
(c) DAYS AWAY FROM HOMEPORT.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the 
Coast Guard shall— 
(1) implement a standard for tracking operational days 
at sea for Coast Guard cutters that does not include days 
during which such cutters are undergoing maintenance or 
repair; and 
(2) notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of the 
standard implemented under paragraph (1). 
(d) FIXED WING AIRCRAFT FLEET MIX ANALYSIS.—Not later 
than September 30, 2016, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
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 revised fleet mix anal-
ysis of Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft. 
(e) LONG-TERM MAJOR ACQUISITIONS PLAN.—Section 2903 of 
title 14, United States Code, as redesignated and otherwise 
amended by this Act, is further amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: 
‘‘(e) LONG-TERM MAJOR ACQUISITIONS PLAN.—Each report under 
subsection (a) shall include a plan that describes for the upcoming 
fiscal year, and for each of the 20 fiscal years thereafter— 
‘‘(1) the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be 
decommissioned; 
‘‘(2) the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be 
acquired to— 
Time period. 
Deadline. 
Notification. 
Standard. 
Deadline. 
14 USC 93 note. 
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130 STAT. 36 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(A) replace the cutters and aircraft identified under 
paragraph (1); or 
‘‘(B) address an identified capability gap; and 
‘‘(3) the estimated level of funding in each fiscal year 
required to— 
‘‘(A) acquire the cutters and aircraft identified under 
paragraph (2); 
‘‘(B) acquire related command, control, communica-
tions, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnais-
sance systems; and 
‘‘(C) acquire, construct, or renovate shoreside infra-
structure. 
‘‘(f) QUARTERLY UPDATES ON RISKS OF PROGRAMS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 15 days after the end 
of each fiscal year quarter, the Commandant of the Coast 
Guard shall submit to the committees of Congress specified 
in subsection (a) an update setting forth a current assessment 
of the risks associated with all current major acquisition pro-
grams. 
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—Each update under this subsection shall 
set forth, for each current major acquisition program, the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(A) The top five current risks to such program. 
‘‘(B) Any failure of such program to demonstrate a 
key performance parameter or threshold during operational 
test and evaluation conducted during the fiscal year quarter 
preceding such update. 
‘‘(C) Whether there has been any decision during such 
fiscal year quarter to order full-rate production before all 
key performance parameters or thresholds are met. 
‘‘(D) Whether there has been any breach of major 
acquisition program cost (as defined by the Major Systems 
Acquisition Manual) during such fiscal year quarter. 
‘‘(E) Whether there has been any breach of major 
acquisition program schedule (as so defined) during such 
fiscal year quarter.’’. 
SEC. 205. AUXILIARY JURISDICTION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 822 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The purpose’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The purpose’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—The Auxiliary may conduct a patrol of a 
waterway, or a portion thereof, only if— 
‘‘(1) the Commandant has determined such waterway, or 
portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the jurisdiction 
of the Coast Guard; or 
‘‘(2) a State or other proper authority has requested such 
patrol pursuant to section 141 of this title or section 13109 
of title 46.’’. 
(b) NOTIFICATION.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard 
shall— 
(1) review the waterways patrolled by the Coast Guard 
Auxiliary in the most recently completed fiscal year to deter-
mine whether such waterways are eligible or ineligible for 
Review. 
Determination. 
Deadline. 
Assessment. 
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130 STAT. 37 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
patrol under section 822(b) of title 14, United States Code 
(as added by subsection (a)); and 
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, provide to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
a written notification of— 
(A) any waterways determined ineligible for patrol 
under paragraph (1); and 
(B) the actions taken by the Commandant to ensure 
Auxiliary patrols do not occur on such waterways. 
SEC. 206. COAST GUARD COMMUNITIES. 
Section 409 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 
(14 U.S.C. 639 note) is amended in the second sentence by striking 
‘‘90 days’’ and inserting ‘‘30 days’’. 
SEC. 207. POLAR ICEBREAKERS. 
(a) INCREMENTAL
FUNDING
AUTHORITY
FOR
POLAR
ICE-
BREAKERS.—In fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, 
the Commandant of the Coast Guard may enter into a contract 
or contracts for the acquisition of polar icebreakers and associated 
equipment using incremental funding. 
(b) ‘‘POLAR
SEA’’ MATERIEL
CONDITION
ASSESSMENT
AND 
SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION.—Section 222 of the Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–213; 126 
Stat. 1560) is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, the 
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
shall— 
‘‘(1) complete a materiel condition assessment with respect 
to the Polar Sea; 
‘‘(2) make a determination of whether it is cost effective 
to reactivate the Polar Sea compared with other options to 
provide icebreaking services as part of a strategy to maintain 
polar icebreaking services; and 
‘‘(3) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate— 
‘‘(A) the assessment required under paragraph (1); and 
‘‘(B) written notification of the determination required 
under paragraph (2).’’; 
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ‘‘analysis’’ and inserting 
‘‘written notification’’; 
(3) by striking subsection (c); 
(4) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as sub-
sections (c) through (g), respectively; 
(5) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) 
of this section)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘based on the 
analysis required’’; and 
(ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking ‘‘analysis’’ and 
inserting ‘‘written notification’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2)— 
Determination. 
Assessment. 
Deadline. 
Contracts. 
14 USC 87 note. 
Deadline. 
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130 STAT. 38 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(i) by striking ‘‘analysis’’ each place it appears 
and inserting ‘‘written notification’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘subsection (a)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub-
section (a)(3)(B)’’; 
(iii) by striking ‘‘subsection (c)’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘that subsection’’; and 
(iv) by striking ‘‘under subsection (a)(5)’’; and 
(C) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘in the analysis submitted under 
this section’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘(a)(5)’’ and inserting ‘‘(a)’’; 
(iii) by striking ‘‘then’’ and all that follows through 
‘‘(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘then’’; 
(iv) by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting a period; and 
(v) by striking subparagraph (B); and 
(6) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) 
of this subsection) by striking ‘‘in subsection (d)’’ and inserting 
‘‘in subsection (c)’’. 
SEC. 208. AIR FACILITY CLOSURES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 17 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 676 the following: 
‘‘§ 676a. Air facility closures 
‘‘(a) PROHIBITION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Coast Guard may not— 
‘‘(A) close a Coast Guard air facility that was in oper-
ation on November 30, 2014; or 
‘‘(B) retire, transfer, relocate, or deploy an aviation 
asset from an air facility described in subparagraph (A) 
for the purpose of closing such facility. 
‘‘(2) SUNSET.—Paragraph (1) shall have no force or effect 
beginning on the later of— 
‘‘(A) January 1, 2018; or 
‘‘(B) the date on which the Secretary submits to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, rotary 
wing strategic plans prepared in accordance with section 
208(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015. 
‘‘(b) CLOSURES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Sec-
retary may not close a Coast Guard air facility, except as 
specified by this section. 
‘‘(2) DETERMINATIONS.—The Secretary may not propose 
closing or terminating operations at a Coast Guard air facility 
unless the Secretary determines that— 
‘‘(A) remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain 
the safety of the maritime public in the area of the air 
facility; 
‘‘(B) regional or local prevailing weather and marine 
conditions, including water temperatures or unusual tide 
and current conditions, do not require continued operation 
of the air facility; and 
‘‘(C) Coast Guard search and rescue standards related 
to search and response times are met. 
Effective date. 
14 USC 676a. 
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130 STAT. 39 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(3) PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENT.—Prior to closing an 
air facility, the Secretary shall provide opportunities for public 
comment, including the convening of public meetings in commu-
nities in the area of responsibility of the air facility with regard 
to the proposed closure or cessation of operations at the air 
facility. 
‘‘(4) NOTICE TO CONGRESS.—Prior to closure, cessation of 
operations, or any significant reduction in personnel and use 
of a Coast Guard air facility that is in operation on or after 
December 31, 2015, the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(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 for the fiscal year in which the action 
will be carried out; and 
‘‘(B) not later than 7 days after the date a proposal 
for an air facility is submitted pursuant to subparagraph 
(A), provide written notice of such proposal to each of 
the following: 
‘‘(i) Each member of the House of Representatives 
who represents a district in which the air facility is 
located. 
‘‘(ii) Each member of the Senate who represents 
a State in which the air facility is located. 
‘‘(iii) Each member of the House of Representatives 
who represents a district in which assets of the air 
facility conduct search and rescue operations. 
‘‘(iv) Each member of the Senate who represents 
a State in which assets of the air facility conduct 
search and rescue operations. 
‘‘(v) The Committee on Appropriations of the House 
of Representatives. 
‘‘(vi) The Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives. 
‘‘(vii) The Committee on Appropriations of the 
Senate. 
‘‘(viii) The Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate. 
‘‘(c) OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY.—The Secretary may implement 
any reasonable management efficiencies within the air station and 
air facility network, such as modifying the operational posture 
of units or reallocating resources as necessary to ensure the safety 
of the maritime public nationwide.’’. 
(b) ROTARY WING STRATEGIC PLANS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall prepare the plans specified 
in paragraph (2) to adequately address contingencies arising 
from potential future aviation casualties or the planned or 
unplanned retirement of rotary wing airframes to avoid to 
the greatest extent practicable any substantial gap or diminish-
ment in Coast Guard operational capabilities. 
(2) ROTARY WING STRATEGIC PLANS.— 
(A) ROTARY WING CONTINGENCY 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 Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
Deadline. 
Deadline. 
Proposal. 
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130 STAT. 40 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a contingency plan— 
(i) to address the planned or unplanned losses 
of rotary wing airframes; 
(ii) to reallocate resources as necessary to ensure 
the safety of the maritime public nationwide; and 
(iii) to ensure the operational posture of Coast 
Guard units. 
(B) ROTARY WING REPLACEMENT CAPITAL INVESTMENT 
PLAN.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
shall develop and submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a capital investment 
plan for the acquisition of new rotary wing airframes 
to replace the Coast Guard’s legacy helicopters and 
fulfil all existing mission requirements. 
(ii) REQUIREMENTS.—The plan developed under 
this subparagraph shall provide— 
(I) a total estimated cost for completion; 
(II) a timetable for completion of the acquisi-
tion project and phased in transition to new air-
frames; and 
(III) projected annual funding levels for each 
fiscal year. 
(c) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) ANALYSIS FOR CHAPTER 17.—The analysis for chapter 
17 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 676 the following: 
‘‘676a. Air facility closures.’’. 
(2) REPEAL OF PROHIBITION.—Section 225 of the Howard 
Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 
(Public Law 113–281; 128 Stat. 3022) is amended— 
(A) by striking subsection (b); and 
(B) by striking ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’. 
SEC. 209. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO TITLE 14, UNITED STATES 
CODE. 
Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further 
amended— 
(1) in the analysis for part I, by striking the item relating 
to chapter 19 and inserting the following: 
‘‘19. Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program ...................
690’’; 
(2) in section 46(a), by striking ‘‘subsection’’ and inserting 
‘‘section’’; 
(3) in section 47, in the section heading by striking ‘‘com-
mandant’’ and inserting ‘‘Commandant’’; 
(4) in section 93(f), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—The Commandant may lease submerged 
lands and tidelands under paragraph (1) only if— 
‘‘(A) the lease is for cash exclusively; 
Contracts. 
14 USC 
1 prec. 
14 USC 
631 prec. 
Timetable. 
Estimated cost. 
Deadline. 
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130 STAT. 41 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(B) the lease amount is equal to the fair market 
value of the use of the leased submerged lands or tidelands 
for the period during which such lands are leased, as 
determined by the Commandant; 
‘‘(C) the lease does not provide authority to or commit 
the Coast Guard to use or support any improvements to 
such submerged lands and tidelands, or obtain goods and 
services from the lessee; and 
‘‘(D) proceeds from the lease are deposited in the Coast 
Guard Housing Fund established under section 687.’’; 
(5) in the analysis for chapter 9, by striking the item 
relating to section 199 and inserting the following: 
‘‘199. Marine safety curriculum.’’; 
(6) in section 427(b)(2), by striking ‘‘this chapter’’ and 
inserting ‘‘chapter 61 of title 10’’; 
(7) in the analysis for chapter 15 before the item relating 
to section 571, by striking the following: 
‘‘Sec.’’; 
(8) in section 581(5)(B), by striking ‘‘$300,000,0000,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘$300,000,000,’’; 
(9) in section 637(c)(3), in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A) by inserting ‘‘it is’’ before ‘‘any’’; 
(10) in section 641(d)(3), by striking ‘‘Guard, installation’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Guard installation’’; 
(11) in section 691(c)(3), by striking ‘‘state’’ and inserting 
‘‘State’’; 
(12) in the analysis for chapter 21— 
(A) by striking the item relating to section 709 and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘709. Reserve student aviation pilots; Reserve aviation pilots; appointments in com-
missioned grade.’’; 
and 
(B) by striking the item relating to section 740 and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘740. Failure of selection and removal from an active status.’’; 
(13) in section 742(c), by striking ‘‘subsection’’ and inserting 
‘‘subsections’’; 
(14) in section 821(b)(1), by striking ‘‘Chapter 26’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Chapter 171’’; and 
(15) in section 823a(b)(1), by striking ‘‘Chapter 26’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Chapter 171’’. 
SEC. 210. DISCONTINUANCE OF AN AID TO NAVIGATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in 
which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a process for 
the discontinuance of an aid to navigation (other than a seasonal 
or temporary aid) established, maintained, or operated by the Coast 
Guard. 
(b) REQUIREMENT.—The process established under subsection 
(a) shall include procedures to notify the public of any discontinu-
ance of an aid to navigation described in that subsection. 
Procedures. 
Notification. 
Public 
information. 
Deadline. 
14 USC 81 note. 
14 USC 
701 prec. 
14 USC 
561 prec. 
14 USC 
181 prec. 
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130 STAT. 42 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In establishing a process under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall consult with and consider any recommenda-
tions of the Navigation Safety Advisory Council. 
(d) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after establishing 
a process under subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate of the process established. 
SEC. 211. MISSION PERFORMANCE MEASURES. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit 
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate an assessment of the efficacy of the Coast Guard’s 
Standard Operational Planning Process with respect to annual mis-
sion performance measures. 
