[House Report 113-384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


113th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     113-384

======================================================================



 
    HOWARD COBLE COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2014

                                _______
                                

 March 25, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Shuster, from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 4005]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom 
was referred the bill (H.R. 4005) to authorize appropriations 
for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2015 and 2016, and for 
other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably 
thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as 
amended do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Purpose of Legislation...........................................    23
Background and Need for Legislation..............................    23
Hearings.........................................................    26
Legislative History and Consideration............................    27
Committee Votes..................................................    27
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................    29
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures........................    29
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................    29
Performance Goals and Objectives.................................    32
Advisory of Earmarks.............................................    32
Duplication of Federal Programs..................................    32
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings..............................    32
Federal Mandate Statement........................................    32
Preemption Clarification.........................................    32
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................    33
Applicability of Legislative Branch..............................    33
Section-by-Section Analysis of Legislation.......................    33
Changes in Existing Law made by the Bill, as Reported............    43
Committee Correspondence.........................................    82

    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Howard Coble Coast 
Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014''.
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

Sec. 201. Commissioned officers.
Sec. 202. Prevention and response workforces.
Sec. 203. Centers of expertise.
Sec. 204. Agreements.
Sec. 205. Coast Guard housing.
Sec. 206. Determinations.
Sec. 207. Annual Board of Visitors.
Sec. 208. Repeal of limitation on medals of honor.
Sec. 209. Mission need statement.
Sec. 210. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request.
Sec. 211. Inventory of real property.
Sec. 212. Active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces.
Sec. 213. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority.
Sec. 214. Icebreakers.
Sec. 215. Multiyear procurement authority for Offshore Patrol Cutters.
Sec. 216. Maintaining Medium Endurance Cutter mission capability.
Sec. 217. Coast Guard administrative savings.
Sec. 218. Technical corrections to title 14.
Sec. 219. Flag officers.
Sec. 220. Aviation capability in the Great Lakes region.
Sec. 221. e-LORAN.

                   TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

Sec. 301. Treatment of fishing permits.
Sec. 302. International ice patrol reform.
Sec. 303. Repeal.
Sec. 304. Donation of historical property.
Sec. 305. Small shipyards.
Sec. 306. Drug testing reporting.
Sec. 307. Recourse for noncitizens.
Sec. 308. Penalty wages.
Sec. 309. Crediting time in the sea services.
Sec. 310. Treatment of abandoned seafarers.
Sec. 311. Clarification of high-risk waters.
Sec. 312. Uninspected passenger vessels in the Virgin Islands.
Sec. 313. Offshore supply vessel third-party inspection.
Sec. 314. Survival craft.
Sec. 315. Technical correction to title 46.
Sec. 316. Enforcement.
Sec. 317. Severe marine debris events.
Sec. 318. Minimum tonnage.
Sec. 319. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee.
Sec. 320. Report on effect of LNG export carriage requirements on job 
creation in the United States maritime industry.

                 TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 402. Terms of Commissioners.

              TITLE V--COMMERCIAL VESSEL DISCHARGE REFORM

Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. Discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain 
vessels.

                        TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 601. Distant water tuna fleet.
Sec. 602. Vessel determination.
Sec. 603. Lease authority.
Sec. 604. National maritime strategy.
Sec. 605. IMO Polar Code negotiations.
Sec. 606. Valley View Ferry.
Sec. 607. Competition by United States flag vessels.
Sec. 608. Survey.
Sec. 609. Fishing safety grant programs.

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2015 
and 2016 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard as follows:
          (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard--
                  (A) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
                  (B) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2016.
          (2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and 
        improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore 
        facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related 
        thereto--
                  (A) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
                  (B) $1,546,448,000 for fiscal year 2016;
        to remain available until expended.
          (3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including personnel 
        and training costs, equipment, and services--
                  (A) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
                  (B) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2016.
          (4) For environmental compliance and restoration of Coast 
        Guard vessels, aircraft, and facilities (other than parts and 
        equipment associated with operation and maintenance)--
                  (A) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
                  (B) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2016;
        to remain available until expended.
          (5) To the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, 
        development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, 
        and human factors directly related to improving the performance 
        of the Coast Guard's mission with respect to search and rescue, 
        aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental 
        protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, 
        oceanographic research, and defense readiness--
                  (A) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
                  (B) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016.

SEC. 102. 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 2015 and 2016.
  (b) Military Training Student Loads.--The Coast Guard is authorized 
average military training student loads for each of fiscal years 2015 
and 2016 as follows:
          (1) For recruit and special training, 2,500 student years.
          (2) For flight training, 165 student years.
          (3) For professional training in military and civilian 
        institutions, 350 student years.
          (4) For officer acquisition, 1,200 student years.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

SEC. 201. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

  Section 42(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``7,200'' and inserting ``6,700''.

SEC. 202. PREVENTION AND RESPONSE WORKFORCES.

  Section 57 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) in paragraph (2) by striking ``or'' at the end;
                  (B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting a semicolon; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(4) waterways operations manager shall have knowledge, 
        skill, and practical experience with respect to marine 
        transportation system management; or
          ``(5) port and facility safety and security specialist shall 
        have knowledge, skill, and practical experience with respect to 
        the safety, security, and environmental protection 
        responsibilities associated with maritime ports and 
        facilities.'';
          (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``or marine safety 
        engineer'' and inserting ``marine safety engineer, waterways 
        operations manager, or port and facility safety and security 
        specialist''; and
          (3) in subsection (f)(2) by striking ``investigator or marine 
        safety engineer.'' and inserting ``investigator, marine safety 
        engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility 
        safety and security specialist.''.

SEC. 203. CENTERS OF EXPERTISE.

  Section 58(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
  ``(b) Missions.--Any center established under subsection (a) may--
          ``(1) promote, facilitate, and conduct--
                  ``(A) education;
                  ``(B) training; and
                  ``(C) activities authorized under section 93(a)(4); 
                and
          ``(2) be a repository of information on operations, 
        practices, and resources related to the mission for which the 
        center was established.''.

SEC. 204. AGREEMENTS.

  (a) In General.--Section 93(a)(4) of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended--
          (1) by striking ``, investigate'' and inserting ``and 
        investigate''; and
          (2) by striking ``, and cooperate and coordinate such 
        activities with other Government agencies and with private 
        agencies''.
  (b) Authority.--Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 102. Agreements

  ``(a) In General.--In carrying out section 93(a)(4), the Commandant 
may--
          ``(1) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and other 
        agreements with Federal entities and other public or private 
        entities, including academic entities; and
          ``(2) impose on and collect from an entity subject to an 
        agreement or contract under paragraph (1) a fee to assist with 
        expenses incurred in carrying out such section.
  ``(b) Deposit and Use of Fees.--Fees collected under this section 
shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting 
receipts. The fees may be used, to the extent provided in advance in an 
appropriation law, only to carry out activities under section 
93(a)(4).''.
  (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``102. Agreements.''.

SEC. 205. COAST GUARD HOUSING.

  (a) Commandant; General Powers.--Section 93(a)(13) of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``the Treasury'' and 
inserting ``the fund established under section 687''.
  (b) Lighthouse Property.--Section 672a(b) of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``the Treasury'' and inserting ``the fund 
established under section 687''.
  (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 687(b) of title 14, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
          ``(4) Monies received under section 93(a)(13).
          ``(5) Amounts received under section 672a(b).''.

SEC. 206. DETERMINATIONS.

  (a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, as 
amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``Sec. 103. Determinations

  ``The Secretary may only make a determination that a waterway, or any 
portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the jurisdiction of the 
Coast Guard through a rulemaking that is conducted in a manner 
consistent with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, 
United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following:

``103. Determinations.''.

SEC. 207. ANNUAL BOARD OF VISITORS.

  Section 194 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:

``Sec. 194. Annual Board of Visitors

  ``(a) In General.--A Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy is 
established to review and make recommendations on the operation of the 
Academy.
  ``(b) Membership.--
          ``(1) In general.--The membership of the Board shall consist 
        of the following:
                  ``(A) The chairman of the Committee on Commerce, 
                Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or the 
                chairman's designee.
                  ``(B) The chairman of the Committee on Transportation 
                and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, or 
                the chairman's designee.
                  ``(C) 3 Members of the Senate designated by the Vice 
                President.
                  ``(D) 4 Members of the House of Representatives 
                designated by the Speaker of the House of 
                Representatives.
                  ``(E) 6 individuals designated by the President.
          ``(2) Length of service.--
                  ``(A) Members of congress.--A Member of Congress 
                designated under subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph 
                (1) as a member of the Board shall be designated as a 
                member in the First Session of a Congress and serve for 
                the duration of that Congress.
                  ``(B) Individuals designated by the president.--Each 
                individual designated by the President under 
                subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) shall serve as a 
                member of the Board for 3 years, except that any such 
                member whose term of office has expired shall continue 
                to serve until a successor is appointed.
          ``(3) Death or resignation of a member.--If a member of the 
        Board dies or resigns, a successor shall be designated for any 
        unexpired portion of the term of the member by the official who 
        designated the member.
  ``(c) Academy Visits.--
          ``(1) Annual visit.--The Board shall visit the Academy 
        annually to review the operation of the Academy.
          ``(2) Additional visits.--With the approval of the Secretary, 
        the Board or individual members of the Board may make other 
        visits to the Academy in connection with the duties of the 
        Board or to consult with the Superintendent of the Academy.
  ``(d) Scope of Review.--The Board shall review, with respect to the 
Academy--
          ``(1) the state of morale and discipline;
          ``(2) the curriculum;
          ``(3) instruction;
          ``(4) physical equipment;
          ``(5) fiscal affairs; and
          ``(6) other matters relating to the Academy that the Board 
        determines appropriate.
  ``(e) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of an annual 
visit of the Board under subsection (c)(1), the Board shall submit to 
the Secretary, 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 of the Board 
during such visit and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to 
the Academy.
  ``(f) Advisors.--If approved by the Secretary, the Board may consult 
with advisors in carrying out this section.
  ``(g) Reimbursement.--Each member of the Board and each adviser 
consulted by the Board under subsection (f) shall be reimbursed, to the 
extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard for actual expenses 
incurred while engaged in duties as a member or adviser.''.

SEC. 208. REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON MEDALS OF HONOR.

  Section 494 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``medal of honor,'' each place that it appears.

SEC. 209. MISSION NEED STATEMENT.

  (a) In General.--Section 569 of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:

``Sec. 569. Mission need statement

  ``(a) In General.--On the date on which the President submits to 
Congress a budget for fiscal year 2016 under section 1105 of title 31, 
on the date on which the President submits to 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 an integrated major 
acquisition mission need statement.
  ``(b) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
          ``(1) Integrated major acquisition mission need statement.--
        The term `integrated major acquisition mission need statement' 
        means a document that--
                  ``(A) identifies current and projected gaps in Coast 
                Guard mission capabilities using mission hour targets;
                  ``(B) explains how each major acquisition program 
                addresses gaps identified under subparagraph (A) if 
                funded at the levels provided for such program in the 
                most recently submitted capital investment plan; and
                  ``(C) describes the missions the Coast Guard will not 
                be able to achieve, by fiscal year, for each gap 
                identified under subparagraph (A).
          ``(2) Major acquisition program.--The term `major acquisition 
        program' has the meaning given that term in section 569a(e).
          ``(3) Capital investment plan.--The term `capital investment 
        plan' means the plan required under section 663(a)(1).''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 15 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
569 and inserting the following:

``569. Mission need statement.''.

SEC. 210. TRANSMISSION OF ANNUAL COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION REQUEST.

  (a) In General.--Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this 
Act, is further amended by inserting after section 662 the following:

``Sec. 662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request

  ``(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
President submits to Congress a budget for a fiscal year pursuant to 
section 1105 of title 31, 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 Coast Guard authorization request with respect to such fiscal 
year.
  ``(b) Coast Guard Authorization Request Defined.--In this section, 
the term `Coast Guard authorization request' means a proposal for 
legislation that, with respect to the Coast Guard for the relevant 
fiscal year--
          ``(1) recommends end strengths for personnel for that fiscal 
        year, as described in section 661;
          ``(2) recommends authorizations of appropriations for that 
        fiscal year, including with respect to matters described in 
        section 662; and
          ``(3) addresses any other matter that the Secretary 
        determines is appropriate for inclusion in a Coast Guard 
        authorization bill.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 17 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 662 the following:

``662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request.''.

SEC. 211. INVENTORY OF REAL PROPERTY.

  (a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 14, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 679. Inventory of real property

  ``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2014, the Commandant 
shall establish an inventory of all real property, including submerged 
lands, under the control of the Coast Guard, which shall include--
          ``(1) the size, the location, and any other appropriate 
        description of each unit of such property;
          ``(2) an assessment of the physical condition of each unit of 
        such property, excluding lands;
          ``(3) an estimate of the fair market value of each unit of 
        such property;
          ``(4) a determination of whether each unit of such property 
        should be--
                  ``(A) retained to fulfill a current or projected 
                Coast Guard mission requirement; or
                  ``(B) subject to divestiture; and
          ``(5) other information the Commandant considers appropriate.
  ``(b) Inventory Maintenance.--The Commandant shall--
          ``(1) maintain the inventory required under subsection (a) on 
        an ongoing basis; and
          ``(2) update information on each unit of real property 
        included in such inventory not later than 30 days after any 
        change relating to such property.
  ``(c) Recommendations to Congress.--Not later than March 30, 2015, 
and every 5 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 report that includes--
          ``(1) a list of all real property under the control of the 
        Coast Guard and the location of such property by property type;
          ``(2) recommendations for divestiture with respect to any 
        units of such property, including an estimate of--
                  ``(A) the fair market value of any property 
                recommended for divestiture; and
                  ``(B) the costs or savings associated with 
                divestiture; and
          ``(3) recommendations for consolidating any units of such 
        property, including--
                  ``(A) an estimate of the costs or savings associated 
                with each recommended consolidation; and
                  ``(B) a discussion of the impact that such 
                consolidation would have on Coast Guard mission 
                effectiveness.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 17 of title 14, 
United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following:

``679. Inventory of real property.''.

SEC. 212. ACTIVE DUTY FOR EMERGENCY AUGMENTATION OF REGULAR FORCES.

  Section 712(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``not more than 60 days in any 4-month period and''.

SEC. 213. ACQUISITION WORKFORCE EXPEDITED HIRING AUTHORITY.

  Section 404(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Public 
Law 111-281; 124 Stat. 2951) is amended by striking ``2015'' and 
inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 214. ICEBREAKERS.

  (a) Coast Guard Polar Icebreakers.--Section 222 of the Coast Guard 
and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-213; 126 Stat. 
1560) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (d)(2)--
                  (A) in the paragraph heading by striking ``; bridging 
                strategy''; and
                  (B) by striking ``Commandant of the Coast Guard'' and 
                all that follows through the period at the end and 
                inserting ``Commandant of the Coast Guard may 
                decommission the Polar Sea.'';
          (2) by adding at the end of subsection (d) the following:
          ``(3) Result of no determination.--If in the analysis 
        submitted under this section the Secretary does not make a 
        determination under subsection (a)(5) regarding whether it is 
        cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then--
                  ``(A) the Commandant of the Coast Guard may 
                decommission the Polar Sea; or
                  ``(B) the Secretary may make such determination, not 
                later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
                paragraph, and take actions in accordance with this 
                subsection as though such determination was made in the 
                analysis previously submitted.'';
          (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as 
        subsections (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and
          (4) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
  ``(e) Strategies.--
          ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
        which the analysis required under subsection (a) is submitted, 
        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) a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's Arctic ice 
                operations needs through September 30, 2050; and
                  ``(B) unless the Secretary makes a determination 
                under this section that it is cost-effective to 
                reactivate the Polar Sea, a bridging strategy for 
                maintaining the Coast Guard's polar icebreaking 
                services until at least September 30, 2024.
          ``(2) Requirement.--The strategies required under paragraph 
        (1) shall include a business case analysis comparing the 
        leasing and purchasing of icebreakers to maintain the needs and 
        services described in that paragraph.''.
  (b) Limitation.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which the 
        Coast Guard is operating may not expend amounts appropriated 
        for the Coast Guard for any of fiscal years 2015 through 2024, 
        for--
                  (A) design activities related to a capability of a 
                Polar-Class Icebreaker that is based on an operational 
                requirement of another Federal department or agency, 
                except for amounts appropriated for design activities 
                for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2016; or
                  (B) long-lead-time materials, production, or post-
                delivery activities related to such a capability.
          (2) Other amounts.--Amounts made available to the Secretary 
        under an agreement with another Federal department or agency 
        and expended on a capability of a Polar-Class Icebreaker that 
        is based on an operational requirement of that or another 
        Federal department or agency shall not be treated as amounts 
        expended by the Secretary for purposes of the limitation 
        established under paragraph (1).

SEC. 215. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR OFFSHORE PATROL CUTTERS.

  In fiscal year 2015 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of 
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may enter into, in 
accordance with section 2306b of title 10, United States Code, 
multiyear contracts for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters and 
associated equipment.

SEC. 216. MAINTAINING MEDIUM ENDURANCE CUTTER MISSION CAPABILITY.

  Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 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 includes--
          (1) a schedule and plan for decommissioning, not later than 
        September 30, 2029, each of the 210-foot, Reliance-Class 
        Cutters operated by the Coast Guard on the date of enactment of 
        this Act;
          (2) a schedule and plan for enhancing the maintenance or 
        extending the service life of each of the 270-foot, Famous-
        Class Cutters operated by the Coast Guard on the date of 
        enactment of this Act--
                  (A) to maintain the capability of the Coast Guard to 
                carry out sea-going missions with respect to such 
                Cutters at the level of capability existing on 
                September 30, 2013; and
                  (B) for the period beginning on the date of enactment 
                of this Act and ending on the date on which the final 
                Offshore Patrol Cutter is scheduled and planned to be 
                commissioned under paragraph (4);
          (3) an identification of the number of Offshore Patrol 
        Cutters capable of sea state 5 operations that, if 8 National 
        Security Cutters are commissioned, are necessary to return the 
        sea state 5 operating capability of the Coast Guard to the 
        level of capability that existed prior to the decommissioning 
        of the first High Endurance Cutter in fiscal year 2011;
          (4) a schedule and plan for commissioning the number of 
        Offshore Patrol Cutters identified under paragraph (3); and
          (5) a schedule and plan for commissioning, not later than 
        September 30, 2034, a number of Offshore Patrol Cutters not 
        capable of sea state 5 operations that is equal to--
                  (A) 25; less
                  (B) the number of Offshore Patrol Cutters identified 
                under paragraph (3).

SEC. 217. COAST GUARD ADMINISTRATIVE SAVINGS.

  (a) Elimination of Outdated and Duplicative Reports.--
          (1) Marine industry training.--Section 59 of title 14, United 
        States Code, is amended--
                  (A) by striking ``(a) In General.--The Commandant'' 
                and inserting ``The Commandant''; and
                  (B) by striking subsection (b).
          (2) Operations and expenditures.--Section 651 of title 14, 
        United States Code, and the item relating to such section in 
        the analysis for chapter 17 of such title, are repealed.
          (3) Drug interdiction.--Section 103 of the Coast Guard 
        Authorization Act of 1996 (14 U.S.C. 89 note), and the item 
        relating to that section in the table of contents in section 2 
        of that Act, are repealed.
          (4) National defense.--Section 426 of the Maritime 
        Transportation Security Act of 2002 (14 U.S.C. 2 note), and the 
        item relating to that section in the table of contents in 
        section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
          (5) Living marine resources.--Section 4(b) of the Cruise 
        Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (16 U.S.C. 1828 note) is 
        amended by adding at the end the following: ``No report shall 
        be required under this subsection, including that no report 
        shall be required under section 224 of the Coast Guard and 
        Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 or section 804 of the Coast 
        Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, for fiscal years 
        beginning after fiscal year 2013.''.
  (b) Consolidation and Reform of Reporting Requirements.--
          (1) Marine safety.--
                  (A) In general.--Section 2116(d)(2)(B) of title 46, 
                United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
                  ``(B) on the program's mission performance in 
                achieving numerical measurable goals established under 
                subsection (b), including--
                          ``(i) the number of civilian and military 
                        Coast Guard personnel assigned to marine safety 
                        positions; and
                          ``(ii) an identification of marine safety 
                        positions that are understaffed to meet the 
                        workload required to accomplish each activity 
                        included in the strategy and plans under 
                        subsection (a); and''.
                  (B) Conforming amendment.--Section 57 of title 14, 
                United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further 
                amended--
                          (i) by striking subsection (e); and
                          (ii) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), 
                        and (h) as subsections (e), (f), and (g) 
                        respectively.
          (2) Minor construction.--Section 656(d)(2) of title 14, 
        United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
          ``(2) Report.--Not later than the date on which the President 
        submits to Congress a budget under section 1105 of title 31 
        each year, 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 describing each project 
        carried out under paragraph (1), in the most recently concluded 
        fiscal year, for which the amount expended under such paragraph 
        for such project was more than $1,000,000. If no such project 
        was carried out during a fiscal year, no report under this 
        paragraph shall be required with respect to that fiscal 
        year.''.
          (3) Rescue 21.--Section 346 of the Maritime Transportation 
        Security Act of 2002 (14 U.S.C. 88 note) is amended to read as 
        follows:

``SEC. 346. MODERNIZATION OF NATIONAL DISTRESS AND RESPONSE SYSTEM.

