Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 10, 2014. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 - Title I: Authorization - (Sec. 101) Authorizes FY2015 appropriations for the Coast Guard for:

 operation and maintenance; the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; the Coast Guard Reserve program; environmental compliance and restoration of Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and facilities; research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors related to search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness; and alteration or removal of bridges over navigable waters of the United States constituting obstructions to navigation, and for personnel and administrative costs associated with the Alteration of Bridges Program. (Sec. 102) Authorizes for FY2015 end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 and military training student loads.

Title II: Coast Guard - (Sec. 201) Reduces from 7,200 to 6,000 the number of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, subject to current exceptions.

 (Sec. 202) Designates the date on which the term for the Commandant of the Coast Guard begins and ends.

 (Sec. 203) Identifies the skills and qualifications necessary for a career as a waterways operations manager or a facility safety and security specialist.

 (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Coast Guard’s centers of expertise for prevention and response to conduct experiments and investigate plans, devices, and inventions relating to the performance of Coast Guard functions.

 (Sec. 205) Increases the amount of certain fines and penalties for tampering with aids to navigation and making false distress calls.

 (Sec. 206) Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into cooperative agreements with public and private entities and foreign nations for conducting experiments and investigating plans, devices, and inventions relating to the performance of Coast Guard functions. Authorizes the Coast Guard to impose and collect a fee from those entities for expenses incurred in carrying out the agreements.

 (Sec. 208) Permits proceeds received from the lease of lighthouse properties under the Coast Guard’s administrative control to be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund for the construction and renovation of servicemember housing. (Currently, the proceeds are deposited in the Treasury.)

 (Sec. 209) Authorizes the Coast Guard to lease submerged lands and tidelands under its control for periods longer than five years.

 (Sec. 210) Requires the Coast Guard to provide notification to the public, governors of affected states, and Congress 90 days in advance of a determination that a waterway is subject to Coast Guard jurisdiction.

 (Sec. 211) Modifies the membership and duties of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy. Establishes the terms for Academy members. Directs the Board to report to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Congress after each annual Academy visit.

 (Sec. 212) Authorizes DHS to retire Coast Guard flag officers without the review of the Department of Defense (DOD) unless the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy.

 (Sec. 213) Repeals a limitation on issuing more than one medal of honor to any one person.

 (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Coast Guard to:

 establish an office for developing, promulgating, and coordinating policies, programs, and activities related to Coast Guard members’ families; provide tuition assistance to eligible spouses of servicemembers; and establish within any Coast Guard unit an initiative to help servicemembers’ children integrate into new surroundings. Requires the Coast Guard to direct each of its child development centers to meet standards that ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the centers’ children and employees and employee training requirements. Directs the Coast Guard to require that each center has a board of parents of children attending the center. Authorizes the Coast Guard to establish a parent participation initiative at each center.

 Expresses the sense of Congress that the amount of funds appropriated for operating expenses related to Coast Guard child development services should not be less than the amount of the child development center fee receipts estimated to be collected by the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 215) Requires the Coast Guard to submit to Congress an integrated major acquisition mission need statement on the date the President submits a budget for FY2016, FY2019 and every four years thereafter. Requires the statement to: (1) identify current and projected gaps in Coast Guard mission capabilities, (2) explain how each major acquisition program (an ongoing acquisition with a cost estimate of at least $300 million) addresses the gaps if funded at the levels provided for the program in the Coast Guard’s most recently submitted capital investment plan, and (3) describe the missions the Coast Guard will not be able to achieve for each gap.

 (Sec. 216) Requires DHS to submit each fiscal year a Coast Guard authorization request that recommends end strengths for personnel and authorizations of appropriations.

 (Sec. 217) Requires the Coast Guard to: (1) establish, maintain, and update an inventory of property under its control, including submerged lands; (2) assess the condition of each property; and (3) make recommendations on divesting and consolidating any of those properties to Congress every five years.