SEC. 212. COMMUNICATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary of Homeland Security deter-
mines that there are at least two communications systems described 
under paragraph (1)(B) and certified under paragraph (2), the Sec-
retary shall establish and carry out a pilot program across not 
less than three components of the Department of Homeland Security 
to assess the effectiveness of a communications system that— 
(1) provides for— 
(A) multiagency collaboration and interoperability; and 
(B) wide-area, secure, and peer-invitation- and-accept-
ance-based multimedia communications; 
(2) is certified by the Department of Defense Joint Inter-
operability Test Center; and 
(3) is composed of commercially available, off-the-shelf tech-
nology. 
(b) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 6 months after the date on 
which the pilot program is completed, the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and 
the Committee Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
the Senate an assessment of the pilot program, including the 
impacts of the program with respect to interagency and Coast 
Guard response capabilities. 
(c) STRATEGY.—The pilot program shall be consistent with the 
strategy required by the Department of Homeland Security Inter-
operable Communications Act (Public Law 114–29). 
(d) TIMING.—The pilot program shall commence within 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act or within 60 days 
after the completion of the strategy required by the Department 
of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act (Public 
Law 114–29), whichever is later. 
SEC. 213. COAST GUARD GRADUATE MARITIME OPERATIONS EDU-
CATION. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall establish an education program, for members 
and employees of the Coast Guard, that— 
Deadline. 
14 USC 470 note. 
Deadline. 
Determination. 
6 USC 194 note. 
Deadline. 
Assessment. 
Deadline. 
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130 STAT. 43 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(1) offers a master’s degree in maritime operations; 
(2) is relevant to the professional development of such 
members and employees; 
(3) provides resident and distant education options, 
including the ability to utilize both options; and 
(4) to the greatest extent practicable, is conducted using 
existing academic programs at an accredited public academic 
institution that— 
(A) is located near a significant number of Coast Guard, 
maritime, and other Department of Homeland Security 
law enforcement personnel; and 
(B) has an ability to simulate operations normally con-
ducted at a command center. 
SEC. 214. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. 
(a) MULTIRATER ASSESSMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 11 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after section 428 the following: 
‘‘§ 429. Multirater assessment of certain personnel 
‘‘(a) MULTIRATER ASSESSMENT OF CERTAIN PERSONNEL.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Commencing not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authoriza-
tion Act of 2015, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
develop and implement a plan to conduct every two years 
a multirater assessment for each of the following: 
‘‘(A) Each flag officer of the Coast Guard. 
‘‘(B) Each member of the Senior Executive Service of 
the Coast Guard. 
‘‘(C) Each officer of the Coast Guard nominated for 
promotion to the grade of flag officer. 
‘‘(2) POST-ASSESSMENT
ELEMENTS.—Following an assess-
ment of an individual pursuant to paragraph (1), the individual 
shall be provided appropriate post-assessment counseling and 
leadership coaching. 
‘‘(b) MULTIRATER ASSESSMENT DEFINED.—In this section, the 
term ‘multirater assessment’ means a review that seeks opinion 
from members senior to the reviewee and the peers and subordi-
nates of the reviewee.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning 
of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item related 
to section 428 the following: 
‘‘429. Multirater assessment of certain personnel.’’. 
(b) TRAINING COURSE ON WORKINGS OF CONGRESS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 60. Training course on workings of Congress 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, the 
Commandant, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast 
Guard Academy and such other individuals and organizations as 
the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training 
course on the workings of the Congress and offer that training 
course at least once each year. 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
14 USC 60. 
14 USC 
211 prec. 
Effective date. 
Deadlines. 
Plan. 
14 USC 429. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(b) COURSE SUBJECT MATTER.—The training course required 
by this section shall provide an overview and introduction to the 
Congress and the Federal legislative process, including— 
‘‘(1) the history and structure of the Congress and the 
committee systems of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate, including the functions and responsibilities of the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate; 
‘‘(2) the documents produced by the Congress, including 
bills, resolutions, committee reports, and conference reports, 
and the purposes and functions of those documents; 
‘‘(3) the legislative processes and rules of the House of 
Representatives and the Senate, including similarities and dif-
ferences between the two processes and rules, including— 
‘‘(A) the congressional budget process; 
‘‘(B) the congressional authorization and appropriation 
processes; 
‘‘(C) the Senate advice and consent process for Presi-
dential nominees; 
‘‘(D) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty 
ratification; 
‘‘(4) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional 
staff in the legislative process; and 
‘‘(5) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional 
oversight within our governance framework of separation of 
powers. 
‘‘(c) LECTURERS AND PANELISTS.— 
‘‘(1) OUTSIDE
EXPERTS.—The Commandant shall ensure 
that not less than 60 percent of the lecturers, panelists, and 
other individuals providing education and instruction as part 
of the training course required by this section are experts 
on the Congress and the Federal legislative process who are 
not employed by the executive branch of the Federal Govern-
ment. 
‘‘(2) AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT PRO BONO SERVICES.—In satis-
fying the requirement under paragraph (1), the Commandant 
shall seek, and may accept, educational and instructional serv-
ices of lecturers, panelists, and other individuals and organiza-
tions provided to the Coast Guard on a pro bono basis. 
‘‘(d) COMPLETION OF REQUIRED TRAINING.— 
‘‘(1) CURRENT FLAG OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.—A Coast 
Guard flag officer appointed or assigned to a billet in the 
National Capital Region on the date of the enactment of this 
section, and a Coast Guard Senior Executive Service employee 
employed in the National Capital Region on the date of the 
enactment of this section, shall complete a training course 
that meets the requirements of this section within 60 days 
after the date on which the Commandant completes the develop-
ment of the training course. 
‘‘(2) NEW FLAG OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.—A Coast Guard 
flag officer who is newly appointed or assigned to a billet 
in the National Capital Region, and a Coast Guard Senior 
Executive Service employee who is newly employed in the 
National Capital Region, shall complete a training course that 
meets the requirements of this section not later than 60 days 
after reporting for duty.’’. 
Deadlines. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning 
of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘60. Training course on workings of Congress.’’. 
(c) REPORT ON LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 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 Coast Guard leadership development. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report shall include the following: 
(A) An assessment of the feasibility of— 
(i) all officers (other than officers covered by section 
429(a) of title 14, United States Code, as amended 
by this section) completing a multirater assessment; 
(ii) all members (other than officers covered by 
such section) in command positions completing a 
multirater assessment; 
(iii) all enlisted members in a supervisory position 
completing a multirater assessment; and 
(iv) 
members 
completing 
periodic 
multirater 
assessments. 
(B) Such recommendations as the Commandant con-
siders appropriate for the implementation or expansion 
of a multirater assessment in the personnel development 
programs of the Coast Guard. 
(C) An overview of each of the current leadership 
development courses of the Coast Guard, an assessment 
of the feasibility of the expansion of any such course, and 
a description of the resources, if any, required to expand 
such courses. 
(D) An assessment on the state of leadership training 
in the Coast Guard, and recommendations on the 
implementation of a policy to prevent leadership that has 
adverse effects on subordinates, the organization, or mis-
sion performance, including— 
(i) a description of methods that will be used by 
the Coast Guard to identify, monitor, and counsel 
individuals whose leadership may have adverse effects 
on subordinates, the organization, or mission perform-
ance; 
(ii) the implementation of leadership recognition 
training to recognize such leadership in one’s self and 
others; 
(iii) the establishment of procedures for the 
administrative separation of leaders whose leadership 
may have adverse effects on subordinates, the 
organization, or mission performance; and 
(iv) a description of the resources needed to imple-
ment this subsection. 
SEC. 215. SENIOR ENLISTED MEMBER CONTINUATION BOARDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 357 of title 14, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by striking subsections (a) through (h) and subsection 
(j); and 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Assessments. 
14 USC 
41 prec. 
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130 STAT. 46 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(2) in subsection (i), by striking ‘‘(i)’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) HEADING AMENDMENT.—The heading of such section 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 357. Retirement of enlisted members: increase in retired 
pay’’ 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning 
of chapter 11 of such title is amended by striking the item 
relating to such section and inserting the following: 
‘‘357. Retirement of enlisted members: increase in retired pay.’’. 
SEC. 216. COAST GUARD MEMBER PAY. 
(a) ANNUAL AUDIT
OF PAY
AND ALLOWANCES
OF MEMBERS 
UNDERGOING PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 13 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 519. Annual audit of pay and allowances of members 
undergoing permanent change of station 
‘‘The Commandant shall conduct each calendar year an audit 
of member pay and allowances for the members who transferred 
to new units during such calendar year. The audit for a calendar 
year shall be completed by the end of the calendar year.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning 
of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘519. Annual audit of pay and allowances of members undergoing permanent 
change of station.’’. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 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 Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives a report on alternative methods 
for notifying members of the Coast Guard of their monthly earnings. 
The report shall include— 
(1) an assessment of the feasibility of providing members 
a monthly notification of their earnings, categorized by pay 
and allowance type; and 
(2) a description and assessment of mechanisms that may 
be used to provide members with notification of their earnings, 
categorized by pay and allowance type. 
SEC. 217. TRANSFER OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE MEDICAL 
CARE. 
(a) TRANSFER
REQUIRED.—In lieu of the reimbursement 
required under section 1085 of title 10, United States Code, the 
Secretary of Homeland Security shall transfer to the Secretary 
of Defense an amount that represents the actuarial valuation of 
treatment or care— 
(1) that the Department of Defense shall provide to mem-
bers of the Coast Guard, former members of the Coast Guard, 
and dependents of such members and former members (other 
than former members and dependents of former members who 
are a Medicare-eligible beneficiary or for whom the payment 
for treatment or care is made from the Medicare-Eligible 
10 USC 1085 
note. 
Assessments. 
14 USC 
461 prec. 
14 USC 519. 
14 USC 
211 prec. 
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130 STAT. 47 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
Retiree Health Care Fund) at facilities under the jurisdiction 
of the Department of Defense or a military department; and 
(2) for which a reimbursement would otherwise be made 
under section 1085. 
(b) AMOUNT.—The amount transferred under subsection (a) 
shall be— 
(1) in the case of treatment or care to be provided to 
members of the Coast Guard and their dependents, derived 
from amounts appropriated for the operating expenses of the 
Coast Guard; 
(2) in the case of treatment or care to be provided former 
members of the Coast Guard and their dependents, derived 
from amounts appropriated for retired pay; 
(3) determined under procedures established by the Sec-
retary of Defense; 
(4) transferred during the fiscal year in which treatment 
or care is provided; and 
(5) subject to adjustment or reconciliation as the Secretaries 
determine appropriate during or promptly after such fiscal 
year in cases in which the amount transferred is determined 
excessive or insufficient based on the services actually provided. 
(c) NO TRANSFER WHEN SERVICE IN NAVY.—No transfer shall 
be made under this section for any period during which the Coast 
Guard operates as a service in the Navy. 
(d) RELATIONSHIP TO TRICARE.—This section shall not be con-
strued to require a payment for, or the transfer of an amount 
that represents the value of, treatment or care provided under 
any TRICARE program. 
SEC. 218. PARTICIPATION OF THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY IN FED-
ERAL, 
STATE, 
OR 
OTHER 
EDUCATIONAL 
RESEARCH 
GRANTS. 
Section 196 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’ before the first sen-
tence; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard 
may— 
‘‘(A) enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, lease, 
or licensing agreement with a qualified organization; 
‘‘(B) allow a qualified organization to use, at no cost, 
personal property of the Coast Guard; and 
‘‘(C) notwithstanding section 93, accept funds, supplies, 
and services from a qualified organization. 
‘‘(2) SOLE-SOURCE BASIS.—Notwithstanding chapter 65 of 
title 31 and chapter 137 of title 10, the Commandant may 
enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under paragraph 
(1)(A) on a sole-source basis. 
‘‘(3) MAINTAINING FAIRNESS, OBJECTIVITY, AND INTEGRITY.— 
The Commandant shall ensure that contributions under this 
subsection do not— 
‘‘(A) reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast 
Guard, any of its employees, or any member of the armed 
forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair 
and objective manner; or 
Contracts. 
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130 STAT. 48 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(B) compromise the integrity or appearance of integ-
rity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual 
involved in such a program. 
‘‘(4) 
LIMITATION.—For 
purposes 
of 
this 
subsection, 
employees or personnel of a qualified organization shall not 
be employees of the United States. 
‘‘(5) QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION DEFINED.—In this subsection 
the term ‘qualified organization’ means an organization— 
‘‘(A) described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 
section 501(a) of that Code; and 
‘‘(B) established by the Coast Guard Academy Alumni 
Association solely for the purpose of supporting academic 
research and applying for and administering Federal, State, 
or other educational research grants on behalf of the Coast 
Guard Academy.’’. 
SEC. 219. NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM. 
Section 98(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘any appropriated Federal 
funds for’’ and insert ‘‘any funds appropriated to the Coast 
Guard on’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘artifacts.’’ and inserting 
‘‘artifacts, including the design, fabrication, and installation 
of exhibits or displays in which such artifacts are included.’’. 
SEC. 220. INVESTIGATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, 
is further amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 430. Investigations of flag officers and Senior Executive 
Service employees 
‘‘In conducting an investigation into an allegation of misconduct 
by a flag officer or member of the Senior Executive Service serving 
in the Coast Guard, the Inspector General of the Department of 
Homeland Security shall— 
‘‘(1) conduct the investigation in a manner consistent with 
Department of Defense policies for such an investigation; and 
‘‘(2) consult with the Inspector General of the Department 
of Defense.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning of 
such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item related 
to section 429 the following: 
‘‘430. Investigations of flag officers and Senior Executive Service employees.’’. 
SEC. 221. CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF THE COAST 
GUARD FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION. 
(a) CONSIDERATION OF ELIGIBILITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department 
is which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue procedures 
and criteria to use in determining whether the disability of 
a member of the Coast Guard is a combat-related disability 
for purposes of the eligibility of such member for combat-related 
special compensation under section 1413a of title 10, United 
States Code. Such procedures and criteria shall include the 
procedures and criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Defense 
Deadline. 