  ``(a) Report.--Not later than March 30, 2014, the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating 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 the implementation of the 
Rescue 21 project in Alaska and in Coast Guard sectors Upper 
Mississippi River, Lower Mississippi River, and Ohio River Valley.
  ``(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall--
          ``(1) describe what improvements are being made to the 
        distress response system in the areas specified in subsection 
        (a), including information on which areas will receive digital 
        selective calling and direction finding capability;
          ``(2) describe the impediments to installing digital 
        selective calling and direction finding capability in areas 
        where such technology will not be installed;
          ``(3) identify locations in the areas specified in subsection 
        (a) where communication gaps will continue to present a risk to 
        mariners after completion of the Rescue 21 project;
          ``(4) include a list of all reported marine accidents, 
        casualties, and fatalities occurring in the locations 
        identified under paragraph (3) since 1990; and
          ``(5) provide an estimate of the costs associated with 
        installing the technology necessary to close communication gaps 
        in the locations identified under paragraph (3).''.

SEC. 218. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO TITLE 14.

  Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further 
amended--
          (1) in section 93(b)(1) by striking ``Notwithstanding 
        subsection (a)(14)'' and inserting ``Notwithstanding subsection 
        (a)(13)'';
          (2) in section 197(b) by striking ``of Homeland Security''; 
        and
          (3) in section 573(c)(3)(A) by inserting ``and shall maintain 
        such cutter in such class'' before the period at the end.

SEC. 219. FLAG OFFICERS.

  (a) In General.--Title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting after section 295 the following:

``Sec. 296. Flag officers

  ``During any period in which the Coast Guard is not operating as a 
service in the Navy, section 1216(d) of title 10 does not apply with 
respect to flag officers of the Coast Guard.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 295 the following:

``296. Flag officers.''.

SEC. 220. AVIATION CAPABILITY IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION.

  The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
may--
          (1) request and accept through a direct military-to-military 
        transfer under section 2571 of title 10, United States Code, 
        such H-60 helicopters as may be necessary to establish a year-
        round operational capability in the Coast Guard's Ninth 
        District; and
          (2) use funds provided under section 101 of this Act to 
        convert such helicopters to Coast Guard MH-60T configuration.

SEC. 221. E-LORAN.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating may not carry out activities related to the 
dismantling or disposal of infrastructure that supported the former 
LORAN system until the later of--
          (1) the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of 
        this Act; or
          (2) the date on which the Secretary provides to the Committee 
        on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate notice of a determination by the 
        Secretary that such infrastructure is not required to provide a 
        positioning, navigation, and timing system to provide redundant 
        capability in the event GPS signals are disrupted.
  (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) does not apply to activities necessary 
for the safety of human life.
  (c) Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements, 
contracts, and other agreements with Federal entities and other public 
or private entities, including academic entities, to develop a 
positioning, timing, and navigation system, including an enhanced LORAN 
system, to provide redundant capability in the event GPS signals are 
disrupted.

                   TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

SEC. 301. TREATMENT OF FISHING PERMITS.

  (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 313 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 31310. Treatment of fishing permits

  ``(a) Limitation on Maritime Liens.--This chapter--
          ``(1) does not establish a maritime lien on a fishing permit; 
        and
          ``(2) does not authorize any civil action to enforce a 
        maritime lien on a fishing permit.
  ``(b) Treatment of Fishing Permits Under State and Federal Law.--A 
fishing permit--
          ``(1) is governed solely by the State or Federal law under 
        which it is issued; and
          ``(2) shall not be treated as part of a vessel, or as an 
        appurtenance or intangible of a vessel, for any purpose under 
        Federal law.
  ``(c) Authority of Secretary of Commerce Not Affected.--Nothing in 
this section shall be construed as imposing any limitation upon the 
authority of the Secretary of Commerce--
          ``(1) to modify, suspend, revoke, or impose a sanction on any 
        fishing permit issued by the Secretary of Commerce; or
          ``(2) to bring a civil action to enforce such a modification, 
        suspension, revocation, or sanction.
  ``(d) Fishing Permit Defined.--In this section the term `fishing 
permit' means any authorization of a person or vessel to engage in 
fishing that is issued under State or Federal law.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
31309 the following:

``31310. Treatment of fishing permits.''.

SEC. 302. INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL REFORM.

  (a) In General.--Section 80301 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
  ``(c) Payments.--Payments received pursuant to subsection (b)(1) 
shall be credited to the appropriation for operating expenses of the 
Coast Guard.
  ``(d) Limitation.--
          ``(1) In general.--A Coast Guard vessel or aircraft may not 
        be used to carry out an agreement under subsection (a) in 
        fiscal year 2015 and any fiscal year thereafter unless payments 
        are received by the United States Government pursuant to 
        subsection (b)(1) in the preceding fiscal year in a total 
        amount that is not less than difference between--
                  ``(A) the cost incurred by the Coast Guard in 
                maintaining the services; minus
                  ``(B) the amount of the proportionate share of the 
                expense generated by vessels documented under the laws 
                of the United States.
          ``(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), Coast Guard 
        aircraft may be used to carry out an agreement under subsection 
        (a) if the President determines it necessary in the interest of 
        national security.
          ``(3) Notification.--The President 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 a determination made under 
        paragraph (2) within 15 days after such determination.''.
  (b) Repeal.--Section 80302 of title 46, United States Code, and the 
item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 803 of such 
title, are repealed on October 1, 2014.

SEC. 303. REPEAL.

  Chapter 555 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
          (1) by repealing section 55501;
          (2) by redesignating section 55502 as section 55501; and
          (3) in the analysis by striking the items relating to 
        sections 55501 and 55502 and inserting the following:

``55501. United States Committee on the Marine Transportation 
System.''.

SEC. 304. DONATION OF HISTORICAL PROPERTY.

  Section 51103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
  ``(e) Donation for Historical Purposes.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may convey the right, title, 
        and interest of the United States Government in any property 
        administered by the Maritime Administration, except real estate 
        or vessels, if--
                  ``(A) the Secretary determines that such property is 
                not needed by the Maritime Administration; and
                  ``(B) the recipient--
                          ``(i) is a nonprofit organization, a State, 
                        or a political subdivision of a State;
                          ``(ii) agrees to hold the Government harmless 
                        for any claims arising from exposure to 
                        hazardous materials, including asbestos, 
                        polychlorinated biphenyls, or lead paint, after 
                        conveyance of the property;
                          ``(iii) provides a description and 
                        explanation of the intended use of the property 
                        to the Secretary for approval;
                          ``(iv) has provided to the Secretary proof, 
                        as determined by the Secretary, of resources 
                        sufficient to accomplish the intended use 
                        provided under clause (iii) and to maintain the 
                        property;
                          ``(v) agrees that when the recipient no 
                        longer requires the property, the recipient 
                        shall--
                                  ``(I) return the property to the 
                                Secretary, at the recipient's expense 
                                and in the same condition as received 
                                except for ordinary wear and tear; or
                                  ``(II) subject to the approval of the 
                                Secretary, retain, sell, or otherwise 
                                dispose of the property in a manner 
                                consistent with applicable law; and
                          ``(vi) agree to any additional terms the 
                        Secretary considers appropriate.
          ``(2) Reversion.--The Secretary shall include in any 
        conveyance under this subsection terms under which all right, 
        title, and interest conveyed by the Secretary shall revert to 
        the Government if the Secretary determines the property has 
        been used other than as approved by the Secretary under 
        paragraph (1)(B)(iii).''.

SEC. 305. SMALL SHIPYARDS.

  Section 54101(i) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``2009 through 2013'' and inserting ``2015 and 2016''.

SEC. 306. DRUG TESTING REPORTING.

  Section 7706 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``an applicant for 
        employment by a Federal agency,'' after ``Federal agency,''; 
        and
          (2) in subsection (c), by--
                  (A) inserting ``or an applicant for employment by a 
                Federal agency'' after ``an employee''; and
                  (B) striking ``the employee.'' and inserting ``the 
                employee or the applicant.''.

SEC. 307. RECOURSE FOR NONCITIZENS.

  Section 30104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
          (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before the first 
        sentence; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(b) Restriction on Recovery for Nonresident Aliens Employed on 
Foreign Passenger Vessels.--A claim for damages or expenses relating to 
personal injury, illness, or death of a seaman who is a citizen of a 
foreign nation, arising during or from the engagement of the seaman by 
or for a passenger vessel duly registered under the laws of a foreign 
nation, may not be brought under the laws of the United States if--
          ``(1) such seaman was not a permanent resident alien of the 
        United States at the time the claim arose;
          ``(2) the injury, illness, or death arose outside the 
        territorial waters of the United States; and
          ``(3) the seaman or the seaman's personal representative has 
        or had a right to seek compensation for the injury, illness, or 
        death in, or under the laws of--
                  ``(A) the nation in which the vessel was registered 
                at the time the claim arose; or
                  ``(B) the nation in which the seaman maintained 
                citizenship or residency at the time the claim 
                arose.''.

SEC. 308. PENALTY WAGES.

  (a) Foreign and Intercoastal Voyages.--Section 10313(g) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (2)--
                  (A) by striking ``all claims in a class action suit 
                by seamen'' and inserting ``each claim by a seaman''; 
                and
                  (B) by striking ``the seamen'' and inserting ``the 
                seaman''; and
          (2) in paragraph (3)--
                  (A) by striking ``class action''; and
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, by a seaman 
                who is a claimant in the suit,'' and inserting ``by the 
                seaman''.
  (b) Coastwise Voyages.--Section 10504(c) of such title is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (2)--
                  (A) by striking ``all claims in a class action suit 
                by seamen'' and inserting ``each claim by a seaman''; 
                and
                  (B) by striking ``the seamen'' and inserting ``the 
                seaman''; and
          (2) in paragraph (3)--
                  (A) by striking ``class action''; and
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, by a seaman 
                who is a claimant in the suit,'' and inserting ``by the 
                seaman''.

SEC. 309. CREDITING TIME IN THE SEA SERVICES.

  (a) Endorsements for Veterans.--Section 7101 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
  ``(j) The Secretary may issue a license under this section in a class 
under subsection (c) to an applicant that--
          ``(1) has at least 3 months of qualifying service on vessels 
        of the uniformed services (as that term is defined in section 
        101(a) of title 10) of appropriate tonnage or horsepower within 
        the 7-year period immediately preceding the date of 
        application; and
          ``(2) satisfies all other requirements for such a license.''.
  (b) Sea Service Letters.--
          (1) In general.--Title 14, United States Code, as amended by 
        this Act, is further amended by inserting after section 427 the 
        following:

``Sec. 428. Sea service letters

  ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide a sea service letter 
to a member or former member of the Coast Guard who--
          ``(1) accumulated sea service on a vessel of the armed forces 
        (as such term is defined in section 101(a) of title 10); and
          ``(2) requests such letter.
  ``(b) Deadline.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a request for 
a sea service letter from a member or former member of the Coast Guard 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide such letter to such 
member or former member if such member or former member satisfies the 
requirement under subsection (a)(1).''.
          (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 
        14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further 
        amended by inserting after the item relating to section 427 the 
        following:

``428. Sea service letters.''.

  (c) Crediting of United States Armed Forces Service, Training, and 
Qualifications.--
          (1) Maximizing creditability.--The Secretary of the 
        department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in 
        implementing United States merchant mariner license, 
        certification, and document laws and the International 
        Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and 
        Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, shall maximize the extent to 
        which United States Armed Forces service, training, and 
        qualifications are creditable toward meeting the requirements 
        of such laws and such Convention.
          (2) Notification.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify the Committee 
        on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate on the steps taken to implement 
        this subsection.

SEC. 310. TREATMENT OF ABANDONED SEAFARERS.

  (a) In General.--The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 
1901 et seq.) is amended--
          (1) by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 18. TREATMENT OF ABANDONED SEAFARERS.

  ``(a) Abandoned Seafarers Fund.--
          ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a 
        separate account to be known as the Abandoned Seafarers Fund.
          ``(2) Crediting of amounts to fund.--
                  ``(A) In general.--There shall be credited to the 
                Fund the following:
                          ``(i) Penalties deposited in the Fund under 
                        section 9, except as provided in subparagraph 
                        (B).
                          ``(ii) Amounts reimbursed or recovered under 
                        subsection (d).
                  ``(B) Limitation.--Amounts may be credited to the 
                Fund under subparagraph (A)(i) only if the unobligated 
                balance of the Fund is less than $2,000,000.
          ``(3) Report required.--On the date on which the President 
        submits each budget for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 
        of title 31, United States Code, 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 describes--
                  ``(A) the amounts credited to the Fund under 
                paragraph (2) for the preceding fiscal year; and
                  ``(B) amounts in the Fund that were expended for the 
                preceding fiscal year.
  ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations From Fund.--Amounts in the Fund 
may be appropriated to the Secretary for use to--
          ``(1) pay necessary support of--
                  ``(A) a seafarer that--
                          ``(i) enters, remains, or is paroled into the 
                        United States; and
                          ``(ii) is involved in an investigation, 
                        reporting, documentation, or adjudication of 
                        any matter that is related to the 
                        administration or enforcement of this Act by 
                        the Coast Guard; and
                  ``(B) a seafarer that the Secretary determines was 
                abandoned in the United States and has not applied for 
                asylum under section 208 or 235 of the Immigration and 
                Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158, 1225); and
          ``(2) reimburse a vessel owner or operator that has provided 
        necessary support of a seafarer who has been paroled into the 
        United States to facilitate an investigation, reporting, 
        documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to 
        the administration or enforcement of this Act by the Coast 
        Guard, for the costs of such necessary support.
  ``(c) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed--
          ``(1) to create a private right of action or any other right, 
        benefit, or entitlement to necessary support for any person; or
          ``(2) to compel the Secretary to pay or reimburse the cost of 
        necessary support.
  ``(d) Reimbursement; Recovery.--
          ``(1) In general.--A vessel owner or operator shall reimburse 
        the Fund an amount equal to the total amount paid from the Fund 
        for necessary support of a seafarer, if--
                  ``(A) the vessel owner or operator--
                          ``(i) during the course of an investigation, 
                        reporting, documentation, or adjudication of 
                        any matter under this Act that the Coast Guard 
                        referred to a United States attorney or the 
                        Attorney General, fails to provide necessary 
                        support of a seafarer who was paroled into the 
                        United States to facilitate the investigation, 
                        reporting, documentation, or adjudication; and
                          ``(ii) subsequently is--
                                  ``(I) convicted of a criminal offense 
                                related to such matter; or
                                  ``(II) required to reimburse the Fund 
                                pursuant to a court order or negotiated 
                                settlement related to such matter; or
                  ``(B) the vessel owner or operator abandons a 
                seafarer in the United States, as determined by the 
                Secretary based on substantial evidence.
          ``(2) Enforcement.--If a vessel owner or operator fails to 
        reimburse the Fund under paragraph (1), the Secretary may--
                  ``(A) proceed in rem against the vessel on which the 
                affected seafarer served in the Federal district court 
                for the district in which the vessel is found; and
                  ``(B) withhold or revoke the clearance required under 
                section 60105 of title 46, United States Code, for the 
                vessel.
          ``(3) Remedy.--A vessel may obtain clearance from the 
        Secretary after it is withheld or revoked under paragraph 
        (2)(B) if the vessel owner or operator--
                  ``(A) reimburses the Fund the amount required under 
                paragraph (1); or
                  ``(B) provides a bond, or other evidence of financial 
                responsibility sufficient to meet the amount required 
                to be reimbursed under paragraph (1).
  ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
          ``(1) Abandons; abandoned.--Each of the terms `abandons' and 
        `abandoned' means--
                  ``(A) a vessel owner's or operator's unilateral 
                severance of ties with a seafarer; and
                  ``(B) a vessel owner's or operator's failure to 
                provide necessary support of a seafarer.
          ``(2) Fund.--The term `Fund' means the Abandoned Seafarers 
        Fund established under this section.
          ``(3) Necessary support.--The term `necessary support' means 
        normal wages and expenses the Secretary considers reasonable 
        for lodging, subsistence, clothing, medical care (including 
        hospitalization), repatriation, and any other support the 
        Secretary considers to be appropriate.
          ``(4) Seafarer.--The term `seafarer' means an alien crewman 
        who is employed or engaged in any capacity on board a vessel 
        subject to this Act.''; and
          (2) in section 9, by adding at the end the following:
  ``(g) Any penalty collected under subsection (a) or (b) that is not 
paid under that subsection to the person giving information leading to 
the conviction or assessment of such penalties shall be deposited in 
the Abandoned Seafarers Fund established under section 18, subject to 
the limitation in subsection (a)(2)(B) of such section.''.

SEC. 311. CLARIFICATION OF HIGH-RISK WATERS.

  Section 55305(e) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)--
                  (A) by striking ``provide armed personnel aboard'' 
                and inserting ``reimburse, subject to the availability 
                of appropriations, the owners or operators of''; and
                  (B) by inserting ``for the cost of providing armed 
                personnel aboard such vessels'' before ``if''; and
          (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
        following:
          ``(2) In this subsection, the term `high-risk waters' means 
        waters--
                  ``(A) so designated by the Commandant of the Coast 
                Guard in the maritime security directive issued by the 
                Commandant and in effect on the date on which an 
                applicable voyage begins; and
                  ``(B) in which the Secretary of Transportation 
                determines an act of piracy is likely to occur based on 
                documented acts of piracy that occurred in such waters 
                during the 12-month period preceding the date on which 
                an applicable voyage begins.''.

SEC. 312. UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSELS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

  (a) In General.--Section 4105 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended--
          (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
          (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
  ``(b) In applying this title with respect to an uninspected vessel of 
less than 24 meters overall in length that carries passengers to or 
from a port in the United States Virgin Islands, the Secretary shall 
substitute `12 passengers' for `6 passengers' each place it appears in 
section 2101(42) if the Secretary determines that the vessel complies 
with--
          ``(1) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial 
        Motor Vessels (commonly referred to as the `Yellow Code'), as 
        published by the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency and in 
        effect on January 1, 2014; or
          ``(2) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial 
        Sailing Vessels (commonly referred to as the `Blue Code'), as 
        published by such agency and in effect on such date.''.
  (b) Technical Correction.--Section 4105(c) of title 46, United States 
Code, as redesignated by subsection (a)(1) of this section, is amended 
by striking ``Within twenty-four months of the date of enactment of 
this subsection, the'' and inserting ``The''.

SEC. 313. OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSEL THIRD-PARTY INSPECTION.

  Section 3316 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g), and by inserting after 
subsection (e) the following:
  ``(f)(1) Upon request of an owner or operator of an offshore supply 
vessel, the Secretary shall delegate the authorities set forth in 
paragraph (1) of subsection (b) with respect to such vessel to a 
classification society to which a delegation is authorized under that 
paragraph. A delegation by the Secretary under this subsection shall be 
used for any vessel inspection and examination function carried out by 
the Secretary, including the issuance of certificates of inspection and 
all other related documents.
  ``(2) If the Secretary determines that a certificate of inspection or 
related document issued under authority delegated under paragraph (1) 
of this subsection with respect to a vessel has reduced the operational 
safety of that vessel, the Secretary may terminate the certificate or 
document, respectively.
  ``(3) Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the 
Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, and 
for each year of the subsequent 2-year period, the Secretary 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 report describing--
          ``(A) the number of vessels for which a delegation was made 
        under paragraph (1);
          ``(B) any savings in personnel and operational costs incurred 
        by the Coast Guard that resulted from the delegations; and
          ``(C) based on measurable marine casualty and other data, any 
        impacts of the delegations on the operational safety of vessels 
        for which the delegations were made, and on the crew on those 
        vessels.''.

SEC. 314. SURVIVAL CRAFT.

  (a) In General.--Section 3104 of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:

``Sec. 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 enactment of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2014.
  ``(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 
Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, 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 
        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, 2015, the Secretary 
        of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 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 review of--
                  (A) the number of casualties for individuals with 
                disabilities, children, and the elderly as a result of 
                immersion in water, reported to the Coast Guard over 
                the preceding 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;
                          (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) Revision.--Based on the review conducted under paragraph 
        (1), the Secretary may revise regulations concerning the 
        carriage of survival craft pursuant to section 3104(c) of title 
        46, United States Code.

SEC. 315. TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO TITLE 46.

  Section 2116(b)(1)(D) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``section 93(c)'' and inserting ``section 93(c) of title 14''.

SEC. 316. ENFORCEMENT.

  (a) In General.--
          (1) Determination of covered programs.--Section 55305(d) of 
        title 46, United States Code, is amended--
                  (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
          ``(1) The Secretary of Transportation shall annually review 
        programs administered by other departments and agencies and 
        determine whether each such program is subject to the 
        requirements of this section.'';
                  (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (5), 
                and by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
          ``(2) The Secretary shall have the sole responsibility to 
        make determinations described in paragraph (1).
          ``(3) A determination made by the Secretary under paragraph 
        (1) regarding a program shall remain in effect until the 
        Secretary determines that such program is no longer subject to 
        the requirements of this section.
          ``(4) Each department or agency administering a program 
        determined by the Secretary under paragraph (1) to be subject 
        to the requirements of this section shall administer such 
        program in accordance with this section and any rules or 
        guidance issued by the Secretary. The issuance of such rules or 
        guidance is not a prerequisite to the issuance of final 
        determinations under paragraph (1).'';
                  (C) in paragraph (5)(A), as so redesignated, by 
                striking ``section;'' and inserting ``section, to 
                determine compliance with the requirements of this 
                section;''; and
                  (D) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(6) On the date on which the President submits to Congress 
        a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, 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--
                  ``(A) lists the programs determined under paragraph 
                (1) to be subject to the requirements of this section; 
                and
                  ``(B) describes the results of the most recent annual 
                review required by paragraph (5)(A), including 
                identification of the departments and agencies that 
                transported cargo in violation of this section and any 
                action the Secretary took under paragraph (5) with 
                respect to each violation.''.
          (2) Deadline for first review.--The Secretary of 
        Transportation shall complete the first review and make the 
        determinations required under the amendment made by paragraph 
        (1)(A) by not later than December 31, 2015.
  (b) Rulemaking.--
          (1) Authority.--Section 55305(d) of title 46, United States 
        Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
          ``(7) The Secretary may prescribe rules, including interim 
        rules, necessary to carry out paragraph (5). An interim rule 
        prescribed under this paragraph shall remain in effect until 
        superseded by a final rule.''.
          (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 3511(c) of the Duncan 
        Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 
        (46 U.S.C. 55305 note) is repealed.