 (Sec. 219) Modifies the limitation on the number of days within a specified period that an organized training unit or member of the Coast Guard Ready Reserve may be ordered to serve in active duty for an emergency augmentation of regular forces.

 (Sec. 220) Extends through FY2017 the Coast Guards authority to hire acquisition workforce on an expedited basis.

 (Sec. 221) Revises, repeals, and consolidates various reporting requirements.

 (Sec. 223) Authorizes DHS to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters (vessels that are 65 feet or greater) and associated equipment.

 (Sec. 224) Directs DHS to submit to Congress a schedule and plan for enhancing the maintenance or extending the service life of medium endurance cutter mission capability.

 (Sec. 225) Authorizes DHS to request and accept a miltary-to-military transfer and conversion of H-60 helicopters for year round use in the Coast Guard’s Ninth District (the Great Lakes region).

Prohibits the Coast Guard from: (1) closing an air facility that was in operation on November 30, 2014; or (2) retiring, transfering, relocating, or deploying an aviation asset from those air facility for the purpose of closing such facility. Terminates this prohibition on January 1, 2016.

 (Sec. 226) Requires the Coast Guard to report on any gaps that exist in writing on the history of the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 227) Requires the Coast Guard to assess the Coast Guard’s officer evaluation reporting system.

 (Sec. 228) Requires DHS to establish a process that allows an operator of a nonfederal vessel traffic information service to use the automatic identification system to transmit weather, ice, and important navigation safety information to vessels.

 (Sec. 229) Prohibits DHS from dismantling or disposing of infrastructure that supported the former LORAN system (long range radio aid to navigation system) until the later of: (1) one year after this Act’s enactment; or (2) the date on which DHS notifies Congress that the infrastructure is not required to provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system as a redundant capability in the event Global Positioning System signals are disrupted. Provides an exception for activities necessary for the safety of human life.

 Permits DHS to enter agreements with entities to develop another system to provide such redundant capability, including an enhanced LORAN system.

 (Sec. 230) Requires the Coast Guard to analyze and report on any deficiencies that exist in Coast Guard resources with respect to maritime border security in the Great Lakes, the coastal areas in the Southeast and Southwest, and the Western Hemisphere Drug Transit Zone.

 (Sec. 231) Requires DHS to report on efforts to modernize the National Distress and Response System in the Rescue 21 project in Alaska and in Coast Guard sectors of the Upper Mississippi River, Lower Mississippi River, and Ohio River Valley.

 (Sec. 232) Requires the Coast Guard to outline and report on a course of action to reconcile general maintenance priorities for cutters with operations priorities on the Missouri River.

 (Sec. 233) Requires the Coast Guard to assess and report on the Maritime Search and Rescue Assistance policy as it related to state and local responders.

Title III: Shipping and Navigation - (Sec. 301) Repeals a requirement that the Department of Commerce promote the development and use of mobile trade fairs to show and sell products of U.S. business and agriculture at foreign ports and commercial centers.

 (Sec. 302) Authorizes Department of Transportation (DOT) to donate government property administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for historical purposes, except real estate or vessels, to nonprofit organizations, states, or political subdivisions.

 (Sec. 303) Reauthorizes through FY2017 appropriations to MARAD for a program that provides assistance for small shipyards and maritime communities.

 (Sec. 304) Directs federal agencies that operate vessels to report drug test violations by employment applicants to the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 305) Requires DHS to provide veterans with documentation of their sea service. Directs the Coast Guard to promote awareness among its personnel of post-service use of Coast Guard training, education, and practical experience in satisfaction of requirements for merchant mariner credentials.

 (Sec. 306) Redefines “high-risk waters,” for purposes of determining when owners or operators of U.S. vessels carrying government-impelled cargo are to be reimbursed for the cost of providing armed on-board safety personnel, as waters: (1) so designated by the Coast Guard in the appropriate maritime security directive, and (2) in which DOT determines an act of piracy is likely to occur based on documented acts of piracy that occurred in such waters during the 12-month period preceding the applicable voyage.