Procedures. 
Criteria. 
Determination. 
10 USC 1413a 
note. 
14 USC 
211 prec. 
Consultation. 
14 USC 430. 
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130 STAT. 49 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
pursuant to subsection (e)(2) of such section. Such procedures 
and criteria shall apply in determining whether the disability 
of a member of the Coast Guard is a combat-related disability 
for purposes of determining the eligibility of such member 
for combat-related special compensation under such section. 
(2) DISABILITY FOR WHICH A DETERMINATION IS MADE.— 
For the purposes of this section, and in the case of a member 
of the Coast Guard, a disability under section 1413a(e)(2)(B) 
of title 10, United States Code, includes a disability incurred 
during aviation duty, diving duty, rescue swimmer or similar 
duty, and hazardous service duty onboard a small vessel (such 
as duty as a surfman)— 
(A) in the performance of duties for which special or 
incentive pay was paid pursuant to section 301, 301a, 304, 
307, 334, or 351 of title 37, United States Code; 
(B) in the performance of duties related to a statutory 
mission of the Coast Guard under paragraph (1) or para-
graph (2) of section 888(a) of the Homeland Security Act 
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 468(a)), including— 
(i) law enforcement, including drug or migrant 
interdiction; 
(ii) defense readiness; or 
(iii) search and rescue; or 
(C) while engaged in a training exercise for the 
performance of a duty described in subparagraphs (A) and 
(B). 
(b) APPLICABILITY OF PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA.—The proce-
dures and criteria issued pursuant to subsection (a) shall apply 
to disabilities described in that subsection that are incurred on 
or after the effective date provided in section 636(a)(2) of the Bob 
Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 
(Public Law 107–314; 116 Stat. 2574; 10 U.S.C. 1413a note). 
(c) REAPPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION.—Any member of the 
Coast Guard who was denied combat-related special compensation 
under section 1413a of title 10, United States Code, during the 
period beginning on the effective date specified in subsection (b) 
and ending on the date of the issuance of the procedures and 
criteria required by subsection (a) may reapply for combat-related 
special compensation under such section on the basis of such proce-
dures and criteria in accordance with such procedures as the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
shall specify. 
SEC. 222. LEAVE POLICIES FOR THE COAST GUARD. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, 
is further amended by inserting after section 430 the following: 
‘‘§ 431. Leave policies for the Coast Guard 
‘‘Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary 
of the Navy promulgates a new rule, policy, or memorandum pursu-
ant to section 704 of title 10, United States Code, with respect 
to leave associated with the birth or adoption of a child, the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
shall promulgate a similar rule, policy, or memorandum that pro-
vides leave to officers and enlisted members of the Coast Guard 
that is equal in duration and compensation to that provided by 
the Secretary of the Navy.’’. 
Deadline. 
Regulations. 
14 USC 431. 
Time period. 
Effective date. 
Applicability. 
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130 STAT. 50 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning of 
such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item related 
to section 430 the following: 
‘‘431. Leave policies for the Coast Guard.’’. 
TITLE III—SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION 
SEC. 301. SURVIVAL CRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3104 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 3104. Survival craft 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT TO EQUIP.—The Secretary shall require that 
a passenger vessel be equipped with survival craft that ensures 
that no part of an individual is immersed in water, if— 
‘‘(1) such vessel is built or undergoes a major conversion 
after January 1, 2016; and 
‘‘(2) operates in cold waters as determined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(b) HIGHER STANDARD OF SAFETY.—The Secretary may revise 
part 117 or part 180 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, 
as in effect before January 1, 2016, if such revision provides a 
higher standard of safety than is provided by the regulations in 
effect on or before the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2015. 
‘‘(c) INNOVATIVE AND NOVEL DESIGNS.—The Secretary may, in 
lieu of the requirements set out in part 117 or part 180 of title 
46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the 
enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, allow 
a passenger vessel to be equipped with a life-saving appliance 
or arrangement of an innovative or novel design that— 
‘‘(1) ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water; 
and 
‘‘(2) provides an equal or higher standard of safety than 
is provided by such requirements as in effect before such date 
of the enactment. 
‘‘(d) BUILT DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘built’ has the 
meaning that term has under section 4503(e).’’. 
(b) REVIEW; REVISION OF REGULATIONS.— 
(1) REVIEW.—Not later than December 31, 2016, 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 
review of— 
(A) the number of casualties for individuals with 
disabilities, children, and the elderly as a result of immer-
sion in water, reported to the Coast Guard over the pre-
ceding 30-year period, by vessel type and area of operation; 
(B) the risks to individuals with disabilities, children, 
and the elderly as a result of immersion in water, by 
passenger vessel type and area of operation; 
(C) the effect that carriage of survival craft that ensure 
that no part of an individual is immersed in water has 
on— 
(i) passenger vessel safety, including stability and 
safe navigation; 
Time period. 
Deadline. 
46 USC 3104 
note. 
Deadline. 
14 USC 
211 prec. 
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130 STAT. 51 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(ii) improving the survivability of individuals, 
including individuals with disabilities, children, and 
the elderly; and 
(iii) the costs, the incremental cost difference to 
vessel operators, and the cost effectiveness of requiring 
the carriage of such survival craft to address the risks 
to individuals with disabilities, children, and the 
elderly; 
(D) the efficacy of alternative safety systems, devices, 
or measures in improving survivability of individuals with 
disabilities, children, and the elderly; and 
(E) the number of small businesses and nonprofit vessel 
operators that would be affected by requiring the carriage 
of such survival craft on passenger vessels to address the 
risks to individuals with disabilities, children, and the 
elderly. 
(2) SCOPE.—In conducting the review under paragraph (1), 
the Secretary shall include an examination of passenger vessel 
casualties that have occurred in the waters of other nations. 
(3) UPDATES.—The Secretary shall update the review 
required under paragraph (1) every 5 years. 
(4) REVISION.—Based on the review conducted under para-
graph (1), including updates thereto, the Secretary shall revise 
regulations concerning the carriage of survival craft under sec-
tion 3104(c) of title 46, United States Code. 
(c) GAO STUDY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 5 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
States shall complete and submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a report to determine any adverse or 
positive changes in public safety after the implementation of 
the amendments and requirements under this section and sec-
tion 3104 of title 46, United States Code. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—In completing the report under para-
graph (1), the Comptroller General shall examine— 
(A) the number of casualties, by vessel type and area 
of operation, as the result of immersion in water reported 
to the Coast Guard for each of the 10 most recent fiscal 
years for which such data are available; 
(B) data for each fiscal year on— 
(i) vessel safety, including stability and safe 
navigation; and 
(ii) survivability of individuals, including individ-
uals with disabilities, children, and the elderly; 
(C) the efficacy of alternative safety systems, devices, 
or measures; and 
(D) any available data on the costs of the amendments 
and requirements under this section and section 3104 of 
title 46, United States Code. 
SEC. 302. VESSEL REPLACEMENT. 
(a) LOANS AND GUARANTEES.—Chapter 537 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in section 53701— 
Examination. 
Deadline. 
Reports. 
Determination. 
Regulations. 
Deadline. 
Examination. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (14) as 
paragraphs (9) through (15), respectively; and 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: 
‘‘(8) 
HISTORICAL
USES.—The 
term 
‘historical 
uses’ 
includes— 
‘‘(A) refurbishing, repairing, rebuilding, or replacing 
equipment 
on 
a 
fishing 
vessel, 
without 
materially 
increasing harvesting capacity; 
‘‘(B) purchasing a used fishing vessel; 
‘‘(C) purchasing, constructing, expanding, or recondi-
tioning a fishery facility; 
‘‘(D) refinancing existing debt; 
‘‘(E) reducing fishing capacity; and 
‘‘(F) making upgrades to a fishing vessel, including 
upgrades in technology, gear, or equipment, that improve— 
‘‘(i) collection and reporting of fishery-dependent 
data; 
‘‘(ii) bycatch reduction or avoidance; 
‘‘(iii) gear selectivity; 
‘‘(iv) adverse impacts caused by fishing gear; or 
‘‘(v) safety.’’; and 
(2) in section 53702(b), by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) MINIMUM
OBLIGATIONS
AVAILABLE
FOR
HISTORIC 
USES.—Of the direct loan obligations issued by the Secretary 
under this chapter, the Secretary shall make a minimum of 
$59,000,000 available each fiscal year for historic uses. 
‘‘(4) USE OF OBLIGATIONS IN LIMITED ACCESS FISHERIES.— 
In addition to the other eligible purposes and uses of direct 
loan obligations provided for in this chapter, the Secretary 
may issue direct loan obligations for the purpose of— 
‘‘(A) financing the construction or reconstruction of a 
fishing vessel in a fishery managed under a limited access 
system; or 
‘‘(B) financing the purchase of harvesting rights in 
a fishery that is federally managed under a limited access 
system.’’. 
(b) LIMITATION ON APPLICATION TO CERTAIN FISHING VESSELS 
OF PROHIBITION UNDER VESSEL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM.—Section 
302(b)(2) of the Fisheries Financing Act (title III of Public Law 
104–297; 46 U.S.C. 53706 note) is amended— 
(1) in the second sentence— 
(A) by striking ‘‘or in’’ and inserting ‘‘, in’’; and 
(B) by inserting before the period the following: ‘‘, 
in fisheries that are under the jurisdiction of the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council and managed under 
a fishery management plan issued under the Magnuson- 
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), or in the Pacific whiting fishery that 
is under the jurisdiction of the Pacific Fishery Management 
Council and managed under a fishery management plan 
issued under that Act’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘Any fishing vessel 
operated in fisheries under the jurisdiction of the North Pacific 
Fishery Management Council and managed under a fishery 
management plan issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), 
or in the Pacific whiting fishery under the jurisdiction of the 
Definition. 
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130 STAT. 53 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
Pacific Fishery Management Council and managed under a 
fishery management plan issued under that Act, and that is 
replaced by a vessel that is constructed or rebuilt with a loan 
or loan guarantee provided by the Federal Government may 
not be used to harvest fish in any fishery under the jurisdiction 
of any regional fishery management council, other than a 
fishery under the jurisdiction of the North Pacific Fishery 
Management Council or the Pacific Fishery Management 
Council.’’. 
SEC. 303. MODEL YEARS FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4302 of title 46, United States Code 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e)(1) Under this section, a model year for recreational vessels 
and associated equipment shall, except as provided in paragraph 
(2)— 
‘‘(A) begin on June 1 of a year and end on July 31 of 
the following year; and 
‘‘(B) be designated by the year in which it ends. 
‘‘(2) Upon the request of a recreational vessel manufacturer 
to which this chapter applies, the Secretary may alter a model 
year for a model of recreational vessel of the manufacturer and 
associated equipment, by no more than 6 months from the model 
year described in paragraph (1).’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—This section shall only apply with respect 
to recreational vessels and associated equipment constructed or 
manufactured, respectively, on or after the date of enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 304. MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL EXPIRATION HARMONI-
ZATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsection (c) and 
not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall establish a process to harmonize the expiration 
dates of merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, 
and radar observer endorsements for individuals applying to the 
Secretary for a new merchant mariner credential or for renewal 
of an existing merchant mariner credential. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall ensure that the 
process established under subsection (a)— 
(1) does not require an individual to renew a merchant 
mariner credential earlier than the date on which the individ-
ual’s current credential expires; and 
(2) results in harmonization of expiration dates for mer-
chant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, and 
radar observer endorsements for all individuals by not later 
than 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(c) EXCEPTION.—The process established under subsection (a) 
does not apply to individuals— 
(1) holding a merchant mariner credential with— 
(A) an active Standards of Training, Certification, and 
Watchkeeping endorsement; or 
(B) Federal first-class pilot endorsement; or 
(2) who have been issued a time-restricted medical certifi-
cate. 
Deadline. 
Deadlines. 
46 USC 7302 
note. 
46 USC 4302 
note. 
Effective date. 
Termination 
date. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
SEC. 305. SAFETY ZONES FOR PERMITTED MARINE EVENTS. 
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall establish and implement a process to— 
(1) account for the number of safety zones established 
for permitted marine events; 
(2) differentiate whether the event sponsor who requested 
a permit for such an event is— 
(A) an individual; 
(B) an organization; or 
(C) a government entity; and 
(3) account for Coast Guard resources utilized to enforce 
safety zones established for permitted marine events, including 
for— 
(A) the number of Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxil-
iary vessels used; and 
(B) the number of Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxil-
iary patrol hours required. 
SEC. 306. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. 
(a) TITLE 46.—Title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in section 103, by striking ‘‘(33 U.S.C. 151).’’ and 
inserting ‘‘(33 U.S.C. 151(b)).’’; 
(2) in section 2118— 
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
(1), by striking ‘‘title,’’ and inserting ‘‘subtitle,’’; and 
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘title’’ and inserting 
‘‘subtitle’’; 
(3) in the analysis for chapter 35— 
(A) by adding a period at the end of the item relating 
to section 3507; and 
(B) by adding a period at the end of the item relating 
to section 3508; 
(4) in section 3715(a)(2), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 
a semicolon; 
(5) in section 4506, by striking ‘‘(a)’’; 
(6) in section 8103(b)(1)(A)(iii), by striking ‘‘Academy.’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Academy; and’’; 
(7) in section 11113(c)(1)(A)(i), by striking ‘‘under this Act’’; 
(8) in the analysis for chapter 701— 
(A) by adding a period at the end of the item relating 
to section 70107A; 
(B) in the item relating to section 70112, by striking 
‘‘security advisory committees.’’ and inserting ‘‘Security 
Advisory Committees.’’; and 
(C) in the item relating to section 70122, by striking 
‘‘watch program.’’ and inserting ‘‘Watch Program.’’; 
(9) in section 70105(c)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)(B)(xv)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘18, popularly’’ and inserting ‘‘18 
(popularly’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘Act’’ and inserting ‘‘Act)’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘(D) paragraph’’ and 
inserting ‘‘(D) of paragraph’’; 
(10) in section 70107— 
(A) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ‘‘5121(j)(8)),’’ and 
inserting ‘‘5196(j)(8)),’’; and 
46 USC 
70101 prec. 