SEC. 317. SEVERE MARINE DEBRIS EVENTS.

  (a) NOAA Marine Debris Program.--Section 3 of the Marine Debris Act 
(33 U.S.C. 1952) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (c)--
                  (A) in the subsection heading by striking ``and 
                Contracts'' and inserting ``Contracts, and Other 
                Agreements'';
                  (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
                following:
          ``(1) In general.--To carry out the purposes set forth in 
        section 2, the Administrator, acting through the Program, may--
                  ``(A) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, 
                and other agreements with Federal agencies, States, 
                local governments, regional agencies, interstate 
                agencies, and other entities, including agreements to 
                use the personnel, services, equipment, or facilities 
                of such entities on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable 
                basis; and
                  ``(B) make grants to--
                          ``(i) State, local, and tribal governments; 
                        and
                          ``(ii) institutions of higher education, 
                        nonprofit organizations, and commercial 
                        organizations with the expertise or 
                        responsibility to identify, determine sources 
                        of, assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine 
                        debris.''; and
                  (C) by striking paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) and 
                inserting the following:
          ``(4) Grants.--
                  ``(A) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under 
                paragraph (1)(B), an entity specified in that paragraph 
                shall submit to the Administrator a marine debris 
                project proposal.
                  ``(B) Review and approval.--The Administrator shall--
                          ``(i) review each marine debris project 
                        proposal submitted under subparagraph (A) to 
                        determine if the proposal meets grant criteria 
                        established by the Administrator and supports 
                        the purposes set forth in section 2;
                          ``(ii) after considering any written comments 
                        and recommendations with respect to the review 
                        conducted under clause (i), approve or 
                        disapprove a grant for the proposal; and
                          ``(iii) provide notification of that approval 
                        or disapproval to the entity that submitted the 
                        proposal.
                  ``(C) Reporting.--Each entity receiving a grant under 
                paragraph (1)(B) shall provide reports to the 
                Administrator as required by the Administrator. Each 
                report provided shall include all information 
                determined necessary by the Administrator for 
                evaluating the progress and success of the project for 
                which the grant was provided and describe the impact of 
                the grant on the identification, determination of 
                sources, assessment, prevention, reduction, or removal 
                of marine debris.
                  ``(D) Training.--The Administrator may require a 
                recipient of a grant under this subsection to provide 
                training to persons engaged in marine debris response 
                efforts funded by such grant with respect to the 
                potential impacts of marine debris, including 
                nonindigenous species related to the debris, on the 
                economy of the United States, the marine environment, 
                and navigation safety.''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following:
  ``(d) Severe Marine Debris Events.--
          ``(1) Grant preference.--In evaluating proposals for grants 
        under subsection (c), the Administrator may give preference in 
        approving grants to proposals that address a severe marine 
        debris event.
          ``(2) Request for a declaration.--
                  ``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the 
                Governor of a State may request that the Administrator 
                declare a severe marine debris event in such State or a 
                region that includes such State.
                  ``(B) Response to requests.--Not later than 30 days 
                after the Administrator receives a request under 
                subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall either--
                          ``(i) declare a severe marine debris event 
                        with respect to the request; or
                          ``(ii) submit a response to the Governor who 
                        submitted the request, explaining why the 
                        Administrator has not declared a severe marine 
                        debris event with respect to the request.''.
  (b) Definitions.--Section 7 of the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1956) 
is amended--
          (1) by moving paragraph (5) to appear before paragraph (6);
          (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as 
        paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and
          (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
          ``(5) Nonindigenous species.--The term `nonindigenous 
        species' has the meaning given that term in section 1003 of the 
        Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 
        1990 (16 U.S.C. 4702).''.
  (c) Severe Marine Debris Event Determination.--
          (1) Authority to provide funds.--
                  (A) In general.--The Administrator of the National 
                Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may provide 
                funds to an eligible entity impacted by the covered 
                severe marine debris event to assist such entity with 
                the costs of any activity carried out to address the 
                effects of such event.
                  (B) Funding.--The Administrator may provide funds 
                under subparagraph (A) using any funds provided by the 
                Government of Japan for activities to address the 
                effects of the covered severe marine debris event.
                  (C) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following 
                definitions apply:
                          (i) Covered severe marine debris event.--The 
                        term ``covered severe marine debris event'' 
                        means the events, including marine debris, 
                        resulting from the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake 
                        and subsequent tsunami.
                          (ii) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible 
                        entity'' means any State (as defined in section 
                        7 of the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1956)), 
                        local, or tribal government.
          (2) Repeal.--The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act 
        of 2012 (Public Law 112-213) is amended--
                  (A) in the table of contents in section 1(b) by 
                striking the item relating to section 609; and
                  (B) by striking section 609.

SEC. 318. MINIMUM TONNAGE.

  Section 55305 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
  ``(f) Minimum Tonnage.--With respect to commodities transported under 
the activities specified in section 55314(b), the percentage specified 
in subsection (b) of this section shall be treated as 75 percent.''.

SEC. 319. MERCHANT MARINE PERSONNEL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

  (a) Establishment of Advisory Committee.--
          (1) Establishment.--Chapter 81 of title 46, United States 
        Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee

  ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Merchant Marine 
Personnel Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as `the 
Committee'). The Committee--
          ``(1) shall act solely in an advisory capacity to the 
        Secretary through the Commandant of the Coast Guard on matters 
        relating to personnel in the United States merchant marine, 
        including training, qualifications, certification, 
        documentation, and fitness standards, and other matters as 
        assigned by the Commandant;
          ``(2) shall review and comment on proposed Coast Guard 
        regulations and policies relating to personnel in the United 
        States merchant marine, including training, qualifications, 
        certification, documentation, and fitness standards;
          ``(3) may be given special assignments by the Secretary and 
        may conduct studies, inquiries, workshops, and fact finding in 
        consultation with individuals and groups in the private sector 
        and with State or local governments;
          ``(4) shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations 
        reflecting its independent judgment to the Secretary;
          ``(5) shall meet not less than twice each year; and
          ``(6) may make available to the Congress recommendations that 
        the Committee makes to the Secretary.
  ``(b) Membership.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of not more 
        than 19 members who are appointed by and serve terms of a 
        duration determined by the Secretary. Before filling a position 
        on the Committee, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the 
        Federal Register soliciting nominations for membership on the 
        Committee.
          ``(2) Required members.--The Secretary shall appoint as 
        members of the Committee--
                  ``(A) 9 United States citizens with active licenses 
                or certificates issued under chapter 71 or merchant 
                mariner documents issued under chapter 73, including--
                          ``(i) 3 deck officers who represent the 
                        viewpoint of merchant marine deck officers, of 
                        whom--
                                  ``(I) 2 shall be licensed for oceans 
                                any gross tons;
                                  ``(II) 1 shall be licensed for inland 
                                river route with a limited or unlimited 
                                tonnage;
                                  ``(III) 2 shall have a master's 
                                license or a master of towing vessels 
                                license;
                                  ``(IV) 1 shall have significant 
                                tanker experience; and
                                  ``(V) to the extent practicable--
                                          ``(aa) 1 shall represent the 
                                        viewpoint of labor; and
                                          ``(bb) another shall 
                                        represent a management 
                                        perspective;
                          ``(ii) 3 engineering officers who represent 
                        the viewpoint of merchant marine engineering 
                        officers, of whom--
                                  ``(I) 2 shall be licensed as chief 
                                engineer any horsepower;
                                  ``(II) 1 shall be licensed as either 
                                a limited chief engineer or a 
                                designated duty engineer; and
                                  ``(III) to the extent practicable--
                                          ``(aa) 1 shall represent a 
                                        labor viewpoint; and
                                          ``(bb) another shall 
                                        represent a management 
                                        perspective;
                          ``(iii) 2 unlicensed seamen, of whom--
                                  ``(I) 1 shall represent the viewpoint 
                                of able-bodied seamen; and
                                  ``(II) another shall represent the 
                                viewpoint of qualified members of the 
                                engine department; and
                          ``(iv) 1 pilot who represents the viewpoint 
                        of merchant marine pilots;
                  ``(B) 6 marine educators, including--
                          ``(i) 3 marine educators who represent the 
                        viewpoint of maritime academies, including--
                                  ``(I) 2 who represent the viewpoint 
                                of State maritime academies and are 
                                jointly recommended by such State 
                                maritime academies; and
                                  ``(II) 1 who represents either the 
                                viewpoint of the State maritime 
                                academies or the United States Merchant 
                                Marine Academy; and
                          ``(ii) 3 marine educators who represent the 
                        viewpoint of other maritime training 
                        institutions, 1 of whom shall represent the 
                        viewpoint of the small vessel industry;
                  ``(C) 2 individuals who represent the viewpoint of 
                shipping companies employed in ship operation 
                management; and
                  ``(D) 2 members who are appointed from the general 
                public.
  ``(c) Chairman and Vice Chairman.--The Committee shall elect one of 
its members as the Chairman and one of its members as the Vice 
Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman in the absence or 
incapacity of the Chairman, or in the event of a vacancy in the office 
of the Chairman.
  ``(d) Subcommittees.--The Committee may establish and disestablish 
subcommittees and working groups for any purpose consistent with this 
section, subject to conditions imposed by the Committee. Members of the 
Committee and additional persons drawn from the general public may be 
assigned to such subcommittees and working groups. Only Committee 
members may chair subcommittee or working groups.
  ``(e) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on September 30, 
2020.''.
          (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of 
        such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

``8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee.''.

  (b) Competitiveness of the U.S. Merchant Marine.--
          (1) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory 
        Committee established under the amendment made by subsection 
        (a) shall--
                  (A) review--
                          (i) the merchant mariner licensing, 
                        certification, and documentation programs and 
                        STCW Convention implementation programs of the 
                        3 flag-states; and
                          (ii) State maritime academy problems 
                        regarding implementation of the STCW 
                        Convention; and
                  (B) report to the Commandant of the Coast Guard--
                          (i) a description of each specific provision 
                        for which United States merchant mariner 
                        license, certification, and document and STCW 
                        Convention implementation requirements are more 
                        stringent than the requirements of such flag-
                        state programs, and a recommendation of whether 
                        such United States provision should be 
                        retained, modified, or eliminated;
                          (ii) a description of which United States 
                        merchant mariner license, certification, and 
                        document evaluation requirements must be 
                        complied with separately from similar STCW 
                        Convention evaluation requirements, any 
                        statutory requirement for such separate 
                        compliance, and steps that can be taken by the 
                        Coast Guard or by the Congress to minimize such 
                        redundant requirements; and
                          (iii) a description of problems State 
                        maritime academies are having in implementing 
                        the STCW Convention and recommendations on how 
                        to address such problems.
          (3) Report to congress.--Within 6 months from the date the 
        Commandant receives the report under paragraph (1)(B), the 
        Commandant shall forward to the Congress a copy of the report 
        with recommendations for actions to implement the report's 
        recommendations.
          (4) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) 3 flag states.--The term ``3 flag states'' means 
                the 3 countries that are parties to the Annex to the 
                International Maritime Organization Maritime Safety 
                Committee Circular MSC.1/Circ.1163/Rev.8 dated January 
                7, 2013, and, of all such countries, have the greatest 
                vessel tonnage documented under the laws of each 
                respective country.
                  (B) STCW convention.--The term ``STCW Convention'' 
                means the amendments to the International Convention on 
                Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 
                for Seafarers, 1978 that entered into force on January 
                1, 2012.

SEC. 320. REPORT ON EFFECT OF LNG EXPORT CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS ON JOB 
                    CREATION IN THE UNITED STATES MARITIME INDUSTRY.

  No later than 180 days 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 the number of jobs, including 
vessel construction and vessel operating jobs, that would be created in 
the United States maritime industry each year in 2015 through 2025 if 
liquified natural gas exported from the United States were required to 
be carried--
          (1) before December 31, 2018, on vessels documented under the 
        laws of the United States; and
          (2) after such date, on vessels documented under the laws of 
        the United States and constructed in the United States.

                 TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There is authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Maritime 
Commission $24,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016.

SEC. 402. TERMS OF COMMISSIONERS.

  (a) In General.--Section 301(b) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended--
          (1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
          ``(2) Terms.--The term of each Commissioner is 5 years. When 
        the term of a Commissioner ends, the Commissioner may continue 
        to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified, but for 
        a period not to exceed one year. Except as provided in 
        paragraph (3), no individual may serve more than 2 terms.''; 
        and
          (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5), and 
        inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
          ``(3) Vacancies.--A vacancy shall be filled in the same 
        manner as the original appointment. An individual appointed to 
        fill a vacancy is appointed only for the unexpired term of the 
        individual being succeeded. An individual appointed to fill a 
        vacancy may serve 2 terms in addition to the remainder of the 
        term for which the predecessor of that individual was 
        appointed.
          ``(4) Conflicts of interest.--
                  ``(A) Limitation on relationships with regulated 
                entities.--A Commissioner may not have a pecuniary 
                interest in, hold an official relation to, or own 
                stocks or bonds of any entity the Commission regulates 
                under chapter 401 of this title.
                  ``(B) Limitation on other activities.--A Commissioner 
                may not engage in another business, vocation, or 
                employment.''.
  (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) does not 
apply with respect to a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission 
appointed and confirmed by the Senate before the date of enactment of 
this Act.

              TITLE V--COMMERCIAL VESSEL DISCHARGE REFORM

SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform 
Act of 2014''.

SEC. 502. DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL TO THE NORMAL OPERATION OF CERTAIN 
                    VESSELS.

  Section 2(a) of Public Law 110-299 (33 U.S.C. 1342 note) is amended 
by striking ``during the period beginning on the date of the enactment 
of this Act and ending on December 18, 2014,''.

                        TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 601. DISTANT WATER TUNA FLEET.

  Section 421 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
2006 (Public Law 109-241; 120 Stat. 547) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
          ``(1) In general.--Subsection (a) only applies to a foreign 
        citizen who holds a credential to serve as an officer on a 
        fishing vessel or vessel of similar tonnage.''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``An equivalent 
                credential'' and inserting ``A credential''; and
          (2) by striking subsections (c), (e), and (f) and 
        redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).

SEC. 602. VESSEL DETERMINATION.

  The vessel assigned United States official number 1205366 is deemed a 
new vessel effective on the date of delivery of the vessel after 
January 1, 2012, from a privately owned United States shipyard, if no 
encumbrances are on record with the Coast Guard at the time of the 
issuance of the new certificate of documentation for the vessel.

SEC. 603. LEASE AUTHORITY.

  (a) Authority.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard may lease under 
section 93(a)(13) of title 14, United States Code, submerged lands and 
tidelands under the control of the Coast Guard without regard to the 
limitation under that section with respect to lease duration.
  (b) Limitation.--The Commandant may lease submerged lands and 
tidelands under subsection (a) only if--
          (1) lease payments are--
                  (A) received exclusively in the form of cash;
                  (B) equal to the fair market value of the leased 
                submerged lands or tidelands, as determined by the 
                Commandant; and
                  (C) deposited in the fund established under section 
                687 of title 14, United States Code; and
          (2) the lease does not provide authority to or commit the 
        Coast Guard to use or support any improvements to such 
        submerged lands or tidelands, or obtain goods or services from 
        the lessee.

SEC. 604. NATIONAL MARITIME STRATEGY.

  (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the 
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, 
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 national maritime strategy.
  (b) Contents.--The strategy required under subsection (a) shall--
          (1) identify--
                  (A) Federal regulations and policies that reduce the 
                competitiveness of United States flag vessels in the 
                international trade; and
                  (B) the impact of reduced cargo flow due to 
                reductions in the number of members of the United 
                States Armed Forces stationed or deployed outside of 
                the United States; and
          (2) include recommendations to--
                  (A) make United States flag vessels more competitive 
                in shipping routes between United States and foreign 
                ports;
                  (B) increase the use of United States flag vessels to 
                carry cargo imported to and exported from the United 
                States;
                  (C) assure compliance by Federal agencies with 
                chapter 553 of title 46, United States Code;
                  (D) increase the use of third-party inspection and 
                certification authorities to inspect and certify 
                vessels;
                  (E) increase the use of short sea transportation 
                routes designated under section 55601(c) of title 46, 
                United States Code, to enhance intermodal freight 
                movements; and
                  (F) enhance United States shipbuilding capability.

SEC. 605. IMO POLAR CODE NEGOTIATIONS.

  Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
and thereafter with the submission of the budget proposal submitted for 
each of fiscal years 2016, 2017, and 2018 under section 1105 of title 
31, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating 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--
          (1) the status of the negotiations at the International 
        Maritime Organization regarding the establishment of a draft 
        international code of safety for ships operating in polar 
        waters, popularly known as the Polar Code, and any amendments 
        proposed by such a code to be made to the International 
        Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the International 
        Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships;
          (2) the coming into effect of such a code and such amendments 
        for nations that are parties to those conventions;
          (3) impacts, for coastal communities located in the Arctic 
        (as that term is defined in the section 112 of the Arctic 
        Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111)) of such a 
        code or such amendments, on--
                  (A) the costs of delivering fuel and freight; and
                  (B) the safety of maritime transportation; and
          (4) actions the Secretary must take to implement the 
        requirements of such a code and such amendments.

SEC. 606. VALLEY VIEW FERRY.

  (a) Exemption.--Section 8902 of title 46, United States Code, shall 
not apply to the vessel John Craig (United States official number 
D1110613) when such vessel is operating on the portion of the Kentucky 
River, Kentucky, located at approximately mile point 158, in Pool 
Number 9, between Lock and Dam Number 9 and Lock and Dam Number 10.
  (b) Application.--Subsection (a) shall apply on and after the date on 
which the Secretary determines that a licensing requirement has been 
established under Kentucky State law that applies to an operator of the 
vessel John Craig.

SEC. 607. COMPETITION BY UNITED STATES FLAG VESSELS.

  (a) In General.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall enter into 
an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an 
assessment of authorities under subtitle II of title 46, United States 
Code, that have been delegated to the Coast Guard that impact the 
ability of vessels documented under the laws of the United States to 
effectively compete in the carriage of merchandise and passengers in 
the international trade.
  (b) Review of Differences With IMO Standards.--The assessment under 
subsection (a) shall include a review of differences between United 
States laws, policies, regulations, and guidance governing the 
inspection of vessels documented under the laws of the United States 
and standards set by the International Maritime Organization governing 
the inspection of vessels.
  (c) Deadline.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the 
Commandant enters into an arrangement with the National Academy of 
Sciences under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit the 
assessment required under such subsection to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

SEC. 608. SURVEY.

  Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 
survey of the parcel of real property under the administrative control 
of the Coast Guard, consisting of approximately 1.95 acres (measured at 
the mean low-water mark) located at the entrance to Gig Harbor, 
Washington, and commonly known as the Gig Harbor Sand Spit Area.

SEC. 609. FISHING SAFETY GRANT PROGRAMS.

  (a) Fishing Safety Training Grant Program.--Section 4502(i)(4) of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``2010 through 
2014'' and inserting ``2015 and 2016''.
  (b) Fishing Safety Research Grant Program.--Section 4502(j)(4) of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``2010 through 
2014'' and inserting ``2015 and 2016''.

                         Purpose of Legislation

    H.R. 4005, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2014, authorizes $8.7 billion in 
discretionary funding for the Coast Guard for each of the 
fiscal years (FY) 2015 and 2016. The bill authorizes the end-
of-year strength for active duty military personnel at 43,000 
for each of the FYs 2015 and 2016. The bill also authorizes 
$24.7 million for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in each 
of the FYs 2015 and 2016. Finally, the bill makes several 
reforms to Coast Guard authorities and laws governing shipping 
and navigation.

                  Background and Need for Legislation


                              COAST GUARD

    The United States Coast Guard was established on January 
28, 1915, through the consolidation of the Revenue Cutter 
Service (established in 1790) and the Lifesaving Service 
(established in 1848). The Coast Guard later assumed the duties 
of three other agencies: the Lighthouse Service (established 
1789), the Steamboat Inspection Service (established in 1838), 
and the Bureau of Navigation (established in 1884).
    Under section 2 of title 14, United States Code, the Coast 
Guard has primary responsibility to enforce or assist in the 
enforcement of all applicable federal laws in, under, and over 
the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States; to ensure safety of life and property at sea; to 
protect the marine environment; to carry out icebreaking 
activities; and to ensure the safety and security of vessels, 
ports, waterways, and related facilities.
    As one of the five Armed Services that comprise the Armed 
Forces, the Coast Guard also maintains defense readiness to 
operate as a specialized service in the Navy upon the 
declaration of war or when the President directs. The Coast 
Guard is composed of approximately 42,000 military personnel, 
8,000 reservists, 8,500 civilian employees, and 30,000 
volunteers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Coast Guard or its 
predecessors have defended the Nation in every war since 1790.
    Pursuant to section 101 of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-213), the activities of 
the Coast Guard are authorized through FY 2014. H.R. 4005 
authorizes $8.7 billion in discretionary funds for the Coast 
Guard for each of the FYs 2015 and 2016.