(Sec. 308) Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the number of jobs that would be created in the U.S. maritime industry in each of years 2015-2025 if liquefied natural gas exported from the United States were required to be carried: (1) before December 31, 2018, on vessels documented under the laws of the United States; and (2) after such date, on vessels documented under U.S. laws and constructed in the United States.

 (Sec. 309) Reauthorizes the Fishing Safety Grant Program through FY2017.

 (Sec. 310) Directs DHS to establish a Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee to advise DHS on matters relation to personnel in the U.S. merchant marine and comment on proposed Coast Guard regulations relating to those personnel. Authorizes the Committee to conduct studies and make its recommendations available to Congress.

 Terminates the Committee on September 30, 2020.

 (Sec. 311) Authorizes DHS to accept in-kind reimbursement for transportation, travel, and subsistence when inspecting certain vessels.

 (Sec. 312) Requires DHS to provide notice of major marine casualties to state and tribal governments within 24 hours of it being reported to DHS.

(Sec. 313) Amends provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) related to area contingency plans for the discharge of oil and hazardous substances, by authorizing Indian tribes to participate in area committees established to plan for responses to spills and requiring the plans to include a framework for advance planning and decision making with respect to the closing and reopening of fishing areas following a discharge.

(Sec. 314) Prohibits the Coast Guard from disseminating data it collected in an ice patrol about iceberg locations and dangerous ice conditions in the North Atlantic Ocean to vessels of nations that failed to reimburse the Coast Guard for this service as required.

(Sec. 315) Establishes a process for DHS to delegate to classification societies (non-governmental organizations that act on the Coast Guard's behalf in caring out certification and inspection activities) the authority to inspect offshore supply vessels.

Requires DHS to report to Congress within specified periods regarding: (1) the number of vessels for which a delegation was made, (2) any savings in personnel and operational costs incurred by the Coast Guard that resulted from the delegation, and (3) any impacts of the delegations on the operational safety of vessels and vessel crews.

(Sec. 317) Directs DHS to require that each vessel response plan prepared for a mobile offshore drilling unit include information from the facility response plan prepared for the unit regarding the planned response to a worst case discharge and to a threat of those discharges.

(Sec. 318) Revises the amount owners or operators of terminal facilities, offshore facilities, or crude oil tankers are required to provide to Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council in Alaska each year.

(Sec. 319) Increases the number of passengers (from 6 to 12) that a U.S. owned, uninspected, passenger vessels that is less than 24 meters in length and is operating in the U.S. Virgin Islands may carry if certain safety requirements are met.

(Sec. 320) Establishes an Abandoned Seafarers Fund to provide support for foreign seafarers who are required to remain in the United States because they are either paroled or and are involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of laws by the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 321) Moves the responsibility of maintaining a website concerning crimes on cruise vessels from DHS to DOT.

 (Sec. 322) Prohibits DHS from finalizing a regulation relating to safety and environmental management system requirements for vessels on the United States Outer Continental Shelf that was proposed on September 10, 2013, until six months after it has submitted an analysis of the proposed regulation and the impact of the rule.

Title IV: Federal Maritime Commission - (Sec. 401) Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for FY2015.

 (Sec. 402) Authorizes reasonable attorney fees to be awarded to prevailing parties in actions filed with FMC concerning a violation of ocean shipping law.

 (Sec. 403) Revises terms of office requirements for FMC Commissioners. Prohibits Commissioners from serving more than one year after their five year term expires and from serving more than two terms.

 Establishes conflict of interest requirements applicable to FMC Commissioners.

