Save Our Seas Act of 2018 Public Law 115–265, as amended Save Our Seas Act of 2018 265 117–58 Statute Compilation United States House of Representatives Office of the Legislative Counsel text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. GPO Statute Compilations USLM converter, version 20210527.1 2021-12-13 Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise Act Hamm Alert Maritime Safety Act of 2018 Save Our Seas Act of 2018 15405 115 2018-10-11 Save Our Seas Act of 2018 [(Public Law 115–265)] [As Amended Through P.L. 117–58, Enacted November 15, 2021] [Currency: This publication is a compilation of the text of Public Law 115-265. It was last amended by the public law listed in the As Amended Through note above and below at the bottom of each page of the pdf version and reflects current law through the date of the enactment of the public law listed at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/comps/] [Note: While this publication does not represent an official version of any Federal statute, substantial efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents. The official version of Federal law is found in the United States Statutes at Large and in the United States Code. The legal effect to be given to the Statutes at Large and the United States Code is established by statute (1 U.S.C. 112, 204).]
AN ACTTo reauthorize and amend the Marine Debris Act to promote international action to reduce marine debris, 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. [46 U.S.C. 101 note] SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Save Our Seas Act of 2018”.
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">MARINE DEBRIS </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">NOAA MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 3 of the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1952) is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsection (b)—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (4), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; and</quotedText>” and inserting a semicolon;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (5)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="6">“(6) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">work to develop outreach and education strategies with other Federal agencies to address sources of marine debris;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="7">“(7) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except for discharges of marine debris from vessels, in consultation with the Department of State and other Federal agencies, promote international action, as appropriate, to reduce the incidence of marine debris, including providing technical assistance to expand waste management systems internationally; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="8">“(8) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">in the case of an event determined to be a severe marine debris event under subsection (c)—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">assist in the cleanup and response required by the severe marine debris event; or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">conduct such other activity as the Administrator determines is appropriate in response to the severe marine debris event.”</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph></quotedContent>;</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after subsection (b) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">“(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Severe Marine Debris Events.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">At the discretion of the Administrator or at the request of the Governor of an affected State, the Administrator shall determine whether there is a severe marine debris event.”</content> </subsection></quotedContent>; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsection (d)(2), as redesignated—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/4/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (A), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">subparagraph (B)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">subparagraphs (B) and (C)</quotedText>”; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s101/4/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Severe marine debris events.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under a determination made under subsection (c) shall be—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">100 percent of the cost of the activity, for an activity funded wholly by funds made available by a person, including the government of a foreign country, to the Federal Government for the purpose of responding to a severe marine debris event; or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">75 percent of the cost of the activity, for any activity other than an activity funded as described in clause (i).”</content> </clause> </subparagraph></quotedContent>.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT TO RESPOND TO MARINE DEBRIS. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">It is the sense of Congress that the President should—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">support research and development on systems and materials that reduce—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">derelict fishing gear; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the amount of solid waste that is generated from land-based sources and the amount of such waste that enters the marine environment;</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">work with representatives of foreign countries that discharge the largest amounts of solid waste from land-based sources into the marine environment, to develop mechanisms to reduce such discharges;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">carry out studies to determine—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the primary means of discharges referred to in paragraph (2);</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the manner in which waste management infrastructure can be most effective in preventing such discharges; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/3/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the long-term impacts of marine debris on the national economies of the countries with which work is undertaken under paragraph (2) and on the global economy, including the impacts of reducing the discharge of such debris;</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">work with representatives of the countries with which work is undertaken in paragraph (2) to conclude one or more new international agreements that include provisions—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/4/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">to mitigate the discharge of land-based solid waste into the marine environment; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/4/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">to provide technical assistance and investment in waste management infrastructure to reduce such discharges, if the President determines such assistance or investment is appropriate; and</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s102/5" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="5">(5) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">encourage the United States Trade Representative to consider the impact of discharges of land-based solid waste from the countries with which work is conducted under paragraph (2) in relevant future trade agreements.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s103" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SENSE OF CONGRESS SUPPORTING GREAT LAKES LAND-BASED MARINE DEBRIS ACTION PLAN. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">It is the sense of Congress that the Great Lakes Land-Based Marine Debris Action Plan (NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS-OR&R-49) is vital to the ongoing efforts to clean up the Great Lakes Region and getting rid of harmful debris, such as microplastics, abandoned vessels, and other forms of pollution that are threatening the survival of native marine animals and damaging the Great Lakes’ recreation and tourism economy.