Coast Guard mission performance

    As the Coast Guard's own data shows, the Service is not 
meeting its mission performance targets. In FY 2012, the Coast 
Guard met less than half of its mission performance measures. 
Over the last five fiscal years, the Service never scored 
better than 61 percent. Other metrics of mission performance 
paint an equally bleak picture. For instance, the Coast Guard 
has reported that since FY 2005, the total number of flight 
hours for aircraft and underway hours for cutters has declined 
by over 110,000 hours or 14 percent.
    The reduction in these and other metrics that judge mission 
performance are largely attributable to the fact that the Coast 
Guard's fleets of aircraft and vessels are not reliably 
available to conduct missions. Most Coast Guard assets have 
surpassed their service lives and become increasingly prone to 
failures. This fact coupled with the decommissioning of assets 
before their replacements arrive and cuts to maintenance funds 
as a result of the sequester have significantly reduced 
operational readiness and undermined mission performance. The 
only way to reverse the decline in the Coast Guard's mission 
performance is to make the necessary investments to acquire new 
and improved assets and maintain sufficient and reliable 
funding for operations.
    The Service is nearly half way through its 20- to 25-year 
major acquisition program to recapitalize most of its aging 
vessels and aircraft, as well as to modernize its information 
technology systems. The Coast Guard has undertaken a series of 
acquisition reforms in recent years which have helped to 
stabilize the major acquisition program and enabled the Service 
to begin taking delivery of new and improved assets in a cost-
effective manner.
    While the Committee commends the Coast Guard for its reform 
efforts, it continues to have several concerns with the major 
acquisition program of record. First, the document the Coast 
Guard relies on to justify and guide its major acquisition 
program of record represents an outdated assessment of its 
mission needs and capability gaps. Second, current fiscal year 
funding levels and projected funding levels over the next five 
fiscal years for Coast Guard acquisitions jeopardize the 
Service's ability to complete the major acquisition program of 
record on schedule and on budget. Finally, once the major 
acquisition program of record is completed, the Service will 
continue to suffer from significant capability gaps in its 
missions.
    In 1996, the Coast Guard developed a Mission Need Statement 
(MNS) to establish a baseline for the numbers, types, and 
capabilities of new and recapitalized assets that would be 
needed to meet the Service's mission requirements and to 
identify how its $24 billion major acquisition program of 
record would address capability gaps in its missions. In 2005, 
the Coast Guard revised the 1996 MNS to accommodate additional 
capabilities needed to meet post-September 11th mission 
requirements. Although the Service has reviewed the impact 
different mixes of assets would have on mission capability 
gaps, it has not reviewed the underlying mission needs since 
the MNS was last updated in 2005.
    In July 2011, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
reported that funding requested by current and past 
administrations has not been sufficient to meet acquisition 
timelines in the MNS (GAO-11-743). The GAO reported that at 
least $1.9 billion in acquisition funding would be required 
each year to build all of the assets included in the major 
acquisition program of record on schedule. Appropriated funding 
for the Coast Guard's Acquisition, Construction, and 
Improvement (AC&I) account has never exceeded $1.6 billion. 
Furthermore, in recent fiscal years, the administration has 
proposed to cut AC&I funding by over 40 percent from enacted 
levels.
    Projected funding requests for the Coast Guard acquisitions 
also falls significantly short of what is required to build the 
acquisition program of record on schedule. The Service's FY 
2014-2018 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) identifies funding 
requests for major acquisition programs over the next five 
fiscal years. Funding requests for the AC&I account do not 
exceed $1.19 billion for any fiscal year in the CIP. Under the 
funding projections provided in the CIP, the gaps between the 
2005 MNS mission hour targets and projected mission hours from 
new and legacy assets will not close.
    However, even if sufficient funding was requested and 
appropriated, the program of record does not provide the 
capability necessary to meet mission performance targets. 
Building the program of record still leaves the Coast Guard 
tens of thousands of hours short of what is needed to meet its 
post-September 11th mission requirements. GAO has faulted the 
Coast Guard for not conducting a comprehensive reanalysis of 
its current major acquisition program of record to examine 
trade-offs between budget constraints, timelines, capabilities, 
and asset quantities.
    H.R. 4005 addresses these concerns in several ways. First, 
the bill authorizes over $1.5 billion in AC&I funding for each 
of the FYs 2015 and 2016. Although less than the $1.9 billion 
target level identified by GAO, this level of funding rejects 
the irresponsible cuts proposed by the administration in recent 
years and will help keep the major acquisition program of 
record on a more sustainable footing. Second, the bill requires 
the Service to provide the Committee with a plan to maintain 
operational capability for its legacy Medium Endurance Cutter 
(MEC) fleet while it transitions to the replacement Offshore 
Patrol Cutter (OPC), and would require the Service to reexamine 
OPC capabilities to control acquisition and operations costs. 
Third, the bill authorizes the use of innovative acquisition 
strategies to reduce the cost of the OPC. Finally, the bill 
directs the Coast Guard to submit to the Committee a single, 
new MNS covering all of its major acquisition programs on a 
regular basis; to base the MNS on the funding provided in the 
CIP; and to describe which missions it will not be able to 
achieve for any year in which a gap exists between the MNS 
mission hour targets and projected mission hours from new and 
legacy assets.

                      FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

    The FMC is the independent federal agency responsible for 
regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system 
for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. 
consumer. The activities of the FMC have not been reauthorized 
since FY 2008. Unlike commissioners on similar independent 
federal commissions, there are no term limits on FMC 
commissioners. In addition, FMC commissioners can continue to 
serve beyond the date their terms expire until a replacement is 
confirmed by the Senate. H.R. 4005 reauthorizes the FMC through 
FY 2016 at current appropriated levels and it conforms the 
terms of its commissioners to that of other independent federal 
commissions or boards.

                        MARITIME TRANSPORTATION

    The maritime sector of our national transportation system 
is essential to our economy and vital to our national security. 
The U.S. maritime industry currently employs more than 260,000 
Americans providing nearly $29 billion in annual wages. There 
are more than 40,000 commercial vessels currently flying the 
American flag. The vast majority of these vessels are engaged 
in domestic commerce, moving over 100 million passengers and 
$400 billion worth of goods between ports in the United States 
on an annual basis. Each year, the U.S. maritime industry 
accounts for over $100 billion in economic output.
    Beyond the important contributions to our economy, a 
healthy maritime industry is vital to our national security. 
Throughout our history, the Navy has relied on U.S. flagged 
commercial vessels crewed by American Merchant Mariners to 
carry troops, weapons, and supplies to the battlefield. During 
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, U.S. flagged 
commercial vessels transported 63 percent of all military 
cargos moved to Afghanistan and Iraq. Since the United States 
cannot rely on foreign vessels and crews to provide for its 
national security, it is critical to maintain a robust fleet of 
U.S. flagged vessels, a large cadre of skilled American 
mariners, and a strong shipyard industrial base.
    However, over the last 35 years, the number of U.S. flagged 
vessels sailing in the international trade has dropped from 850 
to less than 100. In the same period, the United States has 
lost over 300 shipyards and thousands of American jobs. 
Preserving and strengthening our Nation's maritime industry is 
important to our economy and vital to our national security.
    H.R. 4005 addresses these issues by making important 
improvements to reform and strengthen cargo preference laws to 
ensure that cargo financed by the American taxpayers is 
transported on U.S. flagged vessels crewed with U.S. mariners. 
The bill also requires the Maritime Administration to develop a 
strategy to improve the competitiveness of the U.S. flagged 
fleet, increase the use of short seas shipping, and enhance 
U.S. shipbuilding capacity. Finally, the bill encourages job 
growth in the U.S. maritime sector by reducing several 
regulatory burdens on small business.

                                Hearings

    On April 16, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to examine the FY 2014 
budget requests for the Coast Guard, the Federal Maritime 
Commission, and the Maritime Administration. On May 21, 2013, 
the Subcommittee held a hearing to review the current condition 
of the marine transportation system. On June 26, 2013, the 
Subcommittee held a hearing on ways to improve the Coast 
Guard's acquisition program. On September 10, 2013, the 
Subcommittee held a hearing on ways to reduce regulatory 
burdens on small business. On October 29, 2013, the 
Subcommittee held a hearing on Coast Guard and maritime 
transportation authorization issues. On December 11, 2013, the 
Subcommittee held a hearing on Coast Guard mission execution.

                 Legislative History and Consideration

    On February 6, 2014, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation Chairman Duncan Hunter introduced for 
himself and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 
Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member Nick Rahall, H.R. 
4005, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014. 
On February 11, 2014, the Committee met in open session to 
consider H.R. 4005, and ordered the bill, as amended, reported 
favorably to the House of Representatives by voice vote with a 
quorum present.
    Amendments were offered in Committee by Representatives 
Hunter, Hahn, Garamendi (who offered three amendments), Larsen, 
Maloney, and Shuster. Representative Hunter offered a manager's 
amendment which was adopted by voice vote. The amendment made 
technical changes to the bill and added provisions to amend 
cargo preference laws; improve response to severe marine debris 
events; codify an existing advisory committee; encourage the 
development of a resilient position, timing, and navigation 
system; extend the authorization for existing fishing vessel 
safety grant programs; and study the economic impacts of 
carrying LNG exports on U.S. flagged vessels. Representative 
Hahn offered and withdrew an amendment regarding cybersecurity 
at U.S. ports. Representative Garamendi offered and withdrew an 
amendment to provide a preference under the Title XI Federal 
Ship Financing Program for the construction of LNG tankers and 
to require exports of U.S. produced LNG to be carried on U.S. 
flagged and eventually, U.S. flagged and U.S. built vessels. 
Representative Garamendi offered and withdrew an amendment to 
establish unfair and deceptive practices in the sale of cruise 
vessel tickets, as well as to authorize the FMC to investigate 
and fine cruise vessel operators for violations of such 
practices, collect cruise vessel passenger complaints, and 
collect fees on passenger tickets to offset administrative 
costs. Representative Garamendi offered an amendment, which 
failed by a recorded vote of 22 yeas to 33 nays, to strike 
sections 307 and 308 of the bill. Representative Larsen offered 
and withdrew an amendment to remove a restriction on the 
eligibility of certain commercial fishing vessels to apply for 
federal loan guarantees for the construction of new vessels. 
Representative Maloney offered and withdrew an amendment 
concerning a study of the economic and environmental impacts of 
shipping crude oil by vessel on the Hudson River. Chairman 
Shuster offered an amendment, which was adopted by voice vote, 
to amend the short title of the bill.

                            Committee Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires each committee report to include the 
total number of votes cast for and against on each record vote 
on a motion to report and on any amendment offered to the 
measure or matter, and the names of those members voting for 
and against. There was one record vote taken on amendment 
number 52 offered by Representative Garamendi. The Committee 
disposed of this amendment by record vote as follows:


                      Committee Oversight Findings

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(1) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are 
reflected in this report.

               New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures

    Clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives does not apply where a cost estimate and 
comparison prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974 has been timely submitted prior to the filing of the 
report and is included in the report. Such a cost estimate is 
included in this report.

               Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

    With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(3) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 
402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has 
received the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4005 from the 
Director of the Congressional Budget Office:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                     Washington, DC, March 6, 2014.
Hon. Bill Shuster,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4005, the Howard 
Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Sarah Puro.
            Sincerely,
                                              Douglas W. Elmendorf.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 4005--Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
        2014

    Summary: H.R. 4005 would amend laws that govern the 
activities of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the 
Maritime Administration (MARAD) within the Department of 
Transportation, and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). The 
bill also would authorize appropriations totaling about $17.5 
billion, primarily for ongoing USCG operations over the 2015-
2016 period, and would increase the amount of food aid required 
to be shipped on vessels registered in the United States. 
Assuming appropriation of the specified and necessary amounts, 
CBO estimates that implementing the legislation would cost 
$16.8 billion over the 2015-2019 period.
    Pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply to this legislation 
because it would not affect direct spending or revenues.
    H.R. 4005 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
budgetary impact of H.R. 4005 is shown in the following table. 
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 400 
(Transportation).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       2015      2016      2017      2018      2019    2015-2019
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

United States Coast Guard:
    Authorization Level............................     8,704     8,704         0         0         0     17,408
    Estimated Outlays..............................     5,551     7,367     2,309       842       588     16,657
Minimum Tonnage for Certain Exports:
    Estimated Authorization Level..................        11        11        11        11        11         55
    Estimated Outlays..............................         3         9        10        11        11         44
Seafarers Fund:
    Estimated Authorization Level..................         2         2         2         2         2         10
    Estimated Outlays..............................         2         2         2         2         2         10
Maritime Administration:
    Estimated Authorization Level..................        10        10         0         0         0         20
    Estimated Outlays..............................         3         6         6         4         1         20
Federal Maritime Commission:
    Authorization Level............................        25        25         0         0         0         50
    Estimated Outlays..............................        20        20        10         0         0         50
    Total:
        Estimated Authorization Level..............     8,752     8,752        13        13        13     17,543
        Estimated Outlays..........................     5,579     7,404     2,337       859       602     16,781
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 
4005 will be enacted in fiscal year 2014 and that the amounts 
authorized by the bill will be appropriated for each year. 
Estimated outlays are based on historical spending patterns for 
authorized activities. CBO estimates that appropriating the 
specified and estimated amounts would cost $16.8 billion over 
the 2015-2019 period.

United States Coast Guard

    H.R. 4005 would authorize appropriations for ongoing USCG 
activities for 2015 and 2016. Specifically, the bill would 
authorize the appropriation of about $17.4 billion for USCG 
operations (including about $14 billion for operations and 
maintenance, $3.1 billion for capital acquisitions, $274 
million for reserve training, $40 million for research 
programs, and $34 million for environmental compliance). The 
bill also would extend the Coast Guard's authority to expedite 
the hiring of certain personnel in areas where there are 
staffing shortages and would require the USCG to be the 
recipient of any payments the U.S. receives from other nations 
in order to participate in an annual international ice patrol. 
However, based on information from the USCG, CBO expects that 
the Department of State will probably not bill foreign nations 
for ice patrol services because they have historically not done 
so. Assuming appropriation of the amounts specified in the 
bill, and no offsetting collections from foreign nations for 
ice patrol services, CBO estimates that implementing those 
provisions of H.R. 4005 would cost $16.7 billion over the 2015-
2019 period.

Minimum tonnage for certain exports

    Section 318 would increase, from 50 percent to 75 percent, 
the portion of Government-generated cargo that must be 
transported on privately owned, U.S.-flag commercial vessels. 
This provision would primarily affect the Food for Peace 
program, which provides donated commodities to foreign 
countries for emergency and non-emergency food needs. The 
provision also would affect the McGovern-Dole program, which 
provides international food assistance for school feeding 
programs and maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs.
    Historically, shipping rates on U.S.-flag vessels have been 
higher than that of their foreign counterparts by roughly 30 
percent, according to data from the Department of Agriculture. 
In 2013, the Food for Peace program shipped about 1.2 million 
metric tons of commodities. CBO estimates those shipments cost 
$145 per metric ton on U.S. ships and $111 per metric ton on 
foreign ships in 2014. Using that difference and projections of 
foreign food aid, CBO estimates that increasing the cargo 
preference mandate would cost $44 million over the 2015-2019 
period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.

Seafarers fund

    Section 310 would establish a fund to support certain 
seamen who are required to remain in the United States as 
witnesses in judicial proceedings and who are not financially 
supported by the owner of their vessel or who were abandoned by 
their vessel. The fund also could be used to repay certain 
vessel owners who supported seamen required to be material 
witnesses. The bill would authorize the appropriation of up to 
$2 million, a year for such costs, and CBO estimates that 
implementing the provision would cost $10 million over the 
2015-2019 period.

MARAD authorizations

    HR. 4005 would reauthorize a grant program through 2016 
that provides assistance to certain small domestic shipyards. 
That program has received appropriations of $10 million per 
year for the last several years. Based on those amounts, CBO 
estimates that implementing the provision would cost $20 
million, subject to appropriation of the necessary amounts. The 
bill also would grant MARAD the authority to donate historical 
artifacts and documents to non-profit organizations or to local 
governments. Under current law, such artifacts and documents 
are provided as a long-term loan. CBO estimates that 
implementing that provision would have no budgetary impact.

Federal Maritime Commission

    H.R. 4005 would authorize the appropriation of $25 million, 
annually for 2015 and 2016 for the operations of the FMC. The 
FMC regulates shipping activities in the United States. CBO 
estimates that enacting those provisions would cost $50 million 
over the 2015-2019 period, assuming appropriation of the 
authorized amounts.
    Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
    Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 4005 
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as 
defined in UMRA and would benefit state, local, or tribal 
governments by, among other things, limiting expenses related 
to servicemember benefits; authorizing cooperative agreements 
with state, local, and tribal governments; authorizing grants; 
and clarifying that federal law does not preempt state 
regulation of fishing permits under certain conditions.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Sarah Puro and Ann 
Futrell; Impact on state, local, and tribal governments: 
Michael Hirsch; Impact on the private sector: Amy Petz.
    Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.

                    Performance Goals and Objectives

    With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
performance goals and objectives of this legislation are to 
make the operations of Coast Guard more efficient, as well as 
to improve the safety and productivity of the marine 
transportation system.

                          Advisory of Earmarks

    Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House 
of Representatives, the Committee is required to include a list 
of congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited 
tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of 
rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives. No 
provision in the bill includes an earmark, limited tax benefit, 
or limited tariff benefit under clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of 
rule XXI.

                    Duplication of Federal Programs

    Pursuant to section 3(j) of H. Res. 5, 113th Cong. (2013), 
the Committee finds that no provision of H.R. 4005 establishes 
or reauthorizes a program of the federal government known to be 
duplicative of another federal program, a program that was 
included in any report from the Government Accountability 
Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-
139, or a program related to a program identified in the most 
recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

                  Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings

    Pursuant to section 3(k) of H. Res. 5, 113th Cong. (2013), 
the Committee estimates that enacting H.R. 4005 does not 
specifically direct the completion of any specific rule makings 
within the meaning of section 551 of title 5, United States 
Code.

                       Federal Mandate Statement

    The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of federal 
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act (P.L. 104-4).

                        Preemption Clarification

    Section 423 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 
requires the report of any Committee on a bill or joint 
resolution to include a statement on the extent to which the 
bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt state, local, 
or tribal law. The Committee states that H.R. 4005 does not 
preempt any state, local, or tribal law.

                      Advisory Committee Statement

    No new advisory committees within the meaning of section 
5(b) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act are created by this 
legislation. However, H.R. 4005 does codify the Coast Guard's 
existing Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee. It 
amends certain functions of the Committee and provides for a 
termination date in compliance with section 14(a) of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act.

                  Applicability of Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 
104-1).

               Section-by-Section Analysis of Legislation


Section 1. Short title

    This section provides a short title to the bill: ``Howard 
Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014''.

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations

    This section reauthorizes the Coast Guard at currently 
authorized levels. Specifically, H.R. 4005 authorizes $8.7 
billion in discretionary funds for the Service in each of the 
FYs 2015 and 2016. This authorization supports military pay 
raises for Coast Guard servicemembers at a level consistent 
with servicemembers of the other Armed Forces. No funds are 
authorized for bridge alterations under the Truman-Hobbs Act.

Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training

    This section authorizes an end-of-year strength for active 
duty Coast Guard personnel of 43,000 for each of the FYs 2015 
and 2016. The current authorized end strength for the Service 
is 47,000. The actual end strength of the Coast Guard for FY 
2014 is projected to be 42,600.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

Sec. 201. Commissioned officers

    This section sets the number of active duty officers in the 
Coast Guard at 6,700. The current authorized level is 7,200. As 
of September 1, 2013, there were 6,576 officers in the Coast 
Guard.

Sec. 202. Prevention and response workforces

    This section ensures servicemembers assigned to certain 
prevention and response jobs have opportunity for career 
advancement.

Sec. 203. Centers of expertise

    This section clarifies which activities the Coast Guard's 
six Centers of Expertise are authorized to conduct.

Sec. 204. Agreements

    This section authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into 
cooperative agreements with public and private entities to 
carry out the research, development, test, and evaluation of 
technology to improve the performance of Coast Guard missions. 
It also authorizes the Service to impose and collect a fee on 
such entities to cover Coast Guard expenses associated with 
such cooperative agreements. Fees collected are required to be 
deposited in the Treasury as offsetting receipts.

Sec. 205. Coast Guard housing

    Current law requires the Coast Guard to deposit the 
proceeds from the sale of its real property into its Housing 
Fund. Appropriations from the Housing Fund are available to 
construct and renovate servicemember housing. This section 
would authorize the Coast Guard to deposit in the Housing Fund 
the proceeds from the lease of certain real property under its 
control.

Sec. 206. Determinations

    The Coast Guard determines whether it has jurisdiction to 
operate and enforce laws on U.S. waters through a decentralized 
process that does not provide for input from the public or a 
consideration of the impact on Coast Guard resources. For 
instance, in 2010, the Coast Guard Eighth District in New 
Orleans, Louisiana, determined administratively that Mille Lacs 
Lake in northern Minnesota was a waterway subject to Coast 
Guard jurisdiction and that it would be regulated by the 
Service for the first time. Residents and businesses on the 
Lake were not notified, nor given opportunity to comment on the 
determination. Additionally, the Coast Guard did not conduct an 
analysis to determine whether it had the resources necessary to 
inspect vessels and regulate the operation of mariners on the 
Lake.
    This section would require the Coast Guard to undertake a 
rulemaking when determining that a waterway is subject to its 
jurisdiction. This section in no way impacts the criteria the 
Service uses in making such determinations.