Title V: Artic Maritime Transportation - (Sec. 501) Encourages DHS 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:

 placement and maintenance of aids to navigation; appropriate marine safety, tug, and salvage capabilities; oil spill prevention and response capability; maritime domain awareness, including long-range vessel tracking; and search and rescue. Directs the Committee on the Maritime Transportation System to coordinate the establishment of domestic transportation policies in the Arctic necessary to ensure safe and secure maritime shipping. Authorizes DHS to enter into agreements with, or make grants to, individuals and governments to ensure safe and secure maritime shipping in the Arctic.

 Requires DHS to promote safe maritime navigation by means of icebreaking where necessary, feasible, and effective.

 (Sec. 502) Requires the Coast Guard to improve maritime domain awareness in the Arctic and submit a five-year strategic plan every five years to guide interagency and international intergovernmental cooperation and coordination for improving this awareness.

 (Sec. 503) Requires DHS to report on the status of the negotiations at the International Maritime Organization regarding the establishment of a draft international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters, popularly known as the Polar Code. Directs the report to address the impacts of the Code for coastal communities located in the Arctic on the costs of delivering fuel and freight and maritime transportation safety.

 (Sec. 504) Authorizes DHS to construct facilities in the Arctic to:

 support aircraft maintenance; provide shelter for both current helicopter assets and those projected to be located at Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, for at least 20 years; and include accommodations for personnel. (Sec. 505) Amends the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 to authorize the Coast Guard to decommission the icebreaker cutter named the Polar Sea if DHS does not make a determination regarding whether it is cost-effective to reactivate the icebreaker. Requires the Coast Guard to submit to Congress:

 a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's Arctic ice operations needs through September 30, 2050; and a bridging strategy for maintaining the Coast Guard's polar icebreaking services until at least September 30, 2024, unless DHS determines that it is cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea. Authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct a service life extension of seven to ten years for the Polar Sea cutter upon the submission of a service life extension plan.

 (Sec. 506) Requires the President to facilitate planning for the design, procurement, maintenance, deployment, and operation of icebreakers as needed to support the statutory missions of the Coast Guard in the polar regions by allocating all funds to support icebreaking operations in those regions, except for recurring incremental costs associated with specific projects, to the Coast Guard.

Title VI: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 601) Revises manning requirements relating to certain U.S. purse seine fishing vessels (commonly referred to as the distant water tuna fleet) engaging foreign citizens. (Manning requirements include regulations that govern the nationality of the crew, the required number of crew, and crew qualifications on ships.)

 (Sec. 602) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to extend for three years a provision which prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for a vessel that is less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel for any discharge: (1) of effluent from properly functioning marine engines; (2) of laundry, shower, and galley sink wastes; or (3) that is incidental to the normal operation of those vessels. (This prohibition does not apply with respect to garbage discharged overboard, other discharges when the vessel is operating in a capacity other than as a means of transportation, discharges of ballast water held in ships to increase stability, or any discharge that contributes to a violation of a water quality standard or poses an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.)

 (Sec. 603) Directs DOT to submit to Congress a national maritime strategy that:

 identifies federal regulations that reduce the competitiveness of U.S. flag vessels in international markets; identifies the impact of reduced cargo flow due to reductions in the number of Armed Forces members stationed or deployed outside the United States; and includes recommendations to make U.S. flag vessels more competitive in shipping routes, and to enhance U.S. shipbuilding capability. Requires DOT to recommend strategies to increase the use of U.S. flag vessels to carry imports and exports, third-party inspection and certification authorities, and short sea transportation routes.

 (Sec. 604) Exempts the vessel "John Craig" (United States official number D1110613) from a requirement that passenger vessel operators be licensed by DHS, provided that Kentucky has implemented a similar licensing requirement and the vessel is operating on a specified portion of the River.

 Authorizes DHS to issue a coastwise endorsement to the “F/V Western Challenger” (IMO number 5388108). (A coastwise endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in unrestricted coastwise trade, dredging, towing, and any other employment for which a registry or fishery endorsement is not required.)

