To substitute the text of S. 1194, as reported by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, with modifications.

Struck: Sec. 205. Coast Guard participation in the Armed Forces Retirement Home

Struck: (AFRH) system.

Struck: Sec. 206. Grants to international maritime organizations.

Struck: Sec. 207. leave retention authority.

Struck: Sec. 208. Enforcement authority.

Struck: Sec. 209. Repeal.

Struck: Sec. 210. Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee.

Struck: Sec. 211. Reserve commissioned warrant officer to lieutenant program.

Struck: Sec. 212. Enhanced status quo officer promotion system.

Struck: Sec. 213. Laser Training System.

Struck: Sec. 214. Coast Guard vessels and aircraft.

Struck: Sec. 215. Coast Guard District Ombudsmen.

Struck: Sec. 216. Coast Guard commissioned officers: compulsory retirement.

Struck: Sec. 217. Enforcement of coastwise trade laws.

Struck: Sec. 218. Academy nominations.

Struck: Sec. 219. Report on sexual assaults in the Coast Guard.

Struck: Sec. 220. Home port of Coast Guard vessels in Guam.

Struck: Sec. 221. Minority serving institutions.

Struck: Sec. 222. Supplemental positioning system.

Struck: TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

Struck: Sec. 301. Goods and services.

Struck: Sec. 302. Seaward extension of anchorage grounds jurisdiction.

Struck: Sec. 303. Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act amendment-simple possession.

Struck: Sec. 304. Technical amendments to tonnage measurement law.

Struck: Sec. 305. Adjustment of liability limits for natural gas deepwater ports.

Struck: Sec. 306. Period of limitations for claims against Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Struck: Sec. 307. Merchant mariner document standards.

Struck: Sec. 308. Report on Coast Guard determinations.

Struck: Sec. 309. Ship emission reduction technology demonstration project.

Struck: Sec. 310. Phaseout of vessels supporting oil and gas development.

Struck: Sec. 311. Arctic marine shipping assessment implementation.

Struck: Sec. 312. Loran-C signal.

Struck: Sec. 313. Dual escort vessels for double hulled tankers in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Struck: TITLE IV--GREAT LAKES ICEBREAKER

Struck: Sec. 401. Short title.

Struck: Sec. 402. Findings.

Struck: Sec. 403. Authorization of appropriations.

Inserted: Sec. 405. Enhanced status quo officer promotion system.

Inserted: Sec. 406. Appointment of civilian Coast Guard judges.

Inserted: Sec. 407. Coast Guard participation in the Armed Forces Retirement Home system.

Inserted: Sec. 408. Crew wages on passenger vessels.

Inserted: Sec. 409. Protection and fair treatment of seafarers.

Struck: Sec. 522. Required contract terms.

Struck: Sec. 523. Life-cycle cost estimates.

Struck: Sec. 524. Test and evaluation.

Struck: Sec. 525. Capability standards.

Struck: Sec. 526. Acquisition program reports.

Struck: Sec. 527. Undefinitized contractual actions.

Struck: Sec. 528. Guidance on excessive pass-through charges.

Struck: Sec. 529. Acquisition of major capabilities: Alternatives analysis.

Struck: Sec. 530. Cost overruns and delays.

Struck: Sec. 531. Report on former Coast Guard officials employed by contractors to the agency.

Struck: Sec. 532. Department of Defense consultation.

Struck: Subtitle C--Coast Guard Personnel

Struck: Sec. 541. Chief Acquisition Officer.

Struck: Sec. 542. Improvements in Coast Guard acquisition management.

Struck: Sec. 543. Recognition of Coast Guard personnel for excellence in acquisition.

Struck: Sec. 544. Coast Guard acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority.

Struck: TITLE VI--MARITIME WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Struck: Sec. 601. Short title.

Struck: Sec. 602. Maritime education loan program.

Struck: TITLE VII--COAST GUARD MODERNIZATION

Struck: Sec. 722. Marine safety staff.

Struck: Sec. 723. Marine safety mission priorities and long-term goals.

Struck: Sec. 724. Powers and duties.

Struck: Sec. 725. Appeals and waivers.

Struck: Sec. 726. Coast Guard Academy.

Struck: Sec. 727. Report regarding civilian marine inspectors.

Struck: TITLE VIII--MARINE SAFETY

Struck: Sec. 801. Short title.

Struck: Sec. 802. Vessel size limits.

Struck: Sec. 803. Cold weather survival training.

Struck: Sec. 804. Fishing vessel safety.

Struck: Sec. 805. Mariner records.

Struck: Sec. 806. Deletion of exemption of license requirement for operators of certain towing vessels.

Struck: Sec. 807. Log books.

Struck: Sec. 808. Safe operations and equipment standards.

Struck: Sec. 809. Approval of survival craft.

Struck: Sec. 810. Safety management.

Struck: Sec. 811. Protection against discrimination.

Struck: Sec. 812. Oil fuel tank protection.

Struck: Sec. 813. Oaths.

Struck: Sec. 814. Duration of credentials.

Struck: Sec. 815. Fingerprinting.

Struck: Sec. 816. Authorization to extend the duration of licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariners' documents.

Struck: Sec. 817. Merchant mariner documentation.

Struck: Sec. 818. Merchant mariner assistance report.

Struck: Sec. 819. Offshore supply vessels.

Struck: Sec. 820. Associated equipment.

Struck: Sec. 821. Lifesaving devices on uninspected vessels.

Struck: Sec. 822. Study of blended fuels in marine application.

Struck: Sec. 823. Renewal of advisory committees.

Struck: Sec. 824. Pilot required.

Struck: Sec. 825. Delegation of authority to classification societies regarding offshore facilities.

Struck: TITLE IX--CRUISE VESSEL SAFETY

Struck: Sec. 901. Short title.

Struck: Sec. 902. Findings.

Struck: Sec. 903. Cruise vessel security and safety requirements.

Struck: Sec. 904. Study and report on the security needs of passenger vessels.

Struck: TITLE X--UNITED STATES MARINER PROTECTION

Struck: Sec. 1001. Short title.

Struck: Sec. 1002. Use force against piracy.

Struck: Sec. 1003. Agreements.

Struck: TITLE XI--PORT SECURITY

Struck: Sec. 1101. America's Waterway Watch Program.

Struck: Sec. 1102. Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

Struck: Sec. 1103. Review of interagency operational centers.

Struck: Sec. 1104. Maritime security response teams.

Struck: Sec. 1105. Coast Guard detection canine team program expansion.

Struck: Sec. 1106. Coast Guard port assistance program.

Struck: Sec. 1107. Maritime biometric identification.

Struck: Sec. 1108. Review of potential threats.

Struck: Sec. 1109. Port security pilot.

Struck: Sec. 1110. Seasonal workers.

Struck: Sec. 1111. Pilot Program for fingerprinting of maritime workers.

Struck: Sec. 1112. Transportation security cards on vessels.

Struck: Sec. 1113. International labor study.

Struck: Sec. 1114. Maritime Security Advisory Committees.

Struck: Sec. 1115. Seamen's shoreside access.

Struck: Sec. 1116. Waterside security of certain dangerous cargo.

Struck: Sec. 1117. Review of Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities.

Struck: Sec. 1118. Use of secondary authentication for transportation security cards.

Struck: Sec. 1119. Assessment of transportation security card enrollment sites.

Struck: Sec. 1120. Assessment of the feasibility of efforts to mitigate the threat of small boat attack in major ports.

Struck: Sec. 1121. Report and recommendation for uniform security background checks.

Struck: Sec. 1122. Animal-propelled vessels.

Struck: Sec. 1123. Requirements for issuance of transportation security cards; access pending issuance; redundant background checks.

Struck: Sec. 1124. Harmonizing security card expirations.

Struck: Sec. 1125. Administration of Maritime Security.

Struck: Sec. 1126. Fresnel Lens in the Presque Isle Light House in Presque Isle, Michigan.

Struck: TITLE XII--ALIEN SMUGGLING

Struck: Sec. 1201. Short title.

Struck: Sec. 1202. Findings.

Struck: Sec. 1203. Checks against terrorist watchlist.

Struck: Sec. 1204. Strengthening prosecution and punishment of alien smugglers.

Struck: Sec. 1205. Maritime law enforcement.

Struck: Sec. 1206. Amendment to the sentencing guidelines.

Struck: TITLE XIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Struck: Sec. 1301. Certificate of documentation for GALLANT LADY.

Struck: Sec. 1302. Waivers.

Struck: Sec. 1303. Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute.

Struck: Sec. 1309. Decommissioned Coast Guard vessels for Haiti.

Struck: Sec. 1310. Phaseout of vessels supporting oil and gas development.

Struck: Sec. 1311. Vessel traffic risk assessment.

Struck: Sec. 1312. Conveyance of Coast Guard vessels to Mississippi.

Struck: Sec. 1313. Coast Guard assets for United States Virgin Islands.

Struck: Sec. 1314. Officer requirements for distant water tuna vessels.

Struck: Sec. 1315. Assessment of needs for additional Coast Guard presence in high latitude regions.

Struck: Sec. 1316. Study of bridges over navigable waters.

Struck: Sec. 1317. Limitation on jurisdiction of States to tax certain seamen.

Struck: Sec. 1318. Decommissioned Coast Guard vessels for Bermuda.

Struck: Sec. 1319. Conveyance of Coast Guard vessels to Nassau County, New York.

Struck: Sec. 1320. Newtown Creek, New York City, New York.

Struck: Sec. 1321. Land conveyance, Coast Guard property in Marquette County, Michigan, to the City of Marquette, Michigan.

Struck: Sec. 1322. Mission requirement analysis for navigable portions of the Rio Grande River, Texas, international water boundary.

Struck: Sec. 1323. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Cheboygan, Michigan.

Struck: Sec. 1324. Discharges incidental to normal operation of vessels.

Struck: Sec. 1325. Tall Ship Challenge race.

Struck: Sec. 1326. Haitian maritime cadets.

Struck: Sec. 1327. Alternative licensing program for operators of uninspected passenger vessels on Lake Texoma in Texas and Oklahoma.

Struck: Sec. 1328. Improvements to reduce human error and near-miss incidents.

Struck: Sec. 1329. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Portland, Maine.

Struck: Sec. 1330. Tug escorts for laden oil tankers.

Struck: Sec. 1331. Study and report regarding effects resulting from changes in United States immigration policy toward Haiti.

Struck: Sec. 1332. Strategy regarding drug trafficking vessels.

Struck: Sec. 1333. Authority of the Coast Guard to carry out its homeland security missions.

Struck: Sec. 1334. Use of force against piracy.

Struck: Sec. 1335. Report on the effect of facilities infrastructure on mission fulfillment.

Struck: TITLE XIV--SERVICEMEMBER BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT

Struck: Sec. 1401. Short title.

Struck: Sec. 1402. Coast Guard housing.

Struck: Sec. 1403. Child development services.

Struck: Sec. 1404. Chaplain activity expense.

Struck: Sec. 1405. Coast Guard cross; silver star medal.

Struck: TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

Inserted: Sec. 812. Extension of financial responsibility.

Inserted: Sec. 813. Oil spill liability trust fund investment amount.

Inserted: Sec. 814. Liability for use of single-hull vessels.

Inserted: TITLE IX--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Inserted: Sec. 901. Vessel determination.

Inserted: Sec. 902. Conveyance of the Presque Isle Light Station Fresnel Lens to Presque Isle Township, Michigan.

Inserted: Sec. 903. Land conveyance, Coast Guard property in Marquette County, Michigan, to the city of Marquette, Michigan.

Inserted: Sec. 904. Offshore supply vessels.

Inserted: Sec. 905. Assessment of certain aids to navigation and traffic flow.

Inserted: Sec. 906. Alternative licensing program for operators of uninspected passenger vessels on Lake Texoma in Texas and Oklahoma.

Inserted: TITLE X--BUDGETARY EFFECTS

Inserted: Sec. 1001. Budgetary effects.

Inserted: TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

Struck: (a) Active Duty Promotion List.--Section 42 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

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

Struck: "(a) Maximum Total Number.--The total number of Coast Guard commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, excluding warrant officers, shall not exceed 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.

Struck: "(b) Distribution Percentages by Grade.--

Struck: "(1) Required.--The total number of commissioned officers authorized by this section shall be distributed in grade in the following percentages: 0.375 percent for rear admiral; 0.375 percent for rear admiral (lower half); 6.0 percent for captain; 15.0 percent for commander; and 22.0 percent for lieutenant commander.

Struck: "(2) Discretionary.--The Secretary shall prescribe the percentages applicable to the grades of lieutenant, lieutenant (junior grade), and ensign.

Struck: "(3) Authority of secretary to reduce percentage.--The Secretary--

Struck: "(A) may reduce, as the needs of the Coast Guard require, any of the percentages set forth in paragraph (1); and

Struck: "(B) shall apply that total percentage reduction to any other lower grade or combination of lower grades.

Struck: "(c) Computations.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Secretary shall compute, at least once each year, the total number of commissioned officers authorized to serve in each grade by applying the grade distribution percentages established by or under this section to the total number of commissioned officers listed on the current active duty promotion list.

Struck: "(2) Rounding fractions.--Subject to subsection (a), in making the computations under paragraph (1), any fraction shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

Struck: "(3) Treatment of officers serving outside coast guard.-- The number of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list below the rank of rear admiral (lower half) serving with other Federal departments or agencies on a reimbursable basis or excluded under section 324(d) of title 49 shall not be counted against the total number of commissioned officers authorized to serve in each grade.

Struck: "(d) Use of Numbers; Temporary Increases.--The numbers resulting from computations under subsection (c) shall be, for all purposes, the authorized number in each grade; except that the authorized number for a grade is temporarily increased during the period between one computation and the next by the number of officers originally appointed in that grade during that period and the number of officers of that grade for whom vacancies exist in the next higher grade but whose promotion has been delayed for any reason.

Struck: "(e) Officers Serving Coast Guard Academy and Reserve.--The number of officers authorized to be serving on active duty in each grade of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy and of the Reserve serving in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components shall be prescribed by the Secretary.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 42 and inserting the following:

Struck: "42. Number and distribution of commissioned officers on active duty promotion list.".

Struck: SEC. 205. COAST GUARD PARTICIPATION IN THE ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME

Struck: (AFRH) SYSTEM.

Struck: (a) In General.--Section 1502 of the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 (24 U.S.C. 401) is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking paragraph (4);

Struck: (2) in paragraph (5)--

Struck: (A) by striking "and" at the end of subparagraph (C);

Struck: (B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting "; and"; and

Struck: (C) by inserting at the end the following:

Struck: "(E) the Assistant Commandant of the Coast Guard for Human Resources."; and

Struck: (3) by adding at the end of paragraph (6) the following:

Struck: "(E) The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.".

Struck: (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 2772 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (A) in subsection (a) by inserting "or, in the case of the Coast Guard, the Commandant" after "concerned"; and

Struck: (B) by striking subsection (c).

Struck: (2) Section 1007(i) of title 37, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (A) in paragraph (3) by inserting "or, in the case of the Coast Guard, the Commandant" after "Secretary of Defense";

Struck: (B) by striking paragraph (4); and

Struck: (C) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).

Struck: SEC. 206. GRANTS TO INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATIONS.

Struck: Section 149 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(c) Grants to International Maritime Organizations.--After consultation with the Secretary of State, the Commandant may make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, international maritime organizations for the purpose of acquiring information or data about merchant vessel inspections, security, safety, classification, and port state or flag state law enforcement or oversight.".

Struck: SEC. 207. LEAVE RETENTION AUTHORITY.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 425 the following:

Struck: "Sec. 426. Emergency leave retention authority "With regard to a member of the Coast Guard who serves on active duty, a duty assignment in support of a declaration of a major disaster or emergency by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) shall be treated, for the purpose of section 701(f)(2) of title 10, a duty assignment in support of a contingency operation.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 425 the following new item:

Struck: "426. Emergency leave retention authority.".

Struck: SEC. 208. ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.

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

Struck: "Sec. 99. Enforcement authority "Subject to guidelines approved by the Secretary, members of the Coast Guard, in the performance of official duties, may--

Struck: "(1) carry a firearm; and

Struck: "(2) while at a facility (as defined in section 70101 of title 46)--

Struck: "(A) make an arrest without warrant for any offense against the United States committed in their presence; and

Struck: "(B) seize property as otherwise provided by law.".

Struck: (b) Conforming Repeal.--The first section added to title 46, United States Code, by the amendment made by subsection (a) of section 801 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (118 Stat. 1078), and the item relating to such first section enacted by the amendment made by subsection (b) of such section 801, are repealed.

Struck: (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "99. Enforcement authority.".

Struck: SEC. 209. REPEAL.

Struck: Section 216 of title 14, United States Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 11 of such title, are repealed.

Struck: SEC. 210. MERCHANT MARINER MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 71 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 7115. Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee

Struck: "(a) Establishment.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--There is established a Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the 'Committee').

Struck: "(2) Functions.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to--

Struck: "(A) medical certification determinations for issuance of merchant mariner credentials;

Struck: "(B) medical standards and guidelines for the physical qualifications of operators of commercial vessels;

Struck: "(C) medical examiner education; and

Struck: "(D) medical research.

Struck: "(b) Membership.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 14 members, none of whom is a Federal employee, and shall include--

Struck: "(A) ten who are health-care professionals with particular expertise, knowledge, or experience regarding the medical examinations of merchant mariners or occupational medicine; and

Struck: "(B) four who are professional mariners with knowledge and experience in mariner occupational requirements.

Struck: "(2) Status of members.--Members of the Committee shall not be considered Federal employees or otherwise in the service or the employment of the Federal Government, except that members shall be considered special Government employees, as defined in section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code, and shall be subject to any administrative standards of conduct applicable to the employees of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

Struck: "(c) Appointments; Terms; Vacancies.--

Struck: "(1) Appointments.--The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Committee, and each member shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.

Struck: "(2) Terms.--Each member shall be appointed for a term of three years, except that, of the members first appointed, three members shall be appointed for a term of two years and three members shall be appointed for a term of one year.

Struck: "(3) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill the vacancy prior to the expiration of the term for which that member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.

Struck: "(d) Chairman and Vice Chairman.--The Secretary shall designate one member of the Committee as the Chairman and one member as the Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman.

Struck: "(e) Compensation; Reimbursement.--Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, except that, while engaged in the performance of duties away from their homes or regular places of business of the member, the member of the Committee may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5.

Struck: "(f) Staff; Services.--The Secretary shall furnish to the Committee the personnel and services as are considered necessary for the conduct of its business.".

Struck: (b) First Meeting.--No later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee established by the amendment made by this section shall hold its first meeting.

Struck: (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 71 of that title is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "7115. Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee.".

Struck: SEC. 211. RESERVE COMMISSIONED WARRANT OFFICER TO LIEUTENANT PROGRAM.

Struck: Section 214(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(a) The president may appoint temporary commissioned officers--

Struck: "(1) in the Regular Coast Guard in a grade, not above lieutenant, appropriate to their qualifications, experience, and length of service, as the needs of the Coast Guard may require, from among the commissioned warrant officers, warrant officers, and enlisted members of the Coast Guard, and from holders of licenses issued under chapter 71 of title 46; and

Struck: "(2) in the Coast Guard Reserve in a grade, not above lieutenant, appropriate to their qualifications, experience, and length of service, as the needs of the Coast Guard may require, from among the commissioned warrant officers of the Coast Guard Reserve.".

Struck: SEC. 212. ENHANCED STATUS QUO OFFICER PROMOTION SYSTEM.

Struck: Chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in section 253(a)--

Struck: (A) by inserting "and" after "considered,"; and

Struck: (B) by striking ", and the number of officers the board may recommend for promotion";

Struck: (2) in section 258--

Struck: (A) by inserting "(a) In General.--" before the existing text;

Struck: (B) in subsection (a) (as so designated) by striking the colon at the end of the material preceding paragraph (1) and inserting "--"; and

Struck: (C) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(b) Provision of Direction and Guidance.--

Struck: "(1) In addition to the information provided pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary may furnish the selection board--

Struck: "(A) specific direction relating to the needs of the Coast Guard for officers having particular skills, including direction relating to the need for a minimum number of officers with particular skills within a specialty; and

Struck: "(B) any other guidance that the Secretary believes may be necessary to enable the board to properly perform its functions.

Struck: "(2) Selections made based on the direction and guidance provided under this subsection shall not exceed the maximum percentage of officers who may be selected from below the announced promotion zone at any given selection board convened under section 251 of this title.";

Struck: (3) in section 259(a), by inserting after "whom the board" the following: ", giving due consideration to the needs of the Coast Guard for officers with particular skills so noted in specific direction furnished to the board by the Secretary under section 258 of this title,"; and

Struck: (4) in section 260(b), by inserting after "qualified for promotion" the following: "to meet the needs of the service (as noted in specific direction furnished the board by the Secretary under section 258 of this title)".

Struck: SEC. 213. LASER TRAINING SYSTEM.

Struck: (a) In General.--Within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall test an integrated laser engagement system for the training of members of the Coast Guard assigned to small vessels in the use of individual weapons and machine guns on those vessels. The test shall be conducted on vessels on the Great Lakes using similar laser equipment used by other Federal agencies. However, that equipment shall be adapted for use in the marine environment.

Struck: (b) Report.--The Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate within 6 months after the conclusions of the test required under subsection (a) on the costs and benefits of using the system regionally and nationwide to train members of the Coast Guard in the use of individual weapons and machine guns.

Struck: SEC. 214. COAST GUARD VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT.

Struck: (a) Authority To Fire At or Into a Vessel.--Section 637(c) of title 14, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in paragraph (1), by striking "; or" and inserting a semicolon;

Struck: (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; or"; and

Struck: (3) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(3) any other vessel or aircraft on government noncommercial service when--

Struck: "(a) In General.--The Commandant shall appoint an employee of the Coast Guard in each Coast Guard District as a District Ombudsman to serve as a liaison between ports, terminal operators, shipowners, and labor representatives and the Coast Guard.

Struck: "(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the District Ombudsman shall be the following:

Struck: "(1) To support the operations of the Coast Guard in each port in the District for which the District Ombudsman is appointed.

Struck: "(2) To improve communications between and among port stakeholders including, port and terminal operators, ship owners, labor representatives, and the Coast Guard.

Struck: "(3) To seek to resolve disputes between the Coast Guard and all petitioners regarding requirements imposed or services provided by the Coast Guard.

Struck: "(c) Functions.--

Struck: "(1) Complaints.--The District Ombudsman may examine complaints brought to the attention of the District Ombudsman by a petitioner operating in a port or by Coast Guard personnel.

Struck: "(2) Guidelines for disputes.--

Struck: "(A) In general.--The District Ombudsman shall develop guidelines regarding the types of disputes with respect to which the District Ombudsman will provide assistance.

Struck: "(B) Limitation.--The District Ombudsman shall not provide assistance with respect to a dispute unless it involves the impact of Coast Guard requirements on port business and the flow of commerce.

Struck: "(C) Priority.--In providing such assistance, the District Ombudsman shall give priority to complaints brought by petitioners who believe they will suffer a significant hardship as the result of implementing a Coast Guard requirement or being denied a Coast Guard service.

Struck: "(3) Consultation.--The District Ombudsman may consult with any Coast Guard personnel who can aid in the investigation of a complaint.

Struck: "(4) Access to information.--The District Ombudsman shall have access to any Coast Guard document, including any record or report, that will aid the District Ombudsman in obtaining the information needed to conduct an investigation of a compliant.

Struck: "(5) Reports.--At the conclusion of an investigation, the District Ombudsman shall submit a report on the findings and recommendations of the District Ombudsman, to the Commander of the District in which the petitioner who brought the complaint is located or operating.

Struck: "(6) Deadline.--The District Ombudsman shall seek to resolve each complaint brought in accordance with the guidelines--

Struck: "(A) in a timely fashion; and

Struck: "(B) not later than 4 months after the complaint is officially accepted by the District Ombudsman.

Struck: "(d) Appointment.--The Commandant shall appoint as the District Ombudsman a civilian who has experience in port and transportation systems and knowledge of port operations or of maritime commerce (or both).

Struck: "(e) Annual Reports.--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 on the matters brought before the District Ombudsmen, including--

Struck: "(1) the number of matters brought before each District Ombudsman;

Struck: "(2) a brief summary of each such matter; and

Struck: "(3) the eventual resolution of each such matter.".

Struck: "(a) Regular Commissioned Officers.--Any regular commissioned officer, except a commissioned warrant officer, serving in a grade below rear admiral (lower half) shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 62 years of age.

Struck: "(b) Flag-Officer Grades.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any regular commissioned officer serving in a grade of rear admiral (lower half) or above shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 64 years of age.

Struck: "(2) The retirement of an officer under paragraph (1) may be deferred--

Struck: "(A) by the President, but such a deferment may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 68 years of age; or

Struck: "(B) by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, but such a deferment may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 66 years of age.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to such section and inserting the following:

Struck: "293. Compulsory retirement.".

Struck: SEC. 217. ENFORCEMENT OF COASTWISE TRADE LAWS.

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

Struck: "Sec. 100. Enforcement of coastwise trade laws "Officers and members of the Coast Guard are authorized to enforce chapter 551 of title 46. The Secretary shall establish a program for these officers and members to enforce that chapter, including the application of those laws to vessels that support the exploration, development, and production of oil, gas, or mineral resources in the Gulf of Mexico.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for that chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "100. Enforcement of coastwise trade laws.".

Struck: (c) Report.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation within one year after the date of enactment of this Act on the enforcement strategies and enforcement actions taken to enforce the coastwise trade laws.

Struck: SEC. 218. ACADEMY NOMINATIONS.

Struck: (a) Appointment.--Section 182(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(a) Corps of Cadets; Number; Nomination.--

Struck: "(1) The authorized strength of the Corps of Cadets (determined for any academic program year as of the day before the last day of the academic program year) is 1,000, excluding those foreign nationals admitted for instructions pursuant to section 195. Subject to that limitation, cadets are selected as follows:

Struck: "(A) Not more than 10 individuals, appointed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in order of merit as established by competitive examination, from the children of members of the Armed Forces who were killed in action or died of, or have a service-connected disability at not less than 100 per centum resulting from, wounds or injuries received or diseases contracted in, or preexisting injury or disease aggravated by, active service, children of members who are in a 'missing status' (as defined in section 551(2) of title 37), and children of civilian employees who are in 'missing status' (as defined in section 5561(5) of title 5). The determination of the Department of Veterans Affairs as to service connection of the cause of death or disability is rated, is binding upon the Secretary.

Struck: "(B) Not less than one, nominated at large by the Vice President or, if there is no Vice President, by the President pro tempore of the Senate.

Struck: "(C) Not less than one, nominated by each Senator.

Struck: "(D) Not less than one, nominated by each Representative in Congress.

Struck: "(E) Not less than one, nominated by the Delegate to the House of Representatives from the District of Columbia, the Delegate in Congress from the Virgin Islands, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, the Delegate in Congress from Guam, the Delegate in Congress from American Samoa, or the Resident Representative from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Each Senator, Representative, and Delegate in Congress, including the Resident Commissioner and the Resident Representative, is entitled to nominate 10 persons each year. Cadets who do not graduate on time shall not count against the allocations pursuant to subparagraphs (B)-(E). Nominees may be submitted without ranking or with a principal candidate and 9 ranked or unranked alternates. A nominee not selected for appointment under this paragraph shall be considered an alternate for the purposes of appointment under paragraph (2).

Struck: "(2) The Secretary may appoint, each academic program year, individuals who are either--

Struck: "(A) alternates nominated pursuant to paragraph (1) (C), (D), or (E); or

Struck: "(B) applicants who applied directly for admission.

Struck: "(3) In addition, the Secretary may appoint, each academic program year, individuals who are--

Struck: "(A) children of members of the Armed Forces who--

Struck: "(i) are on active duty (other than for training) and who have served continuously on active duty for at least eight years;

Struck: "(ii) are, or who died while they were, retired with pay or granted retired or retainer pay;

Struck: "(iii) are serving as members of reserve components and are credited with at least eight years of service;

Struck: "(iv) would be, or who died while they would have been, entitled to retired pay, except for not having attained 60 years of age; or

Struck: "(v) have been awarded the Medal of Honor; the total number of whom cannot exceed 5 percent of the class to be admitted; however, a person who is eligible for selection under subsection (a)(1)(A) may not be selected under this subparagraph;

Struck: "(B) enlisted members of the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Reserve, the total number of whom cannot exceed 5 percent of the class to be admitted;

Struck: "(C) graduates of the Coast Guard Scholars program, the total number of whom cannot exceed 30 percent of the class to be admitted; and

Struck: "(D) individuals who possess qualities that the Superintendent identifies to be of particular value to the Academy and the Service, the total number of whom cannot exceed 20 percent of the class to be admitted.

Struck: "(4) An individual shall be qualified for nomination, selection, and appointment as a cadet at the Academy only if the individual--

Struck: "(A) is a citizen or national of the United States; and

Struck: "(B) meets such minimum requirements that the Secretary may establish.

Struck: "(5) The Superintendent shall furnish to any Member of Congress, upon the written request of such Member, the name of the Congressman or other nominating authority responsible for the nomination of any named or identified person for appointment to the Academy.

Struck: "(6) For purposes of the limitation in subsection (a)(1) establishing the aggregate authorized strength of the Corps of Cadets, the Secretary may, for any academic program year, permit a variance in that limitation by not more than 5 percent. In applying that limitation, and any such variance, the last day of an academic program year shall be considered to be graduation day.".

Struck: (b) Transition.--This section shall provide for the nomination, selection, and appointment of individuals, pursuant to section 182 of title 14, United States Code, who will matriculate in academic program year 2012 and thereafter, except that for--

Struck: (1) academic program year 2012, no less than 135 cadets of the corps (or 14 percent of the corps, whichever is smaller) shall be from nominations made pursuant to section 182(a)(1)(B)-(E);

Struck: (2) academic program year 2013, no less than 270 cadets of the corps (or 27 percent of the corps, whichever is smaller) shall be from nominations made pursuant to section 182(a)(1)(B)-(E); and

Struck: (3) academic program year 2014, no less than 405 cadets of the corps (or 41 percent of the corps, which ever is smaller) shall be from nominations made pursuant to section 182(a)(1)(B)-(E). The Secretary is hereby authorized to take any additional action the Secretary believes necessary and proper to provide for the transition to the nomination, selection, and appointment process provided under this section.

Struck: (c) Minority Recruiting Program.--

Struck: (1) In general.--Chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 199. Minority recruiting program "The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a minority recruiting program for prospective cadets at the Coast Guard Academy. The program may include--

Struck: "(1) use of minority cadets and officers to provide information regarding the Coast Guard and the Academy to students in high schools;

Struck: "(2) sponsoring of trips to high school teachers and guidance counselors to the Academy;

Struck: "(3) to the extent authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, maximizing the use of the Naval Academy Preparatory School to prepare students to be cadets at the Coast Guard Academy;

Struck: "(4) recruiting minority members of the Coast Guard to attend the Academy;

Struck: "(5) establishment of a minority affairs office at the Academy; and

Struck: "(6) use of minority officers and members of the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary to promote the Academy.".