Sec. 207. Annual Board of Visitors

    Under current law, the Coast Guard Academy has a Board of 
Visitors comprised solely of Members of Congress. The Board is 
authorized to visit the Academy annually and make 
recommendations on its operation. The Board last met informally 
in March 2010. It has never visited the Academy or submitted 
recommendations on its operation.
    The Naval Academy Board of Visitors is comprised of Members 
of Congress and private individuals nominated by the President. 
It meets and submits recommendations on an annual basis. This 
section would align the structure and authorities of the Coast 
Guard Academy Board of Visitors to the Naval Academy Board of 
Visitors.

Sec. 208. Repeal of the limitation on Medal of Honor

    This section enables Coast Guard servicemembers to be 
awarded a Medal of Honor for each eligible act of valor.

Sec. 209. Mission need statement

    This section directs the Coast Guard to submit to the 
Committee a single, new MNS covering all of its major 
acquisition programs with the submission of the FY 2016 and 
2019 budget request to Congress and every four years 
thereafter. It further requires the Coast Guard to base the MNS 
on the funding provided in the CIP submitted for the fiscal 
year in which a MNS is required to be submitted. Finally, the 
Coast Guard is required to describe which missions it will not 
be able to achieve for any year in which a gap exists between 
the MNS mission hour targets and projected mission hours from 
new and legacy assets.

Sec. 210. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request

    Under current law, the Secretary of Defense is required to 
submit to Congress an authorization request not later than 30 
days after the date the President submits a budget to Congress. 
The authorization request includes the level of funding 
requested for the applicable fiscal year, personnel strengths 
for such fiscal year, and any other matter proposed by the 
Secretary for inclusion in an authorization bill.
    The Coast Guard does not submit a similar request to 
Congress on a regular basis. The Service has never submitted a 
request for an authorization of active duty end-of-year 
strengths. Furthermore, due to bureaucratic delay, the Service 
only sporadically submits Legislative Change Proposals to amend 
Coast Guard authorities. This section will require the Coast 
Guard to submit to the Committee an authorization request on an 
annual basis.

Sec. 211. Inventory of real property

    The Coast Guard currently lacks a centralized inventory to 
account for all of its real property. The Service could not 
provide the Committee with the locations of submerged and 
tidelands it owns. It also recently had to rely on an 
independent third party to complete an inventory and assessment 
of its servicemember housing.
    This section would require the Coast Guard to establish and 
maintain an inventory of all of its real property and report to 
the Committee every five years on which property it recommends 
for divestiture or consolidation.

Sec. 212. Active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces

    Under current law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may 
call Coast Guard reservists to active duty to prepare for and 
respond to a natural or manmade disaster. The Secretary's 
authority is limited to a call up of not more than 60 days in 
any four-month period and not more than 120 days in any two-
year period. This limitation hampers the ability of the Coast 
Guard to respond to large-scale or multiple disasters. There is 
no similar limitation on other reserve components called up by 
the Secretary of Defense.
    This section would eliminate the not more than 60 days in 
any four-month period limitation on the call up of Coast Guard 
reservists.

Sec. 213. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority

    This section would extend through FY 2017 the authority of 
the Commandant of the Coast Guard to hire experienced 
acquisition personnel on an expedited basis to maintain 
progress in building out its recapitalization program of 
record. The Department of Defense has similar authority that 
expires at the end of FY 2017.

Sec. 214. Icebreakers

    This section requires the Coast Guard to provide the 
Committee with a strategy to maintain icebreaking capabilities 
in the Polar Regions that includes an analysis of the cost 
effectiveness of acquiring or leasing new icebreaker assets. 
The section also prohibits the Coast Guard from spending any of 
its funds to pay for the capabilities of a new Polar Class 
icebreaker that are requested by other federal agencies. The 
Coast Guard is authorized to use funds transferred from other 
agencies pursuant to an agreement to address such requests.

Sec. 215. Multiyear procurement authority for Offshore Patrol Cutters

    This section would expressly authorize the Secretary of 
Homeland Security to enter into a multiyear contract for the 
procurement of the OPC. The OPC is the most expensive 
acquisition in Coast Guard history. The Navy has successfully 
used multiyear procurement contracts to achieve savings in at 
least two of its major ship acquisition programs.

Sec. 216. Maintaining medium endurance cutter mission capability

    The 210 foot and 270 foot MECs first entered service nearly 
50 years ago. The OPC will eventually be acquired to replace 
the MECs. However, both GAO and the Congressional Research 
Service have noted that under current funding levels, the MEC 
fleet's operational capacity will significantly diminish before 
the OPC acquisition is complete. GAO has also identified the 
pending acquisition of the OPC as the largest contributor to 
anticipated cost escalation and delays in the Coast Guard's 
major acquisition program of record.
    The OPC is currently in preliminary design. This phase in 
the acquisition process is critical to ensuring the Coast Guard 
acquires an affordable platform that meets mission 
requirements. The Coast Guard is planning on acquiring 25 OPCs 
capable of operating in Sea State 5 conditions. The planned OPC 
fleet coupled with the planned fleet of eight National Security 
Cutters would provide the Coast Guard with 33 Sea State 5 
capable cutters. The Coast Guard has historically had a fleet 
of 12 vessels capable of operating in Sea State 5 conditions.
    This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
provide the Committee with a plan for decommissioning the 210 
foot MECs; extending the life of the 270 foot MECs to ensure 
the Coast Guard can maintain mission capability through the OPC 
acquisition; identifying the number of OPCs necessary to 
maintain historical Sea State 5 capability; and acquiring OPCs 
that maintain historical Sea State 5 capability, as well as 
OPCs that do not maintain such capability.

Sec. 217. Coast Guard administrative savings

    This section would eliminate five annual reports the Coast 
Guard is required to submit to Congress. The information in 
these reports is already received in the documents that 
accompany the President's annual budget request. The Committee 
expects the Coast Guard to continue to report the information 
in these reports through annual budget documents. This section 
also consolidates and modifies three other annual reports.

Sec. 218. Technical corrections to Title 14

    This section makes technical and clarifying changes to 
title 14, United States Code.

Sec. 219. Flag officers

    Under current law, the Secretary of Homeland Security's 
authority to retire Coast Guard flag officers can be reviewed 
and overturned by the Secretary of Defense. This section 
clarifies that when the Coast Guard is not operating as a 
service in the Navy, the Secretary of Homeland Security may 
retire Coast Guard flag officers without the review of the 
Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 220. Aviation capability in the Great Lakes

    This section authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security 
to request and accept through a military-to-military transfer 
such H-60 helicopters as may be necessary to establish a year-
round operating capability in the Coast Guard Ninth District 
and to convert such helicopters to Coast Guard MH-60T 
configuration.

Sec. 221. E-LORAN

    This section prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security 
from dismantling or disposing of any former LORAN system 
infrastructure for at least one year from the date of enactment 
of the Act or until the date the Secretary notifies the 
Committee that such infrastructure is not needed for a 
positioning, navigation, and timing system to provide redundant 
capability in the event GPS signals are disrupted, whichever is 
later. It also authorizes the Secretary to enter into 
cooperative agreements with public and private entities for the 
development of a redundant system to GPS, including an enhanced 
LORAN system.

                   TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

Sec. 301. Treatment of fishing permits

    This section clarifies that a fishing permit is not an 
appurtenance to a vessel and therefore not subject to a 
maritime lien.

Sec. 302. International Ice Patrol reform

    In 1912, after the sinking of the TITANIC, the United 
States entered into the International Convention on the Safety 
of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to improve passenger vessel safety and 
to establish an International Ice Patrol (IIP) in the North 
Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Under SOLAS, 
the Coast Guard currently sends aircraft to the area from 
February through August to identify icebergs, track their 
movements, and notify mariners of their location. Under SOLAS, 
the United States is to be reimbursed for the Coast Guard's 
costs by foreign flag states whose vessels transit the area. 
The United States has not received reimbursement for the Coast 
Guard's costs since at least 2000. Over the last five fiscal 
years, the Coast Guard has spent $41 million and 1,779 flight 
hours on its IIP treaty obligations.
    This section would prohibit the Coast Guard from conducting 
an IIP after FY 2014 unless the Service is reimbursed for its 
costs by foreign flag states with vessels transiting the area. 
The section authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct an 
unreimbursed IIP after FY 2014 only if the President determines 
it necessary in the interest of national defense. Nothing in 
this section limits the authority of the Coast Guard to conduct 
any of its missions in the area.

Sec. 303. Repeal

    This section repeals an inoperative section of title 46 
that authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to encourage the use 
of mobile trade fairs.

Sec. 304. Donation of historical property

    This section authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to 
donate historical property, except vessels or real estate, 
administered by the Maritime Administration to state and local 
governments or non-profit organizations.

Sec. 305. Small shipyards

    This section reauthorizes the Assistance to Small Shipyards 
program through fiscal year 2016 at currently authorized 
levels. The program provides capital grants to small privately 
owned shipyards to expand shipbuilding capacity, efficiency, 
and competitiveness.

Sec. 306. Drug testing reporting

    This section clarifies that federal agencies operating 
vessels are required to submit the results of failed drug tests 
administered to applicants for mariner positions on such 
vessels to the Coast Guard so the Service can take appropriate 
action with respect to the mariner's merchant mariner 
credential.

Sec. 307. Recourse for noncitizens

    This section clarifies that a foreign citizen may file a 
personal injury lawsuit in a U.S. court only if the accident 
occurred in U.S. waters, aboard a U.S. vessel, or the claimant 
is a permanent resident alien and does not have a right to 
bring suit in his country of residence or the flag state of the 
vessel from which the claim arose. The provision does not 
require a trial in, or under, the laws of the United States for 
any injury, illness, or death to any foreign seaman engaged 
aboard a foreign passenger vessel.

Sec. 308. Penalty wages

    Current law provides that if a vessel owner does not pay a 
seaman what the seaman is owed under his employment contract 
without sufficient cause, the vessel owner must pay the seaman 
two days' wages for each day the owner does not pay the seaman 
the contractual amount. In case of a class action suit brought 
by seamen who serve on cruise ships, the total amount of the 
penalty is limited to 10 times the amount of wages owed. This 
section caps the penalty amount at 10 times the amount of wages 
owed for any seaman serving on a cruise ship, regardless of 
whether the relief is sought in a class action.

Sec. 309. Crediting time in the sea services

    Current Coast Guard regulations require merchant mariners 
seeking to serve as officers on commercial vessels demonstrate 
that they have served at least three months on a similarly 
sized vessel within the last three years. This presents a 
hardship to many retired Navy and Coast Guard servicemembers 
who otherwise qualify to serve as an officer, but may not have 
served aboard a vessel during their last tour of duty.
    This section would enable retired servicemembers who meet 
all other qualifications to serve as an officer aboard a 
commercial vessel to demonstrate three months of service within 
the last seven years.
    In order to work on a commercial vessel in the United 
States an individual needs a merchant mariner's license or 
document issued by the Coast Guard. In order to be eligible for 
certain licenses and documents, the Coast Guard requires 
individuals to provide a ``sea service letter'' from their past 
employers to document their work experience on a vessel. Coast 
Guard servicemembers leaving the Service and seeking employment 
as merchant mariners are having trouble receiving timely sea 
service letters from the Coast Guard documenting their service 
on Coast Guard vessels.
    This section would require the Commandant to provide a sea 
service letter to a current or retired member of the Coast 
Guard within 30 days of receiving a request for such letter. 
The section also requires the Coast Guard to maximize the 
extent to which time served in the Armed Forces is creditable 
toward meeting the requirements of a merchant mariner license 
or document.

Sec. 310. Treatment of abandoned seafarers

    This section establishes a fund to repatriate foreign 
seafarers abandoned in the United States and cover the expenses 
of foreign seafarers that must remain in the United States to 
serve as material witnesses in federal criminal trials against 
vessel owners. The fund is capitalized through a partial 
diversion of existing penalties imposed on vessel owners guilty 
of certain environmental crimes.

Sec. 311. Clarification of high risk waters

    This section clarifies the definition of high risk waters 
for the purposes of section 55305(e) of title 46, United States 
Code.

Sec. 312. Uninspected passenger vessels in the Virgin Islands

    This section enables U.S. owned uninspected passenger 
vessels operating in the U.S. Virgin Islands to carry up to 12 
passengers provided the vessels meet certain safety 
requirements.

Sec. 313. Offshore supply vessel third-party inspection

    This section establishes a process for the Coast Guard to 
follow to enable classification societies to inspect offshore 
supply vessels.

Sec. 314. Survival craft

    This section would phase in a requirement to carry out-of-
water survival craft by passenger vessels operating in certain 
waters. It would also require the Coast Guard to review the 
number of casualties for individuals with disabilities, the 
elderly, and children from immersion in water and the effect 
out-of-water survival craft would have on improving the 
survivability of such individuals, as well as the impact 
requiring the carriage of such survival craft would have on 
small business.

Sec. 315. Technical corrections to Title 46

    This section makes technical and clarifying changes to 
title 46, United States Code.

Sec. 316. Enforcement

    Section 55305 of title 46, United States Code, requires 
that at least 50 percent of certain cargoes procured or 
financed by the federal government be transported on U.S. 
flagged vessels. Section 3511 of the Duncan Hunter National 
Defense Authorization Act for FY 2009 (P.L. 110-417) amended 
section 55305 to require the Secretary of Transportation to 
conduct an annual review of cargoes shipped by other federal 
agencies to ensure compliance with the 50 percent requirement. 
It also authorized the Secretary to take various actions to 
rectify violations. P.L. 110-417 became law on October 14, 
2008. MARAD has yet to begin a rulemaking process to implement 
section 3511.
    This section would require the Secretary of Transportation 
to determine which programs conducted by federal government 
agencies are subject to section 55305 and ensure such programs 
are conducted in accordance with the law. This section further 
requires the Secretary to report to the Committee on an annual 
basis on the results of the annual audit of such programs for 
compliance cargo preference law and the actions taken to 
address violations of the law.

Sec. 317. Severe marine debris events

    This section establishes a structure for states to request 
and receive a declaration of a severe marine debris event and 
makes response activities to such events eligible for existing 
grant funding.

Sec. 318. Minimum tonnage

    This section restores to 75 the percentage of certain 
commodities that are required to be shipped on U.S. flagged 
vessels under chapter 553 of title 46, United States Code.

Sec. 319. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee

    This section codifies the Merchant Marine Personnel 
Advisory Committee (MERPAC) which was established on January 
23, 1992, by the Secretary of Transportation. MERPAC provides 
advice to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating on matters relating to the training, 
qualification, licensing, certification, and fitness of U.S. 
mariners. This section provides a termination date for MERPAC 
and requires the Committee to review and report to the Coast 
Guard on issues involving the implementation of amendments to 
the International Convention on Standards of Training, 
Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, that 
entered into force on January 1, 2012.

                 TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations

    This section would authorize the activities of the Federal 
Maritime Commission (FMC) for each of FYs 2015 and 2016 at the 
current enacted level of $24.7 million. The activities of the 
FMC have not been authorized since FY 2008.

Sec. 402. Terms of commissioners

    Unlike commissioners on similar federal commissions, once 
an FMC commissioner's term expires, the law allows the 
commissioner to continue to serve until a replacement is 
confirmed by the Senate. There is also no statutory limit on 
the number of terms an FMC commissioner may serve.
    This section prohibits a commissioner from serving more 
than one year after the five year appointment term expires. It 
also imposes a term limit of two terms. These changes are 
applicable to commissioners appointed after the date of 
enactment of this Act. Finally, this section codifies current 
conflict of interest prohibitions on the actions of 
commissioners.

              TITLE V--COMMERCIAL VESSEL DISCHARGE REFORM

Sec. 501. Short title

    This section provides a short title to Title V.

Sec. 502. Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel

    Pursuant to a federal court order, in December 2008, the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated final 
regulations establishing a Vessel General Permit (VGP) under 
the Clean Water Act's National Pollution Discharge Elimination 
System program to govern ballast water and other discharges 
incidental to the normal operation of vessels. The VGP requires 
vessel operators to be in compliance with best management 
practices covering 26 types of discharges incidental to normal 
vessel operations, including deck runoff, air conditioner 
condensate, bilge water, graywater, and ice slurry from fish 
holds on commercial fishing vessels. The VGP also incorporates 
local water quality regulatory requirements added by 26 states, 
two Indian tribes, and one territory that vessel operators must 
comply with while transiting those jurisdictions.
    The Clean Boating Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-288) exempted 
recreational vessels regardless of size from compliance with 
the VGP. Instead the law required the Administrator of the EPA 
to issue best management practices for recreational vessel 
owners to follow to manage incidental discharges. Commercial 
fishing vessels and commercial vessels less than 79 feet 
without ballast tanks operate under a moratorium from the VGP 
which was included in P.L. 112-213. The moratorium expires on 
December 18, 2014.
    This section exempts commercial fishing vessels and 
commercial vessels less than 79 feet without ballast tanks from 
the VGP. This section does not impact the regulation of ballast 
water discharges by the Coast Guard, EPA, or state governments.

                        TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 601. Distant water tuna fleet

    This section eliminates requirements on U.S. flag distant 
water tuna fleet vessels that are inconsistent with the 
requirements the Coast Guard places on all other U.S. flagged 
commercial fishing vessels. This section requires distant water 
tuna fleet vessels to pass a Coast Guard administered vessel 
safety examination every five years instead of each year. It 
also removes the requirement that these vessels call on certain 
U.S. ports at least once each year. Finally, it clarifies the 
requirements for licenses by foreign officers serving on such 
vessels.

Sec. 602. Vessel determination

    This section deems the build date of a vessel rebuilt after 
being lost in a fire as the date on which the rebuilt vessel 
was delivered.

Sec. 603. Lease authority

    This section authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
to lease submerged and tidelands under the control of the Coast 
Guard for a period of more than five years.

Sec. 604. National maritime strategy

    This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to 
provide the Committee with a national maritime strategy that 
includes recommendations on ways to reduce regulatory burdens 
on U.S. flag vessel owners, improve the competitiveness of the 
U.S. flag fleet, increase the use of short seas shipping, and 
enhance shipbuilding capacity in the United States.

Sec. 605. IMO Polar Code negotiations

    This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
report to the Committee on the status of negotiations on the 
Polar Code at the International Maritime Organization and the 
impacts the implementation of the Code will have on coastal 
communities in the Arctic.

Sec. 606. Valley View Ferry

    This section would remove the requirement that any master 
of the Valley View Ferry be licensed by the Coast Guard if the 
Commonwealth of Kentucky implements a similar licensing 
requirement.

Sec. 607. Competition by United States flag vessels

    This section would authorize the National Academy of 
Sciences (NAS) to conduct an assessment of Coast Guard 
regulations governing the inspection of vessels to determine 
what impact such regulations have on the competitiveness of 
U.S. flag vessels in the international trade. It also 
authorizes NAS to conduct an assessment of factors impacting 
U.S. flag vessel competitiveness.

Sec. 608. Survey

    This section would require the Coast Guard to survey a 
parcel of property under its administrative control located in 
Gig Harbor, Washington.

Sec. 609. Fishing Safety Grant Programs

    This section extends through FY 2016 the authorization for 
the Fishing Safety Training Grant Program and the Fishing 
Safety Research Grant Program.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

TITLE 14, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



PART I--REGULAR COAST GUARD

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 3--COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



Sec. 42. Number and distribution of commissioned officers on active 
                    duty promotion list

  (a) Maximum Total Number.--The total number of Coast Guard 
commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, 
excluding warrant officers, shall not exceed [7,200] 6,700; 
except that the Commandant may temporarily increase that number 
by up to 2 percent for no more than 60 days following the date 
of the commissioning of a Coast Guard Academy class.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 57. Prevention and response workforces

  (a) * * *
  (b) Qualifications for Certain Assignments.--An officer, 
member, or civilian employee of the Coast Guard assigned as a--
          (1) * * *
          (2) marine casualty investigator shall have the 
        training, experience, and qualifications in 
        investigation, marine casualty reconstruction, evidence 
        collection and preservation, human factors, and 
        documentation using best investigation practices by 
        Federal and non-Federal entities; [or]
          (3) marine safety engineer shall have knowledge, 
        skill, and practical experience in--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) the qualifications and training of vessel 
                personnel[.];
          (4) waterways operations manager shall have 
        knowledge, skill, and practical experience with respect 
        to marine transportation system management; or
          (5) port and facility safety and security specialist 
        shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience 
        with respect to the safety, security, and environmental 
        protection responsibilities associated with maritime 
        ports and facilities.
  (c) Apprenticeship Requirement To Qualify for Certain 
Careers.--The Commandant may require an officer, member, or 
employee of the Coast Guard in training for a specialized 
prevention or response career path to serve an apprenticeship 
under the guidance of a qualified individual. However, an 
individual in training to become a marine inspector, marine 
casualty investigator, [or marine safety engineer] marine 
safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and 
facility safety and security specialist shall serve a minimum 
of one-year as an apprentice unless the Commandant authorizes a 
shorter period for certain qualifications.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(e) Assessment of Adequacy of Marine Safety Workforce.--
          [(1) Report.--The Secretary, acting through the 
        Commandant, shall report to the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
        and Transportation of the Senate by December 1 of each 
        year on the adequacy of the current marine safety 
        workforce to meet that anticipated workload.
          [(2) Contents.--The report shall specify the number 
        of civilian and military Coast Guard personnel 
        currently assigned to marine safety positions and shall 
        identify positions that are understaffed to meet the 
        anticipated marine safety workload.]
  [(f)] (e) Sector Chief of Prevention.--There shall be in each 
Coast Guard sector a Chief of Prevention who shall be at least 
a Lieutenant Commander or civilian employee within the grade 
GS-13 of the General Schedule, and who shall be a--
          (1) * * *
          (2) qualified marine casualty [investigator or marine 
        safety engineer.] investigator, marine safety engineer, 
        waterways operations manager, or port and facility 
        safety and security specialist.
  [(g)] (f) Signatories of Letter of Qualification for Certain 
Prevention Personnel.--Each individual signing a letter of 
qualification for marine safety personnel must hold a letter of 
qualification for the type being certified.
  [(h)] (g) Sector Chief of Response.--There shall be in each 
Coast Guard sector a Chief of Response who shall be at least a 
Lieutenant Commander or civilian employee within the grade GS-
13 of the General Schedule in each Coast Guard sector.