 (Sec. 605) Directs the Coast Guard to arrange for an assessment by the National Academy of Sciences of authorities concerning vessels and seamen that have been delegated to the Coast Guard and impact the ability of vessels documented under U.S. laws to effectively compete in international transportation markets. Requires the Coast Guard to report on the assessment.

 (Sec. 606) Requires DHS to report on the status of the final rule that relates to the Coast Guard’s Notice of Arrival and Departure (NOAD) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) requirements.

 (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Coast Guard to convey 0.2 acres of property at 527 River Street in Rochester, New York to Rochester, New York.

 (Sec. 608) Authorizes the Department of the Interior to convey 0.86 acres of fast lands in the narrows of Puget Sound, Washington to Gig Harbor, Washington upon the Coast Guard's relinquishment of the property.

 (Sec. 609) Deems the vessel assigned U.S. official number 1205366 (rebuilt after a fire) to be a new vessel on the date of delivery of the vessel after January 1, 2012, from a privately owned U.S. shipyard if no encumbrances are on record with the Coast Guard at the time of the issuance of the new certificate of documentation.

 (Sec. 610) Bars DHS and EPA from prohibiting a vessel operating within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve from taking up or discharging ballast water to allow for safe and efficient vessel operation if the uptake or discharge meets all federal and state ballast water management requirements that would apply if the area were not a marine sanctuary.

 (Sec. 611) Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to allocate and assign a specified number of parking spaces at DHS' St. Elizabeth Campus to Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Campus based on a schedule.