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s104" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="104">SEC. 104. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">MEMBERSHIP OF THE INTERAGENCY MARINE DEBRIS COORDINATING COMMITTEE. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 5(b) of the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1954(b)) is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s104/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (4), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; and</quotedText>” and inserting a semicolon;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s104/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7); and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s104/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="5">“(5) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Department of State;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="6">“(6) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Department of the Interior; and”</content> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tI/s105" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="105">SEC. 105. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 9 of the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1958) is amended to read as follows:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="9">“SEC. SEC. 9. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">“(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022 for carrying out sections 3, 5, and 6, of which not more than 5 percent is authorized for each fiscal year for administrative costs.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Amounts Authorized for Coast Guard.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Of the amounts authorized for each fiscal year under section 2702(1) of title 14, United States Code, up to $2,000,000 is authorized for the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for use by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to carry out section 4 of this Act, of which not more than 5 percent is authorized for each fiscal year for administrative costs.”</content> </subsection> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">TITLE II—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">MARITIME SAFETY </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s201" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="201">SEC. 201. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s101">46 U.S.C. 101 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SHORT TITLE. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">This title may be cited as the “<shortTitle style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Hamm Alert Maritime Safety Act of 2018</shortTitle>”.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s202" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="202">SEC. 202. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">FINDINGS. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Congress finds the following:</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s202/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">On September 29, 2015, the SS El Faro cargo vessel left Jacksonville, Florida bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico, carrying 391 shipping containers, 294 trailers and cars, and a crew of 33 people, including 28 Americans.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s202/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">On the morning of October 1, the El Faro sent its final communication reporting that the engines were disabled and the ship was listing, leaving the ship directly in the path of Hurricane Joaquin and resulting in the sinking of the vessel and the loss of all 33 lives.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s202/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The National Transportation Safety Board and the Coast Guard made recommendations to address safety issues, such as improving weather information and training, improving planning and response to severe weather, reviewing the Coast Guard’s program delegating vessel inspections to third-party organizations to assess the effectiveness of the program, and improving alerts and equipment on the vessels, among other recommendations.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s202/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Safety issues are not limited to the El Faro. For 2017, over 21,000 deficiencies were issued to United States commercial vessels and more than 2,500 U.S. vessels were issued “no-sail” requirements.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s202/5" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="5">(5) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The maritime industry, particularly the men and women of the United States merchant marine, play a vital and important role to the national security and economy of our country, and a strong safety regime is necessary to ensure the vitality of the industry and the protection of current and future mariners, and to honor lost mariners.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s203" styleType="OLC" role="definitions"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="203">SEC. 203. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s2101">46 U.S.C. 2101 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DEFINITIONS. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this title:</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s203/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Commandant.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Commandant</term>” means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s203/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Recognized organization.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:quote">recognized organization</term>” has the meaning given that term in section 2.45-1 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s203/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Secretary.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Secretary</term>” means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s204" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="204">SEC. 204. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s2116">46 U.S.C. 2116 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DOMESTIC VESSEL COMPLIANCE. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s204/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 60 days after the date on which the President submits to the Congress a budget each year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Commandant shall publish on a publicly accessible Website information documenting domestic vessel compliance with the requirements of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s204/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Content.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The information required under subsection (a) shall—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s204/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">include flag-State detention rates for each type of inspected vessel; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s204/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">identify any recognized organization that inspected or surveyed a vessel that was later subject to a Coast Guard-issued control action attributable to a major nonconformity that the recognized organization failed to identify in such inspection or survey.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="205">SEC. 205. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3201">46 U.S.C. 3201 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an audit regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the Coast Guard’s oversight and enforcement of safety management plans required under chapter 32 of title 46, United States Code.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Scope.