Sec. 58. Centers of expertise for Coast Guard prevention and response

  (a) * * *
  [(b) Missions.--Each center shall--
          [(1) promote and facilitate education, training, and 
        research;
          [(2) develop a repository of information on its 
        missions and specialties; and
          [(3) perform any other missions as the Commandant may 
        specify.]
  (b) Missions.--Any center established under subsection (a) 
may--
          (1) promote, facilitate, and conduct--
                  (A) education;
                  (B) training; and
                  (C) activities authorized under section 
                93(a)(4); and
          (2) be a repository of information on operations, 
        practices, and resources related to the mission for 
        which the center was established.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 59. Marine industry training program

  [(a) In General.--The Commandant] The Commandant shall, by 
policy, establish a program under which an officer, member, or 
employee of the Coast Guard may be assigned to a private entity 
to further the institutional interests of the Coast Guard with 
regard to marine safety, including for the purpose of providing 
training to an officer, member, or employee. Policies to carry 
out the program--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(b) Annual Report.--Not later than the date of the 
submission each year of the President's budget request under 
section 1105 of title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report that describes--
          [(1) the number of officers, members, and employees 
        of the Coast Guard assigned to private entities under 
        this section; and
          [(2) the specific benefit that accrues to the Coast 
        Guard for each assignment.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    CHAPTER 5--FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

Sec.
81. Aids to navigation authorized.
     * * * * * * *
102. Agreements.
103. Determinations.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 93. Commandant; general powers

  (a) For the purpose of executing the duties and functions of 
the Coast Guard the Commandant may:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) conduct experiments[, investigate] and 
        investigate, or cause to be investigated, plans, 
        devices, and inventions relating to the performance of 
        any Coast Guard function, including research, 
        development, test, or evaluation related to 
        intelligence systems and capabilities[, and cooperate 
        and coordinate such activities with other Government 
        agencies and with private agencies];

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (13) rent or lease, under such terms and conditions 
        as are deemed advisable, for a period not exceeding 
        five years, such real property under the control of the 
        Coast Guard as may not be required for immediate use by 
        the Coast Guard, the monies received from any such 
        rental or lease, less amount of expenses incurred 
        (exclusive of governmental personal services), to be 
        deposited in [the Treasury] the fund established under 
        section 687;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b)(1) [Notwithstanding subsection (a)(14)] Notwithstanding 
subsection (a)(13), a lease described in paragraph (2) of this 
subsection may be for a term of up to 20 years.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 102. Agreements

  (a) In General.--In carrying out section 93(a)(4), the 
Commandant may--
          (1) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and 
        other agreements with Federal entities and other public 
        or private entities, including academic entities; and
          (2) impose on and collect from an entity subject to 
        an agreement or contract under paragraph (1) a fee to 
        assist with expenses incurred in carrying out such 
        section.
  (b) Deposit and Use of Fees.--Fees collected under this 
section shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury 
as offsetting receipts. The fees may be used, to the extent 
provided in advance in an appropriation law, only to carry out 
activities under section 93(a)(4).

Sec. 103. Determinations

  The Secretary may only make a determination that a waterway, 
or any portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the 
jurisdiction of the Coast Guard through a rulemaking that is 
conducted in a manner consistent with subchapter II of chapter 
5 of title 5.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 9--COAST GUARD ACADEMY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[Sec. 194. Annual Board of Visitors

  [(a) In addition to the Advisory Committee, a Board of 
Visitors to the Academy is established to visit the Academy 
annually and to make recommendations on the operation of the 
Academy.
  [(b) The Board shall be composed of--
          [(1) two Senators designated by the Chairman of the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
        the Senate;
          [(2) three Members of the House of Representatives 
        designated by the Chairman of the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives;
          [(3) one Senator designated by the President of the 
        Senate;
          [(4) two Members of the House of Representatives 
        designated by the Speaker of the House of 
        Representatives; and
          [(5) the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, as ex 
        officio Members.
  [(c) When a Member is unable to attend the annual meeting 
another Member may be designated as provided under subsection 
(b).
  [(d) When an ex officio Member is unable to attend the annual 
meeting that Member may designate another Member.
  [(e) Members of the Board shall be designated in the First 
Session and serve for the duration of the Congress.
  [(f) The Board shall visit the Academy annually on the date 
chosen by the Secretary. Each Member of the Board shall be 
reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard 
for actual expenses incurred while engaged in duties as a 
Member of the Board.]

Sec. 194. Annual Board of Visitors

  (a) In General.--A Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard 
Academy is established to review and make recommendations on 
the operation of the Academy.
  (b) Membership.--
          (1) In general.--The membership of the Board shall 
        consist of the following:
                  (A) The chairman of the Committee on 
                Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
                Senate, or the chairman's designee.
                  (B) The chairman of the Committee on 
                Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
                of Representatives, or the chairman's designee.
                  (C) 3 Members of the Senate designated by the 
                Vice President.
                  (D) 4 Members of the House of Representatives 
                designated by the Speaker of the House of 
                Representatives.
                  (E) 6 individuals designated by the 
                President.
          (2) Length of service.--
                  (A) Members of congress.--A Member of 
                Congress designated under subparagraph (C) or 
                (D) of paragraph (1) as a member of the Board 
                shall be designated as a member in the First 
                Session of a Congress and serve for the 
                duration of that Congress.
                  (B) Individuals designated by the 
                president.--Each individual designated by the 
                President under subparagraph (E) of paragraph 
                (1) shall serve as a member of the Board for 3 
                years, except that any such member whose term 
                of office has expired shall continue to serve 
                until a successor is appointed.
          (3) Death or resignation of a member.--If a member of 
        the Board dies or resigns, a successor shall be 
        designated for any unexpired portion of the term of the 
        member by the official who designated the member.
  (c) Academy Visits.--
          (1) Annual visit.--The Board shall visit the Academy 
        annually to review the operation of the Academy.
          (2) Additional visits.--With the approval of the 
        Secretary, the Board or individual members of the Board 
        may make other visits to the Academy in connection with 
        the duties of the Board or to consult with the 
        Superintendent of the Academy.
  (d) Scope of Review.--The Board shall review, with respect to 
the Academy--
          (1) the state of morale and discipline;
          (2) the curriculum;
          (3) instruction;
          (4) physical equipment;
          (5) fiscal affairs; and
          (6) other matters relating to the Academy that the 
        Board determines appropriate.
  (e) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of an 
annual visit of the Board under subsection (c)(1), the Board 
shall submit to the Secretary, 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 of the Board during 
such visit and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to 
the Academy.
  (f) Advisors.--If approved by the Secretary, the Board may 
consult with advisors in carrying out this section.
  (g) Reimbursement.--Each member of the Board and each adviser 
consulted by the Board under subsection (f) shall be 
reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard 
for actual expenses incurred while engaged in duties as a 
member or adviser.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 197. Cadets: charges and fees for attendance; limitation

  (a) * * *
  (b) Exception.--The prohibition specified in subsection (a) 
does not apply with respect to any item or service provided to 
cadets for which a charge or fee is imposed as of October 5, 
1994. The Secretary [of Homeland Security] shall notify 
Congress of any change made by the Academy in the amount of a 
charge or fee authorized under this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                         CHAPTER 11--PERSONNEL

     * * * * * * *
Sec.
211. Original appointment of permanent commissioned officers.
     * * * * * * *
296. Flag officers.
     * * * * * * *
428. Sea service letters.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 296. Flag officers

  During any period in which the Coast Guard is not operating 
as a service in the Navy, section 1216(d) of title 10 does not 
apply with respect to flag officers of the Coast Guard.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 428. Sea service letters

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide a sea service 
letter to a member or former member of the Coast Guard who--
          (1) accumulated sea service on a vessel of the armed 
        forces (as such term is defined in section 101(a) of 
        title 10); and
          (2) requests such letter.
  (b) Deadline.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a 
request for a sea service letter from a member or former member 
of the Coast Guard under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
provide such letter to such member or former member if such 
member or former member satisfies the requirement under 
subsection (a)(1).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 13--PAY, ALLOWANCES, AWARDS, AND OTHER RIGHTS AND BENEFITS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 494. Insignia for additional awards

  No more than one [medal of honor,] Coast Guard cross, 
distinguished service medal, silver star medal, distinguished 
flying cross, or one Coast Guard medal shall be issued to any 
one person; but for each succeeding deed or service sufficient 
to justify the awarding of a [medal of honor,] Coast Guard 
cross, distinguished service medal, silver star medal, 
distinguished flying cross, or Coast Guard medal, the President 
may award a suitable emblem or insignia to be worn with the 
decoration and a corresponding rosette or other device.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                        CHAPTER 15--ACQUISITIONS

                    subchapter i--general provisions

Sec.
561. Acquisition directorate.
     * * * * * * *
[569. Report on former Coast Guard officials employed by contractors to 
          the agency.]
569. Mission need statement.
     * * * * * * *

Subchapter I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[Sec. 569. Report on former Coast Guard officials employed by 
                    contractors to the agency

  [(a) Report Required.--Not later than December 31, 2011, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report 
to the appropriate congressional committees on the employment 
during the preceding year by Coast Guard contractors of 
individuals who were Coast Guard officials in the previous 5-
year period. The report shall assess the extent to which former 
Coast Guard officials were provided compensation by Coast Guard 
contractors in the preceding calendar year.
  [(b) Objectives of Report.--At a minimum, the report required 
by this section shall assess the extent to which former Coast 
Guard officials who receive compensation from Coast Guard 
contractors have been assigned by those contractors to work on 
contracts or programs between the contractor and the Coast 
Guard, including contracts or programs for which the former 
official personally had oversight responsibility or 
decisionmaking authority when they served in or worked for the 
Coast Guard.
  [(c) Confidentiality Requirement.--The report required by 
this subsection shall not include the names of the former Coast 
Guard officials who receive compensation from Coast Guard 
contractors.
  [(d) Access to Information.--A Coast Guard contractor shall 
provide the Comptroller General access to information requested 
by the Comptroller General for the purpose of conducting the 
study required by this section.
  [(e) Definitions.--In this section:
          [(1) Coast guard contractor.--The term ``Coast Guard 
        contractor'' includes any person that received at least 
        $10,000,000 in contractor awards from the Coast Guard 
        in the calendar year covered by the annual report.
          [(2) Coast guard official.--The term ``Coast Guard 
        official'' includes former officers of the Coast Guard 
        who were compensated at a rate of pay for grade O-7 or 
        above during the calendar year prior to the date on 
        which they separated from the Coast Guard, and former 
        civilian employees of the Coast Guard who served at any 
        Level of the Senior Executive Service under subchapter 
        VIII of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, 
        during the calendar year prior to the date on which 
        they separated from the Coast Guard.]

Sec. 569. Mission need statement

  (a) In General.--On the date on which the President submits 
to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2016 under section 1105 of 
title 31, on the date on which the President submits to 
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 an integrated major acquisition 
mission need statement.
  (b) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions 
apply:
          (1) Integrated major acquisition mission need 
        statement.--The term ``integrated major acquisition 
        mission need statement'' means a document that--
                  (A) identifies current and projected gaps in 
                Coast Guard mission capabilities using mission 
                hour targets;
                  (B) explains how each major acquisition 
                program addresses gaps identified under 
                subparagraph (A) if funded at the levels 
                provided for such program in the most recently 
                submitted capital investment plan; and
                  (C) describes the missions the Coast Guard 
                will not be able to achieve, by fiscal year, 
                for each gap identified under subparagraph (A).
          (2) Major acquisition program.--The term ``major 
        acquisition program'' has the meaning given that term 
        in section 569a(e).
          (3) Capital investment plan.--The term ``capital 
        investment plan'' means the plan required under section 
        663(a)(1).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subchapter II--IMPROVED ACQUISITION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 573. Preliminary development and demonstration

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Technical Certification.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Cutter classification.--
                  (A) In general.--The Commandant shall cause 
                each cutter, other than a National Security 
                Cutter, acquired by the Coast Guard and 
                delivered after the date of enactment of the 
                Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 to be 
                classed by the American Bureau of Shipping 
                before final acceptance and shall maintain such 
                cutter in such class.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       CHAPTER 17--ADMINISTRATION

Sec.
631. Delegation of powers by the Secretary.
     * * * * * * *
[651. Annual report.]
     * * * * * * *
662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request.
     * * * * * * *
679. Inventory of real property.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[Sec. 651. Annual report

  [In April of each year, the Commandant, through the 
Secretary, shall report to Congress the operations and 
expenditures of the Coast Guard during the preceding fiscal 
year, including amounts collected as provided under section 664 
of this title.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 656. Use of certain appropriated funds

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Minor Construction and Improvement.--
          (1) * * *
          [(2) Reporting requirements.--Not later than 90 days 
        after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary 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 each project undertaken 
        during the course of the preceding fiscal year for 
        which the amount expended under paragraph (1) exceeded 
        $500,000.]
          (2) Report.--Not later than the date on which the 
        President submits to Congress a budget under section 
        1105 of title 31 each year, 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 describing each project carried out under 
        paragraph (1), in the most recently concluded fiscal 
        year, for which the amount expended under such 
        paragraph for such project was more than $1,000,000. If 
        no such project was carried out during a fiscal year, 
        no report under this paragraph shall be required with 
        respect to that fiscal year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request

  (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which the President submits to Congress a budget for a fiscal 
year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, 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 Coast Guard 
authorization request with respect to such fiscal year.
  (b) Coast Guard Authorization Request Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``Coast Guard authorization request'' means a 
proposal for legislation that, with respect to the Coast Guard 
for the relevant fiscal year--
          (1) recommends end strengths for personnel for that 
        fiscal year, as described in section 661;
          (2) recommends authorizations of appropriations for 
        that fiscal year, including with respect to matters 
        described in section 662; and
          (3) addresses any other matter that the Secretary 
        determines is appropriate for inclusion in a Coast 
        Guard authorization bill.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 672a. Long-term lease authority for lighthouse property

  (a) * * *
  (b) Amounts received from leases made under this section, 
less expenses incurred, shall be deposited in [the Treasury] 
the fund established under section 687.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 679. Inventory of real property

  (a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2014, the 
Commandant shall establish an inventory of all real property, 
including submerged lands, under the control of the Coast 
Guard, which shall include--
          (1) the size, the location, and any other appropriate 
        description of each unit of such property;
          (2) an assessment of the physical condition of each 
        unit of such property, excluding lands;
          (3) an estimate of the fair market value of each unit 
        of such property;
          (4) a determination of whether each unit of such 
        property should be--
                  (A) retained to fulfill a current or 
                projected Coast Guard mission requirement; or
                  (B) subject to divestiture; and
          (5) other information the Commandant considers 
        appropriate.
  (b) Inventory Maintenance.--The Commandant shall--
          (1) maintain the inventory required under subsection 
        (a) on an ongoing basis; and
          (2) update information on each unit of real property 
        included in such inventory not later than 30 days after 
        any change relating to such property.
  (c) Recommendations to Congress.--Not later than March 30, 
2015, and every 5 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 report that 
includes--
          (1) a list of all real property under the control of 
        the Coast Guard and the location of such property by 
        property type;
          (2) recommendations for divestiture with respect to 
        any units of such property, including an estimate of--
                  (A) the fair market value of any property 
                recommended for divestiture; and
                  (B) the costs or savings associated with 
                divestiture; and
          (3) recommendations for consolidating any units of 
        such property, including--
                  (A) an estimate of the costs or savings 
                associated with each recommended consolidation; 
                and
                  (B) a discussion of the impact that such 
                consolidation would have on Coast Guard mission 
                effectiveness.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 18--COAST GUARD HOUSING AUTHORITIES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 687. Coast Guard Housing Fund

  (a) * * *
  (b) Credits to Fund.--There shall be credited to the Fund the 
following:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Monies received under section 93(a)(13).
          (5) Amounts received under section 672a(b).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART II--COAST GUARD RESERVE AND AUXILIARY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    CHAPTER 21--COAST GUARD RESERVE

Subchapter A--General

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 712. Active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces

  (a) Notwithstanding another law, and for the emergency 
augmentation of the Regular Coast Guard forces during a, or to 
aid in prevention of an imminent, serious natural or manmade 
disaster, accident, catastrophe, act of terrorism (as defined 
in section 2(16) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 
101(16))), or transportation security incident as defined in 
section 70101 of title 46, the Secretary may, without the 
consent of the member affected, order to active duty of [not 
more than 60 days in any 4-month period and] not more than 120 
days in any 2-year period an organized training unit of the 
Coast Guard Ready Reserve, a member thereof, or a member not 
assigned to a unit organized to serve as a unit.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE IV--ACQUISITION REFORM

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 404. ACQUISITION WORKFORCE EXPEDITED HIRING AUTHORITY.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Limitation.--The Commandant may not appoint a person to a 
position of employment under this section after September 30, 
[2015] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


          COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2012

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is 
as follows:

     * * * * * * *

                         TITLE VI--MARINE DEBRIS

     * * * * * * *
[Sec. 609. Severe marine debris event determination.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE II--COAST GUARD

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 222. COAST GUARD POLAR ICEBREAKERS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Requirement for Reactivation of Polar Sea.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Decommissioning[; bridging strategy].--If the 
        analysis required under subsection (a) is submitted in 
        accordance with subsection (c) and the Secretary 
        determines under subsection (a)(5) that it is not cost-
        effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then not later 
        than 180 days after the date on which the analysis is 
        required to be submitted under subsection (c) the 
        [Commandant of the Coast Guard--
                  [(A) may decommission the Polar Sea; and
                  [(B) shall submit a bridging strategy for 
                maintaining the Coast Guard's polar icebreaking 
                services until at least September 30, 2022, to 
                the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
                and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate.] Commandant of 
                the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar Sea.
          (3) Result of no determination.--If in the analysis 
        submitted under this section the Secretary does not 
        make a determination under subsection (a)(5) regarding 
        whether it is cost-effective to reactivate the Polar 
        Sea, then--
                  (A) the Commandant of the Coast Guard may 
                decommission the Polar Sea; or
                  (B) the Secretary may make such 
                determination, not later than 90 days after the 
                date of enactment of this paragraph, and take 
                actions in accordance with this subsection as 
                though such determination was made in the 
                analysis previously submitted.
  (e) Strategies.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date on which the analysis required under subsection 
        (a) is submitted, 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) a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's 
                Arctic ice operations needs through September 
                30, 2050; and
                  (B) unless the Secretary makes a 
                determination under this section that it is 
                cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, a 
                bridging strategy for maintaining the Coast 
                Guard's polar icebreaking services until at 
                least September 30, 2024.
          (2) Requirement.--The strategies required under 
        paragraph (1) shall include a business case analysis 
        comparing the leasing and purchasing of icebreakers to 
        maintain the needs and services described in that 
        paragraph.
  [(e)] (f) Restriction.--Except as provided in subsection (d), 
the Commandant of the Coast Guard may not--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(f)] (g) Definition.--For purposes of this section--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(g)] (h) Repeal.--This section shall cease to have effect on 
September 30, 2022.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VI--MARINE DEBRIS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 609. SEVERE MARINE DEBRIS EVENT DETERMINATION.

  [(a) In General.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration shall determine whether the 
March 2011, Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami and the 
October 2012, hurricane Sandy each caused a severe marine 
debris event (as that term is defined in section 7(6) of the 
Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1956(6)), as amended by this Act).
  [(b) Deadline.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
determination required under subsection (a) to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
Representatives.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1996

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
     * * * * * * *

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

     * * * * * * *
[Sec. 103. Annual reports on drug interdiction.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

[SEC. 103. ANNUAL REPORT ON DRUG INTERDICTION.

  [Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal year, 
the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
operating 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 all expenditures related to drug 
interdiction activities of the Coast Guard on an annual basis.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


              MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT OF 2002

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is 
as follows:

     * * * * * * *

                 TITLE IV--OMNIBUS MARITIME IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 401. Short title.
     * * * * * * *
[Sec. 426. Annual report on Coast Guard capabilities and readiness to 
          fulfill national defense responsibilities.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE III--COAST GUARD PERSONNEL AND MARITIME SAFETY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 346. MODERNIZATION OF NATIONAL DISTRESS AND RESPONSE SYSTEM.

  [(a) Report.--The Secretary of the department in which the 
Coast Guard is operating shall prepare a status report on the 
modernization of the National Distress and Response System and 
transmit the report, not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until completion 
of the project, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives.
  [(b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall--
          [(1) set forth the scope of the modernization, the 
        schedule for completion of the System, and information 
        on progress in meeting the schedule and on any 
        anticipated delays;
          [(2) specify the funding expended to-date on the 
        System, the funding required to complete the System, 
        and the purposes for which the funds were or will be 
        expended;
          [(3) describe and map the existing public and private 
        communications coverage throughout the waters of the 
        coastal and internal regions of the continental United 
        States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Caribbean, and 
        identify locations that possess direction-finding, 
        asset-tracking communications, and digital selective 
        calling service;
          [(4) identify areas of high risk to boaters and Coast 
        Guard personnel due to communications gaps;
          [(5) specify steps taken by the Secretary to fill 
        existing gaps in coverage, including obtaining 
        direction-finding equipment, digital recording systems, 
        asset-tracking communications, use of commercial VHF 
        services, and digital selective calling services that 
        meet or exceed Global Maritime Distress and Safety 
        System requirements adopted under the International 
        Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea;
          [(6) identify the number of VHF-FM radios equipped 
        with digital selective calling sold to United States 
        boaters;
          [(7) list all reported marine accidents, casualties, 
        and fatalities occurring in areas with existing 
        communications gaps or failures, including incidents 
        associated with gaps in VHF-FM coverage or digital 
        selected calling capabilities and failures associated 
        with inadequate communications equipment aboard the 
        involved vessels during calendar years 1997 and 
        thereafter;
          [(8) identify existing systems available to close all 
        identified marine safety gaps before January 1, 2003, 
        including expeditious receipt and response by 
        appropriate Coast Guard operations centers to VHF-FM 
        digital selective calling distress signal; and
          [(9) identify actions taken to-date to implement the 
        recommendations of the National Transportation Safety 
        Board in its Report No. MAR-99-01.]