measure amended passed senate december summary version repeated maritime transportation act title authorization sec authorizes fy2015 appropriations coast_guard operation maintenance acquisition construction rebuilding improvement aids navigation shore offshore facilities vessels aircraft coast_guard_reserve program environmental compliance restoration coast_guard vessels aircraft facilities research development test evaluation technologies materials human factors related search rescue aids navigation marine safety marine environmental protection enforcement laws treaties ice operations oceanographic research defense readiness alteration removal bridges navigable waters united_states constituting obstructions navigation personnel administrative costs associated sec authorizes fy2015 end year strength active duty personnel military training student loads title coast guard sec reduces number commissioned officers active duty promotion list subject current exceptions sec designates date term commandant coast guard begins ends sec identifies skills qualifications necessary career waterways operations manager facility safety security specialist sec authorizes coast_guard centers expertise prevention response conduct experiments investigate plans devices inventions relating performance coast_guard functions sec increases certain fines penalties tampering aids navigation making false distress calls sec authorizes coast_guard enter cooperative agreements public private entities foreign nations conducting experiments investigating plans devices inventions relating performance coast_guard functions authorizes coast_guard impose collect fee entities expenses incurred carrying agreements sec permits proceeds received lease lighthouse properties coast_guard administrative control deposited coast_guard_housing_fund construction renovation servicemember housing currently proceeds deposited treasury sec authorizes coast_guard lease submerged lands tidelands control periods longer years sec requires coast_guard provide notification public governors affected states congress days advance determination waterway subject coast_guard jurisdiction sec modifies membership duties board_of_visitors coast_guard_academy establishes terms academy members directs board report department_of_homeland_security dhs congress annual academy visit sec authorizes dhs retire coast_guard flag officers review department_of_defense dod coast_guard operating service navy sec repeals limitation issuing medal honor person sec authorizes coast_guard establish office developing promulgating coordinating policies programs activities related coast_guard members families provide tuition assistance eligible spouses servicemembers establish coast_guard unit initiative help servicemembers children integrate new requires coast_guard direct child development centers meet standards ensure health safety welfare centers children employees employee training requirements directs coast_guard require center board parents children attending center authorizes coast_guard establish parent participation initiative center expresses sense congress funds appropriated operating expenses related coast_guard child development services child development center fee receipts estimated collected coast_guard sec requires coast_guard submit congress integrated major acquisition mission need statement date president submits budget fy2016 fy2019 years requires statement identify current projected gaps coast_guard mission capabilities explain major acquisition program ongoing acquisition cost estimate million addresses gaps funded levels provided program coast_guard recently submitted capital investment plan describe missions coast_guard able achieve gap sec requires dhs submit fiscal year coast_guard authorization request recommends end strengths personnel authorizations appropriations sec requires coast_guard establish maintain update inventory property control including submerged lands assess condition property recommendations divesting consolidating properties congress years sec modifies limitation number days specified period organized training unit member ordered serve active duty emergency augmentation regular forces sec extends fy2017 coast guards authority hire acquisition workforce expedited basis sec revises repeals consolidates reporting requirements sec authorizes dhs enter multiyear contracts procurement vessels feet greater associated equipment sec directs dhs submit congress schedule plan enhancing maintenance extending service life medium cutter mission capability sec authorizes dhs request accept military transfer conversion helicopters year round use coast_guard great_lakes region closing air facility operation november retiring relocating deploying aviation asset air facility purpose closing facility terminates prohibition january sec requires coast_guard report gaps exist writing history coast_guard sec requires coast_guard assess coast_guard officer evaluation reporting system sec requires dhs establish process allows operator nonfederal vessel traffic information service use automatic identification system transmit weather ice important navigation safety information vessels sec prohibits dhs dismantling disposing infrastructure supported loran system long range radio aid navigation system later year act enactment date dhs notifies congress infrastructure required provide positioning navigation timing system redundant capability event global_positioning_system signals disrupted provides exception activities necessary safety human life permits dhs enter agreements entities develop system provide redundant capability including enhanced loran system sec requires coast_guard analyze report deficiencies exist coast_guard resources respect maritime border security great lakes coastal areas southeast southwest sec requires dhs report efforts modernize response system rescue project alaska coast_guard sectors upper_mississippi_river sec requires coast_guard outline report course action reconcile general maintenance priorities cutters operations priorities missouri_river sec requires coast_guard assess report maritime search policy related state local responders title iii shipping repeals requirement department_of_commerce promote development use mobile trade fairs sell products business agriculture foreign ports commercial centers sec dot donate government property administered maritime_administration historical purposes real estate vessels nonprofit organizations states political subdivisions sec reauthorizes fy2017 appropriations program provides assistance small shipyards maritime communities sec directs federal agencies operate vessels report drug test violations employment applicants coast_guard sec requires dhs provide veterans documentation sea service directs coast_guard promote awareness personnel post service use coast_guard training education practical experience satisfaction requirements merchant mariner credentials sec redefines high risk waters purposes determining owners operators vessels carrying government cargo reimbursed cost providing armed board safety personnel waters designated coast_guard appropriate maritime security directive dot determines act piracy likely occur based documented acts piracy occurred waters month period preceding applicable voyage sec directs government_accountability_office gao report number jobs created maritime industry years liquefied natural gas exported united_states required carried december vessels documented laws united_states date vessels documented laws constructed united_states sec reauthorizes fishing safety grant program fy2017 sec directs dhs establish merchant marine personnel advisory committee advise dhs matters relation personnel merchant marine comment proposed coast_guard regulations relating personnel authorizes committee conduct studies recommendations available congress september