46 USC 
3501 prec. 
Deadline. 
33 USC 1231 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(B) in subsection (m)(3)(C)(iii), by striking ‘‘that is’’ 
and inserting ‘‘that the applicant’’; 
(11) in section 70122, in the section heading, by striking 
‘‘watch program’’ and inserting ‘‘Watch Program’’; and 
(12) in the analysis for chapter 705, by adding a period 
at the end of the item relating to section 70508. 
(b) GENERAL BRIDGE STATUTES.— 
(1) ACT OF MARCH 3, 1899.—The Act of March 3, 1899, 
popularly known as the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations 
Act of 1899, is amended— 
(A) in section 9 (33 U.S.C. 401), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating’’; and 
(B) in section 18 (33 U.S.C. 502), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating’’. 
(2) ACT OF MARCH 23, 1906.—The Act of March 23, 1906, 
popularly known as the Bridge Act of 1906, is amended— 
(A) in the first section (33 U.S.C. 491), by striking 
‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of 
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
(B) in section 4 (33 U.S.C. 494), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Homeland Security’’ each place it appears and inserting 
‘‘Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating’’; and 
(C) in section 5 (33 U.S.C. 495), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating’’. 
(3) ACT OF AUGUST 18, 1894.—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 striking ‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating’’. 
(4) ACT OF JUNE 21, 1940.—The Act of June 21, 1940, popu-
larly known as the Truman-Hobbs Act, is amended— 
(A) in section 1 (33 U.S.C. 511), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
(B) in section 4 (33 U.S.C. 514), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
(C) in section 7 (33 U.S.C. 517), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating’’; and 
(D) in section 13 (33 U.S.C. 523), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating’’. 
(5) GENERAL
BRIDGE
ACT
OF
1946.—The General Bridge 
Act of 1946 is amended— 
(A) in section 502(b) (33 U.S.C. 525(b)), by striking 
‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of 
46 USC 
70501 prec. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
and 
(B) in section 510 (33 U.S.C. 533), by striking ‘‘Sec-
retary of Transportation’’ each place it appears and 
inserting ‘‘Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating’’. 
(6) INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE ACT OF 1972.—The International 
Bridge Act of 1972 is amended— 
(A) in section 5 (33 U.S.C. 535c), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of the depart-
ment in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
(B) in section 8 (33 U.S.C. 535e), by striking ‘‘Secretary 
of Transportation’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating’’; and 
(C) by striking section 11 (33 U.S.C. 535h). 
SEC. 307. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS OF MARINE CAS-
UALTY REPORTING. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this 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 the actions the Commandant will 
take to implement recommendations on improvements to the Coast 
Guard’s marine casualty reporting requirements and procedures 
included in— 
(1) the Department of Homeland Security Office of 
Inspector General report entitled ‘‘Marine Accident Reporting, 
Investigations, and Enforcement in the United States Coast 
Guard’’, released on May 23, 2013; and 
(2) the Towing Safety Advisory Committee report entitled 
‘‘Recommendations for Improvement of Marine Casualty 
Reporting’’, released on March 26, 2015. 
SEC. 308. RECREATIONAL VESSEL ENGINE WEIGHTS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall issue regulations amending table 4 to subpart 
H of part 183 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (relating 
to Weights (Pounds) of Outboard Motor and Related Equipment 
for Various Boat Horsepower Ratings) as appropriate to reflect 
‘‘Standard 30–Outboard Engine and Related Equipment Weights’’ 
published by the American Boat and Yacht Council, as in effect 
on the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 309. MERCHANT MARINER MEDICAL CERTIFICATION REFORM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 7509. Medical certification by trusted agents 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law 
and pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a trusted 
agent may issue a medical certificate to an individual who— 
‘‘(1) must hold such certificate to qualify for a license, 
certificate of registry, or merchant mariner’s document, or 
endorsement thereto under this part; and 
46 USC 7509. 
Deadline. 
Regulations. 
Notification. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(2) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition 
to perform the duties of such license, certificate, document, 
or endorsement, as determined by the trusted agent. 
‘‘(b) PROCESS FOR ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES BY SECRETARY.— 
A final rule implementing this section shall include a process for— 
‘‘(1) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating to issue medical certificates to mariners 
who submit applications for such certificates to the Secretary; 
and 
‘‘(2) a trusted agent to defer to the Secretary the issuance 
of a medical certificate. 
‘‘(c) TRUSTED AGENT DEFINED.—In this section the term ‘trusted 
agent’ means a medical practitioner certified by the Secretary to 
perform physical examinations of an individual for purposes of 
a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner’s document 
under this part.’’. 
(b) DEADLINE.—Not later than 5 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall issue a final rule implementing 
section 7509 of title 46, United States Code, as added by this 
section. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such chapter is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘7509. Medical certification by trusted agents.’’. 
SEC. 310. ATLANTIC COAST PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY. 
(a) ATLANTIC COAST PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY.—Not later 
than April 1, 2016, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
conclude the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study and submit 
the results of such study to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 
(b) NANTUCKET SOUND.—Not later than December 1, 2016, 
the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall complete and 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 port access route study of Nantucket 
Sound using the standards and methodology of the Atlantic Coast 
Port Access Route Study, to determine whether the Coast Guard 
should revise existing regulations to improve navigation safety in 
Nantucket Sound due to factors such as increased vessel traffic, 
changing vessel traffic patterns, weather conditions, or navigational 
difficulty in the vicinity. 
SEC. 311. CERTIFICATES OF DOCUMENTATION FOR RECREATIONAL 
VESSELS. 
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating shall issue regulations that— 
(1) make certificates of documentation for recreational ves-
sels effective for 5 years; and 
(2) require the owner of such a vessel— 
(A) to notify the Coast Guard of each change in the 
information on which the issuance of the certificate of 
documentation is based, that occurs before the expiration 
of the certificate; and 
Notification. 
Time period. 
Deadlines. 
Regulations. 
46 USC 12105 
note. 
Determination. 
Deadlines. 
46 USC 
7501 prec. 
Regulations. 
46 USC 7509 
note. 
Regulations. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(B) apply for a new certificate of documentation for 
such a vessel if there is any such change. 
SEC. 312. PROGRAM GUIDELINES. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment this 
Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall— 
(1) develop guidelines to implement the program authorized 
under section 304(a) of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–241), including 
specific actions to ensure the future availability of able and 
credentialed United States licensed and unlicensed seafarers 
including— 
(A) incentives to encourage partnership agreements 
with operators of foreign-flag vessels that carry liquified 
natural gas, that provide no less than one training billet 
per vessel for United States merchant mariners in order 
to meet minimum mandatory sea service requirements; 
(B) development of appropriate training curricula for 
use by public and private maritime training institutions 
to meet all United States merchant mariner license, certifi-
cation, and document laws and requirements under the 
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certifi-
cation and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978; and 
(C) steps to promote greater outreach and awareness 
of additional job opportunities for sea service veterans of 
the United States Armed Forces; and 
(2) submit such guidelines to the Committee Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate. 
SEC. 313. REPEALS. 
(a) REPEALS, MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1936.—Sections 601 
through 606, 608 through 611, 613 through 616, 802, and 809 
of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. 53101 note) are 
repealed. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Chapter 575 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in section 57501, by striking ‘‘titles V and VI’’ and 
inserting ‘‘title V’’; and 
(2) in section 57531(a), by striking ‘‘titles V and VI’’ and 
inserting ‘‘title V’’. 
(c) TRANSFER FROM MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1936.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 801 of the Merchant Marine Act, 
1936 (46 U.S.C. 53101 note) is— 
(A) redesignated as section 57522 of title 46, United 
States Code, and transferred to appear after section 57521 
of such title; and 
(B) as so redesignated and transferred, is amended— 
(i) by striking so much as precedes the first sen-
tence and inserting the following: 
‘‘§ 57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection 
and auditing’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘the provision of title VI or VII 
of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘this chapter’’; and 
(iii) by striking ‘‘: Provided, That’’ and all that 
follows through ‘‘Commission’’. 
Deadline. 
33 USC 1503 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 575, 
of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
the item relating to section 57521 the following: 
‘‘57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing.’’. 
(d) REPEALS, TITLE 46, U.S.C.—Section 8103 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended in subsections (c) and (d) by striking 
‘‘or operating’’ each place it appears. 
SEC. 314. MARITIME DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT. 
(a) PROHIBITIONS.—Section 70503(a) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) PROHIBITIONS.—While on board a covered vessel, an indi-
vidual may not knowingly or intentionally— 
‘‘(1) manufacture or distribute, or possess with intent to 
manufacture or distribute, a controlled substance; 
‘‘(2) destroy (including jettisoning any item or scuttling, 
burning, or hastily cleaning a vessel), or attempt or conspire 
to destroy, property that is subject to forfeiture under section 
511(a) of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Con-
trol Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 881(a)); or 
‘‘(3) conceal, or attempt or conspire to conceal, more than 
$100,000 in currency or other monetary instruments on the 
person of such individual or in any conveyance, article of lug-
gage, merchandise, or other container, or compartment of or 
aboard the covered vessel if that vessel is outfitted for smug-
gling.’’. 
(b) COVERED VESSEL DEFINED.—Section 70503 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) COVERED VESSEL DEFINED.—In this section the term ‘cov-
ered vessel’ means— 
‘‘(1) a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to 
the jurisdiction of the United States; or 
‘‘(2) any other vessel if the individual is a citizen of the 
United States or a resident alien of the United States.’’. 
(c) PENALTIES.—Section 70506 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘A person violating section 
70503’’ and inserting ‘‘A person violating paragraph (1) of sec-
tion 70503(a)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(d) PENALTY.—A person violating paragraph (2) or (3) of section 
70503(a) shall be fined in accordance with section 3571 of title 
18, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.’’. 
(d) SEIZURE
AND FORFEITURE.—Section 70507(a) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘section 70503’’ and 
inserting ‘‘section 70503 or 70508’’. 
(e) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) The heading of section 70503 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 70503. Prohibited acts’’ 
(2) The analysis for chapter 705 of title 46, United States 
Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to section 
70503 and inserting the following: 
‘‘70503. Prohibited acts.’’. 
46 USC 
70501 prec. 
46 USC 
57501 prec. 
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SEC. 315. EXAMINATIONS FOR MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS. 
(a) DISCLOSURE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 75 of title 46, United States 
Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 7510. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials 
‘‘(a) DISCLOSURE NOT REQUIRED.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the Secretary is not required to disclose to the 
public— 
‘‘(1) a question from any examination for a merchant mar-
iner credential; 
‘‘(2) the answer to such a question, including any correct 
or incorrect answer that may be presented with such question; 
and 
‘‘(3) any quality or characteristic of such a question, 
including— 
‘‘(A) the manner in which such question has been, 
is, or may be selected for an examination; 
‘‘(B) the frequency of such selection; and 
‘‘(C) the frequency that an examinee correctly or incor-
rectly answered such question. 
‘‘(b) EXCEPTION
FOR CERTAIN QUESTIONS.—Notwithstanding 
subsection (a), the Secretary may, for the purpose of preparation 
by the general public for examinations required for merchant mar-
iner credentials, release an examination question and answer that 
the Secretary has retired or is not presently on or part of an 
examination, or that the Secretary determines is appropriate for 
release. 
‘‘(c) EXAM REVIEW.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
2015, and once every two years thereafter, the Commandant 
of the Coast Guard shall commission a working group to review 
new questions for inclusion in examinations required for mer-
chant mariner credentials, composed of— 
‘‘(A) 1 subject matter expert from the Coast Guard; 
‘‘(B) representatives from training facilities and the 
maritime industry, of whom— 
‘‘(i) one-half shall be representatives from approved 
training facilities; and 
‘‘(ii) one-half shall be representatives from the 
appropriate maritime industry; 
‘‘(C) at least 1 representative from the Merchant 
Marine Personnel Advisory Committee; 
‘‘(D) at least 2 representatives from the State maritime 
academies, of whom one shall be a representative from 
the deck training track and one shall be a representative 
of the engine license track; 
‘‘(E) representatives from other Coast Guard Federal 
advisory committees, as appropriate, for the industry seg-
ment associated with the subject examinations; 
‘‘(F) at least 1 subject matter expert from the Maritime 
Administration; and 
‘‘(G) at least 1 human performance technology rep-
resentative. 
Deadlines. 
Establishment. 
46 USC 7510. 
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‘‘(2) INCLUSION OF PERSONS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT EXAM-
INATION TYPE.—The working group shall include representa-
tives knowledgeable about the examination type under review. 
‘‘(3) LIMITATION.—The requirement to convene a working 
group under paragraph (1) does not apply unless there are 
new examination questions to review. 
‘‘(4) BASELINE REVIEW.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Within 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
2015, the Secretary shall convene the working group to 
complete a baseline review of the Coast Guard’s Merchant 
Mariner Credentialing Examination, including review of— 
‘‘(i) the accuracy of examination questions; 
‘‘(ii) the accuracy and availability of examination 
references; 
‘‘(iii) the length of merchant mariner examinations; 
and 
‘‘(iv) the use of standard technologies in admin-
istering, scoring, and analyzing the examinations. 
‘‘(B) PROGRESS REPORT.—The Coast Guard shall pro-
vide a progress report to the appropriate congressional 
committees on the review under this paragraph. 
‘‘(5) FULL MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED.—The Coast Guard 
may convene the working group without all members present 
if any non-Coast-Guard representative is present. 
‘‘(6) NONDISCLOSURE
AGREEMENT.—The Secretary shall 
require all members of the working group to sign a nondisclo-
sure agreement with the Secretary. 
‘‘(7) TREATMENT OF MEMBERS AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.— 
A member of the working group who is not a Federal Govern-
ment employee shall not be considered a Federal employee 
in the service or the employment of the Federal Government, 
except that such a member shall be considered a special govern-
ment employee, as defined in section 202(a) of title 18 for 
purposes of sections 203, 205, 207, 208, and 209 of such title 
and shall be subject to any administrative standards of conduct 
applicable to an employee of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating. 