Struck: (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for that chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "199. Minority recruiting program.".

Struck: (d) Report.--Within 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall report to Congress on the Coast Guard's efforts to recruit minority candidates to the Coast Guard Academy. The report shall include the following:

Struck: (1) The status of implementation of the Coast Guard's minority recruitment program.

Struck: (2) An assessment of the effectiveness of the program, including the number of minority applicants contacted by the Coast Guard Academy, the number of minority candidates who completed applications to the Academy, the number of minority candidates offered appointments to the Academy, and the number of candidates who accepted such appointments.

Struck: (3) A comparison of the Coast Guard's minority recruitment program with similar programs at other United States service academies.

Struck: (4) Recommendations for enhancing the Coast Guard's minority recruitment program.

Struck: (5) An assessment of the current geographic diversity of cadets currently enrolled at the Coast Guard Academy including information on the number of candidates from each State and region of the United States who were contacted by the Academy, the number of candidates from each State and region of the United States who completed applications to the Academy, the number of candidates from each State and region of the country offered appointments to the Academy, and the number of candidates from each State and region of the country who accepted such appointments.

Struck: (6) Recommendations for increasing the geographic diversity of the student population at the Coast Guard Academy.

Struck: SEC. 219. REPORT ON SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN THE COAST GUARD.

Struck: (a) In General.--Not later than January 15 of each year, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a report on the sexual assaults involving members of the Coast Guard to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

Struck: (b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall contain the following:

Struck: (1) The number of sexual assaults against members of the Coast Guard, and the number of sexual assaults by members of the Coast Guard, that were reported to military officials during the year covered by such report, and the number of the cases so reported that were substantiated.

Struck: (2) A synopsis of, and the disciplinary action taken in, each substantiated case.

Struck: (3) The policies, procedures, and processes implemented by the Secretary concerned during the year covered by such report in response to incidents of sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard concerned.

Struck: (4) A plan for the actions that are to be taken in the year following the year covered by such report on the prevention of and response to sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard concerned.

Struck: SEC. 220. HOME PORT OF COAST GUARD VESSELS IN GUAM.

Struck: Section 96 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking "a State of the United States" and inserting "the United States or Guam"; and

Struck: (2) by inserting "or Guam" after "outside the United States".

Struck: SEC. 221. MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

Struck: (a) MSI Management Internship Program.--

Struck: (1) Establishment and purpose.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish a two part management internship program for students at minority serving institutions (MSI) to intern at Coast Guard headquarters or a Coast Guard regional office, to be known as the "MSI Management Internship Program", to develop a cadre of civilian, career mid-level and senior managers for the Coast Guard.

Struck: (2) Operation.--The MSI Management Internship Program shall be managed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in coordination with National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium and other non- profit educational organizations that can undertake effective recruitment efforts to attract minority students and students with disabilities.

Struck: (3) Criteria for selection.--Participation in the MSI Management Internship Program shall be open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors at minority serving institutions, with an emphasis on such students who are majoring in management or business administration, international affairs, political science, marine sciences, criminal justice, or any other major related to homeland security.

Struck: (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 to the Commandant to carry out this subsection.

Struck: (b) MSI Initiatives.--

Struck: (1) Establishment of msi student pre-commissioning initiative.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish an MSI component of the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (to be known as the "MSI Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative Program") to ensure greater participation by students from MSIs in the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative.

Struck: (2) Participation in officer candidate school.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall ensure that graduates of the MSI Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative Program are included in the first enrollment for Officer Candidate School that commences after the date of enactment of this Act and each enrollment period thereafter.

Struck: (3) Reports.--Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of each academic year with respect to which the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative and the MSI Student Pre- Commissioning Initiative Program is carried out beginning with the first full academic year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce of the Senate a report on the number of students in the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative and the number of students in the MSI Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative Program, outreach efforts, and demographic information of enrollees including, age, gender, race, and disability.

Struck: (4) Establishment of msi aviation officer corps initiative.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish an MSI Aviation Officer Corps Initiative to increase the diversity of the Coast Guard Aviation Officer Corps through an integrated recruiting, accession, training, and assignment process that offers guaranteed flight school opportunities to students from minority serving institutions.

Struck: (5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 to the Commandant to carry out this subsection.

Struck: (c) Coast Guard-MSI Cooperative Technology Program.--

Struck: (1) Establishment.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish a Coast Guard Laboratory of Excellence-MSI Cooperative Technology Program at three minority serving institutions to focus on priority security areas for the Coast Guard, such as global maritime surveillance, resilience, and recovery.

Struck: (2) Collaboration.--The Commandant shall encourage collaboration among the minority serving institutions selected under paragraph (1) and institutions of higher education with institutional research and academic program resources and experience.

Struck: (3) Partnerships.--The heads of the laboratories established at the minority serving institutions pursuant to paragraph (1) may seek to establish partnerships with the private sector, especially small, disadvantaged businesses, to--

Struck: (A) develop increased research and development capacity;

Struck: (B) increase the number of baccalaureate and graduate degree holders in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and information technology or other fields critical to the mission of the Coast Guard; and

Struck: (C) strengthen instructional ability among faculty.

Struck: (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $2,500,000 to the Commandant to carry out this subsection, including for instrumentation acquisition and funding undergraduate student scholarships, graduate fellowships, and faculty-post doctoral study.

Struck: (d) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the terms "minority serving institution", "minority serving institutions", and "MSI" mean a historically Black college or university (as defined in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965), a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 502 of such Act), a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316 of such Act), a Predominantly Black institution (as defined in section 499A(c) of such Act), a Native American-serving nontribal institution (as defined in section 499A(c) of such Act), or an Asian American and a Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (as defined in section 320 of such Act).

Struck: SEC. 222. SUPPLEMENTAL POSITIONING SYSTEM.

Struck: (a) Study Required.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and other heads of appropriate Federal departments, shall conduct a study to determine whether there is a continued need for a supplemental air and maritime navigation system as a backup to the Global Positioning System.

Struck: (b) Study Components.--The study shall--

Struck: (1) analyze the impact of the termination of a supplemental system may have on maritime and aviation safety, including general aviation;

Struck: (2) review national navigational capabilities available in the event of a loss of the Global Positioning System;

Struck: (3) investigate the capabilities of currently available radionavigational technologies and systems, including the LORAN-C program currently operated by the Coast Guard as well as modernized LORAN systems, and costs and infrastructure requirements necessary to establish a supplemental system nationwide; and

Struck: (4) include recommendations for future courses of action.

Struck: (c) Public Comment.--The Secretary shall--

Struck: (1) publish in the Federal Register a draft report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the study required by subsection (a);

Struck: (2) accept public comments regarding such draft report for a period of not less than 60 days after the date the draft report is published in the Federal Register; and

Struck: (3) consider any such public comments in the preparation of a final report under subsection (d).

Struck: (d) Final Report.--The Secretary shall submit a final report, including the findings and recommendations, of the study required under subsection (a) and responses to comments gathered under subsection (c) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the enactment of this Act.

Struck: (e) Secretary Defined.--As used in this section, the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

Struck: (3) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(4) sales taxes on goods and services provided to or by vessels or watercraft (other than vessels or watercraft primarily engaged in foreign commerce).".

Struck: SEC. 302. SEAWARD EXTENSION OF ANCHORAGE GROUNDS JURISDICTION.

Struck: Section 7 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1915 (33 U.S.C. 471) is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking "That the" and inserting the following:

Struck: "(a) In General.--The".

Struck: (2) in subsection (a) (as designated by paragraph (1)) by striking "$100; and the" and inserting "up to $10,000. Each day during which a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. The"; and

Struck: (3) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(b) Definition.--As used in this section 'navigable waters of the United States' includes all waters of the territorial sea of the United States as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 of December 27, 1988.".

Struck: SEC. 303. MARITIME DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT AMENDMENT-SIMPLE POSSESSION.

Struck: Section 70506 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(c) Simple Possession.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--Any individual on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States who is found by the Secretary, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have knowingly or intentionally possessed a controlled substance within the meaning of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not to exceed $10,000 for each violation. The Secretary shall notify the individual in writing of the amount of the civil penalty.

Struck: "(2) Determination of amount.--In determining the amount of the penalty, the Secretary shall consider the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited acts committed and, with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay, and other matters that justice requires.

Struck: "(3) Treatment of civil penalty assessment.--Assessment of a civil penalty under this subsection shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of State or Federal law but may be considered proof of possession if such a determination is relevant.".

Struck: SEC. 304. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TONNAGE MEASUREMENT LAW.

Struck: (a) Definitions.--Section 14101(4) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking "engaged" the first place it appears and inserting "that engages";

Struck: (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking "arriving" and inserting "that arrives";

Struck: (3) in subparagraph (B)--

Struck: (A) by striking "making" and inserting "that makes"; and

Struck: (B) by striking "(except a foreign vessel engaged on that voyage)";

Struck: (4) in subparagraph (C), by striking "departing" and inserting "that departs"; and

Struck: (5) in subparagraph (D), by striking "making" and inserting "that makes".

Struck: (b) Delegation of Authority.--Section 14103(c) of that title is amended by striking "intended to be engaged on" and inserting "that engages on".

Struck: (c) Application.--Section 14301 of that title is amended--

Struck: (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

Struck: "(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, this chapter applies to any vessel for which the application of an international agreement or other law of the United States to the vessel depends on the vessel's tonnage.";

Struck: (2) in subsection (b)--

Struck: (A) in paragraph (1), by striking the period at the end and inserting ", unless the government of the country to which the vessel belongs elects to measure the vessel under this chapter.";

Struck: (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting "of United States or Canadian registry or nationality, or a vessel operated under the authority of the United States or Canada, and that is" after "vessel";

Struck: (C) in paragraph (4), by striking "a vessel (except a vessel engaged" and inserting "a vessel of United States registry or nationality, or one operated under the authority of the United States (except a vessel that engages";

Struck: (D) by striking paragraph (5);

Struck: (E) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (5); and

Struck: (F) by amending paragraph (5), as so redesignated, to read as follows:

Struck: "(5) a barge of United States registry or nationality, or a barge operated under the authority of the United States (except a barge that engages on a foreign voyage) unless the owner requests.";

Struck: (3) by striking subsection (c);

Struck: (4) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and

Struck: (5) in subsection (c), as redesignated, by striking "After July 18, 1994, an existing vessel (except an existing vessel referred to in subsection (b)(5)(A) or (B) of this section)" and inserting "An existing vessel that has not undergone a change that the Secretary finds substantially affects the vessel's gross tonnage (or a vessel to which IMO Resolutions A.494 (XII) of November 19, 1981, A.540 (XIII) of November 17, 1983, or A.541 (XIII) of November 17, 1983, apply)".

Struck: (d) Measurement.--Section 14302(b) of that title is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(b) A vessel measured under this chapter may not be required to be measured under another law.".

Struck: (e) Tonnage Certificate.--

Struck: (1) Issuance.--Section 14303 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (A) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: "For a vessel to which the Convention does not apply, the Secretary shall prescribe a certificate to be issued as evidence of a vessel's measurement under this chapter.";

Struck: (B) in subsection (b), by inserting "issued under this section" after "certificate"; and

Struck: (C) in the section heading by striking "International" and "(1969)".

Struck: (2) Maintenance.--Section 14503 of that title is amended--

Struck: (A) by designating the existing text as subsection (a); and

Struck: (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Struck: "(b) The certificate shall be maintained as required by the Secretary.".

Struck: (3) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of chapter 143 of that title is amended by striking the item relating to section 14303 and inserting the following:

Struck: "14303. Tonnage Certificate.".

Struck: (f) Optional Regulatory Measurement.--Section 14305(a) of that title is amended by striking "documented vessel measured under this chapter," and inserting "vessel measured under this chapter that is of United States registry or nationality, or a vessel operated under the authority of the United States,".

Struck: (g) Application.--Section 14501 of that title is amended--

Struck: (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

Struck: "(1) A vessel not measured under chapter 143 of this title if the application of an international agreement or other law of the United States to the vessel depends on the vessel's tonnage."; and

Struck: (2) in paragraph (2), by striking "a vessel" and inserting "A vessel".

Struck: (h) Dual Tonnage Measurement.--Section 14513(c) of that title is amended--

Struck: (1) in paragraph (1)--

Struck: (A) by striking "vessel's tonnage mark is below the uppermost part of the load line marks," and inserting "vessel is assigned two sets of gross and net tonnages under this section,"; and

Struck: (B) by inserting "vessel's tonnage" before "mark" the second place such term appears; and

Struck: (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting "as assigned under this section.".

Struck: (i) Reciprocity for Foreign Vessels.--Subchapter II of chapter 145 of that title is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 14514. Reciprocity for foreign vessels "For a foreign vessel not measured under chapter 143, if the Secretary finds that the laws and regulations of a foreign country related to measurement of vessels are substantially similar to those of this chapter and the regulations prescribed under this chapter, the Secretary may accept the measurement and certificate of a vessel of that foreign country as complying with this chapter and the regulations prescribed under this chapter.".

Struck: (j) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of chapter 145 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "14514. Reciprocity for foreign vessels.".

Struck: SEC. 305. ADJUSTMENT OF LIABILITY LIMITS FOR NATURAL GAS DEEPWATER PORTS.

Struck: Section 1004(d)(2) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2704(d)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(D) The Secretary may establish, by regulation, a limit of liability of not less than $12,000,000 for a deepwater port used only in connection with transportation of natural gas.".

Struck: SEC. 306. PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS FOR CLAIMS AGAINST OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND.

Struck: Section 1012(h)(1) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712(h)(1)) is amended by striking "6" and inserting "3".

Struck: SEC. 307. MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENT STANDARDS.

Struck: Not later than 270 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--

Struck: (1) a plan to ensure that the process for an application, by an individual who has, or has applied for, a transportation security card under section 70105 of title 46, United States Code, for a merchant mariner document can be completed entirely by mail; and

Struck: (2) a report on the feasibility of, and a timeline to, redesign the merchant mariner document to comply with the requirements of such section, including a biometric identifier, and all relevant international conventions, including the International Labour Organization Convention Number 185 concerning the seafarers identity document, and include a review on whether or not such redesign will eliminate the need for separate credentials and background screening and streamline the application process for mariners.

Struck: SEC. 308. REPORT ON COAST GUARD DETERMINATIONS.

Struck: Not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security 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 on the loss of United States shipyard jobs and industrial base expertise as a result of rebuild, conversion, and double-hull work on United States- flag vessels eligible to engage in the coastwise trade being performed in foreign shipyards, enforcement of the Coast Guard's foreign rebuild determination regulations, and recommendations for improving the transparency in the Coast Guard's foreign rebuild determination process.

Struck: SEC. 309. SHIP EMISSION REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

Struck: (a) Study.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall conduct a study--

Struck: (1) that surveys new technology and new applications of existing technology for reducing air emissions from cargo or passenger vessels that operate in United States waters and ports; and

Struck: (2) that identifies the impediments, including any laws or regulations, to demonstrating the technology identified in paragraph (1).

Struck: (b) Report.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.

Struck: SEC. 310. PHASEOUT OF VESSELS SUPPORTING OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT.

Struck: (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, foreign-flag vessels may be chartered by, or on behalf of, a lessee to be employed for the setting, relocation, or recovery of anchors or other mooring equipment of a mobile offshore drilling unit that is located over the Outer Continental Shelf (as defined in section 2(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331(a)) for operations in support of exploration, or flow- testing and stimulation of wells, for offshore mineral or energy resources in the Beaufort Sea or the Chukchi Sea adjacent to Alaska--

Struck: (1) for a 1-year period from the date the lessee gives the Secretary of Transportation written notice of the commencement of such exploration drilling if the Secretary determines, after publishing notice in the Federal Register, that insufficient vessels documented under section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, are reasonably available and suitable for these support operations and all such reasonably available and suitable vessels are employed in support of such operations; and

Struck: (2) for an additional period until such vessels are available if the Secretary of Transportation determines--

Struck: (A) that, by April 30 of the year following the commencement of exploration drilling, the lessee has entered into a binding agreement to employ a suitable vessel or vessels to be documented under section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, in sufficient numbers and with sufficient suitability to replace any foreign-flag vessel or vessels operating under this section; and

Struck: (B) after publishing notice in the Federal Register, that insufficient vessels documented under section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, are reasonably available and suitable for these support operations and all such reasonably available and suitable vessels are employed in support of such operations.

Struck: (b) Expiration.--Irrespective of the year in which the commitment referred to in subsection (a)(2)(A) occurs, foreign-flag anchor handling vessels may not be employed for the setting, relocation, or recovery of anchors or other mooring equipment of a mobile offshore drilling unit after December 31, 2017.

Struck: (c) Lessee Defined.--In this section, the term "lessee" means the holder of a lease (as defined in section 1331(c) of title 43, United States Code), who, prior to giving the written notice in subsection (a)(1), has entered into a binding agreement to employ a suitable vessel documented or to be documented under 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code.

Struck: (d) Savings Provision.--Nothing in subsection (a) may be construed to authorize the employment in the coastwise trade of a vessel that does not meet the requirements of 12111 of title 46, United States Code.

Struck: SEC. 311. ARCTIC MARINE SHIPPING ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION.

Struck: (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to ensure safe and secure maritime shipping in the Arctic including the availability of aids to navigation, vessel escorts, spill response capability, and maritime search and rescue in the Arctic.

Struck: (b) International Maritime Organization Agreements.--To carry out the purpose of this section, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating is encouraged to enter into negotiations through the International Maritime Organization to conclude and execute agreements to promote coordinated action among the United States, Russia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark and other seafaring and Arctic nations to ensure, in the Arctic--

Struck: (1) placement and maintenance of aids to navigation;

Struck: (2) appropriate marine safety, tug, and salvage capabilities;

Struck: (3) oil spill prevention and response capability;

Struck: (4) maritime domain awareness, including long-range vessel tracking; and

Struck: (5) search and rescue.

Struck: (c) Coordination by Committee on the Maritime Transportation System.--The Committee on the Maritime Transportation System established under a directive of the President in the Ocean Action Plan, issued December 17, 2004, shall coordinate the establishment of domestic transportation policies in the Arctic necessary to carry out the purpose of this section.

Struck: (d) Agreements and Contracts.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may, subject to the availability of appropriations, enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, or make grants to individuals and governments to carry out the purpose of this section or any agreements established under subsection (b).

Struck: (e) Icebreaking.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall promote safe maritime navigation by means of icebreaking where needed to carry out the purposes of this section.

Struck: (f) Demonstration Projects.--The Secretary of Transportation may enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, or make grants to, individuals to conduct demonstration projects to reduce emissions (including black carbon and other emissions that could contribute to climate change) or discharges from vessels operating in the Arctic.

Struck: (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated--

Struck: (1) to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating--

Struck: (A) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 for seasonal operations in the Arctic; and

Struck: (B) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015 to carry out agreements established under subsection (d); and

Struck: (2) to the Secretary of Transportation $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 to conduct demonstration projects under subsection (f).

Struck: (h) Icebreakers.--

Struck: (1) Analyses.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act or the date of completion of the ongoing High Latitude Study to assess Arctic polar ice-breaking mission requirements, which ever occurs later, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall--

Struck: (A) conduct a comparative cost-benefit analysis of--

Struck: (i) rebuilding, renovating, or improving the existing fleet of icebreakers for operation by the Coast Guard,

Struck: (ii) constructing new icebreakers for operation by the Coast Guard, and

Struck: (iii) any combination of the activities described in clauses (i) and (ii), to carry out the missions of the Coast Guard; and

Struck: (B) conduct an analysis of the impact on mission capacity and the ability of the United States to maintain a presence in the Arctic regions through the year 2020 if recapitalization of the icebreaker fleet, either by constructing new icebreakers or rebuilding, renovating, or improving the existing fleet of icebreakers, is not fully funded.

Struck: (2) Reports to congress.--

Struck: (A) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act or the date of completion of the ongoing High Latitude Study to assess Arctic ice- breaking mission requirements, which ever occurs later, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a report containing the results of the study, together with recommendations the Commandant deems appropriate under section 93(a)(24) of title 14, United States Code, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Struck: (B) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit reports containing the results of the analyses required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), together with recommendations the Commandant deems appropriate under section 93(a)(24) of title 14, United States Code, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Struck: (i) Arctic Definition.--In this section the term "Arctic" has the same meaning as in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).

Struck: SEC. 312. LORAN-C SIGNAL.

Struck: (a) Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Homeland Security may not operate the Loran-C signal after January 4, 2010.

Struck: (b) The limitation in subsection (a) shall take effect only if the Commandant of the Coast Guard certifies that--

Struck: (1) the termination of the operation of the Loran-C signal as of the date specified in subsection (a) will not adversely impact the safety of maritime navigation; and

Struck: (2) the Loran-C system infrastructure is not needed as a backup to the Global Positioning System or any other Federal navigation requirement.

Struck: (c) If the Commandant makes the certifications described in subsection (b), the Coast Guard shall, commencing January 4, 2010, terminate the operation of the Loran-C signal and commence a phased decommissioning of the Loran-C system infrastructure.

Struck: (d) Not later than 30 days after such certifications made pursuant to subsection (b), 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 setting forth a proposed schedule for the phased decommissioning of the Loran-C system infrastructure in the event of the decommissioning of such infrastructure in accordance with subsection (c).

Struck: (e) If the Commandant makes the certifications described in subsection (b), the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, may, notwithstanding any other provision of law, sell any real and personal property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard and used for the Loran-C system, by directing the Administrator of General Services to sell such real and personal property, subject to such terms and conditions that the Secretary believes to be necessary to protect government interests and program requirements of the Coast Guard.

Struck: SEC. 313. DUAL ESCORT VESSELS FOR DOUBLE HULLED TANKERS IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, ALASKA.

Struck: (a) In General.--Section 4116(c) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (46 U.S.C. 3703 note; Public Law 101-380) is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking "Not later than 6 months" and inserting the following:

Struck: "(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days"; and

Struck: (2) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(2) Prince william sound, alaska.--The requirement in paragraph (1) relating to single hulled tankers in Prince William Sound, Alaska, described in that paragraph being escorted by at least 2 towing vessels or other vessels considered to be appropriate by the Secretary (including regulations promulgated in accordance with section 3703(a)(3) of title 46, United States Code, as set forth in part 168 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on March 1, 2009), implementing this subsection with respect to those tankers) shall apply to double hulled tankers over 5,000 gross tons transporting oil in bulk in Prince William Sound, Alaska.".

Struck: (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Struck: (c) Rulemaking.--

Struck: (1) Interim final rule authority.--The Secretary shall issue an interim final rule as a temporary regulation implementing this section (including the amendments made by this section) as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section, without regard to the provisions of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code. All regulations prescribed under the authority of this paragraph that are not earlier superseded by final regulations shall expire not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.

Struck: (2) Initiation of rulemaking.--The Secretary may initiate a rulemaking to implement this section (including the amendments made by this section) as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section. The final rule issued pursuant to that rulemaking may supersede the interim final rule promulgated under this subsection.

Struck: TITLE IV--GREAT LAKES ICEBREAKER

Struck: SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "Great Lakes Icebreaker Replacement Act".

Struck: SEC. 402. FINDINGS.

Struck: Congress finds that--

Struck: (1) five of the Coast Guard's Great Lakes icebreakers are nearing the end of their useful lives;

Struck: (2) two other Coast Guard icebreaking assets have experienced difficulty in heavy ice conditions;

Struck: (3) during the spring of 2008, United States-flag vessels operating on the Great Lakes suffered more than $1,300,000 in damages to their hulls because the Coast Guard did not have enough assets available to keep Great Lakes shipping lanes open;

Struck: (4) during the 2006-2007 ice season, shipments of iron ore, coal, and limestone on the Great Lakes exceeded 20,000,000 tons;

Struck: (5) during the 2006-2007 ice season, the transportation of 10,400,000 tons of iron ore on the Great Lakes helped support 100,000 jobs at steel mills and 300,000 jobs at supplier industries by keeping those industries working during the winter season; and

Struck: (6) the 6,400,000 tons of coal shipped on the Great Lakes during the 2006-2007 ice season kept the Great Lakes region supplied with electricity.

Struck: SEC. 403. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Struck: There is authorized to be appropriated $153,000,000 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard for the design, acquisition, and construction of a combined buoy tender-icebreaker to replace icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes, to remain available until expended.

Struck: TITLE V--ACQUISITION REFORM

Struck: SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "Coast Guard Acquisition Reform Act of 2009".

Struck: SEC. 502. DEFINITIONS.

Struck: In this title, the following definitions apply:

Struck: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term "appropriate congressional committees" means the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

Struck: (2) Commandant.--The term "Commandant" means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Struck: (3) Level 1 acquisition.--The term "Level 1 acquisition" means--

Struck: (A) an acquisition by the Coast Guard--

Struck: (i) the estimated life-cycle costs of which exceed $1,000,000,000; or

Struck: (ii) the estimated total acquisition costs of which exceed $300,000,000; or

Struck: (B) any acquisition that the Chief Acquisition Officer of the Coast Guard determines to have a special interest--

Struck: (i) due to--

Struck: (I) the experimental or technically immature nature of the asset;

Struck: (II) the technological complexity of the asset;

Struck: (III) the commitment of resources; or

Struck: (IV) the nature of the capability or set of capabilities to be achieved; or

Struck: (ii) because such acquisition is a joint acquisition.

Struck: (4) Level 2 acquisition.--The term "Level 2 acquisition" means an acquisition by the Coast Guard--

Struck: (A) the estimated life-cycle costs of which are equal to or less than $1,000,000,000, but greater than $300,000,000; or

Struck: (B) the estimated total acquisition costs of which are equal to or less than $300,000,0000, but greater than $100,000,000.

Struck: (5) Life-cycle cost.--The term "life-cycle cost" means all costs for development, procurement, construction, and operations and support for a particular capability or asset, without regard to funding source or management control.

Struck: Subtitle A--Restrictions on the Use of Lead Systems Integrators

Struck: SEC. 511. PROCUREMENT STRUCTURE.

Struck: (a) In General.--

Struck: (1) Use of lead systems integrator.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the Commandant may not use a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for an acquisition contract awarded or delivery order or task order issued after the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Struck: (2) Full and open competition.--The Commandant and any lead systems integrator engaged by the Coast Guard shall use full and open competition for any acquisition contract awarded after the date of enactment of this Act, unless otherwise excepted in accordance with Federal acquisition laws and regulations promulgated under those laws, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Struck: (3) No effect on small business act.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to supersede or otherwise affect the authorities provided by and under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).

Struck: (b) Exceptions.--

Struck: (1) National distress and response system modernization program; national security cutters 2 and 3.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (e), the Commandant may use a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for the Coast Guard to complete the National Distress and Response System Modernization Program (otherwise known as the "Rescue 21" program) and National Security Cutters 2 and 3.

Struck: (2) Completion of acquisition by lead systems integrator.-- Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Commandant may use a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for the Coast Guard--

Struck: (A) to complete any delivery order or task order, including the exercise of previously established options on a delivery order or task order that was issued to a lead systems integrator on or before the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act without any change in the quantity of capabilities or assets or the specific type of capabilities or assets covered by the order;

Struck: (B) for a contract awarded after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act for acquisition of, or in support of, the HC-130J aircraft, the HH-65 aircraft, or the C4ISR system, if the requirements of subsection (c) are met with respect to such acquisitions;

Struck: (C) for a contract awarded after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act for acquisition of, or in support of, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, if the requirements of subsection (c) are met with respect to such an acquisition; and

Struck: (D) for the acquisition of, or in support of, additional National Security Cutters or Maritime Patrol Aircraft, if the Commandant determines that--

Struck: (i) the acquisition is in accordance with Federal acquisition laws and regulations promulgated under those laws, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation;

Struck: (ii) the acquisition and the use of a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for the acquisition are in the best interest of the Federal Government; and

Struck: (iii) the requirements of subsection (c) are met with respect to such acquisition.

Struck: (3) Report on decisionmaking process.--If the Commandant determines under subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of subsection (b)(2) that the Coast Guard will use a private sector lead systems integrator for an acquisition, the Commandant shall notify in writing the appropriate congressional committees of the Commandant's determination and shall provide a detailed rationale for the determination, at least 30 days before the award of a contract or issuance of a delivery order or task order, using a private sector lead systems integrator, including a comparison of the cost of the acquisition through the private sector lead systems integrator with the expected cost if the acquisition were awarded directly to the manufacturer or shipyard. For purposes of that comparison, the cost of award directly to a manufacturer or shipyard shall include the costs of Government contract management and oversight.

Struck: (c) Limitation on Lead Systems Integrators.--Neither an entity performing lead systems integrator functions for a Coast Guard acquisition nor a Tier 1 subcontractor for any acquisition described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of subsection (b)(2) may have a financial interest in a subcontractor below the Tier 1 subcontractor level unless--

Struck: (1) the subcontractor was selected by the prime contractor through full and open competition for such procurement;

Struck: (2) the procurement was awarded by the lead systems integrator or a subcontractor through full and open competition;

Struck: (3) the procurement was awarded by a subcontractor through a process over which the lead systems integrator or a Tier 1 subcontractor exercised no control; or

Struck: (4) the Commandant has determined that the procurement was awarded in a manner consistent with Federal acquisition laws and regulations promulgated under those laws, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Struck: (d) Rule of Construction.--The limitation in subsection (b)(1)(A) on the quantity and specific type of assets to which subsection (b) applies shall not be construed to apply to the modification of the number or type of any sub-systems or other components of a vessel or aircraft described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of subsection (b)(2).

Struck: (e) Termination Date for Exceptions.--Except as described in subsection (b)(1), the Commandant may not use a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for acquisition contracts awarded, or task orders or delivery orders issued, after the earlier of--

Struck: (1) September 30, 2011; or

Struck: (2) the date on which the Commandant certifies in writing to the appropriate congressional committees that the Coast Guard has available and can retain sufficient acquisition workforce personnel and expertise within the Coast Guard, through an arrangement with other Federal agencies, or through contracts or other arrangements with private sector entities, to perform the functions and responsibilities of the lead systems integrator in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Struck: Subtitle B--Coast Guard Acquisition Policy

Struck: SEC. 521. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

Struck: (a) In General.--No Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program may be initiated by the Coast Guard, and no production contract may be awarded for such an acquisition, unless the Commandant has approved an operational requirement for such acquisition.

Struck: (b) Operational Requirement for Acquisition Programs.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Commandant shall establish mature and stable operational requirements for acquisition programs.

Struck: (2) Elements.--Prior to establishing operational requirements under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall--

Struck: (A) prepare a preliminary statement of need, a concept of operations, an analysis of alternatives or the equivalent, an estimate of life-cycle costs, and requirements for interoperability with other capabilities and assets within and external to the Coast Guard; and

Struck: (B) in preparing the concept of operations under subparagraph (A), coordinate with acquisition and support professionals, requirements officials, operational users and maintainers, and resource officials who can ensure the appropriate consideration of performance, cost, schedule and risk trade-offs.

Struck: (c) Consideration of Trade-offs.--In establishing operational requirements under subsection (a), the Commandant shall develop and implement mechanisms to ensure that trade-offs among performance, cost, schedule, and risk are considered in the establishment of operational requirements for development and production of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition.