sec authorizes dhs accept kind reimbursement transportation travel subsistence inspecting certain vessels sec requires dhs provide notice major marine casualties state tribal governments hours reported dhs sec amends provisions federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act related area contingency plans discharge oil hazardous substances authorizing indian tribes participate area committees established plan responses spills requiring plans include framework advance planning decision making respect closing reopening fishing areas following discharge sec prohibits coast_guard disseminating data collected ice patrol locations dangerous ice conditions vessels nations failed reimburse coast_guard service required sec establishes process dhs delegate classification societies non governmental organizations act coast_guard behalf caring certification inspection activities authority inspect offshore supply vessels requires dhs report congress specified periods number vessels delegation savings personnel operational costs incurred coast_guard resulted delegation impacts delegations operational safety vessels vessel crews sec directs dhs require vessel response plan prepared mobile offshore drilling unit include information facility response plan prepared unit planned response worst case discharge threat discharges sec revises owners operators terminal facilities offshore facilities crude oil tankers required provide cook inlet regional citizens advisory council alaska year sec increases number passengers owned uninspected passenger vessels meters length operating carry certain safety requirements met sec establishes abandoned seafarers fund provide support foreign seafarers required remain united_states paroled involved investigation reporting documentation adjudication matter relating administration enforcement laws coast_guard sec moves responsibility maintaining website concerning crimes cruise vessels dhs dot sec prohibits dhs finalizing regulation relating safety environmental management system requirements vessels united_states outer continental shelf proposed september months submitted analysis proposed regulation impact rule title federal_maritime_commission sec authorizes appropriations federal_maritime_commission fmc fy2015 sec authorizes reasonable attorney fees awarded prevailing parties actions filed fmc concerning violation ocean shipping law sec revises terms office requirements serving year year term expires serving terms establishes conflict interest requirements applicable title maritime transportation sec encourages dhs enter negotiations international_maritime_organization conclude execute agreements promote coordinated action united_states russia canada norway denmark seafaring arctic nations ensure arctic placement maintenance aids navigation appropriate marine safety tug salvage capabilities oil spill prevention response capability maritime domain awareness including long range vessel tracking search rescue directs coordinate establishment domestic transportation policies arctic necessary ensure safe secure maritime shipping authorizes dhs enter agreements grants individuals governments ensure safe secure maritime shipping arctic requires dhs promote safe maritime navigation means icebreaking necessary feasible effective sec requires coast_guard improve maritime domain awareness arctic submit year strategic plan years guide interagency international intergovernmental cooperation coordination improving awareness sec requires dhs report status negotiations international_maritime_organization establishment draft international code safety ships operating polar waters popularly known polar code directs report address impacts code coastal communities located arctic costs delivering fuel freight maritime transportation safety sec authorizes dhs construct facilities arctic support aircraft maintenance provide shelter current helicopter assets projected located air station alaska years include accommodations personnel sec amends coast_guard maritime transportation act authorize coast_guard decommission icebreaker cutter named polar_sea dhs determination cost effective reactivate icebreaker requires coast_guard submit congress strategy meet coast_guard arctic ice operations needs september bridging strategy maintaining coast_guard polar icebreaking services september dhs determines cost effective reactivate polar_sea authorizes coast_guard conduct service life extension seven years polar sea cutter submission service life extension plan sec requires president facilitate planning design procurement maintenance deployment operation icebreakers needed support statutory missions coast_guard polar regions allocating funds support icebreaking operations regions recurring incremental costs associated specific projects coast_guard title miscellaneous sec revises manning requirements relating certain purse seine fishing vessels commonly referred distant water tuna fleet engaging foreign citizens manning requirements include regulations govern nationality crew required number crew crew qualifications ships sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act extend years provision prohibits environmental_protection_agency epa requiring national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system permit vessel feet length fishing vessel discharge effluent properly functioning marine engines laundry shower galley sink wastes incidental normal operation vessels prohibition apply respect garbage discharged overboard discharges vessel operating capacity means transportation discharges ballast water held ships increase stability discharge contributes violation water quality standard poses unacceptable risk human health environment sec directs dot submit congress national maritime strategy identifies federal regulations reduce competitiveness flag vessels international markets identifies impact reduced cargo flow reductions number armed_forces members stationed deployed outside united_states includes recommendations flag vessels competitive shipping routes enhance shipbuilding capability requires dot recommend strategies increase use flag vessels carry imports exports party inspection certification authorities short sea transportation routes sec exempts vessel united_states official number requirement passenger vessel operators licensed dhs provided kentucky implemented similar licensing requirement vessel operating specified portion river authorizes dhs issue coastwise endorsement western challenger imo number coastwise endorsement entitles vessel employment unrestricted coastwise trade dredging towing employment registry fishery endorsement required sec directs coast_guard arrange assessment national_academy_of_sciences authorities concerning vessels seamen delegated coast_guard impact ability vessels documented laws effectively compete international transportation markets requires coast_guard report assessment sec requires dhs report status final rule relates coast_guard notice arrival departure ais requirements sec authorizes coast_guard convey acres property river street rochester new_york rochester new_york sec authorizes department interior convey acres fast lands puget_sound washington washington coast_guard relinquishment property sec deems vessel assigned official number rebuilt fire new vessel date delivery vessel january privately owned shipyard encumbrances record coast_guard time issuance new certificate documentation sec bars dhs epa prohibiting vessel operating thunder_bay_national_marine_sanctuary underwater preserve taking discharging ballast water allow safe efficient vessel operation uptake discharge meets federal state ballast water management requirements apply area marine sanctuary sec requires general_services_administration gsa allocate assign specified number parking spaces dhs campus coast guard personnel assigned campus based schedule