‘‘(8) FORMAL EXAM REVIEW.—The Secretary shall ensure 
that the Coast Guard Performance Technology Center— 
‘‘(A) prioritizes the review of examinations required 
for merchant mariner credentials; and 
‘‘(B) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, completes 
a formal review, including an appropriate analysis, of the 
topics and testing methodology employed by the National 
Maritime Center for merchant seamen licensing. 
‘‘(9) FACA.—The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
App) shall not apply to any working group created under this 
section to review the Coast Guard’s merchant mariner 
credentialing examinations. 
‘‘(d) MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘merchant mariner credential’ means a merchant 
seaman license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is 
authorized to issue pursuant to this title.’’. 
Deadlines. 
Analysis. 
Deadline. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such chapter 
is further amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘7510. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials.’’. 
(b) EXAMINATIONS
FOR MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 71 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 7116. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT FOR SAMPLE EXAMS.—The Secretary shall 
develop a sample merchant mariner credential examination and 
outline of merchant mariner examination topics on an annual basis. 
‘‘(b) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—Each sample examination and out-
line of topics developed under subsection (a) shall be readily avail-
able to the public. 
‘‘(c) MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘merchant mariner credential’ has the meaning that 
term has in section 7510.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such chapter 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘7116. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials.’’. 
(c) DISCLOSURE TO CONGRESS.—Nothing in this section may 
be construed to authorize the withholding of information from an 
appropriate inspector general, the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 
SEC. 316. HIGHER VOLUME PORT AREA REGULATORY DEFINITION 
CHANGE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 710 of the Coast 
Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–281; 124 Stat. 
2986) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) HIGHER VOLUME PORTS.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, the requirements of subparts D, F, and G of part 
155 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, that apply to the 
higher volume port area for the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Port 
Angeles, Washington (including any water area within 50 nautical 
miles seaward), to and including Puget Sound, shall apply, in the 
same manner, and to the same extent, to the Strait of Juan de 
Fuca at Cape Flattery, Washington (including any water area within 
50 nautical miles seaward), to and including Puget Sound.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Subsection (b) of such section 
is amended by striking ‘‘the modification of the higher volume 
port area definition required by subsection (a).’’ and inserting 
‘‘higher volume port requirements made applicable under subsection 
(a).’’. 
SEC. 317. RECOGNITION OF PORT SECURITY ASSESSMENTS CON-
DUCTED BY OTHER ENTITIES. 
Section 70108 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) RECOGNITION OF ASSESSMENT CONDUCTED BY OTHER ENTI-
TIES.— 
‘‘(1) CERTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF ASSESSMENTS.—For 
the purposes of this section and section 70109, the Secretary 
may treat an assessment that a foreign government (including, 
for the purposes of this subsection, an entity of or operating 
Applicability. 
Washington. 
46 USC 
7510 note. 
46 USC 
7101 prec. 
46 USC 7116. 
46 USC 
7501 prec. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
under the auspices of the European Union) or international 
organization has conducted as an assessment that the Secretary 
has conducted for the purposes of subsection (a), provided that 
the Secretary certifies that the foreign government or inter-
national organization has— 
‘‘(A) conducted the assessment in accordance with sub-
section (b); and 
‘‘(B) provided the Secretary with sufficient information 
pertaining to its assessment (including, but not limited 
to, information on the outcome of the assessment). 
‘‘(2) AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT.—For 
the purposes of this section and section 70109, the Secretary, 
in consultation with the Secretary of State, may enter into 
an agreement with a foreign government (including, for the 
purposes of this subsection, an entity of or operating under 
the auspices of the European Union) or international organiza-
tion, under which parties to the agreement— 
‘‘(A) conduct an assessment, required under subsection 
(a); 
‘‘(B) share information pertaining to such assessment 
(including, but not limited to, information on the outcome 
of the assessment); or 
‘‘(C) both. 
‘‘(3) LIMITATIONS.—Nothing in this subsection shall be con-
strued to— 
‘‘(A) require the Secretary to recognize an assessment 
that a foreign government or an international organization 
has conducted; or 
‘‘(B) limit the discretion or ability of the Secretary 
to conduct an assessment under this section. 
‘‘(4) NOTIFICATION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 30 days 
before entering into an agreement or arrangement with a for-
eign government under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall notify 
the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate of the proposed terms of such agreement 
or arrangement.’’. 
SEC. 318. FISHING VESSEL AND FISH TENDER VESSEL CERTIFICATION. 
(a) ALTERNATIVE
SAFETY
COMPLIANCE
PROGRAMS.—Section 
4503 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘this section’’ and inserting 
‘‘this subsection’’; 
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘This section’’ and inserting 
‘‘Except as provided in subsection (d), subsection (a)’’; 
(3) in subsection (c)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘This section’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) Except 
as provided in paragraph (2), subsection (a)’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) Subsection (a) does not apply to a fishing vessel or fish 
tender vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title applies, if the 
vessel— 
‘‘(A) is at least 50 feet overall in length, and not more 
than 79 feet overall in length as listed on the vessel’s certificate 
of documentation or certificate of number; and 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
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130 STAT. 64 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(B)(i) is built after the date of the enactment of the Coast 
Guard Authorization Act of 2015; and 
‘‘(ii) complies with— 
‘‘(I) the requirements described in subsection (e); or 
‘‘(II) the alternative requirements established by the 
Secretary under subsection (f).’’; and 
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g), and 
inserting after subsection (d) the following: 
‘‘(e) The requirements referred to in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii)(I) 
are the following: 
‘‘(1) The vessel is designed by an individual licensed by 
a State as a naval architect or marine engineer, and the design 
incorporates standards equivalent to those prescribed by a 
classification society to which the Secretary has delegated 
authority under section 3316 or another qualified organization 
approved by the Secretary for purposes of this paragraph. 
‘‘(2) Construction of the vessel is overseen and certified 
as being in accordance with its design by a marine surveyor 
of an organization accepted by the Secretary. 
‘‘(3) The vessel— 
‘‘(A) completes a stability test performed by a qualified 
individual; 
‘‘(B) has written stability and loading instructions from 
a qualified individual that are provided to the owner or 
operator; and 
‘‘(C) has an assigned loading mark. 
‘‘(4) The vessel is not substantially altered without the 
review and approval of an individual licensed by a State as 
a naval architect or marine engineer before the beginning of 
such substantial alteration. 
‘‘(5) The vessel undergoes a condition survey at least twice 
in 5 years, not to exceed 3 years between surveys, to the 
satisfaction of a marine surveyor of an organization accepted 
by the Secretary. 
‘‘(6) The vessel undergoes an out-of-water survey at least 
once every 5 years to the satisfaction of a certified marine 
surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary. 
‘‘(7) Once every 5 years and at the time of a substantial 
alteration to such vessel, compliance of the vessel with the 
requirements of paragraph (3) is reviewed and updated as 
necessary. 
‘‘(8) For the life of the vessel, the owner of the vessel 
maintains records to demonstrate compliance with this sub-
section and makes such records readily available for inspection 
by an official authorized to enforce this chapter. 
‘‘(f)(1) Not later than 10 years after the date of the enactment 
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, 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 a report that provides 
an analysis of the adequacy of the requirements under subsection 
(e) in maintaining the safety of the fishing vessels and fish tender 
vessels which are described in subsection (c)(2) and which comply 
with the requirements of subsection (e). 
‘‘(2) If the report required under this subsection includes a 
determination that the safety requirements under subsection (e) 
are not adequate or that additional safety measures are necessary, 
Determination. 
Deadline. 
Reports. 
Analysis. 
Records. 
Compliance. 
Time period. 
Time period. 
Time period. 
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130 STAT. 65 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
that the Secretary may establish an alternative safety compliance 
program for fishing vessels or fish tender vessels (or both) which 
are described in subsection (c)(2) and which comply with the require-
ments of subsection (e). 
‘‘(3) The alternative safety compliance program established 
under this subsection shall include requirements for— 
‘‘(A) vessel construction; 
‘‘(B) a vessel stability test; 
‘‘(C) vessel stability and loading instructions; 
‘‘(D) an assigned vessel loading mark; 
‘‘(E) a vessel condition survey at least twice in 5 years, 
not to exceed 3 years between surveys; 
‘‘(F) an out-of-water vessel survey at least once every 5 
years; 
‘‘(G) maintenance of records to demonstrate compliance 
with the program, and the availability of such records for 
inspection; and 
‘‘(H) such other aspects of vessel safety as the Secretary 
considers appropriate.’’. 
(b) GAO REPORT ON COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 12 months after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
United States 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 report on commercial fishing vessel safety. The report 
shall include— 
(A) national and regional trends that can be identified 
with respect to rates of marine casualties, human injuries, 
and deaths aboard or involving fishing vessels greater than 
79 feet in length that operate beyond the 3-nautical-mile 
demarcation line; 
(B) a comparison of United States regulations for classi-
fication of fishing vessels to those established by other 
countries, including the vessel length at which such regula-
tions apply; 
(C) the additional costs imposed on vessel owners as 
a result of the requirement in section 4503(a) of title 46, 
United States Code, and how the those costs vary in rela-
tion to vessel size and from region to region; 
(D) savings that result from the application of the 
requirement in section 4503(a) of title 46, United States 
Code, including reductions in insurance rates or reduction 
in the number of fishing vessels or fish tender vessels 
lost to major safety casualties, nationally and regionally; 
(E) a national and regional comparison of the addi-
tional costs and safety benefits associated with fishing ves-
sels or fish tender vessels that are built and maintained 
to class through a classification society to the additional 
costs and safety benefits associated with fishing vessels 
or fish tender vessels that are built to standards equivalent 
to classification society construction standards and main-
tained to standards equivalent to classification society 
standards with verification by independent surveyors; and 
(F) the impact on the cost of production and availability 
of qualified shipyards, nationally and regionally, resulting 
Records. 
Time periods. 
Survey. 
Time period. 
Survey. 
Requirements. 
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130 STAT. 66 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
from the application of the requirement in section 4503(a) 
of title 46, United States Code. 
(2) CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT.—In preparing the report 
under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— 
(A) consult with owners and operators of fishing vessels 
or fish tender vessels, classification societies, shipyards, 
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 
the National Transportation Safety Board, the Coast 
Guard, academics, naval architects, and marine safety non-
governmental organizations; and 
(B) obtain relevant data from the Coast Guard 
including 
data 
collected 
from 
enforcement 
actions, 
boardings, investigations of marine casualties, and serious 
marine incidents. 
(3) TREATMENT OF DATA.—In preparing the report under 
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— 
(A) disaggregate data regionally for each of the regions 
managed by the regional fishery management councils 
established under section 302 of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 
1852), the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, 
the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the 
Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission; and 
(B) include qualitative data on the types of fishing 
vessels or fish tender vessels included in the report. 
SEC. 319. INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON OIL POLLU-
TION RESEARCH. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7001(a)(3) of the Oil Pollution Act 
of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2761(a)(3)) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘Minerals Management Service’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 
the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,’’; and 
(2) by inserting ‘‘the United States Arctic Research 
Commission,’’ after ‘‘National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration,’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.—Section 7001 of the Oil Pollution 
Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2761) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(2), in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A), by striking ‘‘Department of Transportation’’ and 
inserting ‘‘department in which the Coast Guard is operating’’; 
and 
(2) in subsection (c)(8)(A), by striking ‘‘(1989)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(2010)’’. 
SEC. 
320. 
INTERNATIONAL 
PORT 
AND 
FACILITY 
INSPECTION 
COORDINATION. 
Section 825(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 
(6 U.S.C. 945 note; Public Law 111–281) is amended in the matter 
preceding paragraph (1)— 
(1) by striking ‘‘the department in which the Coast Guard 
is operating’’ and inserting ‘‘Homeland Security’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘they are integrated and conducted by the 
Coast Guard’’ and inserting ‘‘the assessments are coordinated 
between the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection’’. 
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130 STAT. 67 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
TITLE IV—FEDERAL MARITIME 
COMMISSION 
SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 308. Authorization of appropriations 
‘‘There is authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Maritime 
Commission $24,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 
for the activities of the Commission authorized under this chapter 
and subtitle IV.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 3 of title 
46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘308. Authorization of appropriations.’’. 
SEC. 402. DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN. 
Section 301(c)(3)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in clause (ii) by striking ‘‘units, but only after consulta-
tion with the other Commissioners;’’ and inserting ‘‘units (with 
such appointments subject to the approval of the Commission);’’; 
(2) in clause (iv) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(3) in clause (v) by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(vi) prepare and submit to the President and the 
Congress requests for appropriations for the Commis-
sion (with such requests subject to the approval of 
the Commission).’’. 
SEC. 403. PROHIBITION ON AWARDS. 
Section 307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The Federal Maritime Commission’’ and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Maritime Commission’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) PROHIBITION.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Federal 
Maritime Commission may not expend any funds appropriated or 
otherwise made available to it to a non-Federal entity to issue 
an award, prize, commendation, or other honor that is not related 
to the purposes set forth in section 40101.’’. 
TITLE V—CONVEYANCES 
Subtitle A—Miscellaneous Conveyances 
SEC. 501. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN POINT REYES 
STATION, CALIFORNIA. 
(a) CONVEYANCE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard 
shall convey to the County of Marin, California all right, title, 
46 USC 
301 prec. 
46 USC 308. 
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130 STAT. 68 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
and interest of the United States in and to the covered prop-
erty— 
(A) for fair market value, as provided in paragraph 
(2); 
(B) subject to the conditions required by this section; 
and 
(C) subject to any other term or condition that the 
Commandant considers appropriate and reasonable to pro-
tect the interests of the United States. 
(2) FAIR MARKET VALUE.—The fair market value of the 
covered property shall be— 
(A) determined by a real estate appraiser who has 
been selected by the County and is licensed to practice 
in California; and 
(B) approved by the Commandant. 
(3) PROCEEDS.—The Commandant shall deposit the pro-
ceeds from a conveyance under paragraph (1) in the Coast 
Guard Housing Fund established by section 687 of title 14, 
United States Code. 