Struck: (d) Elements.--The mechanisms required under this section shall ensure at a minimum that Coast Guard officials responsible for acquisition management, budget, and cost estimating functions have the authority to develop cost estimates and raise cost and schedule matters at any point in the process of establishing operational requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition.

Struck: SEC. 522. REQUIRED CONTRACT TERMS.

Struck: (a) In General.--The Commandant shall ensure that a contract awarded or a delivery order or task order issued for an acquisition of a capability or an asset with an expected service life of 10 or more years and with a total acquisition cost that is equal to or exceeds $10,000,000 awarded or issued by the Coast Guard after the date of enactment of this Act--

Struck: (1) provides that all certifications for an end-state capability or asset under such contract, delivery order, or task order, respectively, will be conducted by the Commandant or an independent third party, and that self-certification by a contractor or subcontractor is not allowed;

Struck: (2) requires that the Commandant shall maintain the authority to establish, approve, and maintain technical requirements;

Struck: (3) requires that any measurement of contractor and subcontractor performance be based on the status of all work performed, including the extent to which the work performed met all performance, cost, and schedule requirements;

Struck: (4) specifies that, for the acquisition or upgrade of air, surface, or shore capabilities and assets for which compliance with TEMPEST certification is a requirement, the standard for determining such compliance will be the air, surface, or shore standard then used by the Department of the Navy for that type of capability or asset; and

Struck: (5) for any contract awarded to acquire an Offshore Patrol Cutter, includes provisions specifying the service life, fatigue life, and days underway in general Atlantic and North Pacific Sea conditions, maximum range, and maximum speed the cutter will be built to achieve.

Struck: (b) Prohibited Contract Provisions.--The Commandant shall ensure that any contract awarded or delivery order or task order issued by the Coast Guard after the date of enactment of this Act does not include any provision allowing for equitable adjustment that differs from the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Struck: (c) Extension of Program.--Any contract, contract modification, or award term extending a contract with a lead systems integrator--

Struck: (1) shall not include any minimum requirements for the purchase of a given or determinable number of specific capabilities or assets; and

Struck: (2) shall be reviewed by an independent third party with expertise in acquisition management, and the results of that review shall be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees at least 60 days prior to the award of the contract, contract modification, or award term.

Struck: SEC. 523. LIFE-CYCLE COST ESTIMATES.

Struck: (a) In General.--The Commandant shall implement mechanisms to ensure the development and regular updating of life-cycle cost estimates for each acquisition with a total acquisition cost that equals or exceeds $10,000,000 and an expected service life of 10 or more years, and to ensure that these estimates are considered in decisions to develop or produce new or enhanced capabilities and assets.

Struck: (b) Types of Estimates.--In addition to life-cycle cost estimates that may be developed by acquisition program offices, the Commandant shall require that an independent life-cycle cost estimate be developed for each Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program or project.

Struck: (c) Required Updates.--For each Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program or project the Commandant shall require that life-cycle cost estimates shall be updated before each milestone decision is concluded and the program or project enters a new acquisition phase.

Struck: SEC. 524. TEST AND EVALUATION.

Struck: (a) Test and Evaluation Master Plan.--

Struck: (1) In general.--For any Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program or project the Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer must approve a Test and Evaluation Master Plan specific to the acquisition program or project for the capability, asset, or sub-systems of the capability or asset and intended to minimize technical, cost, and schedule risk as early as practicable in the development of the program or project.

Struck: (2) Test and evaluation strategy.--The TEMP shall--

Struck: (A) set forth an integrated test and evaluation strategy that will verify that capability-level or asset-level and sub-system-level design and development, including performance and supportability, have been sufficiently proven before the capability, asset, or sub-system of the capability or asset is approved for production; and

Struck: (B) require that adequate developmental tests and evaluations and operational tests and evaluations established under subparagraph (A) are performed to inform production decisions.

Struck: (3) Other components of temp.--At a minimum, the TEMP shall identify--

Struck: (A) the key performance parameters to be resolved through the integrated test and evaluation strategy;

Struck: (B) critical operational issues to be assessed in addition to the key performance parameters;

Struck: (C) specific development test and evaluation phases and the scope of each phase;

Struck: (D) modeling and simulation activities to be performed, if any, and the scope of such activities;

Struck: (E) early operational assessments to be performed, if any, and the scope of such assessments;

Struck: (F) operational test and evaluation phases;

Struck: (G) an estimate of the resources, including funds, that will be required for all test, evaluation, assessment, modeling, and simulation activities; and

Struck: (H) the Government entity or independent entity that will perform the test, evaluation, assessment, modeling, and simulation activities.

Struck: (4) Update.--The Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer shall approve an updated TEMP whenever there is a revision to program or project test and evaluation strategy, scope, or phasing.

Struck: (5) Limitation.--The Coast Guard may not--

Struck: (A) proceed past that phase of the acquisition process that entails approving the supporting acquisition of a capability or asset before the TEMP is approved by the Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer; or

Struck: (B) award any production contract for a capability, asset, or sub-system for which a TEMP is required under this subsection before the TEMP is approved by the Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer.

Struck: (b) Tests and Evaluations.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Commandant shall ensure that the Coast Guard conducts developmental tests and evaluations and operational tests and evaluations of a capability or asset and the sub-systems of the capability or asset for which a TEMP has been prepared under subsection (a).

Struck: (2) Use of third parties.--The Commandant shall ensure that the Coast Guard uses third parties with expertise in testing and evaluating the capabilities or assets and the sub-systems of the capabilities or assets being acquired to conduct developmental tests and evaluations and operational tests and evaluations whenever the Coast Guard lacks the capability to conduct the tests and evaluations required by a TEMP.

Struck: (3) Communication of safety concerns.--The Commandant shall require that safety concerns identified during developmental or operational tests and evaluations or through independent or Government-conducted design assessments of capabilities or assets and sub-systems of capabilities or assets to be acquired by the Coast Guard shall be communicated as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after the completion of the test or assessment event or activity that identified the safety concern, to the program manager for the capability or asset and the sub-systems concerned and to the Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer.

Struck: (4) Reporting of safety concerns.--Any safety concerns that have been reported to the Chief Acquisition Officer for an acquisition program or project shall be reported by the Commandant to the appropriate congressional committees at least 90 days before the award of any contract or issuance of any delivery order or task order for low, initial, or full-rate production of the capability or asset concerned if they will remain uncorrected or unmitigated at the time such a contract is awarded or delivery order or task order is issued. The report shall include a justification for the approval of that level of production of the capability or asset before the safety concern is corrected or mitigated. The report shall also include an explanation of the actions that will be taken to correct or mitigate the safety concern, the date by which those actions will be taken, and the adequacy of current funding to correct or mitigate the safety concern.

Struck: (5) Asset already in low, initial, or full-rate production.--If operational test and evaluation on a capability or asset already in low, initial, or full-rate production identifies a safety concern with the capability or asset or any sub-systems of the capability or asset not previously identified during developmental or operational test and evaluation, the Commandant shall--

Struck: (A) notify the program manager and the Chief Acquisition Officer of the safety concern as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after the completion of the test and evaluation event or activity that identified the safety concern; and

Struck: (B) notify the appropriate congressional Committee of the safety concern not later than 30 days after notification is made to the program manager and Chief Acquisition Officer, and include in such notification--

Struck: (i) an explanation of the actions that will be taken to correct or mitigate the safety concern in all capabilities or assets and sub- systems of the capabilities or assets yet to be produced, and the date by which those actions will be taken;

Struck: (ii) an explanation of the actions that will be taken to correct or mitigate the safety concern in previously produced capabilities or assets and sub-systems of the capabilities or assets, and the date by which those actions will be taken; and

Struck: (iii) an assessment of the adequacy of current funding to correct or mitigate the safety concern in capabilities or assets and sub-systems of the capabilities or assets and in previously produced capabilities or assets and sub-systems.

Struck: (c) Definitions.--In this section:

Struck: (1) Developmental test and evaluation.--The term "developmental test and evaluation" means--

Struck: (A) the testing of a capability or asset and the sub-systems of the capability or asset to determine whether they meet all contractual performance requirements, including technical performance requirements, supportability requirements, and interoperability requirements and related specifications; and

Struck: (B) the evaluation of the results of such testing.

Struck: (2) Operational test and evaluation.--The term "operational test and evaluation" means--

Struck: (A) the testing of a capability or asset and the sub-systems of the capability or asset, under conditions similar to those in which the capability or asset and subsystems will actually be deployed, for the purpose of determining the effectiveness and suitability of the capability or asset and sub-systems for use by typical Coast Guard users to conduct those missions for which the capability or asset and sub- systems are intended to be used; and

Struck: (B) the evaluation of the results of such testing.

Struck: (3) Safety concern.--The term "safety concern" means any hazard associated with a capability or asset or a sub-system of a capability or asset that is likely to cause serious bodily injury or death to a typical Coast Guard user in testing, maintaining, repairing, or operating the capability, asset, or sub-system or any hazard associated with the capability, asset, or sub-system that is likely to cause major damage to the capability, asset, or sub-system during the course of its normal operation by a typical Coast Guard user.

Struck: (4) TEMP.--The term "TEMP" means a Test and Evaluation Master Plan for which approval is required under this section.

Struck: SEC. 525. CAPABILITY STANDARDS.

Struck: (a) Cutter Classification.--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 this Act to be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping before final acceptance.

Struck: (b) Tempest Testing.--The Commandant shall--

Struck: (1) cause all electronics on all aircraft, surface, and shore capabilities and assets that require TEMPEST certification and that are delivered after the date of enactment of this Act to be tested in accordance with TEMPEST standards and communication security (COMSEC) standards by an independent third party that is authorized by the Federal Government to perform such testing; and

Struck: (2) certify that the capabilities and assets meet all applicable TEMPEST requirements.

Struck: (c) National Security Cutters.--

Struck: (1) National security cutters 1 and 2.--Not later than 90 days before the Coast Guard awards any contract or issues any delivery order or task order to strengthen the hull of either of National Security Cutter 1 or 2 to resolve the structural design and performance issues identified in the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General's report OIG-07-23 dated January 2007, the Commandant shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives all results of an assessment of the proposed hull strengthening design conducted by the Coast Guard, including--

Struck: (A) a description in detail of the extent to which the hull strengthening measures to be implemented on those cutters will enable the cutters to meet contract and performance requirements;

Struck: (B) a cost benefit analysis of the proposed hull strengthening measures for National Security Cutters 1 and 2; and

Struck: (C) a description of any operational restrictions that would have to be applied to either National Security Cutter 1 or 2 if the proposed hull strengthening measures were not implemented on either cutter.

Struck: (2) Other vessels.--The Commandant shall cause the design and construction of each National Security Cutter, other than National Security Cutters 1, 2, and 3, to be assessed by an independent third party with expertise in vessel design and construction certification.

Struck: (d) Aircraft Airworthiness.--The Commandant shall cause all aircraft and aircraft engines acquired by the Coast Guard and delivered after the date of enactment of this Act to be assessed for airworthiness by an independent third party with expertise in aircraft and aircraft engine certification, before final acceptance.

Struck: SEC. 526. ACQUISITION PROGRAM REPORTS.

Struck: Any Coast Guard Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program or project may not begin to obtain any capability or asset or proceed beyond that phase of its development that entails approving the supporting acquisition until the Commandant submits to the appropriate congressional committees the following:

Struck: (1) The key performance parameters, the key system attributes, and the operational performance attributes of the capability and asset to be acquired under the proposed acquisition program or project will be built to achieve.

Struck: (2) A detailed list of the systems or other capabilities with which the capability or asset to be acquired is intended to be interoperable, including an explanation of the attributes of interoperability.

Struck: (3) The anticipated acquisition program baseline and acquisition unit cost for the capability or asset to be produced and deployed under the program or project.

Struck: (4) A detailed schedule for the acquisition process showing when all capability and asset acquisitions are to be completed and when all acquired capabilities and assets are to be initially and fully deployed.

Struck: SEC. 527. UNDEFINITIZED CONTRACTUAL ACTIONS.

Struck: (a) In General.--The Coast Guard may not enter into an undefinitized contractual action unless such action is directly approved by the Head of Contracting Activity of the Coast Guard.

Struck: (b) Requests for Undefinitized Contractual Actions.--Any request to the Head of Contracting Activity for approval of an undefinitized contractual action covered under subsection (a) must include a description of the anticipated effect on requirements of the Coast Guard if a delay is incurred for the purposes of determining contractual terms, specifications, and price before performance is begun under the contractual action.

Struck: (c) Requirements for Undefinitized Contractual Actions.--

Struck: (1) Deadline for agreement on terms, specifications, and price.--A contracting officer of the Coast Guard may not enter into an undefinitized contractual action unless the contractual action provides for agreement upon contractual terms, specification, and price by the earlier of--

Struck: (A) the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the contractor submits a qualifying proposal to definitize the contractual terms, specifications, and price; or

Struck: (B) the date on which the amount of funds obligated under the contractual action is equal to more than 50 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price for the contractual action.

Struck: (2) Limitation on obligations.--

Struck: (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the contracting officer for an undefinitized contractual action may not obligate under such contractual action an amount that exceeds 50 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price until the contractual terms, specifications, and price are definitized for such contractual action.

Struck: (B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if a contractor submits a qualifying proposal to definitize an undefinitized contractual action before an amount that exceeds 50 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price is obligated on such action, the contracting officer for such action may not obligate with respect to such contractual action an amount that exceeds 75 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price until the contractual terms, specifications, and price are definitized for such contractual action.

Struck: (3) Waiver.--The Commandant may waive the application of this subsection with respect to a contract if the Commandant determines that the waiver is necessary to support--

Struck: (A) a contingency operation (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United States Code);

Struck: (B) an operation in response to an emergency that poses an unacceptable threat to human health or safety or to the marine environment; or

Struck: (C) an operation in response to a natural disaster or major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).

Struck: (4) Limitation on application.--This subsection does not apply to an undefinitized contractual action for the purchase of initial spares.

Struck: (d) Inclusion of Nonurgent Requirements.--Requirements for spare parts and support equipment that are not needed on an urgent basis may not be included in an undefinitized contractual action by the Coast Guard for spare parts and support equipment that are needed on an urgent basis unless the Commandant approves such inclusion as being--

Struck: (1) good business practice; and

Struck: (2) in the best interests of the United States.

Struck: (e) Modification of Scope.--The scope of an undefinitized contractual action under which performance has begun may not be modified unless the Commandant approves such modification as being--

Struck: (1) good business practice; and

Struck: (2) in the best interests of the United States.

Struck: (f) Allowable Profit.--The Commandant shall ensure that the profit allowed on an undefinitized contractual action for which the final price is negotiated after a substantial portion of the performance required is completed reflects--

Struck: (1) the possible reduced cost risk of the contractor with respect to costs incurred during performance of the contract before the final price is negotiated; and

Struck: (2) the reduced cost risk of the contractor with respect to costs incurred during performance of the remaining portion of the contract.

Struck: (g) Definitions.--In this section:

Struck: (1) Undefinitized contractual action.--

Struck: (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term "undefinitized contractual action" means a new procurement action entered into by the Coast Guard for which the contractual terms, specifications, or price are not agreed upon before performance is begun under the action.

Struck: (B) Exclusion.--Such term does not include contractual actions with respect to the following:

Struck: (i) Foreign military sales.

Struck: (ii) Purchases in an amount not in excess of the amount of the simplified acquisition threshold.

Struck: (iii) Special access programs.

Struck: (2) Qualifying proposal.--The term "qualifying proposal" means a proposal that contains sufficient information to enable complete and meaningful audits of the information contained in the proposal as determined by the contracting officer.

Struck: SEC. 528. GUIDANCE ON EXCESSIVE PASS-THROUGH CHARGES.

Struck: (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue guidance to ensure that pass-through charges on contracts, subcontracts, delivery orders, and task orders that are entered into with a private entity acting as a lead systems integrator by or on behalf of the Coast Guard are not excessive in relation to the cost of work performed by the relevant contractor or subcontractor. The guidance shall, at a minimum--

Struck: (1) set forth clear standards for determining when no, or negligible, value has been added to a contract by a contractor or subcontractor;

Struck: (2) set forth procedures for preventing the payment by the Government of excessive pass-through charges; and

Struck: (3) identify any exceptions determined by the Commandant to be in the best interest of the Government.

Struck: (b) Excessive Pass-Through Charge Defined.--In this section the term "excessive pass-through charge", with respect to a contractor or subcontractor that adds no, or negligible, value to a contract or subcontract, means a charge to the Government by the contractor or subcontractor that is for overhead or profit on work performed by a lower-tier contractor or subcontractor, other than reasonable charges for the direct costs of managing lower-tier contractors and subcontracts and overhead and profit based on such direct costs.

Struck: (c) Application of Guidance.--The guidance under this subsection shall apply to contracts awarded to a private entity acting as a lead systems integrator by or on behalf of the Coast Guard on or after the date that is 360 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Struck: SEC. 529. ACQUISITION OF MAJOR CAPABILITIES: ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS.

Struck: The Coast Guard may not acquire an experimental or technically immature capability or asset or implement a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition, unless it has conducted an alternatives analysis for the capability or asset to be acquired in the concept and technology development phase of the acquisition process for the capability or asset. Such analysis shall be conducted by a federally funded research and development center, a qualified entity of the Department of Defense, or a similar independent third party entity that has appropriate acquisition expertise. Such alternatives analysis shall include--

Struck: (1) an assessment of the technical maturity of the capability or asset and technical and other risks;

Struck: (2) an examination of capability, interoperability, and other advantages and disadvantages;

Struck: (3) an evaluation of whether different combinations or quantities of specific capabilities or assets could meet the Coast Guard's overall performance needs;

Struck: (4) a discussion of key assumptions and variables, and sensitivity to change in such assumptions and variables;

Struck: (5) when an alternative is an existing capability, asset, or prototype, an evaluation of relevant safety and performance records and costs;

Struck: (6) a calculation of life-cycle costs, including--

Struck: (A) an examination of development costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs;

Struck: (B) an examination of likely production and deployment costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs;

Struck: (C) an examination of likely operating and support costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs;

Struck: (D) if they are likely to be significant, an examination of likely disposal costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs; and

Struck: (E) such additional measures the Commandant determines to be necessary for appropriate evaluation of the capability or asset; and

Struck: (7) the business case for each viable alternative.

Struck: SEC. 530. COST OVERRUNS AND DELAYS.

Struck: (a) In General.--The Commandant shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days, after the Chief Acquisition Officer of the Coast Guard becomes aware of the breach of an acquisition program baseline for any Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program, by--

Struck: (1) a likely cost overrun greater than 15 percent of the acquisition program baseline for that individual capability or asset or a class of capabilities or assets;

Struck: (2) a likely delay of more than 180 days in the delivery schedule for any individual capability or asset or class of capabilities or assets; or

Struck: (3) an anticipated failure for any individual capability or asset or class of capabilities or assets to satisfy any key performance threshold or parameter under the acquisition program baseline.

Struck: (b) Content.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall include--

Struck: (1) a detailed description of the breach and an explanation of its cause;

Struck: (2) the projected impact to performance, cost, and schedule;

Struck: (3) an updated acquisition program baseline and the complete history of changes to the original acquisition program baseline;

Struck: (4) the updated acquisition schedule and the complete history of changes to the original schedule;

Struck: (5) a full life-cycle cost analysis for the capability or asset or class of capabilities or assets;

Struck: (6) a remediation plan identifying corrective actions and any resulting issues or risks; and

Struck: (7) a description of how progress in the remediation plan will be measured and monitored.

Struck: (c) Substantial Variances in Costs or Schedule.--If a likely cost overrun is greater than 20 percent or a likely delay is greater than 12 months from the costs and schedule described in the acquisition program baseline for any Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program or project of the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall include in the report a written certification, with a supporting explanation, that--

Struck: (1) the capability or asset or capability or asset class to be acquired under the program or project is essential to the accomplishment of Coast Guard missions;

Struck: (2) there are no alternatives to such capability or asset or capability or asset class which will provide equal or greater capability in both a more cost-effective and timely manner;

Struck: (3) the new acquisition schedule and estimates for total acquisition cost are reasonable; and

Struck: (4) the management structure for the acquisition program is adequate to manage and control performance, cost, and schedule.

Struck: SEC. 531. REPORT ON FORMER COAST GUARD OFFICIALS EMPLOYED BY CONTRACTORS TO THE AGENCY.

Struck: (a) Report Required.--Not later than December 31, 2009, and annually thereafter, 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.

Struck: (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.

Struck: (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.

Struck: (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.

Struck: (e) Definitions.--In this section:

Struck: (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.

Struck: (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.

Struck: SEC. 532. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONSULTATION.

Struck: (a) In General.--The Commandant shall make arrangements as appropriate with the Secretary of Defense for support in contracting and management of Coast Guard acquisition programs. The Commandant shall also seek opportunities to make use of Department of Defense contracts, and contracts of other appropriate agencies, to obtain the best possible price for capabilities and assets acquired for the Coast Guard.

Struck: (b) Inter-Service Technical Assistance.--The Commandant may enter into a memorandum of understanding or a memorandum of agreement with the Secretary of the Navy to obtain the assistance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, including the Navy Systems Commands, with the oversight of Coast Guard major acquisition programs. Such memorandum of understanding or memorandum of agreement shall, at a minimum, provide for--

Struck: (1) the exchange of technical assistance and support that the Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer, Coast Guard Chief Engineer, and the Coast Guard Chief Information Officer may identify;

Struck: (2) the use, as appropriate, of Navy technical expertise; and

Struck: (3) the temporary assignment or exchange of personnel between the Coast Guard and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, including Naval Systems Commands, to facilitate the development of organic capabilities in the Coast Guard.

Struck: (c) Technical Requirement Approval Procedures.--The Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer shall adopt, to the extent practicable, procedures that are similar to those used by the senior procurement executive of the Department of the Navy to approve all technical requirements.

Struck: (d) Assessment.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that--

Struck: (1) contains an assessment of current Coast Guard acquisition and management capabilities to manage Level 1 and Level 2 acquisitions;

Struck: (2) includes recommendations as to how the Coast Guard can improve its acquisition management, either through internal reforms or by seeking acquisition expertise from the Department of Defense; and

Struck: (3) addresses specifically the question of whether the Coast Guard can better leverage Department of Defense or other agencies' contracts that would meet the needs of Level 1 or Level 2 acquisitions in order to obtain the best possible price.

Struck: Subtitle C--Coast Guard Personnel

Struck: SEC. 541. CHIEF ACQUISITION OFFICER.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 56. Chief Acquisition Officer

Struck: "(a) Establishment of Chief Acquisition Officer.--There shall be in the Coast Guard a Chief Acquisition Officer selected by the Commandant who shall be a Rear Admiral or civilian from the Senior Executive Service (career reserved) and who meets the qualifications set forth under subsection (b). The Chief Acquisition Officer shall serve at the Assistant Commandant level and have acquisition management as that individual's primary duty.

Struck: "(b) Qualifications.--

Struck: "(1) The Chief Acquisition Officer and any Flag Officer serving in the Acquisitions Directorate shall be an acquisition professional with a program manager level III certification and must have at least 10 years experience in an acquisition position, of which at least 4 years were spent in one of the following qualifying positions:

Struck: "(A) Program executive officer.

Struck: "(B) Program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition.

Struck: "(C) Deputy program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition.

Struck: "(D) Project manager for a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition.

Struck: "(E) Any other acquisition position of significant responsibility in which the primary duties are supervisory or management duties.

Struck: "(2) The Commandant shall periodically publish a list of the positions designated under this subsection.

Struck: "(c) Authority and Functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer.-- The functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer shall include--

Struck: "(1) monitoring the performance of programs and projects on the basis of applicable performance measurements and advising the Commandant, through the chain of command, regarding the appropriate business strategy to achieve the missions of the Coast Guard;

Struck: "(2) maximizing the use of full and open competition at the prime contract and subcontract levels in the acquisition of property, capabilities, assets, and services by the Coast Guard by establishing policies, procedures, and practices that ensure that the Coast Guard receives a sufficient number of sealed bids or competitive proposals from responsible sources to fulfill the Government's requirements, including performance and delivery schedules, at the lowest cost or best value considering the nature of the property, capability, asset, or service procured;

Struck: "(3) making acquisition decisions in concurrence with the technical authority of the Coast Guard, as designated by the Commandant, and consistent with all other applicable laws and decisions establishing procedures within the Coast Guard;

Struck: "(4) ensuring the use of detailed performance specifications in instances in which performance based contracting is used;

Struck: "(5) managing the direction of acquisition policy for the Coast Guard, including implementation of the unique acquisition policies, regulations, and standards of the Coast Guard;

Struck: "(6) developing and maintaining an acquisition career management program in the Coast Guard to ensure that there is an adequate acquisition workforce;

Struck: "(7) assessing the requirements established for Coast Guard personnel regarding knowledge and skill in acquisition resources and management and the adequacy of such requirements for facilitating the achievement of the performance goals established for acquisition management;

Struck: "(8) developing strategies and specific plans for hiring, training, and professional development; and

Struck: "(9) reporting to the Commandant, through the chain of command, on the progress made in improving acquisition management capability.".

Struck: (b) Application of Qualification Requirement.--Section 56(b) of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this section, shall apply beginning October 1, 2011.

Struck: (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 56. Chief Acquisition Officer.".

Struck: (d) Elevation of Disputes to the Chief Acquisition Officer.--Within 45 days after the elevation to the Chief Acquisition Officer of any design or other dispute regarding a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition, the Commandant shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a detailed description of the issue and the rationale underlying the decision taken by the Chief Acquisition Officer to resolve the issue.

Struck: (e) Special Rate Supplements.--

Struck: (1) Requirement to establish.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and in accordance with part 9701.333 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, the Commandant shall establish special rate supplements that provide higher pay levels for employees necessary to carry out the amendment made by this section.

Struck: (2) Subject to appropriations.--The requirement under paragraph (1) is subject to the availability of appropriations.

Struck: SEC. 542. IMPROVEMENTS IN COAST GUARD ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT.

Struck: (a) Program and Project Managers.--An individual may not be assigned as the program manager for a Level 1 acquisition unless the individual holds a Level III acquisition certification as a program manager.

Struck: (b) Integrated Product Teams.--Integrated product teams, and all teams that oversee integrated product teams, shall be chaired by officers, members, or employees of the Coast Guard.

Struck: (c) Technical Authority.--The Commandant shall maintain or designate the technical authority to establish, approve, and maintain technical requirements. Any such designation shall be made in writing and may not be delegated to the authority of the Chief Acquisition Officer established by section 55 of title 14, United States Code.

Struck: (d) Designation of Positions in the Acquisition Workforce.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Commandant shall designate a sufficient number of positions to be in the Coast Guard's acquisition workforce to perform acquisition-related functions at Coast Guard headquarters and field activities.

Struck: (2) Required positions.--In designating positions under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include, at a minimum, positions encompassing the following competencies and functions:

Struck: (A) Program management.

Struck: (B) Systems planning, research, development, engineering, and testing.

Struck: (C) Procurement, including contracting.

Struck: (D) Industrial and contract property management.

Struck: (E) Life-cycle logistics.

Struck: (F) Quality control and assurance.

Struck: (G) Manufacturing and production.

Struck: (H) Business, cost estimating, financial management, and auditing.

Struck: (I) Acquisition education, training, and career development.

Struck: (J) Construction and facilities engineering.

Struck: (K) Testing and evaluation.

Struck: (3) Acquisition management headquarter activities.--The Commandant shall also designate as positions in the acquisition workforce under paragraph (1) those acquisition-related positions located at Coast Guard headquarters units.

Struck: (4) Appropriate expertise required.--The Commandant shall ensure that each individual assigned to a position in the acquisition workforce has the appropriate expertise to carry out the responsibilities of that position.

Struck: (e) Management Information System.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Commandant shall establish a management information system capability to improve acquisition workforce management and reporting.

Struck: (2) Information maintained.--Information maintained with such capability shall include the following standardized information on individuals assigned to positions in the workforce:

Struck: (A) Qualifications, assignment history, and tenure of those individuals assigned to positions in the acquisition workforce or holding acquisition-related certifications.

Struck: (B) Promotion rates for officers and members of the Coast Guard in the acquisition workforce.

Struck: (f) Report on Adequacy of Acquisition Workforce.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Commandant shall report to the Congress by July 1 of each year on the scope of the acquisition activities to be performed in the next fiscal year and on the adequacy of the current acquisition workforce to meet that anticipated workload.

Struck: (2) Contents.--The report shall--

Struck: (A) specify the number of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard currently and planned to be assigned to each position designated under subsection (d); and

Struck: (B) identify positions that are understaffed to meet the anticipated acquisition workload, and actions that will be taken to correct such understaffing.

Struck: (g) Appointments to Acquisition Positions.--The Commandant shall ensure that no requirement or preference for officers or members of the Coast Guard is used in the consideration of persons for positions in the acquisition workforce.

Struck: (h) Career Paths.--

Struck: (1) Identification of career paths.--To establish acquisition management as a core competency of the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall--

Struck: (A) ensure that career paths for officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard who wish to pursue careers in acquisition are identified in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression of those officers, members, and employees to the most senior positions in the acquisition workforce; and

Struck: (B) publish information on such career paths.

Struck: (2) Promotion parity.--The Commandant shall ensure that promotion parity is established for officers and members of the Coast Guard who have been assigned to the acquisition workforce relative to officers and members who have not been assigned to the acquisition workforce.

Struck: (i) Balanced Workforce Policy.--In the development of acquisition workforce policies under this section with respect to any civilian employees or applicants for employment, the Commandant shall, consistent with the merit system principles set out in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2301(b) of title 5, United States Code, take into consideration the need to maintain a balanced workforce in which women and members of racial and ethnic minority groups are appropriately represented in Government service.

Struck: (j) Guidance on Tenure and Accountability of Program Managers.--

Struck: (1) Issuance of guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue guidance to address the qualifications, resources, responsibilities, tenure, and accountability of program managers for the management of acquisition programs and projects. The guidance shall address, at a minimum--

Struck: (A) the qualifications that shall be required of program managers, including the number of years of acquisition experience and the professional training levels to be required of those appointed to program management positions;

Struck: (B) authorities available to program managers, including, to the extent appropriate, the authority to object to the addition of new program requirements that would be inconsistent with the parameters established for an acquisition program; and

Struck: (C) the extent to which a program manager who initiates a new program or project will continue in management of that program or project without interruption until the delivery of the first production units of the program.

Struck: (2) Strategy.--

Struck: (A) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the role of Coast Guard program managers in developing and carrying out acquisition programs.

Struck: (B) Matters to be addressed.--The strategy required by this section shall address, at a minimum--

Struck: (i) the creation of a specific career path and career opportunities for individuals who are or may become program managers, including the rotational assignments that will be provided to program managers;

Struck: (ii) the provision of enhanced training and educational opportunities for individuals who are or may become program managers;

Struck: (iii) the provision of mentoring support to current and future program managers by experienced senior executives and program managers within the Coast Guard, and through rotational assignments to the Department of Defense;

Struck: (iv) the methods by which the Coast Guard will collect and disseminate best practices and lessons learned on systems acquisition to enhance program management throughout the Coast Guard;

Struck: (v) the templates and tools that will be used to support improved data gathering and analysis for program management and oversight purposes, including the metrics that will be utilized to assess the effectiveness of Coast Guard program managers in managing systems acquisition efforts;

Struck: (vi) a description in detail of how the Coast Guard will promote a balanced workforce in which women and members of racial and ethnic minority groups are appropriately represented in Government service; and

Struck: (vii) the methods by which the accountability of program managers for the results of acquisition programs will be increased.