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The audit conducted under subsection (a) shall include an evaluation of—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the effectiveness and implementation of safety management plans, including such plans for—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">a range of vessel types and sizes; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">vessels that operate in a cross-section of regional operating areas; and</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the effectiveness and implementation of safety management plans in addressing the impact of heavy weather.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report detailing the results of the audit and providing recommendations related to such results, including ways to streamline and focus such plans on ship safety.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/d" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">(d) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Marine Safety Alert.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 60 days after the date the report is submitted under subsection (c), the Commandant shall publish a Marine Safety Alert providing notification of the completion of the report and including a link to the report on a publicly accessible website.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/e" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="e">(e) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Additional Actions.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/e/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Upon completion of the report under subsection (c), the Commandant shall consider additional guidance or a rulemaking to address any deficiencies identified, and any additional actions recommended, in the report.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s205/e/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date the report is submitted under subsection (c), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the actions the Commandant has taken to address any deficiencies identified, and any additional actions recommended, in the report submitted under subsection (c).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s206" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="206">SEC. 206. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s206/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Regulations.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s206/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 3306 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="l">“(l)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall require that a freight vessel inspected under this chapter be outfitted with distress signaling and location technology for the higher of—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the minimum complement of officers and crew specified on the certificate of inspection for such vessel; or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the number of persons onboard the vessel; and</content> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the requirement described in paragraph (1) shall not apply to vessels operating within the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="m">“(m)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall promulgate regulations requiring companies to maintain records of all incremental weight changes made to freight vessels inspected under this chapter, and to track weight changes over time to facilitate rapid determination of the aggregate total.</content></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Records maintained under paragraph (1) shall be stored, in paper or electronic form, onboard such vessels for not less than 3 years and shoreside for the life of the vessel.”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s206/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3306">46 U.S.C. 3306 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Deadlines.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s206/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">begin implementing the requirement under section 3306(l) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this subsection, by not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s206/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">promulgate the regulations required under section 3306(m) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this subsection, by not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s206/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3306">46 U.S.C. 3306 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Engagement.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into negotiations through the International Maritime Organization to amend regulation 25 of chapter II-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea to require a high-water alarm sensor in each cargo hold of a freight vessel (as that term is defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code), that connects with audible and visual alarms on the navigation bridge of the vessel.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s207" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="207">SEC. 207. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">VOYAGE DATA RECORDER; ACCESS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s207/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Chapter 63 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="§ 6309">“SEC. § 6309. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s6309">46 U.S.C. 6309</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Voyage data recorder acces </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Coast Guard shall have full, concurrent, and timely access to and ability to use voyage data recorder data and audio held by any Federal agency in all marine casualty investigations, regardless of which agency is the investigative lead.”</content> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s207/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s6301">46 U.S.C. 6301</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Clerical Amendment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <toc style="-uslm-dtd:toc"> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><label>““6309. Voyage data recorder access.”.”</label></referenceItem> </toc></quotedContent> </content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s208" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="208">SEC. 208. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">VOYAGE DATA RECORDER; REQUIREMENTS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s208/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Float-Free and Beacon Requirements.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s208/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3306">46 U.S.C. 3306 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into negotiations through the International Maritime Organization to amend regulation 20 of chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea to require that all voyage data recorders are installed in a float-free arrangement and contain an integrated emergency position indicating radio beacon.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s208/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Progress update.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives an update on the progress of the engagement required under paragraph (1).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s208/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Cost-Benefit Analysis.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a cost-benefit analysis of requiring that voyage data recorders installed on commercial vessels documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, capture communications on the internal telephone systems of such vessels, including requiring the capture of both sides of all communications with the bridge onboard such vessels.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s209" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="209">SEC. 209. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t14/s88">14 U.S.C. 88 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SURVIVAL AND LOCATING EQUIPMENT. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, identify and procure equipment that will provide search-and-rescue units the ability to attach a radio or Automated Identification System strobe or beacon to an object that is not immediately retrievable.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="210">SEC. 210. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t14/s93">14 U.S.C. 93 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">TRAINING OF COAST GUARD PERSONNEL. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Prospective Sector Commander Training.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall implement an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspections segment to the sector commander indoctrination course for prospective sector commanders without a Coast Guard prevention ashore officer specialty code.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Steamship Inspections.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall implement steam plant inspection training for Coast Guard marine inspectors and, subject to availability, recognized organizations to which authority is delegated under section 3316 of title 46, United States Code.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Advanced Journeyman Inspector Training.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/c/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish advanced training to provide instruction on the oversight of recognized organizations to which authority is delegated under section 3316 of title 46, United States Code, auditing responsibilities, and the inspection of unique vessel types.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/c/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Recipients.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Commandant shall—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/c/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">require that such training be completed by senior Coast Guard marine inspectors; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/c/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">subject to availability of training capacity, make such training available to recognized organization surveyors authorized by the Coast Guard to conduct inspections.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">(d) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Coast Guard Inspections Staff; Briefing.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing detailing—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the estimated time and funding necessary to triple the current size of the Coast Guard’s traveling inspector staff; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">other options available to the Coast Guard to enhance and maintain marine safety knowledge, including discussion of increased reliance on—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">civilian marine inspectors;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">experienced licensed mariners;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d/2/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">retired members of the Coast Guard;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d/2/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">arranging for Coast Guard inspectors to ride onboard commercial oceangoing vessels documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, to gain experience and insight; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/d/2/E" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">extending tour-lengths for Coast Guard marine safety officers assigned to inspection billets.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/e" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="e">(e) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Audits; Coast Guard Attendance and Performance.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/e/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">update Coast Guard policy to utilize risk analysis to target the attendance of Coast Guard personnel during external safety management certificate and document of compliance audits; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s210/e/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">perform a quality assurance audit of recognized organization representation and performance regarding United States-flagged vessels.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s211" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="211">SEC. 211. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">MAJOR MARINE CASUALTY PROPERTY DAMAGE THRESHOLD. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 6101(i)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">$500,000</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">$2,000,000</quotedText>”.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="212">SEC. 212. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REVIEWS, BRIEFINGS, REPORTS, AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Major Conversion Determinations.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Review of policies and procedures.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Commandant shall conduct a review of policies and procedures for making and documenting major conversion determinations, including an examination of the deference given to precedent.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Briefing.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the findings of the review required by paragraph (1).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Ventilators, Openings and Stability Standards.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Review.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall complete a review of the effectiveness of United States regulations, international conventions, recognized organizations’ class rules, and Coast Guard technical policy regarding—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">ventilators and other hull openings;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">fire dampers and other closures protecting openings normally open during operations;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/b/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">intact and damage stability standards under subchapter S of chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/b/1/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">lifesaving equipment for mariners, including survival suits and life jackets.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Briefing.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the effectiveness of the regulations, international conventions, recognized organizations’ class rules, and Coast Guard technical policy reviewed under paragraph (1).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Self-Locating Datum Marker Buoys.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the reliability of self-locating datum marker buoys and other similar technology used during Coast Guard search-and-rescue operations. The briefing shall include a description of reasonable steps the Commandant could take to increase the reliability of such buoys, including the potential to leverage technology used by the Navy, and how protocols could be developed to conduct testing of such buoys before using them for operations.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">(d) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t45/s822">45 U.S.C. 822 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Correction.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Transportation, for purposes of section 22402 of title 49, United States Code (as in effect on the day before the amendments made by section 11607 of Public Law 114-94 (129 Stat. 1698) took effect)—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall define the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">cohorts of loans</quotedText>”;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">before the deadline described in paragraph (2), shall return to the original source, on a pro rata basis, the credit risk premiums paid for the loans in the cohort of loans, with interest accrued thereon, that were not used to mitigate losses; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall not treat the repayment of a loan after the date of enactment of Public Law 114-94 as precluding, limiting, or negatively affecting the satisfaction of the obligation of its cohort prior to the enactment of Public Law 114-94.