II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2430 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 6, 2007 Mrs. Boxer (for herself and Mrs. Feinstein) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To prevent maritime emergencies, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Maritime Emergency Prevention Act of 2007.

2.

Authority

(a)

In general

Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

99.

Emergency command authority

(a)

In general

Using the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) maintained under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 (Public Law 107–340; 33 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.), the Secretary may command the person directing the movements of a vessel to modify the speed or direction of a vessel in the event of an emergency or hazardous conditions as determined by the local Coast Guard VTS director. (b)

Limitation on civil actions

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a civil action for damages may not be filed in any Federal or State court against the Secretary or any officer in relation to the exercise of authority under this section. (2)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this section may be construed to limit any immunity, privilege, or defense under any other provision of law.

. (b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 99. Emergency command authority. .

3.

Laptop navigation requirement for Federally licensed pilots

The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall require that, beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, any pilot licensed under subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, who directs the movement of a vessel in circumstances in which the applicable State or local pilotage authority determines that utilization of a laptop computer equipped with a navigation system aboard is practicable and necessary, the pilot shall carry and utilize a laptop computer so equipped for navigation purposes.

4.

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for the upgrading of Coast Guard equipment and technology for the Vessel Traffic Service.