Struck: SEC. 543. RECOGNITION OF COAST GUARD PERSONNEL FOR EXCELLENCE IN ACQUISITION.

Struck: (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall commence implementation of a program to recognize excellent performance by individuals and teams comprised of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard that contributed to the long-term success of a Coast Guard acquisition program or project.

Struck: (b) Elements.--The program required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

Struck: (1) Specific award categories, criteria, and eligibility and manners of recognition.

Struck: (2) Procedures for the nomination by personnel of the Coast Guard of individuals and teams comprised of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard for recognition under the program.

Struck: (3) Procedures for the evaluation of nominations for recognition under the program by one or more panels of individuals from the Government, academia, and the private sector who have such expertise and are appointed in such manner as the Commandant shall establish for the purposes of this program.

Struck: (c) Award of Cash Bonuses.--As part of the program required by subsection (a), the Commandant, subject to the availability of appropriations, may award to any individual recognized pursuant to the program a cash bonus to the extent that the performance of such individual so recognized warrants the award of such bonus.

Struck: SEC. 544. COAST GUARD ACQUISITION WORKFORCE EXPEDITED HIRING AUTHORITY.

Struck: (a) In General.--For purposes of sections 3304, 5333, and 5753 of title 5, United States Code, the Commandant may--

Struck: (1) designate any category of acquisition positions within the Coast Guard as shortage category positions; and

Struck: (2) use the authorities in such sections to recruit and appoint highly qualified persons directly to positions so designated.

Struck: (b) Limitation.--The Commandant may not appoint a person to a position of employment under this subsection after September 30, 2012.

Struck: TITLE VI--MARITIME WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Struck: SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "Maritime Workforce Development Act".

Struck: SEC. 602. MARITIME EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 517 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 51705. Maritime career training loan program

Struck: "(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish a maritime career training loan program (in this section referred to as the 'program') in accordance with the requirements of this section.

Struck: "(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the program shall be to make maritime career training loans available to eligible students to provide for the training of United States mariners.

Struck: "(c) Administration.--The program shall be carried out by the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Maritime Administration.

Struck: "(d) Duties.--The Secretary shall--

Struck: "(1) allocate, on an annual basis, the award of loans under the program based on the needs of students;

Struck: "(2) develop an application process and eligibility criteria for the award of loans under the program;

Struck: "(3) approve applications for loans under the program based on the eligibility criteria and allocations made under paragraph (1); and

Struck: "(4) designate maritime training institutions at which loans made under the program may be used.

Struck: "(e) Designation of Maritime Training Institutions.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--In designating maritime training institutions under subsection (d)(4), the Secretary--

Struck: "(A) may include Federal, State, and commercial training institutions and nonprofit training organizations, except that undergraduate students at the United States Merchant Marine Academy shall not be eligible for loans under the program;

Struck: "(B) shall designate institutions based on geographic diversity and scope of classes offered;

Struck: "(C) shall ensure that designated institutions have the ability to administer the program; and

Struck: "(D) shall ensure that designated institutions meet requirements to provide training instruction for appropriate Coast Guard-approved training instruction.

Struck: "(2) Exclusions.--The Secretary--

Struck: "(A) may exclude from participation in the program a maritime training institution that has had severe performance deficiencies, including deficiencies demonstrated by audits or program reviews conducted during the 5 calendar years immediately preceding the present year;

Struck: "(B) shall exclude from participation in the program a maritime training institution that has delinquent or outstanding debts to the United States, unless such debts are being repaid under or in accordance with a repayment arrangement satisfactory to the United States, or the Secretary in the Secretary's discretion determines that the existence or amount of any such debts has not been finally determined by the appropriate Federal agency;

Struck: "(C) may exclude from participation in the program a maritime training institution that has failed to comply with quality standards established by the Department of Labor, the Coast Guard, or a State; and

Struck: "(D) may establish such other criteria as the Secretary determines will protect the financial interest of the United States and promote the purposes of this section.

Struck: "(f) State Maritime Academies.--

Struck: "(1) Use of funds for loans to students attending state maritime academies.--The Secretary may obligate not more than 50 percent of the amounts appropriated to carry out this section for a fiscal year for loans to undergraduate students attending State maritime academies receiving assistance under chapter 515 of this title.

Struck: "(2) Academic standards for students.--Students at State maritime academies receiving loans under the program shall maintain satisfactory progress toward the completion of their course of study as evidenced by the maintenance of a cumulative C average, or its equivalent, or academic standing consistent with the requirements for graduation, as determined by the institution.

Struck: "(g) Loan Amounts and Use.--

Struck: "(1) Maximum amounts.--The Secretary may not make loans to a student under the program in an amount that exceeds $15,000 in a calendar year or $60,000 in the aggregate.

Struck: "(2) Use of loan proceeds.--A student who receives a loan under the program may use the proceeds of the loan only for postsecondary expenses incurred at an institution designated by the Secretary under subsection (d)(4) for books, tuition, required fees, travel to and from training facilities, and room and board.

Struck: "(h) Student Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a loan under the program, a student shall--

Struck: "(1) be eligible to hold a license or merchant mariner document issued by the Coast Guard;

Struck: "(2) provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require, including all current Coast Guard documents, certifications, proof of United States citizenship or permanent legal status, and a statement of intent to enter a maritime career;

Struck: "(3) meet the enrollment requirements of a maritime training institution designated by the Secretary under subsection (d)(4); and

Struck: "(4) sign an agreement to--

Struck: "(A) complete a course of instruction at such a maritime training institution; and

Struck: "(B)(i) maintain a license and serve as an officer in the merchant marine on a documented vessel or a vessel owned and operated by the United States for at least 18 months of service at sea following the date of graduation from the maritime program for which the loan proceeds will be used; or

Struck: "(ii) serve as an unlicensed merchant mariner on a documented vessel or a vessel owned and operated by the United States for at least 18 months of service at sea following the date of graduation from the maritime program for which the loan proceeds will be used.

Struck: "(i) Administration of Loans.--

Struck: "(1) Contents of loan agreements.--Any agreement between the Secretary and a student borrower for a loan under the program shall--

Struck: "(A) be evidenced by a note or other written instrument that provides for the repayment of the principal amount of the loan and any origination fee, together with interest thereon, in equal installments (or, if the student borrower so requests, in graduated periodic installments determined in accordance with such schedules as may be approved by the Secretary) payable quarterly, bimonthly, or monthly, at the option of the student borrower, over a period beginning 9 months from the date on which the student borrower completes study or discontinues attendance at the maritime program for which the loans are used at the institution approved by the Secretary and not exceeding 10 years;

Struck: "(B) include provision for acceleration of repayment of the whole, or any part, of such loan, at the option of the student borrower;

Struck: "(C) provide the loan without security and without endorsement;

Struck: "(D) provide that the liability to repay the loan shall be canceled upon the death of the student borrower, or if the student borrower becomes permanently and totally disabled, as determined in accordance with regulations to be issued by the Secretary;

Struck: "(E) contain a notice of the system of disclosure of information concerning default on such loan to credit bureau organizations; and

Struck: "(F) include provisions for deferral of repayment, as determined by the Secretary.

Struck: "(2) Rate of interest.--A student borrower who receives a loan under the program on or after January 1, 2010, and before October 1, 2015, shall be obligated to repay the loan amount to the Secretary, together with interest beginning in the period referred to in paragraph (1)(A), at a rate to be determined as follows:

Struck: "(A) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after January 1, 2010, and before October 1, 2011, 5.6 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.

Struck: "(B) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 2011, and before October 1, 2012, 4.5 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.

Struck: "(C) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 2012, 3.4 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.

Struck: "(3) Disclosure required prior to disbursement.--

Struck: "(A) In general.--The Secretary shall at or prior to the time the Secretary makes a loan to a student borrower under the program, provide thorough and adequate loan information on such loan to the student borrower. The disclosures required by this paragraph may be made as part of the written application material provided to the student borrower, as part of the promissory note evidencing the loan, or on a separate written form provided to the student borrower.

Struck: "(B) Contents.--The disclosures shall include--

Struck: "(i) the address to which communications and payments should be sent;

Struck: "(ii) the principal amount of the loan;

Struck: "(iii) the amount of any charges collected at or prior to the disbursal of the loan and whether such charges are to be deducted from the proceeds of the loan or paid separately by the student borrower;

Struck: "(iv) the stated interest rate on the loan;

Struck: "(v) the yearly and cumulative maximum amounts that may be borrowed;

Struck: "(vi) an explanation of when repayment of the loan will be required and when the student borrower will be obligated to pay interest that accrues on the loan;

Struck: "(vii) a statement as to the minimum and maximum repayment term that the Secretary may impose, and the minimum monthly payment required by law and a description of any penalty imposed as a consequence of default, such as liability for expenses reasonably incurred in attempts by the Secretary to collect on a loan;

Struck: "(viii) a statement of the total cumulative balance, including the loan applied for, owed by the student borrower to the Secretary, and an estimate of the projected monthly payment, given such cumulative balance;

Struck: "(ix) an explanation of any special options the student borrower may have for loan consolidation or other refinancing of the loan;

Struck: "(x) a statement that the student borrower has the right to prepay all or part of the loan, at any time, without penalty;

Struck: "(xi) a statement summarizing circumstances in which repayment of the loan or interest that accrues on the loan may be deferred, and a brief notice of the program for repayment of loans, on the basis of military service, pursuant to the Department of Defense educational loan repayment program (10 U.S.C. 16302);

Struck: "(xii) a definition of default and the consequences to the student borrower if the student borrower defaults, together with a statement that the disbursement of, and the default on, a loan under this part shall be reported to a credit bureau or credit reporting agency;

Struck: "(xiii) to the extent practicable, the effect of accepting the loan on the eligibility of the student borrower for other forms of student assistance; and

Struck: "(xiv) an explanation of any cost the student borrower may incur in the making or collection of the loan.

Struck: "(C) Information to be provided without cost.--The information provided under this paragraph shall be available to the Secretary without cost to the student borrower.

Struck: "(4) Repayment after default.--The Secretary may require any student borrower who has defaulted on a loan made under the program to--

Struck: "(A) pay all reasonable collection costs associated with such loan; and

Struck: "(B) repay the loan pursuant to an income contingent repayment plan.

Struck: "(5) Authorization to reduce rates and fees.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary may prescribe by regulation any reductions in the interest rate or origination fee paid by a student borrower of a loan made under the program as the Secretary determines appropriate to encourage ontime repayment of the loan. Such reductions may be offered only if the Secretary determines the reductions are cost neutral and in the best financial interest of the United States.

Struck: "(6) Collection of repayments.--The Secretary shall collect repayments made under the program and exercise due diligence in such collection, including maintenance of all necessary records to ensure that maximum repayments are made. Collection and servicing of repayments under the program shall be pursued to the full extent of the law, including wage garnishment if necessary. The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall provide the Secretary of Transportation with any information regarding a mariner that may aid in the collection of repayments under this section.

Struck: "(7) Repayment schedule.--A student borrower who receives a loan under the program shall repay the loan quarterly, bimonthly, or monthly, at the option of the student borrower, over a period beginning 9 months from the date the student borrower completes study or discontinues attendance at the maritime program for which the loan proceeds are used and ending not more than 10 years after the date repayment begins. Provisions for deferral of repayment shall be determined by the Secretary.

Struck: "(8) Contracts for servicing and collection of loans.--The Secretary may--

Struck: "(A) enter into a contract or other arrangement with State or nonprofit agencies and, on a competitive basis, with collection agencies for servicing and collection of loans under this section; and

Struck: "(B) conduct litigation necessary to carry out this section.

Struck: "(j) Revolving Loan Fund.--

Struck: "(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a revolving loan fund consisting of amounts deposited in the fund under paragraph (2).

Struck: "(2) Deposits.--The Secretary shall deposit in the fund--

Struck: "(A) receipts from the payment of principal and interest on loans made under the program; and

Struck: "(B) any other monies paid to the Secretary by or on behalf of individuals under the program.

Struck: "(3) Availability of amounts.--Amounts in the fund shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation--

Struck: "(A) to cover the administrative costs of the program, including the maintenance of records and making collections under this section; and

Struck: "(B) to the extent that amounts remain available after paying such administrative costs, to make loans under the program.

Struck: "(4) Maintenance of records.--The Secretary shall maintain accurate records of the administrative costs referred to in paragraph (3)(A).

Struck: "(k) Annual Report.--The Secretary, on an annual basis, 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 program, including--

Struck: "(1) the total amount of loans made under the program in the preceding year;

Struck: "(2) the number of students receiving loans under the program in the preceding year; and

Struck: "(3) the total amount of loans made under program that are in default as of the date of the report.

Struck: "(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2015--

Struck: "(1) $10,000,000 for making loans under the program; and

Struck: "(2) $1,000,000 for administrative expenses of the Secretary in carrying out the program.

Struck: "Sec. 51706. Maritime recruitment, training, and retention grant program

Struck: "(a) Strategic Plan.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, shall publish in the Federal Register a plan that describes the demonstration, research, and multistate project priorities of the Department of Transportation concerning merchant mariner recruitment, training, and retention for the 3-year period following the date of publication of the plan.

Struck: "(2) Contents.--A plan published under paragraph (1) shall contain strategies and identify potential projects to address merchant mariner recruitment, training, and retention issues in the United States.

Struck: "(3) Factors.--In developing a plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into account, at a minimum--

Struck: "(A) the availability of existing research (as of the date of publication of the plan);

Struck: "(B) the need to ensure results that have broad applicability;

Struck: "(C) the benefits of economies of scale and the efficiency of potential projects; and

Struck: "(D) the likelihood that the results of potential projects will be useful to policymakers and stakeholders in addressing merchant mariner recruitment, training, and retention issues.

Struck: "(4) Consultation.--In developing a plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the maritime industry, labor organizations, and other governmental entities and parties with an interest in the maritime industry.

Struck: "(5) Transmittal to congress.--The Secretary shall transmit copies of a plan published under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

Struck: "(b) Demonstration Projects.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants to a maritime training institution to carry out demonstration projects that implement the priorities identified in the plan prepared under subsection (a)(1), for the purpose of developing and implementing methods to address merchant mariner recruitment, training, and retention issues.

Struck: "(2) Grant awards.--Grants shall be awarded under this subsection on a competitive basis under guidelines and requirements to be established by the Secretary.

Struck: "(3) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant for a project under this subsection, a maritime training institution shall submit to the Secretary a grant proposal that includes, at a minimum--

Struck: "(A) information demonstrating the estimated effectiveness of the project; and

Struck: "(B) a method for evaluating the effectiveness of the project.

Struck: "(4) Eligible projects.--Projects eligible for grants under this subsection may include--

Struck: "(A) the establishment of maritime technology skill centers developed through local partnerships of industry, labor, education, community-based organizations, economic development organizations, or Federal, State, and local government agencies to meet unmet skills needs of the maritime industry;

Struck: "(B) projects that provide training to upgrade the skills of workers who are employed in the maritime industry;

Struck: "(C) projects that promote the use of distance learning, enabling students to take courses through the use of media technology, such as videos, teleconferencing, and the Internet;

Struck: "(D) projects that assist in providing services to address maritime recruitment and training of youth residing in targeted high poverty areas within empowerment zones and enterprise communities;

Struck: "(E) the establishment of partnerships with national and regional organizations with special expertise in developing, organizing, and administering merchant mariner recruitment and training services; and

Struck: "(F) the establishment of maritime training programs that foster technical skills and operational productivity in communities in which economies are related to or dependent upon the maritime industry.

Struck: "(c) Projects Authorized.--

Struck: "(1) Projects.--The Secretary may award grants to carry out projects identified in a plan published under subsection (a)(1) under which the project sponsor will--

Struck: "(A) design, develop, and test an array of approaches to providing recruitment, training, or retention services to one or more targeted populations;

Struck: "(B) in conjunction with employers, organized labor, other groups (such as community coalitions), and Federal, State, or local agencies, design, develop, and test various training approaches in order to determine effective practices; or

Struck: "(C) assist in the development and replication of effective service delivery strategies for the national maritime industry as a whole.

Struck: "(2) Research projects.--The Secretary may award grants to carry out research projects identified in a plan published under subsection (a)(1) that will contribute to the solution of maritime industry recruitment, training, and retention issues in the United States.

Struck: "(3) Multistate or regional projects.--The Secretary may award grants to carry out multistate or regional projects identified in a plan published under subsection (a)(1) to effectively disseminate best practices and models for implementing maritime recruitment, training, and retention services designed to address industry-wide skill shortages.

Struck: "(4) Grant awards.--Grants shall be awarded under this subsection on a competitive basis under guidelines and requirements to be established by the Secretary.

Struck: "(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2015--

Struck: "(1) $10,000,000 for making grants under this section; and

Struck: "(2) $1,000,000 for administrative expenses of the Secretary in carrying out this section.".

Struck: (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 51705. Maritime career training loan program.

Struck: "Sec. 51706. Maritime recruitment, training, and retention grant program.".

Struck: TITLE VII--COAST GUARD MODERNIZATION

Struck: SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "Coast Guard Modernization Act of 2009".

Struck: Subtitle A--Coast Guard Leadership

Struck: "(D) The Commander, Operations Command.

Struck: (C) shall not be required to be reappointed by reason of the enactment of this Act.

Struck: (2) Chief of staff, commander, atlantic area, or commander, pacific area.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an officer who, on the date of enactment of this Act, is serving in the Coast Guard as Chief of Staff, Commander, Atlantic Area, or Commander, Pacific Area--

Struck: (A) shall continue to have the grade of vice admiral with pay and allowance of that grade until such time that the officer is relieved of his or her duties and appointed and confirmed to another position as a vice admiral or admiral; and

Struck: (B) for the purposes of transition, may continue, for not more than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, to perform the duties of the officer's former position and any other such duties that the Commandant prescribes.

Struck: "(1) By taking actions necessary and in the public interest to protect such life, property, and the environment.

Struck: "(2) Based on the following priorities:

Struck: "(A) Preventing marine casualties and threats to the environment.

Struck: "(B) Minimizing the impacts of marine casualties and environmental threats.

Struck: "(C) Maximizing lives and property saved and environment protected in the event of a marine casualty.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "101. Marine safety.".

Struck: SEC. 722. MARINE SAFETY STAFF.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following new sections:

Struck: "Sec. 57. Marine safety workforce

Struck: "(a) Designation of Marine Safety Workforce.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall designate those positions in the Coast Guard that constitute the marine safety workforce.

Struck: "(2) Required positions.--In designating positions under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include, at a minimum, the following marine safety-related positions:

Struck: "(A) Program oversight.

Struck: "(B) Vessel and facility inspection.

Struck: "(C) Casualty investigation.

Struck: "(D) Pollution investigation.

Struck: "(E) Merchant Mariner licensing, documentation, and registry.

Struck: "(F) Marine safety engineering or other technical activities.

Struck: "(3) Marine safety management headquarter activities.--The Secretary shall also designate under paragraph (1) those marine safety-related positions located at Coast Guard headquarters units, including the Marine Safety Center and the National Maritime Center.

Struck: "(b) Career Paths.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall ensure that appropriate career paths for civilian and military Coast Guard personnel who wish to pursue careers in marine safety are identified in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression of civilians and members of the Armed Forces to the most senior marine safety positions. The Secretary shall make available published information on such career paths.

Struck: "(c) Qualifications.--With regard to the marine safety workforce, an officer, member, or civilian employee of the Coast Guard assigned as a--

Struck: "(1) marine inspector shall have the training, experience, and qualifications equivalent to that required for a similar position at a classification society recognized by the Secretary under section 3316 of title 46 for the type of vessel, system, or equipment that is inspected;

Struck: "(2) marine casualty investigator shall have 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

Struck: "(3) marine safety engineer shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience in--

Struck: "(A) the construction and operation of commercial vessels;

Struck: "(B) judging the character, strength, stability, and safety qualities of such vessels and their equipment; or

Struck: "(C) the qualifications and training of vessel personnel.

Struck: "(d) Apprenticeship Requirement.--Any officer, member, or employee of the Coast Guard in training to become a marine inspector, marine casualty investigator, or a marine safety engineer shall serve a minimum of one-year apprenticeship, unless otherwise directed by the Commandant, under the guidance of a qualified marine inspector, marine casualty investigator, or marine safety engineer. The Commandant may authorize shorter apprenticeship periods for certain qualifications, as appropriate.

Struck: "(e) Balanced Workforce Policy.--In the development of marine safety workforce policies under this section with respect to any civilian employees or applicants for employment with the Coast Guard, the Secretary shall, consistent with the merit system principles set out in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2301(b) of title 5, take into consideration the need to maintain a balanced workforce in which women and members of racial and ethnic minority groups are appropriately represented in Government service.

Struck: "(f) Management Information System.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall establish a management information system for the marine safety workforce that shall provide, at a minimum, the following standardized information on persons serving in marine safety positions:

Struck: "(1) Qualifications, assignment history, and tenure in assignments of persons in the marine safety workforce.

Struck: "(2) Promotion rates for military and civilian personnel in the marine safety workforce.

Struck: "(g) Assessment of Adequacy of Marine Safety Workforce.--

Struck: "(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.

Struck: "(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.

Struck: "(h) Sector Chief of Marine Safety.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--There shall be in each Coast Guard sector a Chief of Marine Safety 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--

Struck: "(A) marine inspector, qualified to inspect vessels, vessel systems, and equipment commonly found in the sector; and

Struck: "(B) qualified marine casualty investigator or marine safety engineer.

Struck: "(2) Functions.--The Chief of Marine Safety for a sector--

Struck: "(A) is responsible for all individuals who, on behalf of the Coast Guard, inspect or examine vessels, conduct marine casualty investigations; and

Struck: "(B) if not the Coast Guard officer in command of that sector, is the principal advisor to the Sector Commander regarding marine safety matters in that sector.

Struck: "(i) Signatories of Letter of Qualification.--Each individual signing a letter of qualification for marine safety personnel must hold a letter of qualification for the type being certified.

Struck: "Sec. 58. Centers of Expertise for Marine Safety

Struck: "(a) Establishment.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard may establish and operate one or more Centers of Expertise for Marine Safety (in this section referred to as a 'Center').

Struck: "(b) Missions.--The Centers shall--

Struck: "(1) be used to provide and facilitate education, training, and research in marine safety including vessel inspection and causality investigation;

Struck: "(2) develop a repository of information on marine safety; and

Struck: "(3) perform any other missions as the Commandant may specify.

Struck: "(c) Joint Operation With Educational Institution Authorized.--The Commandant may enter into an agreement with an appropriate official of an institution of higher education to--

Struck: "(1) provide for joint operation of a Center; and

Struck: "(2) provide necessary administrative services for a Center, including administration and allocation of funds.

Struck: "(d) Acceptance of Donations.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commandant may accept, on behalf of a Center, donations to be used to defray the costs of the Center or to enhance the operation of the Center. Those donations may be accepted from any State or local government, any foreign government, any foundation or other charitable organization (including any that is organized or operates under the laws of a foreign country), or any individual.

Struck: "(2) The Commandant may not accept a donation under paragraph (1) if the acceptance of the donation would compromise or appear to compromise--

Struck: "(A) the ability of the Coast Guard or the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, any employee of the Coast Guard or the department, or any member of the Armed Forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or

Struck: "(B) the integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or of any person involved in such a program.

Struck: "(3) The Commandant shall prescribe written guidance setting forth the criteria to be used in determining whether or not the acceptance of a donation from a foreign source would have a result described in paragraph (2).

Struck: "Sec. 59. Marine industry training program

Struck: "(a) In General.--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--

Struck: "(1) with regard to an employee of the Coast Guard, shall include provisions, consistent with sections 3702 through 3704 of title 5, as to matters concerning--

Struck: "(A) the duration and termination of assignments;

Struck: "(B) reimbursements; and

Struck: "(C) status, entitlements, benefits, and obligations of program participants; and

Struck: "(2) shall require the Commandant, before approving the assignment of an officer, member, or employee of the Coast Guard to a private entity, to determine that the assignment is an effective use of the Coast Guard's funds, taking into account the best interests of the Coast Guard and the costs and benefits of alternative methods of achieving the same results and objectives.

Struck: "(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--

Struck: "(1) the number of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard assigned to private entities under this section; and

Struck: "(2) the specific benefit that accrues to the Coast Guard for each assignment.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new items:

Struck: "57. Marine safety workforce. "58. Centers of Expertise for Marine Safety. "59. Marine industry training program.".

Struck: SEC. 723. MARINE SAFETY MISSION PRIORITIES AND LONG-TERM GOALS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 21 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 2116. Marine safety strategy, goals, and performance assessments

Struck: "(a) Long-Term Strategy and Goals.--In conjunction with existing federally required strategic planning efforts, the Secretary shall develop a long-term strategy for improving vessel safety and the safety of individuals on vessels. The strategy shall include the issuance each year of an annual plan and schedule for achieving the following goals:

Struck: "(1) Reducing the number and rates of marine casualties.

Struck: "(2) Improving the consistency and effectiveness of vessel and operator enforcement and compliance programs.

Struck: "(3) Identifying and targeting enforcement efforts at high-risk vessels and operators.

Struck: "(4) Improving research efforts to enhance and promote vessel and operator safety and performance.

Struck: "(b) Contents of Strategy and Annual Plans.--

Struck: "(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:

Struck: "(A) To increase the number of safety examinations on all high-risk vessels.

Struck: "(B) To eliminate the backlog of marine safety- related rulemakings.

Struck: "(C) To improve the quality and effectiveness of marine safety information databases by ensuring that all Coast Guard personnel accurately and effectively report all safety, casualty, and injury information.

Struck: "(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).

Struck: "(2) Resource needs.--The strategy and annual plans shall include estimates of--

Struck: "(A) the funds and staff resources needed to accomplish each activity included in the strategy and plans; and

Struck: "(B) the staff skills and training needed for timely and effective accomplishment of each goal.

Struck: "(c) Submission With the President's Budget.--Beginning with fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress the strategy and annual plan not later than 60 days following the transmission of the President's budget submission under section 1105 of title 31.

Struck: "(d) Achievement of Goals.--

Struck: "(1) Progress assessment.--No less frequently than semiannually, the Coast Guard Commandant shall assess the progress of the Coast Guard toward achieving the goals set forth in subsection (b). The Commandant shall convey the Commandant's assessment to the employees of the marine safety workforce and shall identify any deficiencies that should be remedied before the next progress assessment.

Struck: "(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--

Struck: "(A) on the performance of the marine safety program in achieving the goals of the marine safety strategy and annual plan under subsection (a) for the year covered by the report;

Struck: "(B) on the program's mission performance in achieving numerical measurable goals established under subsection (b); and

Struck: "(C) recommendations on how to improve performance of the program.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "Sec. 2116. Marine safety strategy, goals, and performance assessments.".

Struck: (c) Certificates of Inspection.--Section 3309 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(d) A certificate of inspection issued under this section shall be signed by the senior Coast Guard member or civilian employee who inspected the vessel, in addition to the officer in charge of marine inspection.".

Struck: SEC. 724. POWERS AND DUTIES.

Struck: Section 93 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

Struck: "(c) Marine Safety Responsibilities.--In exercising the Commandant's duties and responsibilities with regard to marine safety, the individual with the highest rank who meets the experience qualifications set forth in section 50(a)(4) shall serve as the principal advisor to the Commandant regarding--

Struck: "(1) the operation, regulation, inspection, identification, manning, and measurement of vessels, including plan approval and the application of load lines;

Struck: "(2) approval of materials, equipment, appliances, and associated equipment;

Struck: "(3) the reporting and investigation of marine casualties and accidents;

Struck: "(4) the licensing, certification, documentation, protection and relief of merchant seamen;

Struck: "(5) suspension and revocation of licenses and certificates;

Struck: "(6) enforcement of manning requirements, citizenship requirements, control of log books;

Struck: "(7) documentation and numbering of vessels;

Struck: "(8) State boating safety programs;

Struck: "(9) commercial instruments and maritime liens;

Struck: "(10) the administration of bridge safety;

Struck: "(11) administration of the navigation rules;

Struck: "(12) the prevention of pollution from vessels;

Struck: "(13) ports and waterways safety;

Struck: "(14) waterways management; including regulation for regattas and marine parades;

Struck: "(15) aids to navigation; and

Struck: "(16) other duties and powers of the Secretary related to marine safety and stewardship.

Struck: "(d) Other Authority Not Affected.--Nothing in subsection (c) affects--

Struck: "(1) the authority of Coast Guard officers and members to enforce marine safety regulations using authority under section 89 of this title; or

Struck: "(2) the exercise of authority under section 91 of this title and the provisions of law codified at sections 191 through 195 of title 50 on the date of enactment of this paragraph.".

Struck: SEC. 725. APPEALS AND WAIVERS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 102. Appeals and waivers "Except for the Commandant of the Coast Guard, any individual adjudicating an appeal or waiver of a decision regarding marine safety, including inspection or manning and threats to the environment, shall--

Struck: "(1) be a qualified specialist with the training, experience, and qualifications in marine safety to effectively judge the facts and circumstances involved in the appeal and make a judgment regarding the merits of the appeal; or

Struck: "(2) have a senior staff member who--

Struck: "(A) meets the requirements of paragraph (1);

Struck: "(B) actively advises the individual adjudicating the appeal; and

Struck: "(C) concurs in writing on the decision on appeal.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "102. Appeals and waivers.".

Struck: SEC. 726. COAST GUARD ACADEMY.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 200. Marine safety curriculum "The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall ensure that professional courses of study in marine safety are provided at the Coast Guard Academy, and during other officer accession programs, to give Coast Guard cadets and other officer candidates a background and understanding of the marine safety program. These courses may include such topics as program history, vessel design and construction, vessel inspection, casualty investigation, and administrative law and regulations.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "200. Marine safety curriculum.".

Struck: SEC. 727. REPORT REGARDING CIVILIAN MARINE INSPECTORS.

Struck: Not later than one year 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 report on Coast Guard's efforts to recruit and retain civilian marine inspectors and investigators and the impact of such recruitment and retention efforts on Coast Guard organizational performance.

Struck: TITLE VIII--MARINE SAFETY

Struck: SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "Maritime Safety Act of 2009".

Struck: SEC. 802. VESSEL SIZE LIMITS.

Struck: (a) Length, Tonnage, and Horsepower.--Section 12113(d)(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by inserting "and" after the semicolon at the end of subparagraph (A)(i);

Struck: (2) by striking "and" at the end of subparagraph (A)(ii);

Struck: (3) by striking subparagraph (A)(iii);

Struck: (4) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting "; or"; and

Struck: (5) by inserting at the end the following:

Struck: "(C) the vessel is either a rebuilt vessel or a replacement vessel under section 208(g) of the American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-627) and is eligible for a fishery endorsement under this section.".