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Deadline described.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The deadline described in this paragraph is—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">if all obligations attached to a cohort of loans have been satisfied, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/d/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">if all obligations attached to a cohort of loans have not been satisfied, not later than 60 days after the date on which all obligations attached to the cohort of loans are satisfied.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/e" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="e">(e) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Oversight Program; Effectiveness.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/e/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall commission an assessment of the effectiveness of the Coast Guard’s oversight of recognized organizations and its impact on compliance by and safety of vessels inspected by such organizations.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/e/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Experience.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The assessment commissioned under paragraph (1) shall be conducted by a research organization with significant experience in maritime operations and marine safety.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s212/e/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Submission to congress.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 180 days after the date that the assessment required under paragraph (1) is completed, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives the results of such assessment.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s213" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="213">SEC. 213. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3203">46 U.S.C. 3203 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">FLAG-STATE GUIDANCE AND SUPPLEMENTS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s213/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Freight Vessels; Damage Control Information.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue flag-State guidance for all freight vessels documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, built before January 1, 1992, regarding the inclusion of comprehensive damage control information in safety management plans required under chapter 32 of title 46, United States Code.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s213/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Recognized Organizations; United States Supplement.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Commandant shall—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s213/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">work with recognized organizations to create a single United States Supplement to rules of such organizations for classification of vessels; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s213/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on whether it is necessary to revise part 8 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, to authorize only one United States Supplement to such rules.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="214">SEC. 214. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">MARINE SAFETY STRATEGY. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2116 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsection (a), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">each year of an annual</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">of a triennial</quotedText>”;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsection (b)—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in the subsection heading, by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Annual</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Triennial</quotedText>”; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">annual</quotedText>” each place it appears and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">triennial</quotedText>”;</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsection (c)—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">fiscal year 2020 and triennially</quotedText>”; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">annual plan</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">triennial plan</quotedText>”; and</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s214/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsection (d)(2), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">annually</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">triennially</quotedText>”.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s215" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="215">SEC. 215. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS; OVERSIGHT. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s215/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 3316 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h), and by inserting after subsection (f) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="g">“(g)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">There shall be within the Coast Guard an office that conducts comprehensive and targeted oversight of all recognized organizations that act on behalf of the Coast Guard.</content></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The staff of the office shall include subject matter experts, including inspectors, investigators, and auditors, who possess the capability and authority to audit all aspects of such recognized organizations.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this subsection the term ‘<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">recognized organization</quotedText>’ has the meaning given that term in section 2.45-1 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Hamm Alert Maritime Safety Act of 2018.”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s215/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3316">46 U.S.C. 3316 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Deadline for Establishment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish the office required by the amendment made by subsection (a) by not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s216" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="216">SEC. 216. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3201">46 U.S.C. 3201 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">TIMELY WEATHER FORECASTS AND HAZARD ADVISORIES FOR MERCHANT MARINERS. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into negotiations through the International Maritime Organization to amend the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea to require that vessels subject to the requirements of such Convention receive—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s216/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">timely synoptic and graphical chart weather forecasts; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s216/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">where available, timely hazard advisories for merchant mariners, including broadcasts of tropical cyclone forecasts and advisories, intermediate public advisories, and tropical cyclone updates to mariners via appropriate technologies.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s217" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="217">SEC. 217. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3315">46 U.S.C. 3315 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">ANONYMOUS SAFETY ALERT SYSTEM. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s217/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Pilot Program.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish an anonymous safety alert pilot program.