(b) CONDITION OF CONVEYANCE.—As a condition of any convey-
ance of the covered property under this section, the Commandant 
shall require that all right, title, and interest in and to the covered 
property shall revert to the United States if the covered property 
or any part thereof ceases to be used for affordable housing, as 
defined by the County and the Commandant at the time of convey-
ance, or to provide a public benefit approved by the County. 
(c) SURVEY.—The exact acreage and legal description of the 
covered property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to 
the Commandant. 
(d) RULES
OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section may 
be construed to affect or limit the application of or obligation 
to comply with any environmental law, including section 120(h) 
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)). 
(e) COVERED PROPERTY DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘covered property’’ means the approximately 32 acres of real prop-
erty (including all improvements located on the property) that are— 
(1) located in Point Reyes Station in the County of Marin, 
California; 
(2) under the administrative control of the Coast Guard; 
and 
(3) described as ‘‘Parcel A, Tract 1’’, ‘‘Parcel B, Tract 2’’, 
‘‘Parcel C’’, and ‘‘Parcel D’’ in the Declaration of Taking (Civil 
No. C 71–1245 SC) filed June 28, 1971, in the United States 
District Court for the Northern District of California. 
(f) EXPIRATION.—The authority to convey the covered property 
under this section shall expire on the date that is four years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 502. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN TOK, ALASKA. 
(a) CONVEYANCE AUTHORIZED.—The Commandant of the Coast 
Guard may convey to the Tanana Chiefs’ Conference all right, 
title, and interest of the United States in and to the covered 
property, upon payment to the United States of the fair market 
value of the covered property. 
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130 STAT. 69 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(b) SURVEY.—The exact acreage and legal description of the 
covered property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to 
the Commandant. 
(c) FAIR MARKET VALUE.—The fair market value of the covered 
property shall be— 
(1) determined by appraisal; and 
(2) subject to the approval of the Commandant. 
(d) COSTS OF CONVEYANCE.—The responsibility for all reason-
able and necessary costs, including real estate transaction and 
environmental documentation costs, associated with a conveyance 
under this section shall be determined by the Commandant and 
the purchaser. 
(e) ADDITIONAL TERMS
AND CONDITIONS.—The Commandant 
may require such additional terms and conditions in connection 
with a conveyance under this section as the Commandant considers 
appropriate and reasonable to protect the interests of the United 
States. 
(f) DEPOSIT OF PROCEEDS.—Any proceeds received by the United 
States from a conveyance under this section shall be deposited 
in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under section 687 
of title 14, United States Code. 
(g) COVERED PROPERTY DEFINED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In this section, the term ‘‘covered prop-
erty’’ means the approximately 3.25 acres of real property 
(including all improvements located on the property) that are— 
(A) located in Tok, Alaska; 
(B) under the administrative control of the Coast 
Guard; and 
(C) described in paragraph (2). 
(2) DESCRIPTION.—The property described in this para-
graph is the following: 
(A) Lots 11, 12 and 13, block ‘‘G’’, Second Addition 
to Hartsell Subdivision, Section 20, Township 18 North, 
Range 13 East, Copper River Meridian, Alaska as appears 
by Plat No. 72–39 filed in the Office of the Recorder for 
the Fairbanks Recording District of Alaska, bearing seal 
dated 25 September 1972, all containing approximately 
1.25 acres and commonly known as 2–PLEX – Jackie Circle, 
Units A and B. 
(B) Beginning at a point being the SE corner of the 
SE 1⁄4 of the SE 1⁄4 Section 24, Township 18 North, Range 
12 East, Copper River Meridian, Alaska; thence running 
westerly along the south line of said SE 1⁄4 of the NE 
1⁄4 260 feet; thence northerly parallel to the east line of 
said SE 1⁄4 of the NE 1⁄4 335 feet; thence easterly parallel 
to the south line 260 feet; then south 335 feet along the 
east boundary of Section 24 to the point of beginning; 
all containing approximately 2.0 acres and commonly 
known as 4–PLEX – West ‘‘C’’ and Willow, Units A, B, 
C and D. 
(h) EXPIRATION.—The authority to convey the covered property 
under this section shall expire on the date that is 4 years after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
Time period. 
Determination. 
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130 STAT. 70 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
Subtitle B—Pribilof Islands 
SEC. 521. SHORT TITLE. 
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘‘Pribilof Island Transition 
Completion Act of 2015’’. 
SEC. 522. TRANSFER AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY. 
(a) TRANSFER.—To further accomplish the settlement of land 
claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 
1601 et seq.), the Secretary of Commerce shall, subject to paragraph 
(2), and notwithstanding section 105(a) of the Pribilof Islands 
Transition Act (16 U.S.C. 1161 note; Public Law 106–562), convey 
all right, title, and interest in the following property to the Alaska 
native village corporation for St. Paul Island: 
(1) Lots 4, 5, and 6A, Block 18, Tract A, U.S. Survey 
4943, Alaska, the plat of which was Officially Filed on January 
20, 2004, aggregating 13,006 square feet (0.30 acres). 
(2) On the termination of the license described in subsection 
(b)(3), T. 35 S., R. 131 W., Seward Meridian, Alaska, Tract 
43, the plat of which was Officially Filed on May 14, 1986, 
containing 84.88 acres. 
(b) FEDERAL USE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating may operate, maintain, keep, 
locate, inspect, repair, and replace any Federal aid to navigation 
located on the property described in subsection (a) as long 
as the aid is needed for navigational purposes. 
(2) ADMINISTRATION.—In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Secretary may enter the property, at any time for as long 
as the aid is needed for navigational purposes, without notice 
to the extent that it is not practicable to provide advance 
notice. 
(3) LICENSE.—The Secretary of the Department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating may maintain a license in effect 
on the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to the 
real property and improvements under subsection (a) until 
the termination of the license. 
(4) REPORTS.—Not later than 2 years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act and not less than once every 2 
years thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee 
on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate a report on— 
(A) efforts taken to remediate contaminated soils on 
tract 43 described in subsection (a)(2); 
(B) a schedule for the completion of contaminated soil 
remediation on tract 43; and 
(C) any use of tract 43 to carry out Coast Guard 
navigation activities. 
(c) AGREEMENT ON TRANSFER OF OTHER PROPERTY ON ST. PAUL 
ISLAND.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In addition to the property transferred 
under subsection (a), not later than 60 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce and 
the presiding officer of the Alaska native village corporation 
Deadline. 
16 USC 1151 
note. 
Pribilof Island 
Transition 
Completion Act 
of 2015. 
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130 STAT. 71 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
for St. Paul Island shall enter into an agreement to exchange 
of property on Tracts 50 and 38 on St. Paul Island and to 
finalize the recording of deeds, to reflect the boundaries and 
ownership of Tracts 50 and 38 as depicted on a survey of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be 
filed with the Office of the Recorder for the Department of 
Natural Resources for the State of Alaska. 
(2) EASEMENTS.—The survey described in subsection (a) 
shall include respective easements granted to the Secretary 
and the Alaska native village corporation for the purpose of 
utilities, drainage, road access, and salt lagoon conservation. 
SEC. 523. NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION. 
Section 105 of the Pribilof Islands Transition Act (16 U.S.C. 
1161 note; Public Law 106–562) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Notwithstanding paragraph (2) and effective begin-
ning on the date the Secretary publishes the notice of certifi-
cation required by subsection (b)(5), the Secretary’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘section 205 of 
the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1165)’’ and inserting 
‘‘section 205(a) of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 
1165(a))’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) NOTICE
OF
CERTIFICATION.—The Secretary shall 
promptly publish and submit to the Committee on Natural 
Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate notice 
that the certification described in paragraph (2) has been 
made.’’; and 
(3) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘makes the certification described in subsection (b)(2)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘publishes the notice of certification required by 
subsection (b)(5)’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Section 205’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of section 205’’; 
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g); and 
(5) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: 
‘‘(e) NOTIFICATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the Sec-
retary makes a determination under subsection (f) that land 
on St. Paul Island, Alaska, not specified for transfer in the 
document entitled ‘Transfer of Property on the Pribilof Islands: 
Descriptions, Terms and Conditions’ or section 522 of the 
Pribilof Island Transition Completion Act of 2015 is in excess 
of the needs of the Secretary and the Federal Government, 
the Secretary shall notify the Alaska native village corporation 
for St. Paul Island of the determination. 
‘‘(2) ELECTION TO RECEIVE.—Not later than 60 days after 
the date receipt of the notification of the Secretary under sub-
section (a), the Alaska native village corporation for St. Paul 
Island shall notify the Secretary in writing whether the Alaska 
native village corporation elects to receive all right, title, and 
interest in the land or a portion of the land. 
Deadlines. 
Publication. 
Effective date. 
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130 STAT. 72 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘(3) TRANSFER.—If the Alaska native village corporation 
provides notice under paragraph (2) that the Alaska native 
village corporation elects to receive all right, title and interest 
in the land or a portion of the land, the Secretary shall transfer 
all right, title, and interest in the land or portion to the Alaska 
native village corporation at no cost. 
‘‘(4) OTHER DISPOSITION.—If the Alaska native village cor-
poration does not provide notice under paragraph (2) that the 
Alaska native village corporation elects to receive all right, 
title, and interest in the land or a portion of the land, the 
Secretary may dispose of the land in accordance with other 
applicable law. 
‘‘(f) DETERMINATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of the enactment of this subsection and not less than once 
every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall determine whether 
property located on St. Paul Island and not transferred to 
the Natives of the Pribilof Islands is in excess of the smallest 
practicable tract enclosing land— 
‘‘(A) needed by the Secretary for the purposes of car-
rying out the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1151 et 
seq.); 
‘‘(B) in the case of land withdrawn by the Secretary 
on behalf of other Federal agencies, needed for carrying 
out the missions of those agencies for which land was 
withdrawn; or 
‘‘(C) actually used by the Federal Government in 
connection with the administration of any Federal installa-
tion on St. Paul Island. 
‘‘(2) REPORT OF DETERMINATION.—When a determination 
is made under subsection (a), the Secretary shall report the 
determination to— 
‘‘(A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House 
of Representatives; 
‘‘(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate; and 
‘‘(C) the Alaska native village corporation for St. Paul 
Island.’’. 
SEC. 524. REDUNDANT CAPABILITY. 
(a) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Except as provided in subsection 
(b), section 681 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by 
this Act, shall not be construed to prohibit any transfer or convey-
ance of lands under this subtitle or any actions that involve the 
dismantling or disposal of infrastructure that supported the former 
LORAN system that are associated with the transfer or conveyance 
of lands under section 522. 
(b) REDUNDANT CAPABILITY.—If, within the 5-year period begin-
ning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines 
that a facility on Tract 43, if transferred under this subtitle, is 
subsequently required to provide a positioning, navigation, and 
timing system to provide redundant capability in the event GPS 
signals are disrupted, the Secretary may— 
(1) operate, maintain, keep, locate, inspect, repair, and 
replace such facility; and 
Deadline. 
Time period. 
Effective date. 
Determination. 
Deadlines. 
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130 STAT. 73 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(2) in carrying out the activities described in paragraph 
(1), enter, at any time, the facility without notice to the extent 
that it is not possible to provide advance notice, for as long 
as such facility is needed to provide such capability. 
Subtitle C—Conveyance of Coast Guard 
Property at Point Spencer, Alaska 
SEC. 531. FINDINGS. 
The Congress finds as follows: 
(1) Major shipping traffic is increasing through the Bering 
Strait, the Bering and Chukchi Seas, and the Arctic Ocean, 
and will continue to increase whether or not development of 
the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States is undertaken 
in the future, and will increase further if such Outer Conti-
nental Shelf development is undertaken. 
(2) There is a compelling national, State, Alaska Native, 
and private sector need for permanent infrastructure develop-
ment and for a presence in the Arctic region of Alaska by 
appropriate agencies of the Federal Government, particularly 
in proximity to the Bering Strait, to support and facilitate 
search and rescue, shipping safety, economic development, oil 
spill prevention and response, protection of Alaska Native 
archaeological and cultural resources, port of refuge, arctic 
research, and maritime law enforcement on the Bering Sea, 
the Chukchi Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. 
(3) The United States owns a parcel of land, known as 
Point Spencer, located between the Bering Strait and Port 
Clarence and adjacent to some of the best potential deepwater 
port sites on the coast of Alaska in the Arctic. 
(4) Prudent and effective use of Point Spencer may be 
best achieved through marshaling the energy, resources, and 
leadership of the public and private sectors. 
(5) It is in the national interest to develop infrastructure 
at Point Spencer that would aid the Coast Guard in performing 
its statutory duties and functions in the Arctic on a more 
permanent basis and to allow for public and private sector 
development of facilities and other infrastructure to support 
purposes that are of benefit to the United States. 
SEC. 532. DEFINITIONS. 
In this subtitle: 
(1) ARCTIC.—The term ‘‘Arctic’’ has the meaning given that 
term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act 
of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111). 
(2) BSNC.—The term ‘‘BSNC’’ means the Bering Straits 
Native Corporation authorized under section 7 of the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1606). 
(3) COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Council’’ means the Port 
Coordination Council established under section 541. 
(4) PLAN.—The term ‘‘Plan’’ means the Port Management 
Coordination Plan developed under section 541. 
(5) POINT SPENCER.—The term ‘‘Point Spencer’’ means the 
land known as ‘‘Point Spencer’’ located in Townships 2, 3, 
and 4 South, Range 40 West, Kateel River Meridian, Alaska, 
between the Bering Strait and Port Clarence and withdrawn 
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130 STAT. 74 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
by Public Land Order 2650 (published in the Federal Register 
on April 12, 1962). 
(6) SECRETARY.—Except as otherwise specifically provided, 
the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the department 
in which the Coast Guard is operating. 
(7) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the State of Alaska. 
(8) TRACT.—The term ‘‘Tract’’ or ‘‘Tracts’’ means any of 
Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, or Tract 6, as 
appropriate, or any portion of such Tract or Tracts. 