Struck: (b) Conforming Amendments.--

Struck: (1) Vessel rebuilding and replacement.--Section 208(g) of the American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-627) is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(g) Vessel Rebuilding and Replacement.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--

Struck: "(A) Rebuild or replace.--Notwithstanding any limitation to the contrary on replacing, rebuilding, or lengthening vessels or transferring permits or licenses to a replacement vessel contained in sections 679.2 and 679.4 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009 and except as provided in paragraph (4), the owner of a vessel eligible under subsection (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) (other than paragraph (21)), in order to improve vessel safety and operational efficiencies (including fuel efficiency), may rebuild or replace that vessel (including fuel efficiency) with a vessel documented with a fishery endorsement under section 12113 of title 46, United States Code.

Struck: "(B) Same requirements.--The rebuilt or replacement vessel shall be eligible in the same manner and subject to the same restrictions and limitations under such subsection as the vessel being rebuilt or replaced.

Struck: "(C) Transfer of permits and licenses.--Each fishing permit and license held by the owner of a vessel or vessels to be rebuilt or replaced under subparagraph (A) shall be transferred to the rebuilt or replacement vessel.

Struck: "(2) Recommendations of north pacific fishery management council.--The North Pacific Fishery Management Council may recommend for approval by the Secretary such conservation and management measures, including size limits and measures to control fishing capacity, in accordance with the Magnuson- Stevens Act as it considers necessary to ensure that this subsection does not diminish the effectiveness of fishery management plans of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area or the Gulf of Alaska.

Struck: "(3) Special rule for replacement of certain vessels.--

Struck: "(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the requirements of subsections (b)(2), (c)(1), and (c)(2) of section 12113 of title 46, United States Code, a vessel that is eligible under subsection (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) (other than paragraph (21)) and that qualifies to be documented with a fishery endorsement pursuant to section 203(g) or 213(g) may be replaced with a replacement vessel under paragraph (1) if the vessel that is replaced is validly documented with a fishery endorsement pursuant to section 203(g) or 213(g) before the replacement vessel is documented with a fishery endorsement under section 12113 of title 46, United States Code.

Struck: "(B) Applicability.--A replacement vessel under subparagraph (A) and its owner and mortgagee are subject to the same limitations under section 203(g) or 213(g) that are applicable to the vessel that has been replaced and its owner and mortgagee.

Struck: "(4) Special rules for certain catcher vessels.--

Struck: "(A) In general.--A replacement for a covered vessel described in subparagraph (B) is prohibited from harvesting fish in any fishery (except for the Pacific whiting fishery) managed under the authority of any Regional Fishery Management Council (other than the North Pacific Fishery Management Council) established under section 302(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Struck: "(B) Covered vessels.--A covered vessel referred to in subparagraph (A) is--

Struck: "(i) a vessel eligible under subsection (a), (b), or (c) that is replaced under paragraph (1); or

Struck: "(ii) a vessel eligible under subsection (a), (b), or (c) that is rebuilt to increase its registered length, gross tonnage, or shaft horsepower.

Struck: "(5) Limitation on fishery endorsements.--Any vessel that is replaced under this subsection shall thereafter not be eligible for a fishery endorsement under section 12113 of title 46, United States Code, unless that vessel is also a replacement vessel described in paragraph (1).

Struck: "(6) Gulf of alaska limitation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prohibit from participation in the groundfish fisheries of the Gulf of Alaska any vessel that is rebuilt or replaced under this subsection and that exceeds the maximum length overall specified on the license that authorizes fishing for groundfish pursuant to the license limitation program under part 679 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009.

Struck: "(7) Authority of pacific council.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to diminish or otherwise affect the authority of the Pacific Council to recommend to the Secretary conservation and management measures to protect fisheries under its jurisdiction (including the Pacific whiting fishery) and participants in such fisheries from adverse impacts caused by this Act.".

Struck: (2) Exemption of certain vessels.--Section 203(g) of the American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-620) is amended--

Struck: (A) by inserting "and" after "(United States official number 651041)";

Struck: (B) by striking ", NORTHERN TRAVELER (United States official number 635986), and NORTHERN VOYAGER (United States official number 637398) (or a replacement vessel for the NORTHERN VOYAGER that complies with paragraphs (2), (5), and (6) of section 208(g) of this Act)"; and

Struck: (C) by striking ", in the case of the NORTHERN" and all that follows through "PHOENIX,".

Struck: (3) Fishery cooperative exit provisions.--Section 210(b) of the American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-629) is amended--

Struck: (A) by moving the matter beginning with "the Secretary shall" in paragraph (1) 2 ems to the right; and

Struck: (B) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(7) Fishery cooperative exit provisions.--

Struck: "(A) Fishing allowance determination.--For purposes of determining the aggregate percentage of directed fishing allowances under paragraph (1), when a catcher vessel is removed from the directed pollock fishery, the fishery allowance for pollock for the vessel being removed--

Struck: "(i) shall be based on the catch history determination for the vessel made pursuant to section 679.62 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009; and

Struck: "(ii) shall be assigned, for all purposes under this title, in the manner specified by the owner of the vessel being removed to any other catcher vessel or among other catcher vessels participating in the fishery cooperative if such vessel or vessels remain in the fishery cooperative for at least one year after the date on which the vessel being removed leaves the directed pollock fishery.

Struck: "(B) Eligibility for fishery endorsement.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a vessel that is removed pursuant to this paragraph shall be permanently ineligible for a fishery endorsement, and any claim (including relating to catch history) associated with such vessel that could qualify any owner of such vessel for any permit to participate in any fishery within the exclusive economic zone of the United States shall be extinguished, unless such removed vessel is thereafter designated to replace a vessel to be removed pursuant to this paragraph.

Struck: "(C) Limitations on statutory construction.-- Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed--

Struck: "(i) to make the vessels AJ (United States official number 905625), DONA MARTITA (United States official number 651751), NORDIC EXPLORER (United States official number 678234), and PROVIDIAN (United States official number 1062183) ineligible for a fishery endorsement or any permit necessary to participate in any fishery under the authority of the New England Fishery Management Council or the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council established, respectively, under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act; or

Struck: "(ii) to allow the vessels referred to in clause (i) to participate in any fishery under the authority of the Councils referred to in clause (i) in any manner that is not consistent with the fishery management plan for the fishery developed by the Councils under section 303 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.".

Struck: SEC. 803. COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL TRAINING.

Struck: The Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 on the efficacy of cold weather survival training conducted by the Coast Guard in Coast Guard District 17 over the preceding 5 years. The report shall include plans for conducting such training in fiscal years 2010 through 2013.

Struck: SEC. 804. FISHING VESSEL SAFETY.

Struck: (a) Safety Standards.--Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in subsection (a), by--

Struck: (A) striking paragraphs (6) and (7) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(6) other equipment required to minimize the risk of injury to the crew during vessel operations, if the Secretary determines that a risk of serious injury exists that can be eliminated or mitigated by that equipment; and"; and

Struck: (B) redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (7);

Struck: (2) in subsection (b)--

Struck: (A) in paragraph (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking "documented";

Struck: (B) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking "the Boundary Line" and inserting "3 nautical miles from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured or beyond 3 nautical miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes";

Struck: (C) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking "lifeboats or liferafts" and inserting "a survival craft that ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water";

Struck: (D) in paragraph (2)(D), by inserting "marine" before "radio";

Struck: (E) in paragraph (2)(E), by striking "radar reflectors, nautical charts, and anchors" and inserting "nautical charts, and publications";

Struck: (F) in paragraph (2)(F), by striking ", including medicine chests" and inserting "and medical supplies sufficient for the size and area of operation of the vessel"; and

Struck: (G) by amending paragraph (2)(G) to read as follows:

Struck: "(G) ground tackle sufficient for the vessel.";

Struck: (3) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:

Struck: "(f) To ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter, the Secretary--

Struck: "(1) shall require the individual in charge of a vessel described in subsection (b) to keep a record of equipment maintenance, and required instruction and drills; and

Struck: "(2) shall examine at dockside a vessel described in subsection (b) at least once every 2 years, and shall issue a certificate of compliance to a vessel meeting the requirements of this chapter."; and

Struck: (4) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(g)(1) The individual in charge of a vessel described in subsection (b) must pass a training program approved by the Secretary that meets the requirements in paragraph (2) of this subsection and hold a valid certificate issued under that program.

Struck: "(2) The training program shall--

Struck: "(A) be based on professional knowledge and skill obtained through sea service and hands-on training, including training in seamanship, stability, collision prevention, navigation, fire fighting and prevention, damage control, personal survival, emergency medical care, emergency drills, and weather;

Struck: "(B) require an individual to demonstrate ability to communicate in an emergency situation and understand information found in navigation publications;

Struck: "(C) recognize and give credit for recent past experience in fishing vessel operation; and

Struck: "(D) provide for issuance of a certificate to an individual that has successfully completed the program.

Struck: "(3) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations implementing this subsection. The regulations shall require that individuals who are issued a certificate under paragraph (2)(D) must complete refresher training at least once every 5 years as a condition of maintaining the validity of the certificate.

Struck: "(4) The Secretary shall establish a publicly accessible electronic database listing the names of individuals who have participated in and received a certificate confirming successful completion of a training program approved by the Secretary under this section.

Struck: "(h) A vessel to which this chapter applies shall be constructed in a manner that provides a level of safety equivalent to the minimum safety standards the Secretary may establish for recreational vessels under section 4302, if--

Struck: "(1) subsection (b) of this section applies to the vessel;

Struck: "(2) the vessel is less than 50 feet overall in length; and

Struck: "(3) the vessel is built after January 1, 2010.

Struck: "(i)(1) The Secretary shall establish a Fishing Safety Training Grants Program to provide funding to municipalities, port authorities, other appropriate public entities, not-for-profit organizations, and other qualified persons that provide commercial fishing safety training--

Struck: "(A) to conduct fishing vessel safety training for vessel operators and crewmembers that--

Struck: "(i) in the case of vessel operators, meets the requirements of subsection (g); and

Struck: "(ii) in the case of crewmembers, meets the requirements of subsection (g)(2)(A), such requirements of subsection (g)(2)(B) as are appropriate for crewmembers, and the requirements of subsections (g)(2)(D), (g)(3), and (g)(4); and

Struck: "(B) for purchase of safety equipment and training aids for use in those fishing vessel safety training programs.

Struck: "(2) The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection on a competitive basis.

Struck: "(3) The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent.

Struck: "(4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014 for grants under this subsection.

Struck: "(j)(1) The Secretary shall establish a Fishing Safety Research Grant Program to provide funding to individuals in academia, members of non-profit organizations and businesses involved in fishing and maritime matters, and other persons with expertise in fishing safety, to conduct research on methods of improving the safety of the commercial fishing industry, including vessel design, emergency and survival equipment, enhancement of vessel monitoring systems, communications devices, de-icing technology, and severe weather detection.

Struck: "(2) The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection on a competitive basis.

Struck: "(3) The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent.

Struck: "(4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each fiscal years 2010 through 2014 for activities under this subsection.".

Struck: (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 4506(b) of title 46, United States Code, is repealed.

Struck: (c) Advisory Committee.--

Struck: (1) Change of name.--Section 4508 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (A) by striking the section heading and inserting the following:

Struck: "Sec. 4508. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee"; and

Struck: (B) in subsection (a) by striking "Industry Vessel".

Struck: (2) Membership requirements.--Section 4508(b)(1) of that title is amended--

Struck: (A) by striking "seventeen" and inserting "eighteen";

Struck: (B) in subparagraph (A)--

Struck: (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking "from the commercial fishing industry who--" and inserting "who shall represent the commercial fishing industry and who--"; and

Struck: (ii) in clause (ii), by striking "an uninspected" and inserting "a";

Struck: (C) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(B) three members who shall represent the general public, including, whenever possible--

Struck: "(i) an independent expert or consultant in maritime safety;

Struck: "(ii) a marine surveyor who provides services to vessels to which this chapter applies; and

Struck: "(iii) a person familiar with issues affecting fishing communities and families of fishermen;"; and

Struck: (D) in subparagraph (C)--

Struck: (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking "representing each of--" and inserting "each of whom shall represent-- ";

Struck: (ii) in clause (i), by striking "or marine surveyors;" and inserting "and marine engineers;";

Struck: (iii) in clause (iii), by striking "and" after the semicolon at the end;

Struck: (iv) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and

Struck: (v) by adding at the end the following new clause:

Struck: "(v) owners of vessels to which this chapter applies.".

Struck: (3) Termination.--Section 4508(e)(1) of that title is amended by striking "September 30, 2010." and inserting "September 30, 2020.".

Struck: (4) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 45 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to such section and inserting the following:

Struck: "4508. Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee.".

Struck: (d) Loadlines for Vessels 79 Feet or Greater in Length.--Section 5102(b)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after "vessel" the following ", unless the vessel is built or undergoes a substantial change to the dimension of or type of the vessel completed after July 1, 2010".

Struck: (e) Classing of Vessels.--

Struck: (1) In general.--Section 4503 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (A) by striking the section heading and inserting the following:

Struck: "Sec. 4503. Fishing, fish tender, and fish processing vessel certification";

Struck: (B) in subsection (a) by striking "fish processing"; and

Struck: (C) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(c) This section applies to a vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title applies that is at least 50 feet overall in length and--

Struck: "(1) is built after July 1, 2010; or

Struck: "(2) undergoes a substantial change to the dimension of or type of the vessel completed after that date.

Struck: "(d)(1) After January 1, 2020, a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title applies shall comply with an alternate safety compliance program that is developed in cooperation with the commercial fishing industry and prescribed by the Secretary, if the vessel--

Struck: "(A) is at least 50 feet overall in length;

Struck: "(B) is built before July 1, 2010; and

Struck: "(C) is 25 years of age or older.

Struck: "(2) Alternative safety compliance programs may be developed for purposes of paragraph (1) for specific regions and fisheries.

Struck: "(3) A fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title applies that was classed before July 1, 2010, shall--

Struck: "(A) remain subject to the requirements of a classification society approved by the Secretary; and

Struck: "(B) have on board a certificate from that society.".

Struck: (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 45 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to such section and inserting the following:

Struck: "4503. Fishing, fish tender, and fish processing vessel certification.".

Struck: (f) Alternative Safety Compliance Program.--No later than January 1, 2017, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall prescribe an alternative safety compliance program referred to in section 4503(d) of the title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section.

Struck: (g) Prohibition on Earmarks.--None of the funds appropriated for the Fishing Safety Training Grants Program pursuant to section 4502(i) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section, may be used for a Congressional earmark as defined in clause 9(d) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

Struck: (h) Prohibition on Earmarks.--None of the funds appropriated for the Fishing Safety Research Grant Program pursuant to section 4502(j) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section, may be used for a Congressional earmark as defined in clause 9(d) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

Struck: SEC. 805. MARINER RECORDS.

Struck: Section 7502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by inserting "(a)" before "The";

Struck: (2) by striking "computerized records" and inserting "records, including electronic records,"; and

Struck: (3) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(b) The Secretary may prescribe regulations requiring a vessel owner or managing operator of a commercial vessel, or the employer of a seaman on that vessel, to maintain records of each individual engaged on the vessel on matters of engagement, discharge, and service for not less than 5 years after the date of the completion of the service of that individual on the vessel. The regulations may require that a vessel owner, managing operator, or employer shall make these records available to the individual and the Coast Guard on request.

Struck: "(c) A person violating this section, or a regulation prescribed under this section, is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000.".

Struck: SEC. 806. DELETION OF EXEMPTION OF LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR OPERATORS OF CERTAIN TOWING VESSELS.

Struck: Section 8905 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking subsection (b); and

Struck: (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

Struck: SEC. 807. LOG BOOKS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 113 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 11304. Additional logbook and entry requirements

Struck: "(a) A vessel of the United States that is subject to inspection under section 3301 of this title, except a vessel on a voyage from a port in the United States to a port in Canada, shall have an official logbook, which shall be kept available for review by the Secretary on request.

Struck: "(b) The log book required by subsection (a) shall include the following entries:

Struck: "(1) The time when each seaman and each officer assumed or relieved the watch.

Struck: "(2) The number of hours in service to the vessels of each seaman and each officer.

Struck: "(3) An account of each accident, illness, and injury that occurs during each watch.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "11304. Additional logbook and entry requirements.".

Struck: SEC. 808. SAFE OPERATIONS AND EQUIPMENT STANDARDS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 21 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following new sections:

Struck: "Sec. 2117. Termination for unsafe operation "An individual authorized to enforce this title--

Struck: "(1) may remove a certificate required by this title from a vessel that is operating in a condition that does not comply with the provisions of the certificate;

Struck: "(2) may order the individual in charge of a vessel that is operating that does not have on board the certificate required by this title to return the vessel to a mooring and to remain there until the vessel is in compliance with this title; and

Struck: "(3) may direct the individual in charge of a vessel to which this title applies to immediately take reasonable steps necessary for the safety of individuals on board the vessel if the official observes the vessel being operated in an unsafe condition that the official believes creates an especially hazardous condition, including ordering the individual in charge to return the vessel to a mooring and to remain there until the situation creating the hazard is corrected or ended.

Struck: "Sec. 2118. Establishment of equipment standards

Struck: "(a) In establishing standards for approved equipment required on vessels subject to part B of this title, the Secretary shall establish standards that are--

Struck: "(1) based on performance using the best available technology that is economically achievable; and

Struck: "(2) operationally practical.

Struck: "(b) Using the standards established under subsection (a), the Secretary may also certify lifesaving equipment that is not required to be carried on vessels subject to part B of this title to ensure that such equipment is suitable for its intended purpose.

Struck: "(c) At least once every 10 years the Secretary shall review and revise the standards established under subsection (a) to ensure that the standards meet the requirements of this section.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 2117. Termination for unsafe operation.

Struck: "Sec. 2118. Establishment of equipment standards.".

Struck: SEC. 809. APPROVAL OF SURVIVAL CRAFT.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 31 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 3104. Survival craft

Struck: "(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.

Struck: "(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 January 1, 2015, if--

Struck: "(1) it was approved by the Secretary before January 1, 2010; and

Struck: "(2) it is in serviceable condition.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "3104. Survival craft.".

Struck: SEC. 810. SAFETY MANAGEMENT.

Struck: (a) Vessels to Which Requirements Apply.--Section 3202 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in subsection (a) by striking the heading and inserting "Foreign Voyages and Foreign Vessels.--";

Struck: (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;

Struck: (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:

Struck: "(b) Other Passenger Vessels.--This chapter applies to a vessel that is--

Struck: "(1) a passenger vessel or small passenger vessel; and

Struck: "(2) is transporting more passengers than a number prescribed by the Secretary based on the number of individuals on the vessel that could be killed or injured in a marine casualty.";

Struck: (4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking "subsection (b)" and inserting "subsection (c)"; and

Struck: (5) in subsection (d)(4), as so redesignated, by inserting "that is not described in subsection (b) of this section" after "waters".

Struck: (b) Safety Management System.--Section 3203 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Struck: "(c) In prescribing regulations for passenger vessels and small passenger vessels, the Secretary shall consider--

Struck: "(1) the characteristics, methods of operation, and nature of the service of these vessels; and

Struck: "(2) with respect to vessels that are ferries, the sizes of the ferry systems within which the vessels operate.".

Struck: SEC. 811. PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.

Struck: (a) In General.--Section 2114 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in subsection (a)(1)(A), by striking "or" after the semicolon;

Struck: (2) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;

Struck: (3) by adding at the end of subsection (a)(1) the following new subparagraphs:

Struck: "(C) the seaman testified in a proceeding brought to enforce a maritime safety law or regulation prescribed under that law;

Struck: "(D) the seaman notified, or attempted to notify, the vessel owner or the Secretary of a work-related personal injury or work-related illness of a seaman;

Struck: "(E) the seaman cooperated with a safety investigation by the Secretary or the National Transportation Safety Board;

Struck: "(F) the seaman furnished information to the Secretary, the National Transportation Safety Board, or any other public official as to the facts relating to any marine casualty resulting in injury or death to an individual or damage to property occurring in connection with vessel transportation; or

Struck: "(G) the seaman accurately reported hours of duty under this part."; and

Struck: (4) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

Struck: "(b) A seaman alleging discharge or discrimination in violation of subsection (a) of this section, or another person at the seaman's request, may file a complaint with respect to such allegation in the same manner as a complaint may be filed under subsection (b) of section 31105 of title 49. Such complaint shall be subject to the procedures, requirements, and rights described in that section, including with respect to the right to file an objection, the right of a person to file for a petition for review under subsection (c) of that section, and the requirement to bring a civil action under subsection (d) of that section.".

Struck: (b) Existing Actions.--This section shall not affect the application of section 2114(b) of title 46, United States Code, as in effect before the date of enactment of this Act, to an action filed under that section before that date.

Struck: SEC. 812. OIL FUEL TANK PROTECTION.

Struck: Section 3306 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Struck: "(k)(1) Each vessel of the United States that is constructed under a contract entered into after the date of enactment of the Maritime Safety Act of 2009, or that is delivered after January 1, 2011, with an aggregate capacity of 600 cubic meters or more of oil fuel, shall comply with the requirements of Regulation 12A under Annex I to the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, entitled 'Oil Fuel Tank Protection'.

Struck: "(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to apply the requirements described in Regulation 12A to vessels described in paragraph (1) that are not otherwise subject to that convention. Any such regulation shall be considered to be an interpretive rule for the purposes of section 553 of title 5.

Struck: "(3) In this subsection the term 'oil fuel' means any oil used as fuel in connection with the propulsion and auxiliary machinery of the vessel in which such oil is carried.".

Struck: SEC. 813. OATHS.

Struck: Sections 7105 and 7305 of title 46, United States Code, and the items relating to such sections in the analysis for chapters 71 and 73 of such title, are repealed.

Struck: SEC. 814. DURATION OF CREDENTIALS.

Struck: (a) Merchant Mariner's Documents.--Section 7302(f) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(f) Periods of Validity and Renewal of Merchant Mariners' Documents.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (g), a merchant mariner's document issued under this chapter is valid for a 5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods.

Struck: "(2) Advance renewals.--A renewed merchant mariner's document may be issued under this chapter up to 8 months in advance but is not effective until the date that the previously issued merchant mariner's document expires or until the completion of any active suspension or revocation of that previously issued merchant mariner's document, whichever is later.".

Struck: (b) Duration of Licenses.--Section 7106 of such title is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "Sec. 7106. Duration of licenses

Struck: "(a) In General.--A license issued under this part is valid for a 5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods; except that the validity of a license issued to a radio officer is conditioned on the continuous possession by the holder of a first-class or second- class radiotelegraph operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

Struck: "(b) Advance Renewals.--A renewed license issued under this part may be issued up to 8 months in advance but is not effective until the date that the previously issued license expires or until the completion of any active suspension or revocation of that previously issued merchant mariner's document, whichever is later.".

Struck: (c) Certificates of Registry.--Section 7107 of such title is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "Sec. 7107. Duration of certificates of registry

Struck: "(a) In General.--A certificate of registry issued under this part is valid for a 5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods; except that the validity of a certificate issued to a medical doctor or professional nurse is conditioned on the continuous possession by the holder of a license as a medical doctor or registered nurse, respectively, issued by a State.

Struck: "(b) Advance Renewals.--A renewed certificate of registry issued under this part may be issued up to 8 months in advance but is not effective until the date that the previously issued certificate of registry expires or until the completion of any active suspension or revocation of that previously issued merchant mariner's document, whichever is later.".

Struck: SEC. 815. FINGERPRINTING.

Struck: (a) Merchant Mariner Licenses and Documents.--Chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 7507. Fingerprinting "The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not require an individual to be fingerprinted for the issuance or renewal of a license, a certificate of registry, or a merchant mariner's document under chapter 71 or 73 if the individual was fingerprinted when the individual applied for a transportation security card under section 70105.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "7507. Fingerprinting.".

Struck: SEC. 816. AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND THE DURATION OF LICENSES, CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRY, AND MERCHANT MARINERS' DOCUMENTS.

Struck: (a) Merchant Mariner Licenses and Documents.--Chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by section 815(a) of this title, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 7508. Authority to extend the duration of licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner documents

Struck: "(a) Licenses and Certificates of Registry.--Notwithstanding sections 7106 and 7107, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may--

Struck: "(1) extend for not more than one year an expiring license or certificate of registry issued for an individual under chapter 71 if the Secretary determines that the extension is required to enable the Coast Guard to eliminate a backlog in processing applications for those licenses or certificates of registry or in response to a national emergency or natural disaster, as deemed necessary by the Secretary; or

Struck: "(2) issue for not more than five years an expiring license or certificate of registry issued for an individual under chapter 71 for the exclusive purpose of aligning the expiration date of such license or certificate of registry with the expiration date of a merchant mariner's document.

Struck: "(b) Merchant Mariner Documents.--Notwithstanding section 7302(g), the Secretary may--

Struck: "(1) extend for not more than one year an expiring merchant mariner's document issued for an individual under chapter 71 if the Secretary determines that the extension is required to enable the Coast Guard to eliminate a backlog in processing applications for those licenses or certificates of registry or in response to a national emergency or natural disaster, as deemed necessary by the Secretary; or

Struck: "(2) issue for not more than five years an expiring merchant mariner's document issued for an individual under chapter 71 for the exclusive purpose of aligning the expiration date of such merchant mariner's document with the expiration date of a merchant mariner's document.

Struck: "(c) Manner of Extension.--Any extensions granted under this section may be granted to individual seamen or a specifically identified group of seamen.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter, as amended by section 815(b), is further amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "7508. Authority to extend the duration of licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner documents.".

Struck: SEC. 817. MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENTATION.

Struck: (a) Interim Clearance Process.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall develop an interim clearance process for issuance of a merchant mariner document to enable a newly hired seaman to begin working on an offshore supply vessel or towing vessel if the Secretary makes an initial determination that the seaman does not pose a safety and security risk.

Struck: (b) Contents of Process.--The process under subsection (a) shall include a check against the consolidated and integrated terrorist watch list maintained by the Federal Government, review of the seaman's criminal record, and review of the results of testing the seaman for use of a dangerous drug (as defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code) in violation of law or Federal regulation.

Struck: SEC. 818. MERCHANT MARINER ASSISTANCE REPORT.

Struck: Not later than 180 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 report regarding the feasibility of--

Struck: (1) expanding the streamlined evaluation process program that was affiliated with the Houston Regional Examination Center of the Coast Guard to all processing centers of the Coast Guard nationwide;

Struck: (2) including proposals to simplify the application process for a license as an officer, staff officer, or operator and for a merchant mariner's document to help eliminate errors by merchant mariners when completing the application form (CG- 719B), including instructions attached to the application form and a modified application form for renewals with questions pertaining only to the period of time since the previous application;

Struck: (3) providing notice to an applicant of the status of the pending application, including a process to allow the applicant to check on the status of the application by electronic means; and

Struck: (4) ensuring that all information collected with respect to applications for new or renewed licenses, merchant mariner documents, and certificates of registry is retained in a secure electronic format.

Struck: SEC. 819. OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS.

Struck: (a) Definition.--Section 2101(19) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking "of more than 15 gross tons but less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title".

Struck: (b) Exemption.--Section 5209(b)(1) of the Oceans Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-587; 46 U.S.C. 2101 note) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: "of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title".

Struck: (c) Removal of Tonnage Limits.--

Struck: (1) Able seamen-offshore supply vessels.--Section 7310 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking "of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title".

Struck: (2) Scale of employment: able seamen.--Section 7312(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking "of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title".

Struck: (d) Watches.--Section 8104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in subsection (g), by inserting after "offshore supply vessel" the following: "of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or less than 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title";

Struck: (2) in subsection (d), by inserting "(1)" after "(d)", and by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to an offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title if the individuals engaged on the vessel are in compliance with hours of service requirements (including recording and record-keeping of that service) prescribed by the Secretary."; and

Struck: (3) in subsection (e), by striking "subsection (d)" and inserting "subsection (d)(1)".

Struck: (e) Minimum Number of Licensed Individuals.--Section 8301(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(b)(1) An offshore supply vessel of less than 6,000 gross tons, as measured under section 14302 of this title, on a voyage of less than 600 miles shall have at least one licensed mate. Such a vessel on a voyage of 600 miles or more shall have two licensed mates.

Struck: "(2) An offshore supply vessel of more than 200 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title, may not be operated without a licensed engineer.

Struck: "(3) An offshore supply vessel shall have at least one mate. Additional mates on an offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title shall be prescribe in accordance with hours of service requirements (including recording and record-keeping of that service) prescribed by the Secretary.".

Struck: (f) Regulations.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall promulgate regulations to implement the amendments enacted by this section and chapter 37 of title 46, United States Code, for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons, before January 1, 2010.

Struck: (2) Interim final rule authority.--The Secretary shall issue an interim final rule as a temporary regulation implementing this section (including the amendments made by this section), and chapter 37 of title 46, United States Code, for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section, without regard to the provisions of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code. All regulations prescribed under the authority of this paragraph that are not earlier superseded by final regulations shall expire not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.

Struck: (3) Initiation of rulemaking.--The Secretary may initiate a rulemaking to implement this section (including the amendments made by this section), and chapter 37 of title 46, United States Code, for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section. The final rule issued pursuant to that rulemaking may supersede the interim final rule promulgated under this subsection.

Struck: (4) Interim period.--After the date of enactment of this Act and prior to the effective date of the regulations promulgated to implement the amendments enacted by this section under paragraph (2), and notwithstanding the tonnage limits of applicable regulations promulgated prior to the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may--

Struck: (A) issue a certificate of inspection under section 3309 of title 46, United States Code, to an offshore supply vessel of at least 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of title 46, United States Code, or of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of title 46, United States Code, if the Secretary determines that such vessel's arrangements, equipment, classification, and certifications provide for the safe carriage of individuals in addition to the crew and oil and hazardous substances, taking into consideration the characteristics of offshore supply vessels, their methods of operation, and their service in support of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy resources;

Struck: (B) for the purpose of enforcing chapter 37 of title 46, United States Code, use tank vessel standards for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons after considering the characteristics, methods of operation, and nature of the service of the vessel; and

Struck: (C) authorize a master, mate, or engineer whom the Secretary decides possesses the experience on an offshore supply vessel under 6,000 gross tons to serve on an offshore supply vessel over at least 6,000 gross tons.

Struck: SEC. 820. ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Struck: Section 2101(1)(B) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting "with the exception of emergency locator beacons," before "does".

Struck: SEC. 821. LIFESAVING DEVICES ON UNINSPECTED VESSELS.

Struck: Section 4102(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(b) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations requiring the installation, maintenance, and use of life preservers and other lifesaving devices for individuals on board uninspected vessels.".

Struck: SEC. 822. STUDY OF BLENDED FUELS IN MARINE APPLICATION.