SEC. 346. MODERNIZATION OF NATIONAL DISTRESS AND RESPONSE SYSTEM.

  (a) Report.--Not later than March 30, 2014, the Secretary of 
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 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 the 
implementation of the Rescue 21 project in Alaska and in Coast 
Guard sectors Upper Mississippi River, Lower Mississippi River, 
and Ohio River Valley.
  (b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) 
shall--
          (1) describe what improvements are being made to the 
        distress response system in the areas specified in 
        subsection (a), including information on which areas 
        will receive digital selective calling and direction 
        finding capability;
          (2) describe the impediments to installing digital 
        selective calling and direction finding capability in 
        areas where such technology will not be installed;
          (3) identify locations in the areas specified in 
        subsection (a) where communication gaps will continue 
        to present a risk to mariners after completion of the 
        Rescue 21 project;
          (4) include a list of all reported marine accidents, 
        casualties, and fatalities occurring in the locations 
        identified under paragraph (3) since 1990; and
          (5) provide an estimate of the costs associated with 
        installing the technology necessary to close 
        communication gaps in the locations identified under 
        paragraph (3).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE IV--OMNIBUS MARITIME IMPROVEMENTS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 426. ANNUAL REPORT ON COAST GUARD CAPABILITIES AND READINESS TO 
                    FULFILL NATIONAL DEFENSE RESPONSIBILITIES.

  [Not later than February 15 each year, the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating 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, prepared in 
conjunction with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, setting 
forth the capabilities and readiness of the Coast Guard to 
fulfill its national defense responsibilities.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


CRUISE VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY ACT OF 2010

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 4. OFFSET OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Combination of Fisheries Enforcement Plans and Foreign 
Fishing Incursion Reports.--The Secretary of the department in 
which the Coast Guard is operating shall combine the reports 
required under section 224 of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 1861b) and section 804 of 
the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (16 
U.S.C. 1828) into a single annual report for fiscal years 
beginning after fiscal year 2010. No report shall be required 
under this subsection, including that no report shall be 
required under section 224 of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2004 or section 804 of the Coast Guard 
and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, for fiscal years 
beginning after fiscal year 2013.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


TITLE 46, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBTITLE I--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                 CHAPTER 3--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Sec.
301. General organization.
     * * * * * * *

Sec. 301. General organization

  (a) * * *
  (b) Commissioners.--
          (1) * * *
          [(2) Terms.--The term of each Commissioner is 5 
        years, with each term beginning one year apart. An 
        individual appointed to fill a vacancy is appointed 
        only for the unexpired term of the individual being 
        succeeded. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner 
        as the original appointment. When the term of a 
        Commissioner ends, the Commissioner may continue to 
        serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.]
          (2) Terms.--The term of each Commissioner is 5 years. 
        When the term of a Commissioner ends, the Commissioner 
        may continue to serve until a successor is appointed 
        and qualified, but for a period not to exceed one year. 
        Except as provided in paragraph (3), no individual may 
        serve more than 2 terms.
          (3) Vacancies.--A vacancy shall be filled in the same 
        manner as the original appointment. An individual 
        appointed to fill a vacancy is appointed only for the 
        unexpired term of the individual being succeeded. An 
        individual appointed to fill a vacancy may serve 2 
        terms in addition to the remainder of the term for 
        which the predecessor of that individual was appointed.
          (4) Conflicts of interest.--
                  (A) Limitation on relationships with 
                regulated entities.--A Commissioner may not 
                have a pecuniary interest in, hold an official 
                relation to, or own stocks or bonds of any 
                entity the Commission regulates under chapter 
                401 of this title.
                  (B) Limitation on other activities.--A 
                Commissioner may not engage in another 
                business, vocation, or employment.
          [(3)] (5) Removal.--The President may remove a 
        Commissioner for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or 
        malfeasance in office.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    Subtitle II--Vessels and Seamen

                       Part A--General Provisions

CHAPTER 21--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 2116. Marine safety strategy, goals, and performance assessments

  (a) * * *
  (b) Contents of Strategy and Annual Plans.--
          (1) Measurable goals.--The strategy and annual plans 
        shall include specific numeric or measurable goals 
        designed to achieve the goals set forth in subsection 
        (a). The purposes of the numeric or measurable goals 
        are the following:
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) To provide for a sufficient number of 
                Coast Guard marine safety personnel, and 
                provide adequate facilities and equipment to 
                carry out the functions referred to in [section 
                93(c)] section 93(c) of title 14.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Achievement of Goals.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall report 
        annually to the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
        the Senate--
                  (A) * * *
                  [(B) on the program's mission performance in 
                achieving numerical measurable goals 
                established under subsection (b); and]
                  (B) on the program's mission performance in 
                achieving numerical measurable goals 
                established under subsection (b), including--
                          (i) the number of civilian and 
                        military Coast Guard personnel assigned 
                        to marine safety positions; and
                          (ii) an identification of marine 
                        safety positions that are understaffed 
                        to meet the workload required to 
                        accomplish each activity included in 
                        the strategy and plans under subsection 
                        (a); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part B--Inspection and Regulations of Vessels

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 31--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[Sec. 3104. Survival craft

  [(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may 
not approve a survival craft as a safety device for purposes of 
this part, unless the craft ensures that no part of an 
individual is immersed in water.
  [(b) The Secretary may authorize a survival craft that does 
not provide protection described in subsection (a) to remain in 
service until not later than the date that is 30 months after 
the date on which the report described in subsection (c) is 
submitted, if--
          [(1) it was approved by the Secretary before January 
        1, 2010; and
          [(2) it is in serviceable condition.
  [(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this subsection, 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 report on the carriage of survival craft that ensures 
no part of an individual is immersed in water, which shall 
include--
          [(1) 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 fiscal years 
        1991 through 2011;
          [(2) the effect the carriage of such survival craft 
        has on--
                  [(A) vessel safety, including stability and 
                safe navigation; and
                  [(B) survivability of individuals, including 
                persons with disabilities, children, and the 
                elderly;
          [(3) the efficacy of alternative safety systems, 
        devices, or measures;
          [(4) the cost and cost effectiveness of requiring the 
        carriage of such survival craft on vessels; and
          [(5) the number of small businesses and nonprofit 
        entities that would be affected by requiring the 
        carriage of such survival craft on vessels.]

Sec. 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 enactment of the Howard 
Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014.
  (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 Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2014, 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 enactment.
  (d) Built Defined.--In this section, the term ``built'' has 
the meaning that term has under section 4503(e).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 33--INSPECTION GENERALLY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3316. Classification societies

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f)(1) Upon request of an owner or operator of an offshore 
supply vessel, the Secretary shall delegate the authorities set 
forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) with respect to such 
vessel to a classification society to which a delegation is 
authorized under that paragraph. A delegation by the Secretary 
under this subsection shall be used for any vessel inspection 
and examination function carried out by the Secretary, 
including the issuance of certificates of inspection and all 
other related documents.
  (2) If the Secretary determines that a certificate of 
inspection or related document issued under authority delegated 
under paragraph (1) of this subsection with respect to a vessel 
has reduced the operational safety of that vessel, the 
Secretary may terminate the certificate or document, 
respectively.
  (3) Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
2014, and for each year of the subsequent 2-year period, the 
Secretary 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 report describing--
          (A) the number of vessels for which a delegation was 
        made under paragraph (1);
          (B) any savings in personnel and operational costs 
        incurred by the Coast Guard that resulted from the 
        delegations; and
          (C) based on measurable marine casualty and other 
        data, any impacts of the delegations on the operational 
        safety of vessels for which the delegations were made, 
        and on the crew on those vessels.
  [(f)] (g) In this section, the term ``state sponsor of 
terrorism'' means any country the government of which the 
Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided 
support for acts of international terrorism pursuant to section 
6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (as continued in 
effect under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act), 
section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 40 
of the Arms Export Control Act, or any other provision of law.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 41--UNINSPECTED VESSELS GENERALLY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 4105. Uninspected passenger vessels

  (a) * * *
  (b) In applying this title with respect to an uninspected 
vessel of less than 24 meters overall in length that carries 
passengers to or from a port in the United States Virgin 
Islands, the Secretary shall substitute ``12 passengers'' for 
``6 passengers'' each place it appears in section 2101(42) if 
the Secretary determines that the vessel complies with--
          (1) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small 
        Commercial Motor Vessels (commonly referred to as the 
        ``Yellow Code''), as published by the U.K. Maritime and 
        Coastguard Agency and in effect on January 1, 2014; or
          (2) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small 
        Commercial Sailing Vessels (commonly referred to as the 
        ``Blue Code''), as published by such agency and in 
        effect on such date.
  [(b) Within twenty-four months of the date of enactment of 
this subsection, the] (c) The Secretary shall, by regulation, 
require certain additional equipment which may include 
liferafts or other lifesaving equipment, construction 
standards, or specify additional operating standards for those 
uninspected passenger vessels defined in section 2101(42)(A) of 
this title.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 45--UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 4502. Safety standards

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years [2010 through 2014] 2015 and 2016 for 
grants under this subsection.
  (j)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for 
each fiscal years [2010 through 2014] 2015 and 2016 for 
activities under this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part E--Merchant Seamen Licenses, Certificates, and Documents

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 71--LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 7101. Issuing and classifying licenses and certificates of 
                    registry

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (j) The Secretary may issue a license under this section in a 
class under subsection (c) to an applicant that--
          (1) has at least 3 months of qualifying service on 
        vessels of the uniformed services (as that term is 
        defined in section 101(a) of title 10) of appropriate 
        tonnage or horsepower within the 7-year period 
        immediately preceding the date of application; and
          (2) satisfies all other requirements for such a 
        license.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 77--SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 7706. Drug testing reporting

  (a) Release of Drug Test Results to Coast Guard.--Not later 
than 2 weeks after receiving from a Medical Review Officer a 
report of a verified positive drug test or verified test 
violation by a civilian employee of a Federal agency, an 
applicant for employment by a Federal agency, an officer in the 
Public Health Services, or an officer in the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, who 
is employed in any capacity on board a vessel operated by the 
agency, the head of the agency shall release to the Commandant 
of the Coast Guard the report.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Waiver.--Notwithstanding section 503(e) of the 
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1987 (5 U.S.C. 7301 note), the 
report of a drug test of an employee or an applicant for 
employment by a Federal agency may be released under this 
section without the prior written consent of [the employee.] 
the employee or the applicant.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part F--Manning of Vessels

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          CHAPTER 81--GENERAL

Sec.
8101. Complement of inspected vessels.
     * * * * * * *
8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee

  (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Merchant 
Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (in this section referred 
to as ``the Committee''). The Committee--
          (1) shall act solely in an advisory capacity to the 
        Secretary through the Commandant of the Coast Guard on 
        matters relating to personnel in the United States 
        merchant marine, including training, qualifications, 
        certification, documentation, and fitness standards, 
        and other matters as assigned by the Commandant;
          (2) shall review and comment on proposed Coast Guard 
        regulations and policies relating to personnel in the 
        United States merchant marine, including training, 
        qualifications, certification, documentation, and 
        fitness standards;
          (3) may be given special assignments by the Secretary 
        and may conduct studies, inquiries, workshops, and fact 
        finding in consultation with individuals and groups in 
        the private sector and with State or local governments;
          (4) shall advise, consult with, and make 
        recommendations reflecting its independent judgment to 
        the Secretary;
          (5) shall meet not less than twice each year; and
          (6) may make available to the Congress 
        recommendations that the Committee makes to the 
        Secretary.
  (b) Membership.--
          (1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of not 
        more than 19 members who are appointed by and serve 
        terms of a duration determined by the Secretary. Before 
        filling a position on the Committee, the Secretary 
        shall publish a notice in the Federal Register 
        soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee.
          (2) Required members.--The Secretary shall appoint as 
        members of the Committee--
                  (A) 9 United States citizens with active 
                licenses or certificates issued under chapter 
                71 or merchant mariner documents issued under 
                chapter 73, including--
                          (i) 3 deck officers who represent the 
                        viewpoint of merchant marine deck 
                        officers, of whom--
                                  (I) 2 shall be licensed for 
                                oceans any gross tons;
                                  (II) 1 shall be licensed for 
                                inland river route with a 
                                limited or unlimited tonnage;
                                  (III) 2 shall have a master's 
                                license or a master of towing 
                                vessels license;
                                  (IV) 1 shall have significant 
                                tanker experience; and
                                  (V) to the extent 
                                practicable--
                                          (aa) 1 shall 
                                        represent the viewpoint 
                                        of labor; and
                                          (bb) another shall 
                                        represent a management 
                                        perspective;
                          (ii) 3 engineering officers who 
                        represent the viewpoint of merchant 
                        marine engineering officers, of whom--
                                  (I) 2 shall be licensed as 
                                chief engineer any horsepower;
                                  (II) 1 shall be licensed as 
                                either a limited chief engineer 
                                or a designated duty engineer; 
                                and
                                  (III) to the extent 
                                practicable--
                                          (aa) 1 shall 
                                        represent a labor 
                                        viewpoint; and
                                          (bb) another shall 
                                        represent a management 
                                        perspective;
                          (iii) 2 unlicensed seamen, of whom--
                                  (I) 1 shall represent the 
                                viewpoint of able-bodied 
                                seamen; and
                                  (II) another shall represent 
                                the viewpoint of qualified 
                                members of the engine 
                                department; and
                          (iv) 1 pilot who represents the 
                        viewpoint of merchant marine pilots;
                  (B) 6 marine educators, including--
                          (i) 3 marine educators who represent 
                        the viewpoint of maritime academies, 
                        including--
                                  (I) 2 who represent the 
                                viewpoint of State maritime 
                                academies and are jointly 
                                recommended by such State 
                                maritime academies; and
                                  (II) 1 who represents either 
                                the viewpoint of the State 
                                maritime academies or the 
                                United States Merchant Marine 
                                Academy; and
                          (ii) 3 marine educators who represent 
                        the viewpoint of other maritime 
                        training institutions, 1 of whom shall 
                        represent the viewpoint of the small 
                        vessel industry;
                  (C) 2 individuals who represent the viewpoint 
                of shipping companies employed in ship 
                operation management; and
                  (D) 2 members who are appointed from the 
                general public.
  (c) Chairman and Vice Chairman.--The Committee shall elect 
one of its members as the Chairman and one of its members as 
the Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman in 
the absence or incapacity of the Chairman, or in the event of a 
vacancy in the office of the Chairman.
  (d) Subcommittees.--The Committee may establish and 
disestablish subcommittees and working groups for any purpose 
consistent with this section, subject to conditions imposed by 
the Committee. Members of the Committee and additional persons 
drawn from the general public may be assigned to such 
subcommittees and working groups. Only Committee members may 
chair subcommittee or working groups.
  (e) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on September 
30, 2020.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


             Part G--Merchant Seamen Protection and Relief

             CHAPTER 103--FOREIGN AND INTERCOASTAL VOYAGES

Sec. 10313. Wages

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g)(1) * * *
  (2) The total amount required to be paid under paragraph (1) 
with respect to [all claims in a class action suit by seamen] 
each claim by a seaman on a passenger vessel capable of 
carrying more than 500 passengers for wages under this section 
against a vessel master, owner, or operator or the employer of 
[the seamen] the seaman shall not exceed ten times the unpaid 
wages that are the subject of the claims.
  (3) A [class action] suit for wages under this subsection 
must be commenced within three years after the later of--
          (A) the date of the end of the last voyage for which 
        the wages are claimed; or
          (B) the receipt[, by a seaman who is a claimant in 
        the suit,] by the seaman of a payment of wages that are 
        the subject of the suit that is made in the ordinary 
        course of employment.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 105--COASTWISE VOYAGES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 10504. Wages

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c)(1) * * *
  (2) The total amount required to be paid under paragraph (1) 
with respect to [all claims in a class action suit by seamen] 
each claim by a seaman on a passenger vessel capable of 
carrying more than 500 passengers for wages under this section 
against a vessel master, owner, or operator or the employer of 
[the seamen] the seaman shall not exceed ten times the unpaid 
wages that are the subject of the claims.
  (3) A [class action] suit for wages under this subsection 
must be commenced within three years after the later of--
          (A) * * *
          (B) the receipt[, by a seaman who is a claimant in 
        the suit,] by the seaman of a payment of wages that are 
        the subject of the suit that is made in the ordinary 
        course of employment.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 301--GENERAL LIABILITY PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 30104. Personal injury to or death of seamen

  (a) In General._A seaman injured in the course of employment 
or, if the seaman dies from the injury, the personal 
representative of the seaman may elect to bring a civil action 
at law, with the right of trial by jury, against the employer. 
Laws of the United States regulating recovery for personal 
injury to, or death of, a railway employee apply to an action 
under this section.
  (b) Restriction on Recovery for Nonresident Aliens Employed 
on Foreign Passenger Vessels.--A claim for damages or expenses 
relating to personal injury, illness, or death of a seaman who 
is a citizen of a foreign nation, arising during or from the 
engagement of the seaman by or for a passenger vessel duly 
registered under the laws of a foreign nation, may not be 
brought under the laws of the United States if--
          (1) such seaman was not a permanent resident alien of 
        the United States at the time the claim arose;
          (2) the injury, illness, or death arose outside the 
        territorial waters of the United States; and
          (3) the seaman or the seaman's personal 
        representative has or had a right to seek compensation 
        for the injury, illness, or death in, or under the laws 
        of--
                  (A) the nation in which the vessel was 
                registered at the time the claim arose; or
                  (B) the nation in which the seaman maintained 
                citizenship or residency at the time the claim 
                arose.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle III--Maritime Liability

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


         CHAPTER 313--COMMERCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND MARITIME LIENS

                          SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL

Sec.
31301. Definitions.
     * * * * * * *
31310. Treatment of fishing permits.
     * * * * * * *

Subchapter I--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 31310. Treatment of fishing permits

  (a) Limitation on Maritime Liens.--This chapter--
          (1) does not establish a maritime lien on a fishing 
        permit; and
          (2) does not authorize any civil action to enforce a 
        maritime lien on a fishing permit.
  (b) Treatment of Fishing Permits under State and Federal 
Law.--A fishing permit--
          (1) is governed solely by the State or Federal law 
        under which it is issued; and
          (2) shall not be treated as part of a vessel, or as 
        an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel, for any 
        purpose under Federal law.
  (c) Authority of Secretary of Commerce Not Affected.--Nothing 
in this section shall be construed as imposing any limitation 
upon the authority of the Secretary of Commerce--
          (1) to modify, suspend, revoke, or impose a sanction 
        on any fishing permit issued by the Secretary of 
        Commerce; or
          (2) to bring a civil action to enforce such a 
        modification, suspension, revocation, or sanction.
  (d) Fishing Permit Defined.--In this section the term 
``fishing permit'' means any authorization of a person or 
vessel to engage in fishing that is issued under State or 
Federal law.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle V--Merchant Marine

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part B--Merchant Marine Service

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 511--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 51103. General authority of Secretary of Transportation

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Donation for Historical Purposes.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may convey the right, 
        title, and interest of the United States Government in 
        any property administered by the Maritime 
        Administration, except real estate or vessels, if--
                  (A) the Secretary determines that such 
                property is not needed by the Maritime 
                Administration; and
                  (B) the recipient--
                          (i) is a nonprofit organization, a 
                        State, or a political subdivision of a 
                        State;
                          (ii) agrees to hold the Government 
                        harmless for any claims arising from 
                        exposure to hazardous materials, 
                        including asbestos, polychlorinated 
                        biphenyls, or lead paint, after 
                        conveyance of the property;
                          (iii) provides a description and 
                        explanation of the intended use of the 
                        property to the Secretary for approval;
                          (iv) has provided to the Secretary 
                        proof, as determined by the Secretary, 
                        of resources sufficient to accomplish 
                        the intended use provided under clause 
                        (iii) and to maintain the property;
                          (v) agrees that when the recipient no 
                        longer requires the property, the 
                        recipient shall--
                                  (I) return the property to 
                                the Secretary, at the 
                                recipient's expense and in the 
                                same condition as received 
                                except for ordinary wear and 
                                tear; or
                                  (II) subject to the approval 
                                of the Secretary, retain, sell, 
                                or otherwise dispose of the 
                                property in a manner consistent 
                                with applicable law; and
                          (vi) agree to any additional terms 
                        the Secretary considers appropriate.
          (2) Reversion.--The Secretary shall include in any 
        conveyance under this subsection terms under which all 
        right, title, and interest conveyed by the Secretary 
        shall revert to the Government if the Secretary 
        determines the property has been used other than as 
        approved by the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B)(iii).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part C--Financial Assistance Programs

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       CHAPTER 541--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 54101. Assistance for small shipyards and maritime communities