(9) TRACTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, AND 6.—The terms ‘‘Tract 1’’, ‘‘Tract 
2’’, ‘‘Tract 3’’, ‘‘Tract 4’’, ‘‘Tract 5’’, and ‘‘Tract 6’’ each mean 
the land generally depicted as Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 
4, Tract 5, or Tract 6, respectively, on the map entitled the 
‘‘Point Spencer Land Retention and Conveyance Map’’, dated 
January 2015, and on file with the Department of Homeland 
Security and the Department of the Interior. 
SEC. 533. AUTHORITY TO CONVEY LAND IN POINT SPENCER. 
(a) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY TRACTS 1, 3, AND 4.—Within 1 
year after the Secretary notifies the Secretary of the Interior that 
the Coast Guard no longer needs to retain jurisdiction of Tract 
1, Tract 3, or Tract 4 and subject to section 534, the Secretary 
of the Interior shall convey to BSNC or the State, subject to valid 
existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United States 
in and to the surface and subsurface estates of that Tract in 
accordance with subsection (d). 
(b) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY TRACTS 2 AND 5.—Within 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this section and subject to 
section 534, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey, subject 
to valid existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United 
States in and to the surface and subsurface estates of Tract 2 
and Tract 5 in accordance with subsection (d). 
(c) AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER TRACT 6.—Within one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to sections 534 
and 535, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey, subject to 
valid existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United 
States in and to the surface and subsurface estates of Tract 6 
in accordance with subsection (e). 
(d) ORDER OF OFFER TO CONVEY TRACT 1, 2, 3, 4, OR 5.— 
(1) DETERMINATION AND OFFER.— 
(A) TRACT
1, 3, OR
4.—If the Secretary makes the 
determination under subsection (a) and subject to section 
534, the Secretary of the Interior shall offer Tract 1, Tract 
3, or Tract 4 for conveyance to BSNC under the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). 
(B) TRACT 2 AND 5.—Subject to section 534, the Sec-
retary of the Interior shall offer Tract 2 and Tract 5 to 
BSNC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 
(43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). 
(2) OFFER TO BSNC.— 
(A) ACCEPTANCE BY BSNC.—If BSNC chooses to accept 
an offer of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (1), 
the Secretary of the Interior shall consider Tract 6 as 
within BSNC’s entitlement under section 14(h)(8) of the 
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(8)) 
and shall convey such Tract to BSNC. 
Notification. 
Deadlines. 
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130 STAT. 75 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(B) DECLINE
BY
BSNC.—If BSNC declines to accept 
an offer of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (1), 
the Secretary of the Interior shall offer such Tract for 
conveyance to the State under the Act of July 7, 1958 
(commonly known as the ‘‘Alaska Statehood Act’’) (48 
U.S.C. note prec. 21; Public Law 85–508). 
(3) OFFER TO STATE.— 
(A) ACCEPTANCE BY STATE.—If the State chooses to 
accept an offer of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph 
(2)(B), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider such 
Tract as within the State’s entitlement under the Act of 
July 7, 1958 (commonly known as the ‘‘Alaska Statehood 
Act’’) (48 U.S.C. note prec. 21; Public Law 85–508) and 
shall convey such Tract to the State. 
(B) DECLINE BY STATE.—If the State declines to accept 
an offer of conveyance of a Tract offered under paragraph 
(2)(B), such Tract shall be disposed of pursuant to 
applicable public land laws. 
(e) ORDER OF OFFER TO CONVEY TRACT 6.— 
(1) OFFER.—Subject to section 534, the Secretary of the 
Interior shall offer Tract 6 for conveyance to the State. 
(2) OFFER TO STATE.— 
(A) ACCEPTANCE BY STATE.—If the State chooses to 
accept an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph 
(1), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider Tract 6 
as within the State’s entitlement under the Act of July 
7, 1958 (commonly known as the ‘‘Alaska Statehood Act’’) 
(48 U.S.C. note prec. 21; Public Law 85–508) and shall 
convey Tract 6 to the State. 
(B) DECLINE BY STATE.—If the State declines to accept 
an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (1), 
the Secretary of the Interior shall offer Tract 6 for convey-
ance to BSNC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement 
Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). 
(3) OFFER TO BSNC.— 
(A) ACCEPTANCE BY BSNC.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to clause (ii), if BSNC 
chooses to accept an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 
under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary of the Interior 
shall consider Tract 6 as within BSNC’s entitlement 
under section 14(h)(8) of the Alaska Native Claims 
Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(8)) and shall convey 
Tract 6 to BSNC. 
(ii) LEASE BY THE STATE.—The conveyance of Tract 
6 to BSNC shall be subject to BSNC negotiating a 
lease of Tract 6 to the State at no cost to the State, 
if the State requests such a lease. 
(B) DECLINE
BY
BSNC.—If BSNC declines to accept 
an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (2)(B), 
the Secretary of the Interior shall dispose of Tract 6 pursu-
ant to the applicable public land laws. 
SEC. 534. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE, LIABILITY, AND MONI-
TORING. 
(a) ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE.—Nothing in this Act or any 
amendment made by this Act may be construed to affect or limit 
the application of or obligation to comply with any applicable 
42 USC 9620 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
environmental law, including section 120(h) of the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 
(42 U.S.C. 9620(h)). 
(b) LIABILITY.—A person to which a conveyance is made under 
this subtitle shall hold the United States harmless from any liability 
with respect to activities carried out on or after the date of the 
conveyance of the real property conveyed. The United States shall 
remain responsible for any liability with respect to activities carried 
out before such date on the real property conveyed. 
(c) MONITORING OF KNOWN CONTAMINATION.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—To the extent practicable and subject 
to paragraph (2), any contamination in a Tract to be conveyed 
to the State or BSNC under this subtitle that— 
(A) is identified in writing prior to the conveyance; 
and 
(B) does not pose an immediate or long-term risk to 
human health or the environment; 
may be routinely monitored and managed by the State or 
BSNC, as applicable, through institutional controls. 
(2) INSTITUTIONAL CONTROLS.—Institutional controls may 
be used if— 
(A) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency and the Governor of the State concur that such 
controls are protective of human health and the environ-
ment; and 
(B) such controls are carried out in accordance with 
Federal and State law. 
SEC. 535. EASEMENTS AND ACCESS. 
(a) USE BY COAST GUARD.—The Secretary of the Interior shall 
make each conveyance of any relevant Tract under this subtitle 
subject to an easement granting the Coast Guard, at no cost to 
the Coast Guard— 
(1) use of all existing and future landing pads, airstrips, 
runways, and taxiways that are located on such Tract; and 
(2) the right to access such landing pads, airstrips, run-
ways, and taxiways. 
(b) USE BY STATE.—For any Tract conveyed to BSNC under 
this subtitle, BSNC shall provide to the State, if requested and 
pursuant to negotiated terms with the State, an easement granting 
to the State, at no cost to the State— 
(1) use of all existing and future landing pads, airstrips, 
runways, and taxiways located on such Tract; and 
(2) a right to access such landing pads, airstrips, runways, 
and taxiways. 
(c) RIGHT OF ACCESS OR RIGHT OF WAY.—If the State requests 
a right of access or right of way for a road from the airstrip 
to the southern tip of Point Spencer, the location of such right 
of access or right of way shall be determined by the State, in 
consultation with the Secretary and BSNC, so that such right 
of access or right of way is compatible with other existing or 
planned infrastructure development at Point Spencer. 
(d) ACCESS EASEMENT ACROSS TRACTS 2, 5, AND 6.—In convey-
ance documents to the State and BSNC under this subtitle, the 
Coast Guard shall retain an access easement across Tracts 2, 5, 
and 6 reasonably necessary to afford the Coast Guard with access 
to Tracts 1, 3, and 4 for its operations. 
Determination. 
Consultation. 
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130 STAT. 77 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(e) ACCESS.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Coast Guard shall provide to the State 
and BSNC, access to Tracts for planning, design, and engineering 
related to remediation and use of and construction on those Tracts. 
(f) PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENTS.—No public access easements 
may be reserved to the United States under section 17(b) of the 
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1616(b)) with 
respect to the land conveyed under this subtitle. 
SEC. 536. RELATIONSHIP TO PUBLIC LAND ORDER 2650. 
(a) TRACTS NOT CONVEYED.—Any Tract that is not conveyed 
under this subtitle shall remain withdrawn pursuant to Public 
Land Order 2650 (published in the Federal Register on April 12, 
1962). 
(b) TRACTS CONVEYED.—For any Tract conveyed under this 
subtitle, Public Land Order 2650 shall automatically terminate 
upon issuance of a conveyance document issued pursuant to this 
subtitle for such Tract. 
SEC. 537. ARCHEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES. 
Conveyance of any Tract under this subtitle shall not affect 
investigations, criminal jurisdiction, and responsibilities regarding 
theft or vandalism of archeological or cultural resources located 
in or on such Tract that took place prior to conveyance under 
this subtitle. 
SEC. 538. MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS. 
(a) PREPARATION OF MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS.—As soon 
as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of the Interior in consultation with the Secretary shall 
prepare maps and legal descriptions of Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 
3, Tract 4, Tract 5, and Tract 6. In doing so, the Secretary of 
the Interior may use metes and bounds legal descriptions based 
upon the official survey plats of Point Spencer accepted by the 
Bureau of Land Management on December 6, 1978, and on informa-
tion provided by the Secretary. 
(b) SURVEY.—Not later than 5 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall survey 
Tracts conveyed under this subtitle and patent the Tracts in accord-
ance with the official plats of survey. 
(c) LEGAL EFFECT.—The maps and legal descriptions prepared 
under subsection (a) and the surveys prepared under subsection 
(b) shall have the same force and effect as if the maps and legal 
descriptions were included in this Act. 
(d) CORRECTIONS.—The Secretary of the Interior may correct 
any clerical and typographical errors in the maps and legal descrip-
tions prepared under subsection (a) and the surveys prepared under 
subsection (b). 
(e) AVAILABILITY.—Copies of the maps and legal descriptions 
prepared under subsection (a) and the surveys prepared under 
subsection (b) shall be available for public inspection in the appro-
priate offices of— 
(1) the Bureau of Land Management; and 
(2) the Coast Guard. 
SEC. 539. CHARGEABILITY FOR LAND CONVEYED. 
(a) CONVEYANCES TO ALASKA.—The Secretary of the Interior 
shall charge any conveyance of land conveyed to the State of Alaska 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
Termination. 
Deadline. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
pursuant to this subtitle against the State’s remaining entitlement 
under section 6(b) of the Act of July 7, 1958 (commonly known 
as the ‘‘Alaska Statehood Act’’; Public Law 85–508: 72 Stat. 339). 
(b) CONVEYANCES
TO BSNC.—The Secretary of the Interior 
shall charge any conveyance of land conveyed to BSNC pursuant 
to this subtitle, against BSNC’s remaining entitlement under sec-
tion 14(h)(8) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 
1613(h)(8)). 
SEC. 540. REDUNDANT CAPABILITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsection (b), section 
681 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, shall 
not be construed to prohibit any transfer or conveyance of lands 
under this subtitle or any actions that involve the dismantling 
or disposal of infrastructure that supported the former LORAN 
system that are associated with the transfer or conveyance of lands 
under this subtitle. 
(b) CONTINUED ACCESS
TO
AND USE
OF FACILITIES.—If the 
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
determines, within the 5-year period beginning on the date of 
the enactment of this Act, that a facility on any of Tract 1, Tract 
3, or Tract 4 that is transferred under this subtitle is subsequently 
required to provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system 
to provide redundant capability in the event GPS signals are dis-
rupted, the Secretary may, for as long as such facility is needed 
to provide redundant capability— 
(1) operate, maintain, keep, locate, inspect, repair, and 
replace such facility; and 
(2) in carrying out the activities described in paragraph 
(1), enter, at any time, the facility without notice to the extent 
that it is not possible to provide advance notice. 
SEC. 541. PORT COORDINATION COUNCIL FOR POINT SPENCER. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Port Coordination 
Council for the Port of Point Spencer. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Council shall consist of a representative 
appointed by each of the following: 
(1) The State. 
(2) BSNC. 
(c) DUTIES.—The duties of the Council are as follows: 
(1) To develop a Port Management Coordination Plan to 
help coordinate infrastructure development and operations at 
the Port of Point Spencer, that includes plans for— 
(A) construction; 
(B) funding eligibility; 
(C) land use planning and development; and 
(D) public interest use and access, emergency prepared-
ness, law enforcement, protection of Alaska Native archae-
ological and cultural resources, and other matters that 
are necessary for public and private entities to function 
in proximity together in a remote location. 
(2) Update the Plan annually for the first 5 years after 
the date of the enactment of this Act and biennially thereafter. 
(3) Facilitate coordination among BSNC, the State, and 
the Coast Guard, on the development and use of the land 
and coastline as such development relates to activities at the 
Port of Point Spencer. 
Deadlines. 
Determination. 
Deadline. 
Time period. 
Effective date. 
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130 STAT. 79 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(4) Assess the need, benefits, efficacy, and desirability of 
establishing in the future a port authority at Point Spencer 
under State law and act upon that assessment, as appropriate, 
including taking steps for the potential formation of such a 
port authority. 
(d) PLAN.—In addition to the requirements under subsection 
(c)(1) to the greatest extent practicable, the Plan developed by 
the Council shall facilitate and support the statutory missions and 
duties of the Coast Guard and operations of the Coast Guard 
in the Arctic. 
(e) COSTS.—Operations and management costs for airstrips, 
runways, and taxiways at Point Spencer shall be determined pursu-
ant to provisions of the Plan, as negotiated by the Council. 
TITLE VI—MISCELLANEOUS 
SEC. 601. MODIFICATION OF REPORTS. 
(a) DISTANT WATER TUNA FLEET.—Section 421(d) of the Coast 
Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (46 U.S.C. 8103 
note) is amended by striking ‘‘On March 1, 2007, and annually 
thereafter’’ and inserting ‘‘Not later than July 1 of each year’’. 