Struck: (a) Survey.--

Struck: (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall submit a survey of published data and reports, pertaining to the use, safety, and performance of blended fuels in marine applications, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

Struck: (2) Included information.--To the extent possible, the survey required in subsection (a), shall include data and reports on--

Struck: (A) the impact of blended fuel on the operation, durability, and performance of recreational and commercial marine engines, vessels, and marine engine and vessel components and associated equipment;

Struck: (B) the safety impacts of blended fuels on consumers that own and operate recreational and commercial marine engines and marine engine components and associated equipment; and

Struck: (C) to the extent available, fires and explosions on board vessels propelled by engines using blended fuels.

Struck: (b) Study.--

Struck: (1) In general.--Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall conduct a comprehensive study on the use, safety, and performance of blended fuels in marine applications. The Secretary is authorized to conduct such study in conjunction with--

Struck: (A) any other Federal agency;

Struck: (B) any State government or agency;

Struck: (C) any local government or agency, including local police and fire departments; and

Struck: (D) any private entity, including engine and vessel manufacturers.

Struck: (2) Evaluation.--The study shall include an evaluation of--

Struck: (A) the impact of blended fuel on the operation, durability and performance of recreational and commercial marine engines, vessels, and marine engine and vessel components and associated equipment;

Struck: (B) the safety impacts of blended fuels on consumers that own and operate recreational and commercial marine engines and marine engine components and associated equipment; and

Struck: (C) fires and explosions on board vessels propelled by engines using blended fuels.

Struck: (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out the survey and study under this section $1,000,000.

Struck: SEC. 823. RENEWAL OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

Struck: (a) Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee.--Section 9307(f)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking "September 30, 2010." and inserting "September 30, 2020.".

Struck: (b) National Boating Safety Advisory Council.--Section 13110 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in subsection (d), by striking the first sentence; and

Struck: (2) in subsection (e), by striking "September 30, 2010." and inserting "September 30, 2020.".

Struck: (c) Houston-Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee.-- Section 18(h) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-241 as amended by Public Law 104-324) is amended by striking "September 30, 2010." and inserting "September 30, 2020.".

Struck: (d) Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee.-- Section 19 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-241) is amended--

Struck: (1) in subsection (b)--

Struck: (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking "twenty-four" and inserting "twenty-five"; and

Struck: (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

Struck: "(12) One member representing the Associated Federal Pilots and Docking Masters of Louisiana."; and

Struck: (2) in subsection (g), by striking "September 30, 2010." and inserting "September 30, 2020.".

Struck: (e) Towing Safety Advisory Committee.--The Act to Establish a Towing Safety Advisory Committee in the Department of Transportation (33 U.S.C. 1231a) is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(a) There is established a Towing Safety Advisory Committee (hereinafter referred to as the 'Committee'). The Committee shall consist of eighteen members with particular expertise, knowledge, and experience regarding shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and towing safety as follows:

Struck: "(1) Seven members representing the barge and towing industry, reflecting a regional geographic balance.

Struck: "(2) One member representing the offshore mineral and oil supply vessel industry.

Struck: "(3) One member representing holders of active licensed Masters or Pilots of towing vessels with experience on the Western Rivers and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Struck: "(4) One member representing the holders of active licensed Masters of towing vessels in offshore service.

Struck: "(5) One member representing Masters who are active ship- docking or harbor towing vessel.

Struck: "(6) One member representing licensed or unlicensed towing vessel engineers with formal training and experience.

Struck: "(7) Two members representing each of the following groups:

Struck: "(A) Port districts, authorities, or terminal operators.

Struck: "(B) Shippers (of whom at least one shall be engaged in the shipment of oil or hazardous materials by barge).

Struck: "(8) Two members representing the general public."; and

Struck: (2) in subsection (e), by striking "September 30, 2010." and inserting "September 30, 2020.".

Struck: (f) Navigation Safety Advisory Council.--Section 5 of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 2073) is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(a) Establishment of Council.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a Navigation Safety Advisory Council (hereinafter referred to as the 'Council'), consisting of not more than 21 members. All members shall have expertise in Inland and International vessel navigation Rules of the Road, aids to maritime navigation, maritime law, vessel safety, port safety, or commercial diving safety. Upon appointment, all non-Federal members shall be designated as representative members to represent the viewpoints and interests of one of the following groups or organizations:

Struck: "(A) Commercial vessel owners or operators.

Struck: "(B) Professional mariners.

Struck: "(C) Recreational boaters.

Struck: "(D) The recreational boating industry.

Struck: "(E) State agencies responsible for vessel or port safety.

Struck: "(F) The Maritime Law Association.

Struck: "(2) Panels.--Additional persons may be appointed to panels of the Council to assist the Council in performance of its functions.

Struck: "(3) Nominations.--The Secretary, through the Coast Guard Commandant, shall not less often than once a year publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting nominations for membership on the Council.

Struck: "(b) Functions.--The Council shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Secretary, through the Coast Guard Commandant, on matters relating to maritime collisions, rammings, groundings, Inland Rules of the Road, International Rules of the Road, navigation regulations and equipment, routing measures, marine information, diving safety, and aids to navigation systems. Any advice and recommendations made by the Council to the Secretary shall reflect the independent judgment of the Council on the matter concerned. The Council shall meet at the call of the Coast Guard Commandant, but in any event not less than twice during each calendar year. All proceedings of the Council shall be public, and a record of the proceedings shall be made available for public inspection."; and

Struck: (2) in subsection (d), by striking "September 30, 2010." and inserting "September 30, 2020.".

Struck: SEC. 824. PILOT REQUIRED.

Struck: Section 8502(g) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting "and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts" before ", if any,"; and

Inserted: "(b) The total number of commissioned officers authorized by this section shall be distributed in grade not to exceed the following percentages:

Inserted: "(1) 0.375 percent for rear admiral.

Inserted: "(2) 0.375 percent for rear admiral (lower half).

Inserted: "(3) 6.0 percent for captain.

Inserted: "(4) 15.0 percent for commander.

Inserted: "(5) 22.0 percent for lieutenant commander.

Inserted: The Secretary shall prescribe the percentages applicable to the grades of lieutenant, lieutenant (junior grade), and ensign. The Secretary may, as the needs of the Coast Guard require, reduce any of the percentages set forth in paragraphs (1) through (5) and apply that total percentage reduction to any other lower grade or combination of lower grades.

Inserted: "(c) The Secretary shall, at least once a year, compute the total number of commissioned officers authorized to serve in each grade by applying the grade distribution percentages of this section to the total number of commissioned officers listed on the current active duty promotion list. In making such calculations, any fraction shall be rounded to the nearest whole number. The number of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list serving with other departments or agencies on a reimbursable basis or excluded under the provisions of section 324(d) of title 49, shall not be counted against the total number of commissioned officers authorized to serve in each grade.";

Inserted: (2) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:

Inserted: "(e) The number of officers authorized to be serving on active duty in each grade of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy and of the Reserve serving in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components shall be prescribed by the Secretary."; and

Inserted: (3) by striking the caption of such section and inserting the following:

Inserted: "Sec. 42. Number and distribution of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list".

Inserted: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 3 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 42 and inserting the following:

Inserted: "42. Number and distribution of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list".

Inserted: TITLE IV--PERSONNEL

Inserted: SEC. 401. LEAVE RETENTION AUTHORITY.

Inserted: Section 701(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting "or a declaration of a major disaster or emergency by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)" after "operation".

Inserted: SEC. 402. LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR COAST GUARD RESERVISTS.

Inserted: Section 1044(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--

Inserted: (1) by striking "(as determined by the Secretary of Defense)," and inserting "(as determined by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy),"; and

Inserted: (2) by striking "prescribed by the Secretary of Defense," and inserting "prescribed by Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy,".

Inserted: SEC. 403. REIMBURSEMENT FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL-RELATED TRAVEL EXPENSES.

Inserted: Section 1074i(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--

Inserted: (1) by striking "In General.--In" and inserting "In General.--(1) In"; and

Struck: "(ii) if the vessel will be navigating in periods of darkness in an area of Buzzards Bay where a vessel is required by regulation to have a pilot, at least 5 round trips through Buzzards Bay during periods of darkness.".

Struck: SEC. 825. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES REGARDING OFFSHORE FACILITIES.

Struck: (a) In General.--Section 3316 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Struck: "(d)(1) The Secretary may delegate to the American Bureau of Shipping or another classification society recognized by the Secretary as meeting acceptable standards for such a society, for a United States offshore facility, the authority to--

Struck: "(A) review and approve plans required for issuing a certificate of inspection, a certificate of compliance, or any other certification and related documents issued by the Coast Guard pursuant to regulations issued under section 30 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1356); and

Struck: "(B) conduct inspections and examinations.

Struck: "(2) The Secretary may make a delegation under paragraph (1) to a foreign classification society only if--

Struck: "(A) the foreign society has offices and maintains records in the United States; and

Struck: "(B)(i) the government of the foreign country in which the foreign society is headquartered delegates that authority to the American Bureau of Shipping; or

Struck: "(ii) the Secretary has entered into an agreement with the government of the foreign country in which the foreign society is headquartered that--

Struck: "(I) ensures the government of the foreign country will accept plan review, inspections, or examinations conducted by the American Bureau of Shipping and provide equivalent access to inspect, certify, and provide related services to offshore facilities located in that country or operating under the authority of that country; and

Struck: "(II) is in full accord with principles of reciprocity in regards to any delegation contemplated by the Secretary under paragraph (1).

Struck: "(3) If an inspection or examination is conducted under authority delegated under this subsection, the person to which the authority was delegated--

Struck: "(A) shall maintain in the United States complete files of all information derived from or necessarily connected with the inspection or examination for at least 2 years after the United States offshore facility ceases to be certified; and

Struck: "(B) shall permit access to those files at all reasonable times to any officer, employee, or member of the Coast Guard designated--

Struck: "(i) as a marine inspector and serving in a position as a marine inspector; or

Struck: "(ii) in writing by the Secretary to have access to those files.

Struck: "(4) For purposes of this subsection--

Struck: "(A) the term 'offshore facility' means any installation, structure, or other device (including any vessel not documented under chapter 121 of this title or the laws of another country), fixed or floating, that dynamically holds position or is temporarily or permanently attached to the seabed or subsoil under the sea; and

Struck: "(B) the term 'United States offshore facility' means any offshore facility, fixed or floating, that dynamically holds position or is temporarily or permanently attached to the seabed or subsoil under the territorial sea of the United States or the outer Continental Shelf (as that term is defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331)), including any vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure subject to regulation under section 30 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1356).".

Struck: (b) Review and Approval of Classification Society Required.-- Section 3316(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking so much as precedes paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(c)(1) A classification society (including an employee or agent of that society) may not review, examine, survey, or certify the construction, repair, or alteration of a vessel in the United States unless the society has applied for approval under this subsection and the Secretary has reviewed and approved that society with respect to the conduct of that society under paragraph (2).".

Struck: TITLE IX--CRUISE VESSEL SAFETY

Struck: SEC. 901. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009".

Struck: SEC. 902. FINDINGS.

Struck: The Congress makes the following findings:

Struck: (1) There are approximately 200 overnight ocean-going cruise vessels worldwide. The average ocean-going cruise vessel carries 2,000 passengers with a crew of 950 people.

Struck: (2) In 2007 alone, approximately 12,000,000 passengers were projected to take a cruise worldwide.

Struck: (3) Passengers on cruise vessels have an inadequate appreciation of their potential vulnerability to crime while on ocean voyages, and those who may be victimized lack the information they need to understand their legal rights or to know whom to contact for help in the immediate aftermath of the crime.

Struck: (4) Sexual violence, the disappearance of passengers from vessels on the high seas, and other serious crimes have occurred during luxury cruises.

Struck: (5) Over the last 5 years, sexual assault and physical assaults on cruise vessels were the leading crimes investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with regard to cruise vessel incidents.

Struck: (6) These crimes at sea can involve attacks both by passengers and crew members on other passengers and crew members.

Struck: (7) Except for United States flagged vessels, or foreign flagged vessels operating in an area subject to the direct jurisdiction of the United States, there are no Federal statutes or regulations that explicitly require cruise lines to report alleged crimes to United States Government officials.

Struck: (8) It is not known precisely how often crimes occur on cruise vessels or exactly how many people have disappeared during ocean voyages because cruise line companies do not make comprehensive, crime-related data readily available to the public.

Struck: (9) Obtaining reliable crime-related cruise data from governmental sources can be difficult, because multiple countries may be involved when a crime occurs on the high seas, including the flag country for the vessel, the country of citizenship of particular passengers, and any countries having special or maritime jurisdiction.

Struck: (10) It can be difficult for professional crime investigators to immediately secure an alleged crime scene on a cruise vessel, recover evidence of an onboard offense, and identify or interview potential witnesses to the alleged crime.

Struck: (11) Most cruise vessels that operate into and out of United States ports are registered under the laws of another country, and investigations and prosecutions of crimes against passengers and crew members may involve the laws and authorities of multiple nations.

Struck: (12) The Coast Guard has found it necessary to establish 500-yard security zones around cruise vessels to limit the risk of terrorist attack. Recently piracy has dramatically increased throughout the world.

Struck: (13) To enhance the safety of cruise passengers, the owners of cruise vessels could upgrade, modernize, and retrofit the safety and security infrastructure on such vessels by installing peep holes in passenger room doors, installing security video cameras in targeted areas, limiting access to passenger rooms to select staff during specific times, and installing acoustic hailing and warning devices capable of communicating over distances.

Struck: SEC. 903. CRUISE VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 35 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "Sec. 3507. Passenger vessel security and safety requirements

Struck: "(a) Vessel Design, Equipment, Construction, and Retrofitting Requirements.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--Each vessel to which this subsection applies shall comply with the following design and construction standards:

Struck: "(A) The vessel shall be equipped with ship rails that are located not less than 42 inches above the cabin deck.

Struck: "(B) Each passenger stateroom and crew cabin shall be equipped with entry doors that include peep holes or other means of visual identification.

Struck: "(C) For any vessel the keel of which is laid after the date of enactment of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009, each passenger stateroom and crew cabin shall be equipped with--

Struck: "(i) security latches; and

Struck: "(ii) time-sensitive key technology.

Struck: "(D) The vessel shall integrate technology that can be used for capturing images of passengers or detecting passengers who have fallen overboard, to the extent that such technology is available.

Struck: "(E) The vessel shall be equipped with a sufficient number of operable acoustic hailing or other such warning devices to provide communication capability around the entire vessel when operating in high risk areas (as defined by the Coast Guard).

Struck: "(2) Fire safety codes.--In administering the requirements of paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall take into consideration fire safety and other applicable emergency requirements established by the Coast Guard and under international law, as appropriate.

Struck: "(3) Effective date.--

Struck: "(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the requirements of paragraph (1) shall take effect 18 months after the date of enactment of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009.

Struck: "(B) Latch and key requirements.--The requirements of paragraph (1)(C) take effect on the date of enactment of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009.

Struck: "(b) Video Recording.--

Struck: "(1) Requirement to maintain surveillance.--The owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall maintain a video surveillance system to assist in documenting crimes on the vessel and in providing evidence for the prosecution of such crimes, as determined by the Secretary.

Struck: "(2) Access to video records.--The owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall provide to any law enforcement official performing official duties in the course and scope of an investigation, upon request, a copy of all records of video surveillance that the official believes may provide evidence of a crime reported to law enforcement officials.

Struck: "(c) Safety Information.--The owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall provide in each passenger stateroom, and post in a location readily accessible to all crew and in other places specified by the Secretary, information regarding the locations of the United States embassy and each consulate of the United States for each country the vessel will visit during the course of the voyage.

Struck: "(d) Sexual Assault.--The owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall--

Struck: "(1) maintain on the vessel adequate, in-date supplies of anti-retroviral medications and other medications designed to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after a sexual assault;

Struck: "(2) maintain on the vessel equipment and materials for performing a medical examination in sexual assault cases to evaluate the patient for trauma, provide medical care, and preserve relevant medical evidence;

Struck: "(3) make available on the vessel at all times medical staff who have undergone a credentialing process to verify that he or she--

Struck: "(A) possesses a current physician's or registered nurse's license and--

Struck: "(i) has at least 3 years of post-graduate or post-registration clinical practice in general and emergency medicine; or

Struck: "(ii) holds board certification in emergency medicine, family practice medicine, or internal medicine;

Struck: "(B) is able to provide assistance in the event of an alleged sexual assault, has received training in conducting forensic sexual assault examination, and is able to promptly perform such an examination upon request and provide proper medical treatment of a victim, including administration of anti-retroviral medications and other medications that may prevent the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases; and

Struck: "(C) meets guidelines established by the American College of Emergency Physicians relating to the treatment and care of victims of sexual assault;

Struck: "(4) prepare, provide to the patient, and maintain written documentation of the findings of such examination that is signed by the patient; and

Struck: "(5) provide the patient free and immediate access to--

Struck: "(A) contact information for local law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Coast Guard, the nearest United States consulate or embassy, and the National Sexual Assault Hotline program or other third party victim advocacy hotline service; and

Struck: "(B) a private telephone line and Internet- accessible computer terminal by which the individual may confidentially access law enforcement officials, an attorney, and the information and support services available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline program or other third party victim advocacy hotline service.

Struck: "(e) Confidentiality of Sexual Assault Examination and Support Information.--The master or other individual in charge of a vessel to which this section applies shall--

Struck: "(1) treat all information concerning an examination under subsection (d) confidential, so that no medical information may be released to the cruise line or other owner of the vessel or any legal representative thereof without the prior knowledge and approval in writing of the patient, or, if the patient is unable to provide written authorization, the patient's next-of- kin, except that nothing in this paragraph prohibits the release of--

Struck: "(A) information, other than medical findings, necessary for the owner or master of the vessel to comply with the provisions of subsection (g) or other applicable incident reporting laws;

Struck: "(B) information to secure the safety of passengers or crew on board the vessel; or

Struck: "(C) any information to law enforcement officials performing official duties in the course and scope of an investigation; and

Struck: "(2) treat any information derived from, or obtained in connection with, post-assault counseling or other supportive services confidential, so no such information may be released to the cruise line or any legal representative thereof without the prior knowledge and approval in writing of the patient, or, if the patient is unable to provide written authorization, the patient's next-of-kin.

Struck: "(f) Crew Access to Passenger Staterooms.--The owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall--

Struck: "(1) establish and implement procedures and restrictions concerning--

Struck: "(A) which crew members have access to passenger staterooms; and

Struck: "(B) the periods during which they have that access; and

Struck: "(2) ensure that the procedures and restrictions are fully and properly implemented and periodically reviewed.

Struck: "(g) Log Book and Reporting Requirements.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The owner of a vessel to which this section applies shall--

Struck: "(A) record in a log book, either electronically or otherwise, in a centralized location readily accessible to law enforcement personnel, a report on--

Struck: "(i) all complaints of crimes described in paragraph (3)(A)(i),

Struck: "(ii) all complaints of theft of property valued in excess of $1,000, and

Struck: "(iii) all complaints of other crimes, committed on any voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States; and

Struck: "(B) make such log book available upon request to any agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, any member of the Coast Guard, and any law enforcement officer performing official duties in the course and scope of an investigation.

Struck: "(2) Details required.--The information recorded under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum--

Struck: "(A) the vessel operator;

Struck: "(B) the name of the cruise line;

Struck: "(C) the flag under which the vessel was operating at the time the reported incident occurred;

Struck: "(D) the age and gender of the victim and the accused assailant;

Struck: "(E) the nature of the alleged crime or complaint, as applicable, including whether the alleged perpetrator was a passenger or a crew member;

Struck: "(F) the vessel's position at the time of the incident, if known, or the position of the vessel at the time of the initial report;

Struck: "(G) the time, date, and method of the initial report and the law enforcement authority to which the initial report was made;

Struck: "(H) the time and date the incident occurred, if known;

Struck: "(I) the total number of passengers and the total number of crew members on the voyage; and

Struck: "(J) the case number or other identifier provided by the law enforcement authority to which the initial report was made.

Struck: "(3) Requirement to report crimes and other information.--

Struck: "(A) In general.--The owner of a vessel to which this section applies (or the owner's designee)--

Struck: "(i) shall contact the nearest Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Office or Legal Attache by telephone as soon as possible after the occurrence on board the vessel of an incident involving homicide, suspicious death, a missing United States national, kidnapping, assault with serious bodily injury, any offense to which section 2241, 2242, 2243, or 2244 (a) or (c) of title 18 applies, firing or tampering with the vessel, or theft of money or property in excess of $10,000 to report the incident;

Struck: "(ii) shall furnish a written report of the incident to the Secretary via an Internet based portal;

Struck: "(iii) may report any serious incident that does not meet the reporting requirements of clause (i) and that does not require immediate attention by the Federal Bureau of Investigation via the Internet based portal maintained by the Secretary of Transportation; and

Struck: "(iv) may report any other criminal incident involving passengers or crew members, or both, to the proper State or local government law enforcement authority.

Struck: "(B) Incidents to which subparagraph (A) applies.--Subparagraph (A) applies to an incident involving criminal activity if--

Struck: "(i) the vessel, regardless of registry, is owned, in whole or in part, by a United States person, regardless of the nationality of the victim or perpetrator, and the incident occurs when the vessel is within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States and outside the jurisdiction of any State;

Struck: "(ii) the incident concerns an offense by or against a United States national committed outside the jurisdiction of any nation;

Struck: "(iii) the incident occurs in the Territorial Sea of the United States, regardless of the nationality of the vessel, the victim, or the perpetrator; or

Struck: "(iv) the incident concerns a victim or perpetrator who is a United States national on a vessel during a voyage that departed from or will arrive at a United States port.

Struck: "(4) Availability of incident data via internet.--

Struck: "(A) Website.--The Secretary of Transportation shall maintain a statistical compilation of all incidents described in paragraph (3)(A)(i) on an Internet site that provides a numerical accounting of the missing persons and alleged crimes recorded in each report filed under paragraph (3)(A)(i) that are no longer under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The data shall be updated no less frequently than quarterly, aggregated by--

Struck: "(i) cruise line, with each cruise line identified by name; and

Struck: "(ii) whether each crime was committed by a passenger or a crew member.

Struck: "(B) Access to website.--Each cruise line taking on or discharging passengers in the United States shall include a link on its Internet website to the website maintained by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).

Struck: "(h) Enforcement.--

Struck: "(1) Penalties.--

Struck: "(A) Civil penalty.--Any person that violates this section or a regulation under this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day during which the violation continues, except that the maximum penalty for a continuing violation is $50,000.

Struck: "(B) Criminal penalty.--Any person that willfully violates the log book or reporting requirements required under subsection (g) shall be fined not more than $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

Struck: "(2) Denial of entry.--The Secretary may deny entry into the United States to a vessel to which this section applies if the owner of the vessel--

Struck: "(A) commits an act or omission for which a penalty may be imposed under this subsection; or

Struck: "(B) fails to pay a penalty imposed on the owner under this subsection.

Struck: "(i) Procedures.--Within 6 months after the date of enactment of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009, the Secretary shall issue guidelines, training curricula, and inspection and certification procedures necessary to carry out the requirements of this section.

Struck: "(j) Regulations.--The Secretary of Transportation and the Commandant shall each issue such regulations as are necessary to implement this section.

Struck: "(k) Application.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--This section and section 3508 apply to a passenger vessel (as defined in section 2101(22)) that--

Struck: "(A) is authorized to carry at least 250 passengers;

Struck: "(B) has onboard sleeping facilities for each passenger;

Struck: "(C) is on a voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States; and

Struck: "(D) is not engaged on a coastwise voyage.

Struck: "(2) Federal and state vessels.--This section and section 3508 do not apply to a vessel that is owned and operated by the United States Government or a vessel that is owned and operated by a State.

Struck: "(l) Owner Defined.--In this section and section 3508, the term 'owner' means the owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or other individual in charge of a vessel.

Struck: "Sec. 3508. Crime scene preservation training for passenger vessel crew members

Struck: "(a) In General.--Within 1 year after the date of enactment of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maritime Administrator, shall develop training standards and curricula to allow for the certification of passenger vessel security personnel, crew members, and law enforcement officials on the appropriate methods for prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment. The Administrator of the Maritime Administration may certify organizations in the United States and abroad that offer the curriculum for training and certification under subsection (c).

Struck: "(b) Minimum Standards.--The standards established by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include--

Struck: "(1) the training and certification of vessel security personnel, crew members, and law enforcement officials in accordance with accepted law enforcement and security guidelines, policies, and procedures, including recommendations for incorporating a background check process for personnel trained and certified in foreign countries;

Struck: "(2) the training of students and instructors in all aspects of prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment; and

Struck: "(3) the provision or recognition of off-site training and certification courses in the United States and foreign countries to develop and provide the required training and certification described in subsection (a) and to enhance security awareness and security practices related to the preservation of evidence in response to crimes on board passenger vessels.

Struck: "(c) Certification Requirement.--Beginning 2 years after the standards are established under subsection (b), no vessel to which this section applies may enter a United States port on a voyage (or voyage segment) on which a United States citizen is a passenger unless there is at least 1 crew member onboard who is certified as having successfully completed training in the prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment on passenger vessels under subsection (a).

Struck: "(d) Interim Training Requirement.--No vessel to which this section applies may enter a United States port on a voyage (or voyage segment) on which a United States citizen is a passenger unless there is at least 1 crew member onboard who has been properly trained in the prevention, detection, evidence preservation and the reporting requirements of criminal activities in the international maritime environment. The owner of such a vessel shall maintain certification or other documentation, as prescribed by the Secretary, verifying the training of such individual and provide such documentation upon request for inspection in connection with enforcement of the provisions of this section. This subsection shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act of 2009 and shall remain in effect until superseded by the requirements of subsection (c).

Struck: "(e) Civil Penalty.--Any person that violates this section or a regulation under this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $50,000.

Struck: "(f) Denial of Entry.--The Secretary may deny entry into the United States to a vessel to which this section applies if the owner of the vessel--

Struck: "(1) commits an act or omission for which a penalty may be imposed under subsection (e); or

Struck: "(2) fails to pay a penalty imposed on the owner under subsection (e).".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "3507. Passenger vessel security and safety requirements. "3508. Crime scene preservation training for passenger vessel crew members.".

Struck: SEC. 904. STUDY AND REPORT ON THE SECURITY NEEDS OF PASSENGER VESSELS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Within 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall conduct a study of the security needs of passenger vessels depending on number of passengers on the vessels, and report to the Congress findings of the study and recommendations for improving security on those vessels.

Struck: (b) Report Contents.--In recommending appropriate security on those vessels, the report shall take into account typical crew member shifts, working conditions of crew members, and length of voyages.

Struck: TITLE X--UNITED STATES MARINER PROTECTION

Struck: SEC. 1001. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "United States Mariner and Vessel Protection Act of 2009".

Struck: SEC. 1002. USE FORCE AGAINST PIRACY.

Struck: (a) In General.--Chapter 81 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 8107. Use of force against piracy "A person who uses force at sea to defend a vessel against an act of piracy shall not be liable for monetary damages in any action brought with respect to harm caused by such use of force to anyone engaging in such act of piracy, unless the person using such force knew at the time that it was substantially in excess of what was reasonable in defending the vessel against such act of piracy.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "8107. Use of force against piracy.".

Struck: SEC. 1003. AGREEMENTS.

Struck: To carry out the purpose of this title, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall work through the International Maritime Organization to establish agreements to promote coordinated action among flag- and port-states to deter, protect against, and rapidly respond to acts of piracy against the vessels of, and in the waters under the jurisdiction of, those nations, and to ensure limitations on liability similar to those established by section 8107 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this title.

Struck: TITLE XI--PORT SECURITY

Struck: SEC. 1101. AMERICA'S WATERWAY WATCH PROGRAM.

Struck: (a) Short Title.-- This section may be cited as the "America's Waterway Watch Act".

Struck: (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Homeland Security should establish, within the Department of Homeland Security, citizen watch programs that promote voluntary reporting of suspected terrorist activity and suspicious behavior.

Struck: (c) America's Waterway Watch Program.--

Struck: (1) In general.--There is hereby established, within the Coast Guard, the America's Waterway Watch Program (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Program").

Struck: (2) Purpose.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall administer the Program in a manner that promotes voluntary reporting of activities that may indicate that a person or persons may be preparing to engage or engaging in a violation of law relating to a threat or an act of terrorism (as that term is defined in section 3077 of title 18, United States Code) against a vessel, facility, port, or waterway.

Struck: (3) Information; training.--

Struck: (A) Information.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, may establish, as an element of the Program, a network of individuals and community-based organizations that enhance the situational awareness within the Nation's ports and waterways. Such network shall, to the extent practicable, be conducted in cooperation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.

Struck: (B) Training.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, may provide training in--

Struck: (i) observing and reporting on covered activities; and

Struck: (ii) sharing such reports and coordinating the response by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.

Struck: (4) Instructional materials.--

Struck: (A) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting throgh the Commandant of the Coast Guard, may--

Struck: (i) develop instructional materials that--

Struck: (I) provide information on inland waterways, ports and harbors, and coastal regions for a specific region, as well as specific vulnerabilities and threats common to a specific region; and

Struck: (II) promote voluntary reporting of activities that may indicate that a person or persons may be preparing to engage or engaging in a violation of law relating to a threat or an act of terrorism (as that term is defined in section 3077 of title 18, United States Code) against a vessel, facility, port, or waterway; and

Struck: (ii) distribute such materials to States, political subdivisions of the States, or non- governmental organization that provide instruction on boating or vessel operation in conjunction with any other instruction provided.

Struck: (B) Dissemination.--The Secretary, acting throgh the Commandant--

Struck: (i) shall ensure that such materials are made available to any person or persons; and

Struck: (ii) is authorized to require, as a condition of receipt of funding or materials, pursuant to subparagraph (A), that the recipient of such funding or materials develops a program to reach the widest possible audience.

Struck: (C) Eligibility, federal assistance.--The receipt, use, and dissemination of such materials shall not diminish the eligibility of any State, political subdivision of such State, or non-governmental organization to receive Federal assistance or reduce the amount of Federal assistance that such State, political subdivision of such State, or non- governmental organization that otherwise receive.

Struck: (5) Voluntary participation.--Participation in the Program--

Struck: (A) shall be wholly voluntary;

Struck: (B) shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for, or receipt of, any other service or assistance from, or to participation in, any other program of any kind; and

Struck: (C) shall not require disclosure of information regarding the individual reporting covered activities or, for proprietary purposes, the location of such individual.

Struck: (6) Definitions.--In this subsection:

Struck: (A) The term "covered activity" means any suspicious transaction, activity, or occurrence that involves, or is directed against, a vessel or facility (as that term is defined in section 70101(2) of title 46, United States Code) indicating that an individual or individuals may be preparing to engage, or engaging, in a violation of law relating to--

Struck: (i) a threat to a vessel, facility, port, or waterway; or

Struck: (ii) an act of terrorism (as that term is defined in section 3077 of title 18, United States Code).

Struck: (B) The term "facility" has the same meaning such term has in section 70101(2) of title 46, United States Code.

Struck: (7) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for the purposes of this section $3,000,000 for fiscal years 2010 through 2015. Such funds shall remain available until expended.

Struck: (d) Coordination.-- The Secretary shall coordinate the Program with other like watch programs. The Secretary shall submit, concurrent with the President's budget submission for each fiscal year, a report on coordination of the Program and like watch programs within the Department of Homeland Security to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives.