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s217/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Requirements.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall provide an anonymous reporting mechanism to allow crew members to communicate urgent and dire safety concerns directly and in a timely manner with the Coast Guard.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s218" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="218">SEC. 218. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">MARINE SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION STATUS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s218/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than December 19 of 2018, and of each of the 2 subsequent years thereafter, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of implementation of each action outlined in the Commandant’s final action memo dated December 19, 2017, regarding the sinking and loss of the vessel El Faro.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s218/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the status of the Coast Guard’s implementation of each action outlined in the Commandant’s final action memo dated December 19, 2017, regarding the sinking and loss of the vessel El Faro.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s219" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="219">SEC. 219. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t46/s3316">46 U.S.C. 3316 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DELEGATED AUTHORITIES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s219/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall review the authorities that have been delegated to recognized organizations for the alternative compliance program as described in subpart D of part 8 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, and, if necessary, revise or establish policies and procedures to ensure those delegated authorities are being conducted in a manner to ensure safe maritime transportation.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tII/s219/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Briefing.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of subsection (a).</content> </subsection> </section> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="III">TITLE III—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">CENTER OF EXPERTISE </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s301" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="301">SEC. 301. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t14/s1">14 U.S.C. 1 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SHORT TITLE. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">This title may be cited as the “<shortTitle style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise Act</shortTitle>”.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="302">SEC. 302. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t14/s58">14 U.S.C. 58 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">COAST GUARD BLUE TECHNOLOGY CENTER OF EXPERTISE. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Establishment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commandant may establish under section 58 of title 14, United States Code, a Blue Technology center of expertise.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Missions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In addition to the missions listed in section 58(b) of title 14, United States Code, the Center may—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">promote awareness within the Coast Guard of the range and diversity of Blue Technologies and their potential to enhance Coast Guard mission readiness, operational performance, and regulation of such technologies;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">function as an interactive conduit to enable the sharing and dissemination of Blue Technology information between the Coast Guard and representatives from the private sector, academia, nonprofit organizations, and other Federal agencies;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/b/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">increase awareness among Blue Technology manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and vendors of Coast Guard acquisition policies, procedures, and business practices;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/b/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">provide technical support, coordination, and assistance to Coast Guard districts and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center, as appropriate; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/b/5" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="5">(5) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">subject to the requirements of the Coast Guard Academy, coordinate with the Academy to develop appropriate curricula regarding Blue Technology to be offered in professional courses of study to give Coast Guard cadets and officer candidates a greater background and understanding of Blue Technologies.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Blue Technology Exposition; Briefing.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on the costs and benefits of hosting a biennial Coast Guard Blue Technology exposition to further interactions between representatives from the private sector, academia, and nonprofit organizations, and the Coast Guard and examine emerging technologies and Coast Guard mission demands.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">(d) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definitions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section:</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Center.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Center</quotedText>” means the Blue Technology center of expertise established under this section.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Commandant.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Commandant</quotedText>” means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Blue technology.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Blue Technology</quotedText>” means any technology, system, or platform that—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">is designed for use or application above, on, or below the sea surface or that is otherwise applicable to Coast Guard operational needs, including such a technology, system, or platform that provides continuous or persistent coverage; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">supports or facilitates—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">maritime domain awareness, including—</chapeau> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/i/I" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">surveillance and monitoring;</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/i/II" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">observation, measurement, and modeling: or</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/i/III" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="III">(III) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">information technology and communications;</content> </subclause> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">search and rescue;</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/iii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iii">(iii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">emergency response;</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/iv" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iv">(iv) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">maritime law enforcement;</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/v" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="v">(v) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">marine inspections and investigations; or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/115/265/tIII/s302/d/3/B/vi" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="vi">(vi) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">protection and conservation of the marine environment.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section>