(b) ANNUAL UPDATES ON LIMITS TO LIABILITY.—Section 603(c)(3) 
of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (33 
U.S.C. 2704 note) is amended by striking ‘‘on an annual basis.’’ 
and inserting ‘‘not later than January 30 of the year following 
each year in which occurs an oil discharge from a vessel or nonvessel 
source that results or is likely to result in removal costs and 
damages (as those terms are defined in section 1001 of the Oil 
Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701)) that exceed liability limits 
established under section 1004 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 
(33 U.S.C. 2704).’’. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
submit to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating a report detailing the specifications and capabili-
ties for interoperable communications the Commandant determines 
are necessary to allow the Coast Guard to successfully carry out 
its missions that require communications with other Federal agen-
cies, State and local governments, and nongovernmental entities. 
SEC. 602. SAFE VESSEL OPERATION IN THE GREAT LAKES. 
The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation 
Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–281) is amended— 
(1) in section 610, by— 
(A) striking the section enumerator and heading and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘SEC. 610. SAFE VESSEL OPERATION IN THE GREAT LAKES.’’; 
(B) striking ‘‘existing boundaries and any future 
expanded boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine 
Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve’’ and inserting ‘‘bound-
aries of any national marine sanctuary that preserves ship-
wrecks or maritime heritage in the Great Lakes’’; and 
(C) inserting before the period at the end the following: 
‘‘, unless the designation documents for such sanctuary 
do not allow taking up or discharging ballast water in 
such sanctuary’’; and 
16 USC 1431 
note. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(2) in the table of contents in section 2, by striking the 
item relating to such section and inserting the following: 
‘‘Sec. 610. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes.’’. 
SEC. 603. USE OF VESSEL SALE PROCEEDS. 
(a) AUDIT.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct an audit of funds credited in each fiscal year after fiscal 
year 2004 to the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund that are attrib-
utable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve 
Fleet that were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103, 
and 57104 of title 46, United States Code, including— 
(1) a complete accounting of all vessel sale proceeds attrib-
utable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense 
Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 
57103, and 57104 of title 46, United States Code, in each 
fiscal year after fiscal year 2004; 
(2) the annual apportionment of proceeds accounted for 
under paragraph (1) among the uses authorized under section 
308704 of title 54, United States Code, in each fiscal year 
after fiscal year 2004, including— 
(A) for National Maritime Heritage Grants, including 
a list of all annual National Maritime Heritage Grant 
grant and subgrant awards that identifies the respective 
grant and subgrant recipients and grant and subgrant 
amounts; 
(B) for the preservation and presentation to the public 
of maritime heritage property of the Maritime Administra-
tion; 
(C) to the United States Merchant Marine Academy 
and State maritime academies, including a list of annual 
awards; and 
(D) for the acquisition, repair, reconditioning, or 
improvement of vessels in the National Defense Reserve 
Fleet; and 
(3) an accounting of proceeds, if any, attributable to the 
sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet 
that were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103, and 
57104 of title 46, United States Code, in each fiscal year after 
fiscal year 2004, that were expended for uses not authorized 
under section 308704 of title 54, United States Code. 
(b) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
submit the audit conducted in subsection (a) to the Committee 
on Armed Services, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate. 
SEC. 604. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES COST ASSESSMENT. 
(a) COST ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of the department in 
which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences under which 
the Academy, by no later than 365 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
Contracts. 
Deadline. 
Deadline. 
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PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an assess-
ment of the costs incurred by the Federal Government to carry 
out polar icebreaking missions. The assessment shall— 
(1) describe current and emerging requirements for the 
Coast Guard’s polar icebreaking capabilities, taking into 
account the rapidly changing ice cover in the Arctic environ-
ment, national security considerations, and expanding commer-
cial activities in the Arctic and Antarctic, including marine 
transportation, energy development, fishing, and tourism; 
(2) identify potential design, procurement, leasing, service 
contracts, crewing, and technology options that could minimize 
life-cycle costs and optimize efficiency and reliability of Coast 
Guard polar icebreaker operations in the Arctic and Antarctic; 
and 
(3) examine— 
(A) Coast Guard estimates of the procurement and 
operating costs of a Polar icebreaker capable of carrying 
out Coast Guard maritime safety, national security, and 
stewardship responsibilities including— 
(i) economies of scale that might be achieved for 
construction of multiple vessels; and 
(ii) costs of renovating existing polar class ice-
breakers to operate for a period of no less than 10 
years. 
(B) the incremental cost to augment the design of 
such an icebreaker for multiuse capabilities for scientific 
missions; 
(C) the potential to offset such incremental cost 
through cost-sharing agreements with other Federal 
departments and agencies; and 
(D) United States polar icebreaking capability in 
comparison with that of other Arctic nations, and with 
nations that conduct research in the Arctic. 
(b) INCLUDED COSTS.—For purposes of subsection (a), the 
assessment shall include costs incurred by the Federal Government 
for— 
(1) the lease or operation and maintenance of the vessel 
or vessels concerned; 
(2) disposal of such vessels at the end of the useful life 
of the vessels; 
(3) retirement and other benefits for Federal employees 
who operate such vessels; and 
(4) interest payments assumed to be incurred for Federal 
capital expenditures. 
(c) ASSUMPTIONS.—For purposes of comparing the costs of such 
alternatives, the Academy shall assume that— 
(1) each vessel under consideration is— 
(A) capable of breaking out McMurdo Station and con-
ducting Coast Guard missions in the Antarctic, and in 
the United States territory in the Arctic (as that term 
is defined in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy 
Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111)); and 
(B) operated for a period of 30 years; 
(2) the acquisition of services and the operation of each 
vessel begins on the same date; and 
(3) the periods for conducting Coast Guard missions in 
the Arctic are of equal lengths. 
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130 STAT. 82 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
(d) USE
OF INFORMATION.—In formulating cost pursuant to 
subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences may utilize 
information from other Coast Guard reports, assessments, or anal-
yses regarding existing Coast Guard Polar class icebreakers or 
for the acquisition of a polar icebreaker for the Federal Government. 
SEC. 605. COASTWISE ENDORSEMENTS. 
(a) ‘‘ELETTRA III’’.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 
12132, of title 46, United States Code, and subject to para-
graphs (2) and (3), the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of docu-
mentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel M/ 
V Elettra III (United States official number 694607). 
(2) LIMITATION ON OPERATION.—Coastwise trade authorized 
under a certificate of documentation issued under paragraph 
(1) shall be limited to the carriage of passengers and equipment 
in association with the operation of the vessel in the Puget 
Sound region to support marine and maritime science edu-
cation. 
(3) TERMINATION
OF
EFFECTIVENESS
OF
CERTIFICATE.—A 
certificate of documentation issued under paragraph (1) shall 
expire on the earlier of— 
(A) the date of the sale of the vessel or the entity 
that owns the vessel; 
(B) the date any repairs or alterations are made to 
the vessel outside of the United States; or 
(C) the date the vessel is no longer operated as a 
vessel in the Puget Sound region to support the marine 
and maritime science education. 
(b) ‘‘F/V RONDYS’’.—Notwithstanding section 12132 of title 46, 
United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of documenta-
tion with a coastwise endorsement for the F/V Rondys (O.N. 291085) 
SEC. 606. INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL. 
(a) REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT.—Not later than 180 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 Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives a report that 
describes the current operations to perform the International Ice 
Patrol mission and on alternatives for carrying out that mission, 
including satellite surveillance technology. 
(b) ALTERNATIVES.—The report required by subsection (a) shall 
include whether an alternative— 
(1) provides timely data on ice conditions with the highest 
possible resolution and accuracy; 
(2) is able to operate in all weather conditions or any 
time of day; and 
(3) is more cost effective than the cost of current operations. 
SEC. 607. ASSESSMENT OF OIL SPILL RESPONSE AND CLEANUP ACTIVI-
TIES IN THE GREAT LAKES. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in 
consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration and the head of any other agency 
Consultation. 
Determination. 
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130 STAT. 83 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
the Commandant determines appropriate, shall conduct an assess-
ment of the effectiveness of oil spill response activities specific 
to the Great Lakes. Such assessment shall include— 
(1) an evaluation of new research into oil spill impacts 
in fresh water under a wide range of conditions; and 
(2) an evaluation of oil spill prevention and clean up contin-
gency plans, in order to improve understanding of oil spill 
impacts in the Great Lakes and foster innovative improvements 
to safety technologies and environmental protection systems. 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast 
Guard shall submit to the Congress a report on the results of 
the assessment required by subsection (a). 
SEC. 608. REPORT ON STATUS OF TECHNOLOGY DETECTING PAS-
SENGERS WHO HAVE FALLEN OVERBOARD. 
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit 
a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that— 
(1) describes the status of technology for immediately 
detecting passengers who have fallen overboard; 
(2) includes a recommendation to cruise lines on the feasi-
bility of implementing technology that immediately detects pas-
sengers who have fallen overboard, factoring in cost and the 
risk of false positives; 
(3) includes data collected from cruise lines on the status 
of the integration of the technology described in paragraph 
(2) on cruise ships, including— 
(A) the number of cruise ships that have the technology 
to capture images of passengers who have fallen overboard; 
and 
(B) the number of cruise lines that have tested tech-
nology that can detect passengers who have fallen over-
board; and 
(4) includes information on any other available technologies 
that cruise ships could integrate to assist in facilitating the 
search and rescue of a passenger who has fallen overboard. 
SEC. 609. VENUE. 
Section 311(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1861(d)) is amended by striking 
the second sentence and inserting ‘‘In the case of Hawaii or any 
possession of the United States in the Pacific Ocean, the appropriate 
court is the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, 
except that in the case of Guam and Wake Island, the appropriate 
court is the United States District Court for the District of Guam, 
and in the case of the Northern Mariana Islands, the appropriate 
court is the United States District Court for the District of the 
Northern Mariana Islands.’’. 
SEC. 610. DISPOSITION OF INFRASTRUCTURE RELATED TO E-LORAN. 
(a) DISPOSITION OF INFRASTRUCTURE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 17 of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
Data. 
Recommenda- 
tion. 
Evaluations. 
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130 STAT. 84 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
‘‘§ 681. Disposition of infrastructure related to E–LORAN 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not carry out activities 
related to the dismantling or disposal of infrastructure comprising 
the LORAN–C system until the date on which the Secretary pro-
vides to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and 
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate notice of a deter-
mination by the Secretary that such infrastructure is not required 
to provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system to provide 
redundant capability in the event the Global Positioning System 
signals are disrupted. 
‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—Subsection (a) does not apply to activities 
necessary for the safety of human life. 
‘‘(c) DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—On any date after the notification is 
made under subsection (a), the Administrator of General Serv-
ices, acting on behalf of the Secretary, may, notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, sell any real and personal property 
under the administrative control of the Coast Guard and used 
for the LORAN–C system, subject to such terms and conditions 
that the Secretary believes to be necessary to protect govern-
ment interests and program requirements of the Coast Guard. 
‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY OF PROCEEDS.— 
‘‘(A) AVAILABILITY OF PROCEEDS.—The proceeds of such 
sales, less the costs of sale incurred by the General Services 
Administration, shall be deposited as offsetting collections 
into the Coast Guard ‘Environmental Compliance and Res-
toration’ account and, without further appropriation, shall 
be available until expended for— 
‘‘(i) environmental compliance and restoration pur-
poses associated with the LORAN–C system; 
‘‘(ii) the costs of securing and maintaining equip-
ment that may be used as a backup to the Global 
Positioning System or to meet any other Federal 
navigation requirement; 
‘‘(iii) the demolition of improvements on such real 
property; and 
‘‘(iv) the costs associated with the sale of such 
real and personal property, including due diligence 
requirements, necessary environmental remediation, 
and reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Gen-
eral Services Administration. 
‘‘(B) OTHER
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMPLIANCE
AND
RES-
TORATION
ACTIVITIES.—After the completion of activities 
described in subparagraph (A), the unexpended balances 
of such proceeds shall be available for any other environ-
mental compliance and restoration activities of the Coast 
Guard.’’ 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis at the beginning 
of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘681. Disposition of infrastructure related to E–LORAN.’’. 
(3) CONFORMING REPEALS.— 
(A) Section 229 of the Howard Coble Coast Guard 
and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113– 
14 USC 
631 prec. 
Notification. 
Determination. 
14 USC 681. 
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130 STAT. 85 
PUBLIC LAW 114–120—FEB. 8, 2016 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 4188 (S. 1611): 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 114–168 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation) accompanying S. 1611. 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 161 (2015): Dec. 10, considered and passed House. 
Dec. 18, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Vol. 162 (2016): Feb. 1, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
281; 128 Stat. 3040), and the item relating to that section 
in section 2 of such Act, are repealed. 
(B) Subsection 559(e) of the Department of Homeland 
Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111–83; 123 
Stat. 2180) is repealed. 
(b) AGREEMENTS TO DEVELOP BACKUP POSITIONING, NAVIGA-
TION, AND TIMING SYSTEM.—Section 93(a) of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon at the 
end of paragraph (23), by striking the period at the end of paragraph 
(24) and inserting ‘‘; and’’, and by adding at the end the following 
the following: 
‘‘(25) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and 
other agreements with Federal entities and other public or 
private entities, including academic entities, to develop a posi-
tioning, navigation, and timing system to provide redundant 
capability in the event Global Positioning System signals are 
disrupted, which may consist of an enhanced LORAN system.’’. 
SEC. 611. PARKING. 
Section 611(a) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–281; 128 Stat. 3064) 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) REIMBURSEMENT.—Through September 30, 2017, additional 
parking made available under paragraph (2) shall be made available 
at no cost to the Coast Guard or members and employees of the 
Coast Guard.’’. 
SEC. 612. INAPPLICABILITY OF LOAD LINE REQUIREMENTS TO CER-
TAIN UNITED STATES VESSELS TRAVELING IN THE GULF 
OF MEXICO. 
Section 5102(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(13) a vessel of the United States on a domestic voyage 
that is within the Gulf of Mexico and operating not more 
than 15 nautical miles seaward of the base line from which 
the territorial sea of the United States is measured between 
Crystal Bay, Florida and Hudson Creek, Florida.’’. 
Approved February 8, 2016. 
Contracts. 
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