Struck: SEC. 1102. TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL.

Struck: (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after completing the pilot program under section 70105(k)(1) of title 46, United States Code, to test TWIC access control technologies at port facilities and vessels nationwide, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and to the Comptroller General a report containing an assessment of the results of the pilot. The report shall include--

Struck: (1) the findings of the pilot program with respect to key technical and operational aspects of implementing TWIC technologies in the maritime sector;

Struck: (2) a comprehensive listing of the extent to which established metrics were achieved during the pilot program; and

Struck: (3) an analysis of the viability of those technologies for use in the maritime environment, including any challenges to implementing those technologies and strategies for mitigating identified challenges.

Struck: (b) GAO Assessment.--The Comptroller General shall review the report and submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an assessment of the report's findings and recommendations.

Struck: SEC. 1103. REVIEW OF INTERAGENCY OPERATIONAL CENTERS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General shall provide a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate concerning the establishment of Interagency Operational Centers for Port Security required by section 108 of the SAFE Port Act (Public Law 109-347).

Struck: (b) Report.--The report shall include--

Struck: (1) an examination of the Department's efforts to establish the Interagency Operational Centers;

Struck: (2) a timeline for construction;

Struck: (3) a detailed breakdown, by center, as to the incorporation of those representatives required by section 70107A(b)(3) of title 46, United States Code;

Struck: (4) an analysis of the hurdles faced by the Department in developing these centers;

Struck: (5) information on the number of security clearances attained by State, local, and tribal officials participating in the program; and

Struck: (6) an examination of the relationship between the Interagency Operational Centers and State, local, and regional fusion centers participating in the Department of Homeland Security's State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative under section 511 of the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53), with a particular emphasis on--

Struck: (A) how the centers collaborate and coordinate their efforts;

Struck: (B) the resources allocated by the Coast Guard to both initiatives; and

Struck: (C) architecture for integrated interagency targeting.

Struck: SEC. 1104. MARITIME SECURITY RESPONSE TEAMS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Section 70106 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(c) Maritime Security Response Teams.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--In addition to the maritime safety and security teams, the Secretary shall establish no less than two maritime security response teams to act as the Coast Guard's rapidly deployable counterterrorism and law enforcement response units that can apply advanced interdiction skills in response to threats of maritime terrorism.

Struck: "(2) Minimization of response time.--The maritime security response teams shall be stationed in such a way to minimize, to the extent practicable, the response time to any reported maritime terrorist threat.

Struck: "(d) Coordination With Other Agencies.--To the maximum extent feasible, each maritime safety and security team and maritime security response team shall coordinate its activities with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies.".

Struck: SEC. 1105. COAST GUARD DETECTION CANINE TEAM PROGRAM EXPANSION.

Struck: (a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:

Struck: (1) Canine detection team.--The term "detection canine team" means a canine and a canine handler that are trained to detect narcotics or explosives, or other threats as defined by the Secretary.

Struck: (2) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Struck: (b) Detection Canine Teams.--

Struck: (1) Increased capacity.--Not later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--

Struck: (A) begin to increase the number of detection canine teams certified by the Coast Guard for the purposes of maritime-related security by no fewer than 10 canine teams annually through fiscal year 2012; and

Struck: (B) encourage owners and operators of port facilities, passenger cruise liners, oceangoing cargo vessels, and other vessels identified by the Secretary to strengthen security through the use of highly trained detection canine teams.

Struck: (2) Canine procurement.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall--

Struck: (A) procure detection canine teams as efficiently as possible, including, to the greatest extent possible, through increased domestic breeding, while meeting the performance needs and criteria established by the Commandant;

Struck: (B) support expansion and upgrading of existing canine training facilities operated by the Department of Homeland Security; and

Struck: (C) as appropriate, partner with other Federal, State, or local agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, or the private sector to increase the breeding and training capacity for Coast Guard canine detection teams.

Struck: (c) Deployment.--The Secretary shall prioritize deployment of the additional canine teams to ports based on risk, consistent with the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 (Public Law 109- 347).

Struck: (d) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for fiscal years 2010 through 2012.

Struck: SEC. 1106. COAST GUARD PORT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Struck: (a) In General.--Section 70110 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(f) Coast Guard Assistance Program.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Secretary may lend, lease, donate, or otherwise provide equipment, and provide technical training and support, to the owner or operator of a foreign port or facility--

Struck: "(A) to assist in bringing the port or facility into compliance with applicable International Ship and Port Facility Code standards;

Struck: "(B) to assist the port or facility in meeting standards established under section 70109A of this chapter; and

Struck: "(C) to assist the port or facility in exceeding the standards described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).

Struck: "(2) Conditions.--The Secretary--

Struck: "(A) shall provide such assistance based upon an assessment of the risks to the security of the United States and the inability of the owner or operator of the port or facility otherwise to bring the port or facility into compliance with those standards and to maintain compliance with them;

Struck: "(B) may not provide such assistance unless the port or facility has been subjected to a comprehensive port security assessment by the Coast Guard or a third party entity certified by the Secretary under section 70110A(b) to validate foreign port or facility compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Code standards; and

Struck: "(C) may only lend, lease, or otherwise provide equipment that the Secretary has first determined is not required by the Coast Guard for the performance of its missions.".

Struck: (b) Safety and Security Assistance for Foreign Ports.--

Struck: (1) In general.--Section 70110(e)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: "The Secretary shall establish a strategic plan to utilize those assistance programs to assist ports and facilities that are found by the Secretary under subsection (a) not to maintain effective antiterrorism measures in the implementation of port security antiterrorism measures.".

Struck: (2) Conforming amendments.--

Struck: (A) Section 70110 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (i) by inserting "or facilities" after "ports" in the section heading;

Struck: (ii) by inserting "or facility" after "port" each place it appears; and

Struck: (iii) by striking "Ports" in the heading for subsection (e) and inserting "Ports, Facilities,".

Struck: (B) The chapter analysis for chapter 701 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 70110 and inserting the following:

Struck: "70110. Actions and assistance for foreign ports or facilities and United States territories.".

Struck: SEC. 1107. MARITIME BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION.

Struck: (a) In General.--Within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall conduct, in the maritime environment, a program for the mobile biometric identification of suspected individuals, including terrorists, to enhance border security and for other purposes.

Struck: (b) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure the program required in this section is coordinated with other biometric identification programs within the Department of Homeland Security.

Struck: (c) Cost Analysis.--Within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an analysis of the cost of expanding the Coast Guard's biometric identification capabilities for use by the Coast Guards Deployable Operations Group, cutters, stations, and other deployable maritime teams considered appropriate by the Secretary, and any other appropriate Department of Homeland Security maritime vessels and units. The analysis may include a tiered plan for the deployment of this program that gives priority to vessels and units more likely to encounter individuals suspected of making illegal border crossings through the maritime environment.

Struck: (d) Definition.--For the purposes of this section, the term "biometric identification" means use of fingerprint and digital photography images and facial and iris scan technology.

Struck: (e) Study on Combination of Facial and Iris Recognition.--

Struck: (1) Study required.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall carry out a study on the use by the Coast Guard of the combination of facial and iris recognition to rapidly identify individuals for security purposes. Such study shall focus on--

Struck: (A) increased accuracy of facial recognition;

Struck: (B) enhancement of existing iris recognition technology; and

Struck: (C) establishment of integrated face and iris features for accurate identification of individuals.

Struck: (2) Purpose of study.--The purpose of the study required by paragraph (1) is to facilitate the use of a combination of facial and iris recognition to provide a higher probability of success in identification than either approach on its own and to achieve transformational advances in the flexibility, authenticity, and overall capability of integrated biometric detectors and satisfy one of major issues with war against terrorists. The operational goal of the study should be to provide the capability to nonintrusively collect biometrics (face image, iris) in an accurate and expeditious manner to assist the Coast Guard in fulfilling its mission to protect and support national security.

Struck: SEC. 1108. REVIEW OF POTENTIAL THREATS.

Struck: Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report analyzing the threat, vulnerability, and consequence of a terrorist attack on gasoline and chemical cargo shipments in port activity areas in the United States.

Struck: SEC. 1109. PORT SECURITY PILOT.

Struck: The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a pilot program to test and deploy preventive radiological or nuclear detection equipment on Coast Guard vessels and other locations in select port regions to enhance border security and for other purposes. The pilot program shall leverage existing Federal grant funding to support this program and the procurement of additional equipment.

Struck: SEC. 1110. SEASONAL WORKERS.

Struck: (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the effects that the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (in this section referred to as "TWIC") required by section 70105 of title 46, United States Code, has on companies that employ seasonal employees.

Struck: (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the results of the study, including--

Struck: (1) costs associated in requiring seasonal employees to obtain TWIC cards on companies;

Struck: (2) whether the Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration are processing TWIC applications quickly enough for seasonal workers to obtain TWIC certification;

Struck: (3) whether TWIC compliance costs or other factors have led to a reduction in service;

Struck: (4) the impact of TWIC on the recruiting and hiring of seasonal and other temporary employees; and

Struck: (5) an assessment of possible alternatives to TWIC certification that may be used for seasonal employees including any security vulnerabilities created by those alternatives.

Struck: SEC. 1111. PILOT PROGRAM FOR FINGERPRINTING OF MARITIME WORKERS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish procedures providing for an individual who is required to be fingerprinted for purposes of obtaining a transportation security card under section 70105 of title 46, United States Code, to be fingerprinted at any facility operated by or under contract with an agency of the Department of Homeland Security that fingerprints the public for the Department.

Struck: (b) Expiration.--This section expires on December 31, 2012.

Struck: SEC. 1112. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CARDS ON VESSELS.

Struck: Section 70105(b)(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting after "title" the following: "allowed unescorted access to a secure area designated in a vessel security plan approved under section 70103 of this title"; and

Struck: (2) in subparagraph (D), by inserting after "tank vessel" the following: "allowed unescorted access to a secure area designated in a vessel security plan approved under section 70103 of this title".

Struck: SEC. 1113. INTERNATIONAL LABOR STUDY.

Struck: The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of methods to conduct a background security investigation of an individual who possesses a biometric identification card that complies with International Labor Convention number 185 that are equivalent to the investigation conducted on individuals applying for a visa to enter the United States. The Comptroller General shall submit a report on the study within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

Struck: SEC. 1114. MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

Struck: Section 70112 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by amending subsection (b)(5) to read as follows:

Struck: "(5)(A) The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee shall be composed of--

Struck: "(i) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of the port authorities;

Struck: "(ii) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of the facilities owners or operators;

Struck: "(iii) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of the terminal owners or operators;

Struck: "(iv) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of the vessel owners or operators;

Struck: "(v) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of the maritime labor organizations;

Struck: "(vi) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of the academic community;

Struck: "(vii) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of State or local governments; and

Struck: "(viii) at least 1 individual who represents the interests of the maritime industry.

Struck: "(B) Each Area Maritime Security Advisory Committee shall be composed of individuals who represents the interests of the port industry, terminal operators, port labor organizations, and other users of the port areas."; and

Struck: (2) in subsection (g)--

Struck: (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking "2008;" and inserting "2010;";

Struck: (B) by repealing paragraph (2);

Struck: (C) by striking "(1)"; and

Struck: (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2).

Struck: SEC. 1115. SEAMEN'S SHORESIDE ACCESS.

Struck: Each facility security plan approved under section 70103(c) of title 46, United States Code, shall provide a system for seamen assigned to a vessel at that facility, pilots, and representatives of seamen's welfare and labor organizations to board and depart the vessel through the facility in a timely manner at no cost to the individual.

Struck: SEC. 1116. WATERSIDE SECURITY OF CERTAIN DANGEROUS CARGO.

Struck: (a) National Study.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall--

Struck: (A) initiate a national study to identify measures to improve the security of maritime transportation of certain dangerous cargo; and

Struck: (B) coordinate with other Federal agencies, the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, and appropriate State and local government officials through the Area Maritime Security Committees and other existing coordinating committees, to evaluate the waterside security of vessels carrying, and waterfront facilities handling, certain dangerous cargo.

Struck: (2) Matters to be included.--The study conducted under this subsection shall include--

Struck: (A) an analysis of existing risk assessment information relating to waterside security generated by the Coast Guard and Area Maritime Security Committees as part of the Maritime Security Risk Assessment Model;

Struck: (B) a review and analysis of appropriate roles and responsibilities of maritime stakeholders, including Federal, State, and local law enforcement and industry security personnel, responsible for waterside security of vessels carrying, and waterfront facilities handling, certain dangerous cargo, including--

Struck: (i) the number of ports in which State and local law enforcement entities are providing any services to enforce Coast Guard-imposed security zones around vessels transiting to, through, or from United States ports or to conduct security patrols in United States ports;

Struck: (ii) the number of formal agreements entered into between the Coast Guard and State and local law enforcement entities to engage State and local law enforcement entities in the enforcement of Coast Guard-imposed security zones around vessels transiting to, through, or from United States ports or the conduct of port security patrols in United States ports, the duration of those agreements, and the aid that State and local entities are engaged to provide through such agreements;

Struck: (iii) the extent to which the Coast Guard has set national standards for training, equipment, and resources to ensure that State and local law enforcement entities engaged in enforcing Coast Guard-imposed security zones around vessels transiting to, through, or from United States ports or in conducting port security patrols in United States ports (or both) can deter to the maximum extent practicable a transportation security incident;

Struck: (iv) the extent to which the Coast Guard has assessed the ability of State and local law enforcement entities to carry out the security assignments that they have been engaged to perform, including their ability to meet any national standards for training, equipment, and resources that have been established by the Coast Guard in order to ensure that those entities can deter to the maximum extent practicable a transportation security incident;

Struck: (v) the extent to which State and local law enforcement entities are able to meet national standards for training, equipment, and resources established by the Coast Guard to ensure that those entities can deter to the maximum extent practicable a transportation security incident;

Struck: (vi) the differences in law enforcement authority, and particularly boarding authority, between the Coast Guard and State and local law enforcement entities, and the impact that these differences have on the ability of State and local law enforcement entities to provide the same level of security that the Coast Guard provides during the enforcement of Coast Guard- imposed security zones and the conduct of security patrols in United States ports; and

Struck: (vii) the extent of resource, training, and equipment differences between State and local law enforcement entities and the Coast Guard units engaged in enforcing Coast Guard-imposed security zones around vessels transiting to, through, or from United States ports or conducting security patrols in United States ports;

Struck: (C) recommendations for risk-based security measures to improve waterside security of vessels carrying, and waterfront facilities handling, certain dangerous cargo; and

Struck: (D) identification of security funding alternatives, including an analysis of the potential for cost-sharing by the public and private sectors as well as any challenges associated with such cost- sharing.

Struck: (3) Information protection.--In carrying out the coordination necessary to effectively complete the study, the Commandant shall implement measures to ensure the protection of any sensitive security information, proprietary information, or classified information collected, reviewed, or shared during collaborative engagement with maritime stakeholders and other Government entities, except that nothing in this paragraph shall constitute authority to withhold information from--

Struck: (A) the Congress; or

Struck: (B) first responders requiring such information for the protection of life or property.

Struck: (4) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall submit to the Committees on Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the results of the study under this subsection.

Struck: (b) National Strategy.--Not later than 6 months after submission of the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall develop, in conjunction with appropriate Federal agencies, a national strategy for the waterside security of vessels carrying, and waterfront facilities handling, certain dangerous cargo. The strategy shall utilize the results of the study required by subsection (a).

Struck: (c) Security of Certain Dangerous Cargo.--

Struck: (1) Enforcement of security zones.--Consistent with other provisions of Federal law, the Coast Guard shall coordinate and be responsible for the enforcement of any Federal security zone established by the Coast Guard around a vessel containing certain dangerous cargo. The Coast Guard shall allocate available resources so as to deter and respond to a transportation security incident, to the maximum extent practicable, and to protect lives or protect property in danger.

Struck: (2) Limitation on reliance on state and local government.-- Any security arrangement approved after the date of enactment of this Act to assist in the enforcement of any security zone established by the Coast Guard around a vessel carrying a certain dangerous cargo or around a waterfront facility handling a certain dangerous cargo may not be based upon the provision of security by a State or local government unless the Secretary, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, ensures that the waterborne patrols operated as part of that security arrangement by a State or local government have the training, resources, personnel, and experience necessary to carry out the security responsibilities that they have been engaged to perform in order, to the maximum extent practicable, to deter and respond to a transportation security incident.

Struck: (3) Determination required for new facilities.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, may not approve a facility security plan under section 70103 of title 46, United States Code, for a new facility the construction of which is begun after the date of enactment of this Act, that receives or ships through maritime commerce certain dangerous cargo unless the Secretary determines that there are sufficient resources available to ensure compliance with the facility security plan.

Struck: (4) Resource deficiency reporting.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall provide to the Committees on Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate 90 days after the end of each fiscal year a report indicating--

Struck: (A) the number of security zones established for certain dangerous cargo shipments;

Struck: (B) the number of certain dangerous cargo shipments provided a waterborne security escort, subdivided by Federal, State, local, or private security; and

Struck: (C) an assessment as to any additional vessels, personnel, infrastructure, and other resources necessary to provide waterborne escorts to those certain dangerous cargo shipments for which a security zone is established.

Struck: (d) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section, the follow definitions apply:

Struck: (1) Certain dangerous cargo.--The term "certain dangerous cargo" means a material, or a group or class of material, in a particular amount and form that the Secretary, though the Commandant, determines by regulation poses a significant risk of creating a transportation security incident while being transported in maritime commerce.

Struck: (2) Area maritime security committee.--The term "Area Maritime Security Committee" means each of those committees responsible for producing Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans under chapter 701 of title 46, United States Code.

Struck: (3) Transportation security incident.--The term "transportation security incident" has the same meaning as that term has in section 70101 of title 46, United States Code.

Struck: SEC. 1117. REVIEW OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITIES.

Struck: (a) Notice of Recommendation.--Consistent with other provisions of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security must notify the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission when a recommendation is made that the waterway to a proposed waterside liquefied natural gas facility is suitable or unsuitable for the marine traffic associated with such facility.

Struck: (b) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Response.--The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall respond to the Secretary's recommendation under subsection (a) by informing the Secretary within 90 days of notification or at the conclusion of any available appeal process, whichever is later, of what action the Commission has taken, pursuant to its authorities under the Natural Gas Act, regarding a proposal to construct and operate a waterside liquefied natural gas facility subject to a determination made under subsection (a).

Struck: SEC. 1118. USE OF SECONDARY AUTHENTICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CARDS.

Struck: The Secretary of Homeland Security may use a secondary authentication system for individuals applying for transportation security cards when fingerprints are not able to be taken or read to enhance transportation security.

Struck: SEC. 1119. ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CARD ENROLLMENT SITES.

Struck: (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall prepare an assessment of the enrollment sites for transportation security cards issued under section 70105 of title 46, United States Code, including--

Struck: (1) the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open after the date of enactment of this Act; and

Struck: (2) the quality of customer service, including the periods of time individuals are kept on hold on the telephone, whether appointments are kept, and processing times for applications.

Struck: (b) Timelines and Benchmarks.--The Secretary shall develop timelines and benchmarks for implementing the findings of the assessment as the Secretary deems necessary.

Struck: SEC. 1120. ASSESSMENT OF THE FEASIBILITY OF EFFORTS TO MITIGATE THE THREAT OF SMALL BOAT ATTACK IN MAJOR PORTS.

Struck: The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall assess and report to Congress on the feasibility of efforts to mitigate the threat of small boat attack in security zones of major ports, including specifically the use of transponders or radio frequency identification devices to track small boats.

Struck: SEC. 1121. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FOR UNIFORM SECURITY BACKGROUND CHECKS.

Struck: Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report that contains--

Struck: (1) a review of background checks and forms of identification required under State and local transportation security programs;

Struck: (2) a determination as to whether the background checks and forms of identification required under such programs duplicate or conflict with Federal programs; and

Struck: (3) recommendations on limiting the number of background checks and forms of identification required under such programs to reduce or eliminate duplication with Federal programs.

Struck: SEC. 1122. ANIMAL-PROPELLED VESSELS.

Struck: Notwithstanding section 70105 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary shall not require an individual to hold a transportation security card, or be accompanied by another individual who holds such a card if--

Struck: (1) the individual has been issued a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document under part E of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code;

Struck: (2) the individual is not allowed unescorted access to a secure area designated in a vessel or facility security plan approved by the Secretary; and

Struck: (3) the individual is engaged in the operation of a live animal-propelled vessel.

Struck: SEC. 1123. REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CARDS; ACCESS PENDING ISSUANCE; REDUNDANT BACKGROUND CHECKS.

Struck: Section 70105 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

Struck: "(n) Escorting.--The Secretary shall coordinate with owners and operators subject to this section to allow any individual who has a pending application for a transportation security card under this section or is waiting for reissuance of such card, including any individual whose card has been lost or stolen, and who needs to perform work in a secure or restricted area to have access to such area for that purpose through escorting of such individual in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B) by another individual who holds a transportation security card.

Struck: "(o) Processing Time.--The Secretary shall review an initial transportation security card application and respond to the applicant, as appropriate, including the mailing of an Initial Determination of Threat Assessment letter, within 30 days after receipt of the initial application. The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent practicable, review appeal and waiver requests submitted by a transportation security card applicant, and send a written decision or request for additional information required for the appeal or waiver determination, within 30 days after receipt of the applicant's appeal or waiver written request. For an applicant that is required to submit additional information for an appeal or waiver determination, the Secretary shall send a written decision, to the greatest extent practicable, within 30 days after receipt of all requested information.

Struck: "(p) Receipt of Cards.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, the Secretary shall develop a process to permit an individual approved for a transportation security card under this section to receive the card at the individual's place of residence.

Struck: "(q) Fingerprinting.--The Secretary shall establish procedures providing for an individual who is required to be fingerprinted for purposes of this section to be fingerprinted at facilities operated by or under contract with an agency of the Department of the Secretary that engages in fingerprinting the public for transportation security or other security purposes.

Struck: "(r) Redundant Background Checks.--The Secretary shall prohibit a State or political subdivision thereof from requiring a separate security background check for any purpose for which a transportation security card is issued under this section. The Secretary may waive the application of this subsection with respect to a State or political subdivision thereof if the State or political subdivision demonstrates a compelling homeland security reason that a separate security background check is necessary.".

Struck: SEC. 1124. HARMONIZING SECURITY CARD EXPIRATIONS.

Struck: Section 70105(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

Struck: "(6) The Secretary may extend for up to one year the expiration of a biometric transportation security card required by this section to align the expiration with the expiration of a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner document required under chapter 71 or 73.".

Struck: SEC. 1125. ADMINISTRATION OF MARITIME SECURITY.

Struck: (a) Establish Maritime Security as a Coast Guard Function.--Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Struck: "Sec. 103. Maritime security "To protect life, property, and the environment on, under, and over waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and on vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, the Commandant shall promote maritime security as follows:

Struck: "(1) By taking actions necessary in the public interest to protect such life, property, and the environment.

Struck: "(2) Based on priorities established by the Commandant including--

Struck: "(A) protecting maritime borders from all intrusions, reducing the risk from terrorism to United States passengers at foreign and domestic ports and in designated waterfront facilities, and preventing and responding to terrorist attacks and other homeland security threats;

Struck: "(B) protecting critical maritime infrastructure and other key resources; and

Struck: "(C) preventing, to the maximum extent practicable, a transportation security incident as defined in section 70101 of title 46.".

Struck: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Struck: "Sec. 103. Maritime security.".

Struck: (c) Maritime Security Staff.--

Struck: (1) In general.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following new sections:

Struck: "Sec. 60. Maritime security workforce

Struck: "(a) Designation of Maritime Security Workforce.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall ensure appropriate coverage of maritime security missions within the workforce in each sector.

Struck: "(2) Required positions.--In designating positions under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following maritime security-related positions:

Struck: "(A) Program oversight.

Struck: "(B) Counterterrorism functions.

Struck: "(C) Counterintelligence functions.

Struck: "(D) Criminal investigations related to maritime security.

Struck: "(E) Port security enforcement.

Struck: "(F) Any other activities that the Commandant deems as necessary.

Struck: "(3) Maritime security management activities.--The Secretary shall also designate under paragraph (1) those maritime security-related management positions located at Coast Guard headquarters, Coast Guard Readiness Command, Coast Guard Operations Command, the Deployable Operations Group, and the Intelligence Coordination Center.

Struck: "(b) Career Paths.--The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, may establish appropriate career paths for civilian and military Coast Guard personnel who wish to pursue careers in maritime security are identified in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression of civilians and member of the Armed Forces to the most senior maritime security positions. The Secretary shall make available published information on such career paths.

Struck: "(c) Balanced Workforce Policy.--In the development of maritime security workforce policies under this section with respect to any civilian employees or applicants for employment with the Coast Guard, the Secretary shall, consistent with the merit system principles set out in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2301(b) of title 5, take into consideration the need to maintain a balance workforce in which women and members of racial and ethnic minority groups are appropriately represented in Government service.

Struck: "(d) Sector Chief of Maritime Security.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Commandant may assign, as appropriate, a Chief of Maritime Security 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.

Struck: "(2) Functions.--The Chief of Maritime Security for a sector--

Struck: "(A) is responsible for all individuals who, on behalf of the Coast Guard, conduct port security operations, counterterrorism operations, intelligence and counterintelligence operations, and support national defense operations; and

Struck: "(B) if not the Coast Guard officer in command of that sector, is the principal advisor to the Sector Commander regarding maritime security matters in that sector.

Struck: "(f) Signatories of Letter of Qualification.--Each individual signing a letter of qualification for maritime security personnel must hold a letter of qualification for the type being certified.

Struck: "Sec. 61. Centers of expertise for maritime security

Struck: "(a) Establishment.--The Commandant may establish and operate one or more centers of Maritime Security (in this section referred to as a 'Center').

Struck: "(b) Missions.--The Centers shall--

Struck: "(1) be used to facility education, training, and research in maritime security including maritime domain awareness, counterterrorism policy and operations, and intelligence collection, fusion, and dissemination;

Struck: "(2) develop a repository on information on maritime security; and

Struck: "(3) perform any other function as the Commandant may specify.

Struck: "(c) Joint Operation With Educational Institution Authorized.--The Commandant may enter into an agreement with an appropriate official of an institution of higher education to--

Struck: "(1) provide for joint operation of a Center; and

Struck: "(2) provide necessary administrative service for a Center, including administration and allocation of funds.

Struck: "(d) Acceptance of Donations.--

Struck: "(1) In general.--The Commandant may accept, on behalf of a center, donations to be used to defray the costs of the Center or to enhance the operation of the Center.

Struck: "(2) Guidance.--The Commandant shall prescribe written guidance setting forth the criteria to be used in determining if the acceptance of a donation is appropriate.".

Struck: (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new items:

Struck: "Sec. 60. Maritime security workforce.

Struck: "Sec. 61. Centers of expertise for maritime security.".

Struck: (d) Powers and Duties.--Section 93 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Struck: "(e) In exercising the Commandant's duties and responsibilities with regard to maritime security, the Commandant shall designate a flag officer to serve as the principal advisor to the Commandant for maritime security. The designee shall have at least 10 years combined experience in operations, intelligence, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, port security, criminal investigations (except maritime casualty investigations), and port security or other maritime security functions, and at least four years of leadership experience at a staff or unit carrying out maritime security functions.".

Struck: SEC. 1126. FRESNEL LENS IN THE PRESQUE ISLE LIGHT HOUSE IN PRESQUE ISLE, MICHIGAN.

Struck: The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall conduct a study and analysis of the feasibility of the restoring the Fresnel Lens in the Presque Isle Light House in Presque Isle, Michigan to operating condition to meet the safety needs of commerce and submit within 180 days the report to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee after the date of enactment of this Act.

Struck: TITLE XII--ALIEN SMUGGLING

Struck: SEC. 1201. SHORT TITLE.

Struck: This title may be cited as the "Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2009".

Struck: SEC. 1202. FINDINGS.

Struck: The Congress makes the following findings:

Struck: (1) Alien smuggling by land, air and sea is a transnational crime that violates the integrity of United States borders, compromises our Nation's sovereignty, places the country at risk of terrorist activity, and contravenes the rule of law.

Struck: (2) Aggressive enforcement activity against alien smuggling is needed to protect our borders and ensure the security of our Nation. The border security and anti-smuggling efforts of the men and women on the Nation's front line of defense are to be commended. Special recognition is due the Department of Homeland Security through the United States Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Justice through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Struck: (3) The law enforcement community must be given the statutory tools necessary to address this security threat. Only through effective alien smuggling statutes can the Justice Department, through the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Domestic Security Section of the Criminal Division, prosecute these cases successfully.

Struck: (4) Alien smuggling has a destabilizing effect on border communities. State and local law enforcement, medical personnel, social service providers, and the faith community play important roles in combating smuggling and responding to its effects.

Struck: (5) Existing penalties for alien smuggling are insufficient to provide appropriate punishment for alien smugglers.

Struck: (6) Existing alien smuggling laws often fail to reach the conduct of alien smugglers, transporters, recruiters, guides, and boat captains.

Struck: (7) Existing laws concerning failure to heave to are insufficient to appropriately punish boat operators and crew who engage in the reckless transportation of aliens on the high seas and seek to evade capture.

Struck: (8) Much of the conduct in alien smuggling rings occurs outside of the United States. Extraterritorial jurisdiction is needed to ensure that smuggling rings can be brought to justice for recruiting, sending, and facilitating the movement of those who seek to enter the United States without lawful authority.

Struck: (9) Alien smuggling can include unsafe or recklessly dangerous conditions that expose individuals to particularly high risk of injury or death.

Struck: SEC. 1203. CHECKS AGAINST TERRORIST WATCHLIST.

Struck: The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, to the extent practicable, check against all available terrorist watchlists those persons suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at the land, air, and sea borders of the United States.

Struck: SEC. 1204. STRENGTHENING PROSECUTION AND PUNISHMENT OF ALIEN SMUGGLERS.

Struck: Section 274(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324(a)) is amended--

Struck: (1) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows: "Bringing In, Harboring, and Smuggling of Unlawful and Terrorist Aliens.--";

Struck: (2) by amending paragraphs (1) through (2) to read as follows:

Struck: "(1)(A) Whoever, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an individual is an alien who lacks lawful authority to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowingly--

Struck: "(i) brings that individual to the United States in any manner whatsoever regardless of any future official action which may be taken with respect to such individual;

Struck: "(ii) recruits, encourages, or induces that individual to come to, enter, or reside in the United States;

Struck: "(iii) transports or moves that individual in the United States, in furtherance of their unlawful presence; or

Struck: "(iv) harbors, conceals, or shields from detection the individual in any place in the United States, including any building or any means of transportation; or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (C).

Struck: "(B) Whoever, knowing that an individual is an alien, brings that individual to the United States in any manner whatsoever at a place, other than a designated port of entry or place designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, regardless of whether such individual has received prior official authorization to come to, enter, or reside in the United States and regardless of any future official action which may be taken with respect to such individual, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (C).