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to the Administrator of the Maritime 
Administration for each of fiscal years [2009 through 2013] 
2015 and 2016 to carry out this section--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part D--Promotional Programs

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


              CHAPTER 553--PASSENGER AND CARGO PREFERENCES

Subchapter I--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 55305. Cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by the United 
                    States Government

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Programs of Other Agencies.--
          [(1) Each department or agency that has 
        responsibility for a program under this section shall 
        administer that program with respect to this section 
        under regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary 
        of Transportation. The Secretary, after consulting with 
        the department or agency or organization or person 
        involved, shall have the sole responsibility for 
        determining if a program is subject to the requirements 
        of this section.]
          (1) The Secretary of Transportation shall annually 
        review programs administered by other departments and 
        agencies and determine whether each such program is 
        subject to the requirements of this section.
          (2) The Secretary shall have the sole responsibility 
        to make determinations described in paragraph (1).
          (3) A determination made by the Secretary under 
        paragraph (1) regarding a program shall remain in 
        effect until the Secretary determines that such program 
        is no longer subject to the requirements of this 
        section.
          (4) Each department or agency administering a program 
        determined by the Secretary under paragraph (1) to be 
        subject to the requirements of this section shall 
        administer such program in accordance with this section 
        and any rules or guidance issued by the Secretary. The 
        issuance of such rules or guidance is not a 
        prerequisite to the issuance of final determinations 
        under paragraph (1).
          [(2)] (5) The Secretary--
                  (A) shall conduct an annual review of the 
                administration of programs determined pursuant 
                to paragraph (1) as subject to the requirements 
                of this [section;] section, to determine 
                compliance with the requirements of this 
                section;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) On the date on which the President submits to 
        Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, 
        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--
                  (A) lists the programs determined under 
                paragraph (1) to be subject to the requirements 
                of this section; and
                  (B) describes the results of the most recent 
                annual review required by paragraph (5)(A), 
                including identification of the departments and 
                agencies that transported cargo in violation of 
                this section and any action the Secretary took 
                under paragraph (5) with respect to each 
                violation.
          (7) The Secretary may prescribe rules, including 
        interim rules, necessary to carry out paragraph (5). An 
        interim rule prescribed under this paragraph shall 
        remain in effect until superseded by a final rule.
  (e) Security of Government-Impelled Cargo.--
          (1) In order to ensure the safety of vessels and 
        crewmembers transporting equipment, materials, or 
        commodities under this section, the Secretary of 
        Transportation shall direct each department or agency 
        (except the Department of Defense), when responsible 
        for the carriage of such equipment, materials, or 
        commodities, to [provide armed personnel aboard] 
        reimburse, subject to the availability of 
        appropriations, the owners or operators of vessels of 
        the United States carrying such equipment, materials, 
        or commodities for the cost of providing armed 
        personnel aboard such vessels if the vessels are 
        transiting high-risk waters.
          [(2) The Secretary of Transportation shall direct 
        each department or agency responsible to provide armed 
        personnel under paragraph (1) to reimburse, subject to 
        the availability of appropriations, the owners or 
        operators of applicable vessels for the cost of 
        providing armed personnel.
          [(3) In this subsection, the term ``high-risk 
        waters'' means waters so designated by the Commandant 
        of the Coast Guard in the Port Security Advisory in 
        effect on the date on which an applicable voyage 
        begins.]
          (2) In this subsection, the term ``high-risk waters'' 
        means waters--
                  (A) so designated by the Commandant of the 
                Coast Guard in the maritime security directive 
                issued by the Commandant and in effect on the 
                date on which an applicable voyage begins; and
                  (B) in which the Secretary of Transportation 
                determines an act of piracy is likely to occur 
                based on documented acts of piracy that 
                occurred in such waters during the 12-month 
                period preceding the date on which an 
                applicable voyage begins.
  (f) Minimum Tonnage.--With respect to commodities transported 
under the activities specified in section 55314(b), the 
percentage specified in subsection (b) of this section shall be 
treated as 75 percent.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       CHAPTER 555--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec.
[55501. Mobile trade fairs.
[55502. United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System.]
55501. United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System.

[Sec. 55501. Mobile trade fairs

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce shall encourage 
and promote the development and use of mobile trade fairs 
designed to show and sell the products of United States 
business and agriculture at foreign ports and at other 
commercial centers throughout the world where the operators of 
the fairs use, insofar as practicable, vessels and aircraft of 
the United States in transporting their exhibits.
  [(b) Technical and Financial Assistance.--When the Secretary 
determines that a mobile trade fair provides an economical and 
effective means of promoting export sales, the Secretary may 
provide to the operator of the fair--
          [(1) technical assistance and support; and
          [(2) financial assistance to defray certain expenses 
        incurred outside the United States, except the cost of 
        transportation on foreign vessels and aircraft.
  [(c) Use of Foreign Currencies.--To carry out this section, 
the President may use, in addition to amounts appropriated to 
carry out trade promotion activities, foreign currencies owned 
by or owed to the United States Government.]

Sec. [55502] 55501. United States Committee on the Marine 
                    Transportation System

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle VIII--Miscellaneous

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                     CHAPTER 803--ICE AND DERELICTS

Sec.
80301. International agreements.
[80302. Patrol services.]
     * * * * * * *

Sec. 80301. International agreements

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Payments.--Payments received pursuant to subsection 
(b)(1) shall be credited to the appropriation for operating 
expenses of the Coast Guard.
  (d) Limitation.--
          (1) In general.--A Coast Guard vessel or aircraft may 
        not be used to carry out an agreement under subsection 
        (a) in fiscal year 2015 and any fiscal year thereafter 
        unless payments are received by the United States 
        Government pursuant to subsection (b)(1) in the 
        preceding fiscal year in a total amount that is not 
        less than difference between--
                  (A) the cost incurred by the Coast Guard in 
                maintaining the services; minus
                  (B) the amount of the proportionate share of 
                the expense generated by vessels documented 
                under the laws of the United States.
          (2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), Coast 
        Guard aircraft may be used to carry out an agreement 
        under subsection (a) if the President determines it 
        necessary in the interest of national security.
          (3) Notification.--The President 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 a 
        determination made under paragraph (2) within 15 days 
        after such determination.

[Sec. 80302. Patrol services

  [(a) General Requirements.--Unless the agreements made under 
section 80301 of this title provide otherwise, an ice patrol 
shall be maintained during the entire ice season in guarding 
the southeastern, southern, and southwestern limits of the 
region of icebergs in the vicinity of the Grand Banks of 
Newfoundland. The patrol shall inform trans-Atlantic and other 
passing vessels by radio and other available means of the ice 
conditions and the extent of the dangerous region. During the 
ice season, there shall be maintained a service of study of ice 
and current conditions, a service of providing assistance to 
vessels and crews requiring assistance, and a service of 
removing and destroying derelicts. Any of these services may be 
maintained during the remainder of the year as may be 
advisable.
  [(b) Warnings to Vessels.--An ice patrol vessel shall warn 
any vessel known to be approaching a dangerous area and 
recommend safe routes.
  [(c) Recording and Reporting Incidents.--
          [(1) Recording.--An ice patrol vessel shall record 
        the name of a vessel and the facts of the case when the 
        patrol observes or knows that the vessel--
                  [(A) is on other than a regular recognized or 
                advertised route crossing the North Atlantic 
                Ocean;
                  [(B) has crossed the fishing banks of 
                Newfoundland north of latitude 43 degrees north 
                during the fishing season; or
                  [(C) has passed through regions known or 
                believed to be endangered by ice when 
                proceeding to and from ports of North America.
          [(2) Reporting.--The name of the vessel and all 
        pertinent information about the incident shall be 
        reported to the government of the country to which the 
        vessel belongs if that government requests.
  [(d) Administration.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard, 
under the direction of the Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating, shall carry out the services 
provided for in this section and shall assign necessary 
vessels, material, and personnel of the Coast Guard. On request 
of such Secretary, the head of an agency may detail personnel, 
lend or contribute material or equipment, or otherwise assist 
in carrying out the services provided for in this section.
  [(e) Annual Report.--The Commandant shall publish an annual 
report of the activities of the services provided for in this 
section. A copy of the report shall be provided to each 
interested foreign government and to each agency assisting in 
the work.]

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                              ----------                              


ACT TO PREVENT POLLUTION FROM SHIPS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Sec. 9. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Any penalty collected under subsection (a) or (b) that is 
not paid under that subsection to the person giving information 
leading to the conviction or assessment of such penalties shall 
be deposited in the Abandoned Seafarers Fund established under 
section 18, subject to the limitation in subsection (a)(2)(B) 
of such section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 18. TREATMENT OF ABANDONED SEAFARERS.

  (a) Abandoned Seafarers Fund.--
          (1) Establishment.--There is established in the 
        Treasury a separate account to be known as the 
        Abandoned Seafarers Fund.
          (2) Crediting of amounts to fund.--
                  (A) In general.--There shall be credited to 
                the Fund the following:
                          (i) Penalties deposited in the Fund 
                        under section 9, except as provided in 
                        subparagraph (B).
                          (ii) Amounts reimbursed or recovered 
                        under subsection (d).
                  (B) Limitation.--Amounts may be credited to 
                the Fund under subparagraph (A)(i) only if the 
                unobligated balance of the Fund is less than 
                $2,000,000.
          (3) Report required.--On the date on which the 
        President submits each budget for a fiscal year 
        pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States 
        Code, 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 
        describes--
                  (A) the amounts credited to the Fund under 
                paragraph (2) for the preceding fiscal year; 
                and
                  (B) amounts in the Fund that were expended 
                for the preceding fiscal year.
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations from Fund.--Amounts in 
the Fund may be appropriated to the Secretary for use to--
          (1) pay necessary support of--
                  (A) a seafarer that--
                          (i) enters, remains, or is paroled 
                        into the United States; and
                          (ii) is involved in an investigation, 
                        reporting, documentation, or 
                        adjudication of any matter that is 
                        related to the administration or 
                        enforcement of this Act by the Coast 
                        Guard; and
                  (B) a seafarer that the Secretary determines 
                was abandoned in the United States and has not 
                applied for asylum under section 208 or 235 of 
                the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
                1158, 1225); and
          (2) reimburse a vessel owner or operator that has 
        provided necessary support of a seafarer who has been 
        paroled into the United States to facilitate an 
        investigation, reporting, documentation, or 
        adjudication of any matter that is related to the 
        administration or enforcement of this Act by the Coast 
        Guard, for the costs of such necessary support.
  (c) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed--
          (1) to create a private right of action or any other 
        right, benefit, or entitlement to necessary support for 
        any person; or
          (2) to compel the Secretary to pay or reimburse the 
        cost of necessary support.
  (d) Reimbursement; Recovery.--
          (1) In general.--A vessel owner or operator shall 
        reimburse the Fund an amount equal to the total amount 
        paid from the Fund for necessary support of a seafarer, 
        if--
                  (A) the vessel owner or operator--
                          (i) during the course of an 
                        investigation, reporting, 
                        documentation, or adjudication of any 
                        matter under this Act that the Coast 
                        Guard referred to a United States 
                        attorney or the Attorney General, fails 
                        to provide necessary support of a 
                        seafarer who was paroled into the 
                        United States to facilitate the 
                        investigation, reporting, 
                        documentation, or adjudication; and
                          (ii) subsequently is--
                                  (I) convicted of a criminal 
                                offense related to such matter; 
                                or
                                  (II) required to reimburse 
                                the Fund pursuant to a court 
                                order or negotiated settlement 
                                related to such matter; or
                  (B) the vessel owner or operator abandons a 
                seafarer in the United States, as determined by 
                the Secretary based on substantial evidence.
          (2) Enforcement.--If a vessel owner or operator fails 
        to reimburse the Fund under paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary may--
                  (A) proceed in rem against the vessel on 
                which the affected seafarer served in the 
                Federal district court for the district in 
                which the vessel is found; and
                  (B) withhold or revoke the clearance required 
                under section 60105 of title 46, United States 
                Code, for the vessel.
          (3) Remedy.--A vessel may obtain clearance from the 
        Secretary after it is withheld or revoked under 
        paragraph (2)(B) if the vessel owner or operator--
                  (A) reimburses the Fund the amount required 
                under paragraph (1); or
                  (B) provides a bond, or other evidence of 
                financial responsibility sufficient to meet the 
                amount required to be reimbursed under 
                paragraph (1).
  (e) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Abandons; abandoned.--Each of the terms 
        ``abandons'' and ``abandoned'' means--
                  (A) a vessel owner's or operator's unilateral 
                severance of ties with a seafarer; and
                  (B) a vessel owner's or operator's failure to 
                provide necessary support of a seafarer.
          (2) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Abandoned 
        Seafarers Fund established under this section.
          (3) Necessary support.--The term ``necessary 
        support'' means normal wages and expenses the Secretary 
        considers reasonable for lodging, subsistence, 
        clothing, medical care (including hospitalization), 
        repatriation, and any other support the Secretary 
        considers to be appropriate.
          (4) Seafarer.--The term ``seafarer'' means an alien 
        crewman who is employed or engaged in any capacity on 
        board a vessel subject to this Act.
                              ----------                              


 SECTION 3511 OF THE DUNCAN HUNTER NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT 
                          FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

SEC. 3511. TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICAN VESSELS OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL 
                    AND CERTAIN CARGOES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(c) Regulations.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
prescribe such rules as are necessary to carry out section 
55305(d) of title 46, United States Code. The Secretary may 
prescribe interim rules necessary to carry out section 55305(d) 
of such title. An interim rule prescribed under this subsection 
shall remain in effect until superseded by a final rule.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


MARINE DEBRIS ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 3. NOAA MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Grants, Cooperative Agreements, [and Contracts] 
Contracts, and Other Agreements.--
          [(1) In general.--The Administrator, acting through 
        the Program, shall enter into cooperative agreements 
        and contracts and provide financial assistance in the 
        form of grants for projects to accomplish the purpose 
        set forth in section 2.]
          (1) In general.--To carry out the purposes set forth 
        in section 2, the Administrator, acting through the 
        Program, may--
                  (A) enter into cooperative agreements, 
                contracts, and other agreements with Federal 
                agencies, States, local governments, regional 
                agencies, interstate agencies, and other 
                entities, including agreements to use the 
                personnel, services, equipment, or facilities 
                of such entities on a reimbursable or non-
                reimbursable basis; and
                  (B) make grants to--
                          (i) State, local, and tribal 
                        governments; and
                          (ii) institutions of higher 
                        education, nonprofit organizations, and 
                        commercial organizations with the 
                        expertise or responsibility to 
                        identify, determine sources of, assess, 
                        prevent, reduce, and remove marine 
                        debris.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(4) Eligibility.--Any State, local, or tribal 
        government whose activities affect research or 
        regulation of marine debris, and any institution of 
        higher education, nonprofit organization, or commercial 
        organization with expertise in a field related to 
        marine debris, is eligible to submit to the 
        Administrator a marine debris proposal under the grant 
        program.
          [(5) Project review and approval.--The Administrator 
        shall--
                  [(A) review each marine debris project 
                proposal to determine if it meets the grant 
                criteria and supports the goals of this Act;
                  [(B) after considering any written comments 
                and recommendations based on the review, 
                approve or disapprove the proposal; and
                  [(C) provide notification of that approval or 
                disapproval to the person who submitted the 
                proposal.
          [(6) Project reporting.--Each grantee under this 
        section shall provide periodic reports as required by 
        the Administrator. Each report shall include all 
        information required by the Administrator for 
        evaluating the progress and success in meeting its 
        stated goals, and impact of the grant activities on the 
        marine debris problem.]
          (4) Grants.--
                  (A) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant 
                under paragraph (1)(B), an entity specified in 
                that paragraph shall submit to the 
                Administrator a marine debris project proposal.
                  (B) Review and approval.--The Administrator 
                shall--
                          (i) review each marine debris project 
                        proposal submitted under subparagraph 
                        (A) to determine if the proposal meets 
                        grant criteria established by the 
                        Administrator and supports the purposes 
                        set forth in section 2;
                          (ii) after considering any written 
                        comments and recommendations with 
                        respect to the review conducted under 
                        clause (i), approve or disapprove a 
                        grant for the proposal; and
                          (iii) provide notification of that 
                        approval or disapproval to the entity 
                        that submitted the proposal.
                  (C) Reporting.--Each entity receiving a grant 
                under paragraph (1)(B) shall provide reports to 
                the Administrator as required by the 
                Administrator. Each report provided shall 
                include all information determined necessary by 
                the Administrator for evaluating the progress 
                and success of the project for which the grant 
                was provided and describe the impact of the 
                grant on the identification, determination of 
                sources, assessment, prevention, reduction, or 
                removal of marine debris.
                  (D) Training.--The Administrator may require 
                a recipient of a grant under this subsection to 
                provide training to persons engaged in marine 
                debris response efforts funded by such grant 
                with respect to the potential impacts of marine 
                debris, including nonindigenous species related 
                to the debris, on the economy of the United 
                States, the marine environment, and navigation 
                safety.
  (d) Severe Marine Debris Events.--
          (1) Grant preference.--In evaluating proposals for 
        grants under subsection (c), the Administrator may give 
        preference in approving grants to proposals that 
        address a severe marine debris event.
          (2) Request for a declaration.--
                  (A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph 
                (1), the Governor of a State may request that 
                the Administrator declare a severe marine 
                debris event in such State or a region that 
                includes such State.
                  (B) Response to requests.--Not later than 30 
                days after the Administrator receives a request 
                under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall 
                either--
                          (i) declare a severe marine debris 
                        event with respect to the request; or
                          (ii) submit a response to the 
                        Governor who submitted the request, 
                        explaining why the Administrator has 
                        not declared a severe marine debris 
                        event with respect to the request.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.

  In this Act:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Nonindigenous species.--The term ``nonindigenous 
        species'' has the meaning given that term in section 
        1003 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention 
        and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4702).
          [(5)] (6) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the 
        Marine Debris Program established under section 3.
          [(6)] (7) Severe marine debris event.--The term 
        ``severe marine debris event'' means atypically large 
        amounts of marine debris caused by a natural disaster, 
        including a tsunami, flood, landslide, or hurricane, or 
        other source.
          [(7)] (8) State.--The term ``State'' means--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                          ACT OF JULY 31, 2008

                          (Public Law 110-299)

 AN ACT To clarify the circumstances during which the Administrator of 
 the Environmental Protection Agency and applicable States may require 
    permits for discharges from certain vessels, and to require the 
Administrator to conduct a study of discharges incidental to the normal 
operation of vessels.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2. DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL TO NORMAL OPERATION OF VESSELS.

  (a) No Permit Requirement.--Except as provided in subsection 
(b), [during the period beginning on the date of the enactment 
of this Act and ending on December 18, 2014,] the 
Administrator, or a State in the case of a permit program 
approved under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342), shall not require a permit under 
that section for a covered vessel for--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2006

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 421. DISTANT WATER TUNA FLEET.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Licensing Restrictions.--
          [(1) In general.--Subsection (a) only applies to a 
        foreign citizen who holds a credential that is 
        equivalent to the credential issued by the Coast Guard 
        to a United States citizen for the position, with 
        respect to requirements for experience, training, and 
        other qualifications.]
          (1) In general.--Subsection (a) only applies to a 
        foreign citizen who holds a credential to serve as an 
        officer on a fishing vessel or vessel of similar 
        tonnage.
          (2) Treatment of credential.--[An equivalent 
        credential] A credential under paragraph (1) shall be 
        considered as meeting the requirements of section 8304 
        of title 46, United States Code, but only while a 
        person holding the credential is in the service of the 
        vessel to which this section applies.
  [(c) Limitation.--Subsection (a) applies only to vessels 
operating in and out of American Samoa or Guam.]
  [(d)] (c) Expiration.--This section expires on the date the 
Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific 
Island States and the Government of the United States of 
America ceases to have effect for any party under Article 12.6 
or 12.7 of such treaty, as in effect on the date of enactment 
of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012.
  [(e) Safety Inspections.--A vessel may not engage a foreign 
citizen to meet a manning requirement under this section unless 
it has an annual safety examination by an individual authorized 
to enforce part B of subtitle II of title 46, United States 
Code.
  [(f) Reports.--On March 1, 2007, and annually thereafter 
until the date of expiration of this section, the Coast Guard 
and the National Marine Fisheries Service shall submit a report 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and Resources of the House of Representatives, 
providing the following information on the United States purse 
seine fleet referred to in subsection (a):
          [(1) The number and identity of vessels in the fleet 
        using foreign citizens to meet manning requirements 
        pursuant to this section and any marine casualties 
        involving such vessel.
          [(2) The number of vessels in the fishery under 
        United States flag as of January 1 of the year in which 
        the report is submitted, the percentage ownership or 
        control of such vessels by non-United States citizens, 
        and the nationality of such ownership or control.
          [(3) Description of any transfers or sales of United 
        States flag vessels in the previous calendar year, and 
        the disposition of such vessel, including whether the 
        vessel was scrapped or sold, and, if sold, the 
        nationality of the new owner and location of any 
        fishery to which the vessel will be transferred.
          [(4) Landings of tuna by vessels under flag in the 2 
        previous calendar years, including an assessment of 
        landing trends, and a description of landing 
        percentages and totals--
                  [(A) delivered to American Samoa and any 
                other port in a State or territory of the 
                United States; and
                  [(B) delivered to ports outside of a State or 
                territory of the United States, including the 
                identity of the port.
          [(5) An evaluation of capacity and trends in the 
        purse seine fleet fishing in the area covered by the 
        South Pacific Regional Fisheries Treaty, and any 
        transfer of capacity from such fleet or area to other 
        fisheries, including those governed under the Western 
        and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention and the Inter-
        American Tropical Tuna Convention.]

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