Struck: "(C) Whoever commits an offense under this paragraph shall, for each individual in respect to whom such a violation occurs--

Struck: "(i) if the offense results in the death of any person, be fined under title 18, United States Code, and subject to the penalty of death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life;

Struck: "(ii) if the offense involves kidnapping, an attempt to kidnap, the conduct required for aggravated sexual abuse (as defined in section 2241 of title 18, United States Code, without regard to where it takes place), or an attempt to commit such abuse, or an attempt to kill, be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for any term of years or life, or both;

Struck: "(iii) if the offense involves an individual who the defendant knew was engaged in or intended to engage in terrorist activity (as defined in section 212(a)(3)(B)), be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both;

Struck: "(iv) if the offense results in serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of title 18, United States Code) or places in jeopardy the life of any person, be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both;

Struck: "(v) if the offense is a violation of paragraph (1)(A)(i) and was committed for the purpose of profit, commercial advantage, or private financial gain, or if the offense was committed with the intent or reason to believe that the individual unlawfully brought into the United States will commit an offense against the United States or any State that is punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year, be fined under title 18, United States Code, and imprisoned, in the case of a first or second violation, not less than 3 nor more than 10 years, and for any other violation, not less than 5 nor more than 15 years;

Struck: "(vi) if the offense is a violation of paragraph (1)(A)(ii), (iii), or (iv), or paragraph (1)(B), and was committed for the purpose of profit, commercial advantage, or private financial gain, be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both;

Struck: "(vii) if the offense involves the transit of the defendant's spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or niece or nephew, and the offense is not described in any of clauses (i) through (vi), be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both; and

Struck: "(viii) in any other case, be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

Struck: "(2)(A) There is extraterritorial jurisdiction over the offenses described in paragraph (1).

Struck: "(B) In a prosecution for a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to violate, subsection (a)(1)(A)(i), (a)(1)(A)(ii), or (a)(1)(B), that occurs on the high seas, no defense based on necessity can be raised unless the defendant--

Struck: "(i) as soon as practicable, reported to the Coast Guard the circumstances of the necessity, and if a rescue is claimed, the name, description, registry number, and location of the vessel engaging in the rescue; and

Struck: "(ii) did not bring, attempt to bring, or in any manner intentionally facilitate the entry of any alien into the land territory of the United States without lawful authority, unless exigent circumstances existed that placed the life of that alien in danger, in which case the reporting requirement set forth in clause (i) is satisfied by notifying the Coast Guard as soon as practicable after delivering the alien to emergency medical or law enforcement personnel ashore.

Struck: "(C) It is not a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to violate, clause (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (1)(A), or paragraph (1)(A)(ii) (except if a person recruits, encourages, or induces an alien to come to or enter the United States), for a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States, or the agents or officer of such denomination or organization, to encourage, invite, call, allow, or enable an alien who is present in the United States to perform the vocation of a minister or missionary for the denomination or organization in the United States as a volunteer who is not compensated as an employee, notwithstanding the provision of room, board, travel, medical assistance, and other basic living expenses, provided the minister or missionary has been a member of the denomination for at least one year.

Struck: "(D) For purposes of this paragraph and paragraph (1)--

Struck: "(i) the term 'United States' means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States; and

Struck: "(ii) the term 'lawful authority' means permission, authorization, or waiver that is expressly provided for in the immigration laws of the United States or the regulations prescribed under those laws and does not include any such authority secured by fraud or otherwise obtained in violation of law or authority that has been sought but not approved.".

Struck: SEC. 1205. MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Struck: (a) Penalties.--Subsection (b) of section 2237 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Struck: "(b) Whoever intentionally violates this section shall--

Struck: "(1) if the offense results in death or involves kidnapping, an attempt to kidnap, the conduct required for aggravated sexual abuse (as defined in section 2241 without regard to where it takes place), or an attempt to commit such abuse, or an attempt to kill, be fined under such title or imprisoned for any term of years or life, or both;

Struck: "(2) if the offense results in serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of this title) or transportation under inhumane conditions, be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both;

Struck: "(3) if the offense is committed in the course of a violation of section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (alien smuggling); chapter 77 (peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons), section 111 (shipping), 111A (interference with vessels), 113 (stolen property), or 117 (transportation for illegal sexual activity) of this title; chapter 705 (maritime drug law enforcement) of title 46, or title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 (Chapter 30; 40 Stat. 220), be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both; and

Struck: "(4) in any other case, be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.".

Struck: (b) Limitation on Necessity Defense.--Section 2237(c) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by inserting "(1)" after "(c)";

Struck: (c) Definition.--Section 2237(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--

Struck: (1) by striking "and" at the end of paragraph (3);

Struck: (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and inserting "; and"; and

Struck: (3) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(5) the term 'transportation under inhumane conditions' means the transportation of persons in an engine compartment, storage compartment, or other confined space, transportation at an excessive speed, transportation of a number of persons in excess of the rated capacity of the means of transportation, or intentionally grounding a vessel in which persons are being transported.".

Struck: SEC. 1206. AMENDMENT TO THE SENTENCING GUIDELINES.

Struck: (a) In General.--Pursuant to its authority under section 994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this section, the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and, if appropriate, amend the sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of alien smuggling offenses and criminal failure to heave to or obstruction of boarding.

Struck: (b) Considerations.--In carrying out this section, the Sentencing Commission, shall--

Struck: (1) consider providing sentencing enhancements or stiffening existing enhancements for those convicted of offenses described in subsection (a) that--

Struck: (A) involve a pattern of continued and flagrant violations;

Struck: (B) are part of an ongoing commercial organization or enterprise;

Struck: (C) involve aliens who were transported in groups of 10 or more;

Struck: (D) involve the transportation or abandonment of aliens in a manner that endangered their lives; or

Struck: (E) involve the facilitation of terrorist activity; and

Struck: (2) consider cross-references to the guidelines for Criminal Sexual Abuse and Attempted Murder.

Struck: (c) Expedited Procedures.--The Commission may promulgate the guidelines or amendments under this section in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 21(a) of the Sentencing Act of 1987, as though the authority under that Act had not expired.

Struck: TITLE XIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Struck: SEC. 1301. CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION FOR GALLANT LADY.

Struck: Section 1120(c) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 3977) is amended--

Struck: (1) in paragraph (1)--

Struck: (A) by striking "of Transportation" and inserting "of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating"; and

Struck: (B) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(A) the vessel GALLANT LADY (Feadship hull number 672, approximately 168 feet in length).";

Struck: (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) and redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3); and

Struck: (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) by striking all after "shall expire" and inserting "on the date of the sale of the vessel by the owner.".

Struck: SEC. 1302. WAIVERS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 12112 and chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the following vessels:

Struck: (1) OCEAN VERITAS (IMO Number 7366805).

Struck: (2) MAYA (United States official number 11073).

Struck: (3) ZIPPER (State of New York regulation number NY3205EB).

Struck: (4) GULF DIVER IV (United States official number 553457).

Struck: (5) M/V GEYSIR (United States official number 622178).

Struck: (6) St. Mary's Cement (United States official number 699114).

Struck: (b) Drydock Waiver.--Notwithstanding sections 12112, 55102, and 55103 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of documentation the appropriate endorsement for engaging in the coastwise trade in Ketchikan, Alaska, for the Dry Dock #2, State of Alaska registration AIDEA FDD-2.

Struck: SEC. 1303. GREAT LAKES MARITIME RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

Struck: Section 605 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (118 Stat. 1052) is amended--

Struck: (1) in subsection (b)(1)--

Struck: (A) by striking "The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a study that" and inserting "The Institute shall conduct maritime transportation studies of the Great Lakes region, including studies that";

Struck: (B) in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (E), (F), (H), (I), and (J) by striking "evaluates" and inserting "evaluate";

Struck: (C) in subparagraphs (D) and (G) by striking "analyzes" and inserting "analyze";

Struck: (D) by striking "and" at the end of subparagraph (I);

Struck: (E) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (J) and inserting a semicolon;

Struck: (F) by adding at the end the following:

Struck: "(K) identify ways to improve the integration of the Great Lakes marine transportation system into the national transportation system;

Struck: "(L) evaluate the employment base supported by the Great Lakes marine transportation system, including the number and types of jobs, and general demographics about the employees holding those jobs, such as their gender and age;

Struck: "(M) examine the potential of expanded operations on the Great Lakes marine transportation system;

Struck: "(N) identify ways to include intelligent transportation applications into the Great Lakes marine transportation system;

Struck: "(O) analyze the effects and impacts of aging infrastructure and port corrosion on the Great Lakes marine transportation system;

Struck: "(P) establish and maintain a model Great Lakes marine transportation system database; and

Struck: "(Q) identify market opportunities for, and impediments to, the use of United States-flag vessels in trade with Canada on the Great Lakes."; and

Struck: (2) by striking subsection (b)(4) and inserting the following:

Struck: "(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out paragraph (1)--

Struck: "(A) $2,400,000 for fiscal year 2010;

Struck: "(B) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2011;

Struck: "(C) $2,600,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

Struck: "(D) $2,700,000 for fiscal year 2013.".

Struck: SEC. 1304. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD BOAT HOUSE, NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS.

Struck: (a) Station Brant Point Boat House.--

Struck: (1) Requirement.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall convey to the town of Nantucket, Massachusetts, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the buildings known as the Station Brant Point Boat House located at Coast Guard Station Brant Point, Nantucket, Massachusetts, for use for a public purpose.

Struck: (2) Terms of conveyance.--A conveyance of the building under paragraph (1) shall be made--

Struck: (A) without the payment of consideration; and

Struck: (B) subject to appropriate terms and conditions the Secretary considers necessary.

Struck: (3) Reversionary interest.--All right, title, and interest in property conveyed under this subsection shall revert to the United States if any portion of the property is used other than for a public purpose.

Struck: (b) Lease.--

Struck: (1) Requirement.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall enter into a lease with the town of Nantucket that authorizes the town of Nantucket to occupy the land on which the buildings conveyed under subsection (a) are located, subject to appropriate terms and conditions the Secretary considers necessary.

Struck: (2) Lease term.--A lease under this subsection shall not expire before January 31, 2033.

Struck: (3) Termination of lease.--If the Secretary determines that the property leased under paragraph (1) is necessary for purposes of the Coast Guard, the Secretary--

Struck: (A) may terminate the lease without payment of compensation; and

Struck: (B) shall provide the town of Nantucket not less than 12 months notice of the requirement to vacate the site and move the buildings conveyed under subsection (a) to another location.

Struck: SEC. 1305. CREW WAGES ON PASSENGER VESSELS.

Inserted: (1) by striking "does not include the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy." in paragraph (4) and inserting "has the meaning given such term in section 101(4) of title 10.";

Inserted: (2) by striking "and" in paragraph (5)(C);

Inserted: (3) by striking "Affairs." in paragraph (5)(D) and inserting "Affairs; and";

Inserted: (4) by adding at the end of paragraph (5) the following:

Inserted: "(E) the Assistant Commandant of the Coast Guard for Human Resources."; and

Inserted: (5) by adding at the end of paragraph (6) the following:

Inserted: "(E) The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.".

Inserted: (b) Deductions.--

Inserted: (1) Section 2772 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--

Inserted: (A) by striking "of the military department" in subsection (a);

Inserted: (B) by striking "Armed Forces Retirement Home Board" in subsection (b) and inserting "Chief Operating Officer of the Armed Forces Retirement Home"; and

Inserted: (C) by striking subsection (c).

Inserted: (2) Section 1007(i) of title 37, United States Code, is amended--

Inserted: (A) by striking "Armed Forces Retirement Home Board," in paragraph (3) and inserting "Chief Operating Officer of the Armed Forces Retirement Home,"; and

Inserted: (B) by striking "does not include the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy." in paragraph (4) and inserting "has the meaning given such term in section 101(4) of title 10.".

Inserted: (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2010.

Inserted: SEC. 408. CREW WAGES ON PASSENGER VESSELS.

Struck: (3) in section 901(r)(2) (120 Stat. 566) by striking "the" the second place it appears;

Struck: (4) in section 902(c) (120 Stat. 566) by inserting "of the United States" after "Revised Statutes";

Struck: (5) in section 902(e) (120 Stat. 567) is amended--

Struck: (A) by inserting "and" after the semicolon at the end of paragraph (1);

Struck: (B) by striking "and" at the end of paragraph (2)(A); and

Struck: (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2), respectively, and aligning the left margin of such subparagraphs with the left margin of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2);

Struck: (6) in section 902(e)(2)(C) (as so redesignated) by striking "this section" and inserting "this paragraph";

Struck: (7) in section 902(e)(2)(D) (as so redesignated) by striking "this section" and inserting "this paragraph";

Struck: (8) in section 902(h)(1) (120 Stat. 567)--

Struck: (A) by striking "Bisti/De-Na-Zin" and all that follows through "Protection" and inserting "Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management"; and

Struck: (B) by inserting a period after "Commandant of the Coast Guard"; and

Struck: (9) in section 902(k) (120 Stat. 568) is amended--

Struck: (A) by inserting "the Act of March 23, 1906, commonly known as" before "the General Bridge";

Struck: (B) by striking "491)" and inserting "494),"; and

Struck: (C) by inserting "each place it appears" before "and inserting".

Struck: (b) Title 14.--

Struck: (2) Section 70105(c)(3)(C) of such title is amended by striking "National Intelligence Director" and inserting "Director of National Intelligence".

Struck: (d) Deepwater Port Act of 1974.--Section 5(c)(2) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504(c)(2)) is amended by aligning the left margin of subparagraph (K) with the left margin of subparagraph (L).

Struck: (e) Oil Pollution Act of 1990.--

Struck: (1) Section 1004(a)(2) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2704(a)(2)) is amended by striking the first comma following "$800,000".

Struck: (2) The table of sections in section 2 of such Act is amended by inserting a period at the end of the item relating to section 7002.

Struck: (f) Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996.--The table of sections in section 2 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 is amended in the item relating to section 103 by striking "reports" and inserting "report".

Struck: SEC. 1307. CONVEYANCE OF DECOMMISSIONED COAST GUARD CUTTER STORIS.

Struck: (a) In General.--Upon the scheduled decommissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter STORIS, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall convey, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to that vessel to the USCG Cutter STORIS Museum and Maritime Education Center, LLC, located in the State of Alaska if the recipient--

Struck: (1) agrees--

Struck: (A) to use the vessel for purposes of a museum and historical display;

Struck: (B) not to use the vessel for commercial transportation purposes;

Struck: (C) to make the vessel available to the United States Government if needed for use by the Commandant in time of war or a national emergency; and

Struck: (D) to hold the Government harmless for any claims arising from exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls, after conveyance of the vessel, except for claims arising from the use by the Government under subparagraph (C);

Struck: (2) has funds available that will be committed to operate and maintain in good working condition the vessel conveyed, in the form of cash, liquid assets, or a written loan commitment and in an amount of at least $700,000; and

Struck: (3) agrees to any other conditions the Commandant considers appropriate.

Struck: (b) Maintenance and Delivery of Vessel.--

Struck: (1) Maintenance.--Before conveyance of the vessel under this section, the Commandant shall make, to the extent practical and subject to other Coast Guard mission requirements, every effort to maintain the integrity of the vessel and its equipment until the time of delivery.

Struck: (2) Delivery.--If a conveyance is made under this section, the Commandant shall deliver the vessel to a suitable mooring in the local area in its present condition.

Struck: (3) Treatment of conveyance.--The conveyance of the vessel under this section shall not be considered a distribution in commerce for purposes of section 6(e) of Public Law 94-469 (15 U.S.C. 2605(e)).

Struck: (c) Other Excess Equipment.--The Commandant may convey to the recipient of a conveyance under subsection (a) any excess equipment or parts from other decommissioned Coast Guard vessels for use to enhance the operability and function of the vessel conveyed under subsection (a) for purposes of a museum and historical display.

Struck: SEC. 1308. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD HU-25 FALCON JET AIRCRAFT.

Struck: (a) Authority To Convey.--Notwithstanding any other law, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may convey to the Elizabeth City State University (in this section referred to as the "University"), a public university located in the State of North Carolina, without consideration all right, title, and interest of the United States in an HU-25 Falcon Jet aircraft under the administrative jurisdiction of the Coast Guard that the Commandant determines--

Struck: (1) is appropriate for use by the University; and

Struck: (2) is excess to the needs of the Coast Guard.

Struck: (b) Conditions.--

Struck: (1) In general.--As a condition of conveying an aircraft to the University under subsection (a), the Commandant shall enter into an agreement with the University under which the University agrees--

Struck: (A) to utilize the aircraft for educational purposes or other public purposes as jointly agreed upon by the Commandant and the University before conveyance; and

Struck: (B) to hold the United States harmless for any claim arising with respect to the aircraft after conveyance of the aircraft.

Struck: (2) Reversionary interest.--If the Commandant determines that the recipient violated subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), then--

Struck: (A) all right, title, and interest in the aircraft shall revert to the United States;

Struck: (B) the United States shall have the right to immediate possession of the aircraft; and

Struck: (C) the recipient shall pay the United States for its costs incurred in recovering the aircraft for such violation.

Struck: (c) Limitation on Future Transfers.--

Struck: (1) In general.--The Commandant shall include in the instruments for the conveyance a requirement that any further conveyance of an interest in the aircraft may not be made without the approval in advance of the Commandant.

Struck: (2) Reversionary interest.--If the Commandant determines that an interest in the aircraft was conveyed without such approval, then--

Struck: (A) all right, title, and interest in the aircraft shall revert to the United States;

Struck: (B) the United States shall have the right to immediate possession of the aircraft; and

Struck: (C) the recipient shall pay the United States for its costs incurred in recovering the aircraft for such a violation.

Struck: (d) Delivery of Aircraft.--The Commandant shall deliver the aircraft conveyed under subsection (a)--

Struck: (1) at the place where the aircraft is located on the date of the conveyance;

Struck: (2) in its condition on the date of conveyance; and

Inserted: "(4) Prerequisite for community service credits.--The Fund may receive credits pursuant to paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection only when the unobligated balance of the Fund is less than $5,000,000.

Inserted: "(5) Report required.--

Inserted: "(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the Secretary shall not obligate any amount in the Fund in a given fiscal year unless the Secretary has submitted to Congress, concurrent with the President's budget submission for that fiscal year, a report that describes--

Inserted: "(i) the amounts credited to the Fund, pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection, for the preceding fiscal year;

Inserted: "(ii) a detailed description of the activities for which amounts were charged; and

Inserted: "(iii) the projected level of expenditures from the Fund for the coming fiscal year, based on--

Inserted: "(I) on-going activities; and

Inserted: "(II) new cases, derived from historic data.

Inserted: "(B) The limitation in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall not apply to obligations during the first fiscal year during which amounts are credited to the Fund.

Inserted: "(6) Fund manager.--The Secretary shall designate a Fund manager, who shall--

Inserted: "(A) ensure the visibility and accountability of transactions utilizing the Fund;

Inserted: "(B) prepare the report required by paragraph (5); and

Inserted: "(C) monitor the unobligated balance of the Fund and provide notice to the Secretary and the Attorney General whenever the unobligated balance of the Fund is less than $5,000,000.

Inserted: "(c) In General.--

Inserted: "(1) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized--

Inserted: "(A) to pay, in whole or in part, without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation, from amounts in the Fund, necessary support of--

Inserted: "(i) any seafarer who enters, remains, or has been paroled into the United States and is involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard; and

Inserted: "(ii) any seafarer whom the Secretary finds to have been abandoned in the United States; and

Inserted: "(B) to reimburse, in whole or in part, without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation, from amounts in the Fund, a shipowner, who has filed a bond or surety satisfactory pursuant to subparagraph (A) and 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 any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard, for costs of necessary support, when the Secretary deems reimbursement necessary to avoid serious injustice.

Inserted: "(2) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed--

Inserted: "(A) to create a right, benefit, or entitlement to necessary support; or

Inserted: "(B) to compel the Secretary to pay, or reimburse the cost of, necessary support.

Inserted: "(d) Reimbursements; Recovery.--

Inserted: "(1) In general.--Any shipowner shall reimburse the Fund an amount equal to the total amount paid from the Fund for necessary support of the seafarer, plus a surcharge of 25 percent of such total amount if--

Inserted: "(A)(i) the shipowner, during the course of an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that the Coast Guard referred to a United States Attorney or the Attorney General, fails to provide necessary support of a seafarer who has been paroled into the United States to facilitate the investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication; and

Inserted: "(ii) a criminal penalty is subsequently imposed against the shipowner; or

Inserted: "(B) the shipowner, under any circumstance, abandons a seafarer in the United States, as decided by the Secretary.

Inserted: "(2) Enforcement.--If a shipowner fails to reimburse the Fund as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary may--

Inserted: "(A) proceed in rem against any vessel of the shipowner in the Federal district court for the district in which such vessel is found; and

Inserted: "(B) withhold or revoke the clearance, required by section 60105 of this title, of any vessel of the shipowner wherever such vessel is found.

Inserted: "(3) Whenever clearance is withheld or revoked pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection, clearance may be granted if the shipowner reimburses the Fund the amount required under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

Inserted: "(e) Surety; Enforcement of Treaties, Laws, and Regulations.--

Inserted: "(1) Bond and surety authority.--The Secretary is authorized to require a bond or surety satisfactory as an alternative to withholding or revoking clearance required under section 60105 of this title if, in the opinion of the Secretary, such bond or surety satisfactory is necessary to facilitate an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard if the surety corporation providing the bond is authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury under section 9305 of title 31 to provide surety bonds under section 9304 of that title.

Inserted: "(2) Application.--The authority to require a bond or a surety satisfactory or to request the withholding or revocation of the clearance required under section 60105 of this title applies to any investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard.

Inserted: "(f) Definitions.--In this section:

Inserted: "(1) Abandons; abandoned.--The term 'abandons' or 'abandoned' means a shipowner's unilateral severance of ties with a seafarer or the shipowner's failure to provide necessary support of a seafarer.

Inserted: "(2) Bond or surety satisfactory.--The term 'bond or surety satisfactory' means a negotiated instrument, the terms of which may, at the discretion of the Secretary, include provisions that require the shipowner to--

Inserted: "(A) provide necessary support of a seafarer who has or may have information pertinent to an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Secretary;

Inserted: "(B) facilitate an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Secretary;

Inserted: "(C) stipulate to certain incontrovertible facts, including, but not limited to, the ownership or operation of the vessel, or the authenticity of documents and things from the vessel;

Inserted: "(D) facilitate service of correspondence and legal papers;

Inserted: "(E) enter an appearance in United States district court;

Inserted: "(F) comply with directions regarding payment of funds;

Inserted: "(G) name an agent in the United States for service of process;

Inserted: "(H) make stipulations as to the authenticity of certain documents in United States district court;

Inserted: "(I) provide assurances that no discriminatory or retaliatory measures will be taken against a seafarer involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Secretary;

Inserted: "(J) provide financial security in the form of cash, bond, or other means acceptable to the Secretary; and

Inserted: "(K) provide for any other appropriate measures as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure the Government is not prejudiced by granting the clearance required by section 60105 of title 46.

Inserted: "(3) Fund.--The term 'Fund' means the Support of Seafarers Fund, established pursuant to this section.

Inserted: "(4) Necessary support.--The term 'necessary support' means normal wages, lodging, subsistence, clothing, medical care (including hospitalization), repatriation, and any other expense the Secretary deems appropriate.

Inserted: "(5) Seafarer.--The term 'seafarer' means an alien crewman who is employed or engaged in any capacity on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

Inserted: "(6) Shipowner.--The term 'shipowner' means the individual or entity that owns, has an ownership interest in, or operates a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

Inserted: "(7) Vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the united states.--The term 'vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States' has the same meaning it has in section 70502(c) of this title, except that it excludes a vessel owned or bareboat chartered and operated by the United States, by a State or political subdivision thereof, or by a foreign nation, except when that vessel is engaged in commerce.

Inserted: "(g) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe regulations to implement this section.

Inserted: "(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012.".

Inserted: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 111 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Inserted: "11113. Protection and fair treatment of seafarers".

Inserted: TITLE V--ACQUISITION REFORM

Inserted: SEC. 501. CHIEF ACQUISITION OFFICER.

Inserted: (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Inserted: "Sec. 55. Chief Acquisition Officer

Inserted: "(a) In General.--There shall be in the Coast Guard a Chief Acquisition Officer selected by the Commandant who shall be a Rear Admiral or civilian from the Senior Executive Service (career reserved). The Chief Acquisition Officer shall serve at the Assistant Commandant level and have acquisition management as that individual's primary duty.

Inserted: "(b) Qualifications.--The Chief Acquisition Officer shall be an acquisition professional with a Level III certification and must have at least 10 years experience in an acquisition position, of which at least 4 years were spent as--

Inserted: "(1) the program executive officer;

Inserted: "(2) the program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program;

Inserted: "(3) the deputy program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition; or

Inserted: "(4) a combination of such positions.

Inserted: "(c) Functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer.--The functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer include--

Inserted: "(1) monitoring the performance of programs and projects on the basis of applicable performance measurements and advising the Commandant, through the chain of command, regarding the appropriate business strategy to achieve the missions of the Coast Guard;

Inserted: "(2) maximizing the use of full and open competition at the prime contract and subcontract levels in the acquisition of property, capabilities, and services by the Coast Guard by establishing policies, procedures, and practices that ensure that the Coast Guard receives a sufficient number of competitive proposals from responsible sources to fulfill the Government's requirements, including performance and delivery schedules, at the lowest cost or best value considering the nature of the property or service procured;

Inserted: "(3) making acquisition decisions in concurrence with the technical authority, or technical authorities, as appropriate, of the Coast Guard, as designated by the Commandant, consistent with all other applicable laws and decisions establishing procedures within the Coast Guard;

Inserted: "(4) ensuring the use of detailed performance specifications in instances in which performance based contracting is used;

Inserted: "(5) managing the direction of acquisition policy for the Coast Guard, including implementation of the unique acquisition policies, regulations, and standards of the Coast Guard;

Inserted: "(6) developing and maintaining an acquisition career management program in the Coast Guard to ensure that there is an adequate acquisition workforce;

Inserted: "(7) assessing the requirements established for Coast Guard personnel regarding knowledge and skill in acquisition resources and management and the adequacy of such requirements for facilitating the achievement of the performance goals established for acquisition management;

Inserted: "(8) developing strategies and specific plans for hiring, training, and professional development; and

Inserted: "(9) reporting to the Commandant, through the chain of command, on the progress made in improving acquisition management capability.".

Inserted: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Inserted: "55. Chief Acquisition Officer".

Inserted: (c) Selection Deadline.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, but no later than October 1, 2011, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall select a Chief Acquisition Officer under section 55 of title 14, United States Code.

Inserted: SEC. 502. ACQUISITIONS.

Inserted: (a) In General.--Part I of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 13 the following:

Inserted: "CHAPTER 15. ACQUISITIONS

Inserted: "Subchapter 1--General Provisions "Sec.

Inserted: "561. Acquisition directorate "562. Senior acquisition leadership team "563. Improvements in Coast Guard acquisition management "564. Recognition of Coast Guard personnel for excellence in acquisition "565. Prohibition on use of lead systems integrators "566. Required contract terms "567. Department of Defense consultation "568. Undefinitized contractual actions "Subchapter 2--Improved Acquisition Process and Procedures "Sec.

Inserted: "571. Identification of major system acquisitions "572. Acquisition "573. Preliminary development and demonstration "574. Acquisition, production, deployment, and support "575. Acquisition program baseline breach "Subchapter 3--Definitions "Sec.

Inserted: "581. Definitions "Subchapter 1--General Provisions " 561. Acquisition directorate

Inserted: "(a) Establishment.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish an acquisition directorate to provide guidance and oversight for the implementation and management of all Coast Guard acquisition processes, programs, and projects.

Inserted: "(b) Mission.--The mission of the acquisition directorate is--

Inserted: "(1) to acquire and deliver assets and systems that increase operational readiness, enhance mission performance, and create a safe working environment; and

Inserted: "(2) to assist in the development of a workforce that is trained and qualified to further the Coast Guard's missions and deliver the best value products and services to the Nation.

Inserted: " 562. Senior acquisition leadership team

Inserted: "(a) Establishment.--The Commandant shall establish a senior acquisition leadership team within the Coast Guard comprised of--

Inserted: "(1) the Vice Commandant;

Inserted: "(2) the Deputy and Assistant Commandants;

Inserted: "(3) appropriate senior staff members of each Coast Guard directorate;

Inserted: "(4) appropriate senior staff members for each assigned field activity or command; and

Inserted: "(5) any other Coast Guard officer or employee designated by the Commandant.

Inserted: "(b) Function.--The senior acquisition leadership team shall--

Inserted: "(1) meet at the call of the Commandant at such places and such times as the Commandant may require;

Inserted: "(2) provide advice and information on operational and performance requirements of the Coast Guard;

Inserted: "(3) identify gaps and vulnerabilities in the operational readiness of the Coast Guard;

Inserted: "(4) make recommendations to the Commandant and the Chief Acquisition Officer to remedy the identified gaps and vulnerabilities in the operational readiness of the Coast Guard; and

Inserted: "(5) contribute to the development of a professional, experienced acquisition workforce by providing acquisition-experience tours of duty and educational development for officers and employees of the Coast Guard.

Inserted: " 563. Improvements in Coast Guard acquisition management

Inserted: "(a) Project and Program Managers.--

Inserted: "(1) Project or program manager defined.--In this section, the term 'project or program manager' means an individual designated--

Inserted: "(A) to develop, produce, and deploy a new asset to meet identified operational requirements; and

Inserted: "(B) to manage cost, schedule, and performance of the acquisition or project or program.

Inserted: "(2) Level 1 projects.-- An individual may not be assigned as the project or program manager for a Level 1 acquisition unless the individual holds a Level III acquisition certification as a program manager.

Inserted: "(3) Level 2 projects.--An individual may not be assigned as the project or program manager for a Level 2 acquisition unless the individual holds a Level II acquisition certification as a program manager.

Inserted: "(b) Guidance on Tenure and Accountability of Program and Project Managers.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal years 2010 and 2011, the Commandant shall issue guidance to address the qualifications, resources, responsibilities, tenure, and accountability of program and project managers for the management of acquisition programs and projects. The guidance shall address, at a minimum--

Inserted: "(1) the qualifications required for project or program managers, including the number of years of acquisition experience and the professional training levels to be required of those appointed to project or program management positions; and

Inserted: "(2) authorities available to project or program managers, including, to the extent appropriate, the authority to object to the addition of new program requirements that would be inconsistent with the parameters established for an acquisition program.

Inserted: "(c) Acquisition Workforce.--

Inserted: "(1) In general.--The Commandant shall designate a sufficient number of positions to be in the Coast Guard's acquisition workforce to perform acquisition-related functions at Coast Guard headquarters and field activities.

Inserted: "(2) Required positions.--The Commandant shall ensure that members of the acquisition workforce have expertise, education, and training in at least 1 of the following acquisition career fields:

Inserted: "(A) Acquisition logistics.

Inserted: "(B) Auditing.

Inserted: "(C) Business, cost estimating, and financial management.

Inserted: "(D) Contracting.

Inserted: "(E) Facilities engineering.