Summary:
Boating Capacity Standards Act of 2013 - Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) establish standards for determining the maximum passenger capacity for recreational vessels, expressed in the number of passengers and in pounds; (2) require manufacturers and operators of passenger vessels to permanently display such maximum capacity in a legible manner that is clearly visible to passengers; and (3) require operators to post notice of the need to balance vessel weight to avoid capsizing.

Defines a "recreational vehicle" as any vessel that is manufactured or used primarily for pleasure, excluding any vessel that is subject to Coast Guard inspection and engaged in commercial use.

boating capacity standards act directs commandant coast guard establish standards determining maximum passenger capacity recreational vessels expressed number passengers pounds require manufacturers operators passenger vessels permanently display maximum capacity legible manner clearly visible passengers require operators post notice need balance vessel weight avoid defines recreational vehicle vessel manufactured primarily pleasure excluding vessel subject coast_guard inspection engaged commercial use


Summary:
Amends federal shipping law to extend through October 31, 2028, the exemption of certain vessels from the requirement that U.S. passenger vessels having berth or stateroom accommodations for at least 50 passengers be constructed of fire-retardant materials in order to be granted a certificate of inspection.

Continues to apply this exemption only to vessels in operation before January 1, 1968, which operate only within the Boundary Line (the dividing point between inland waters and high seas).

Requires the owner or managing operator of an exempt vessel to:

 notify crew members that the vessel does not comply with applicable fire safety standards due primarily to the wooden construction of passenger berthing areas, and make annual structural alterations to at least 10% of vessel areas that are not constructed of fire-retardant materials. Requires any noncombustible material requirements prescribed by the Coast Guard (with which an exempt vessel is still required to comply) to be consistent with the preservation of a vessel's historic integrity in areas carrying or accessible to passengers or generally visible to the public.

amends federal shipping law extend october exemption certain vessels requirement passenger vessels having berth stateroom accommodations passengers constructed fire retardant materials order granted certificate inspection continues apply exemption vessels operation january operate boundary_line dividing point inland waters high seas requires owner managing operator exempt vessel notify crew members vessel comply applicable fire safety standards primarily wooden construction passenger berthing areas annual structural alterations vessel areas constructed fire retardant materials requires material requirements prescribed coast_guard exempt vessel required comply consistent preservation vessel historic integrity areas carrying accessible passengers generally visible public


Summary:
Extends the time period during which both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any state with a state permit program are prohibited from requiring a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) for a vessel that is less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel for any discharge: (1) of effluent from properly functioning marine engines, or of laundry, shower, and galley sink wastes; or (2) that is incidental to the normal operation of those vessels. Ends the prohibition on December 18, 2015, instead of December 18, 2014.

(This prohibition does not apply with respect to garbage discharged overboard, other discharges when the vessel is operating in a capacity other than as a means of transportation, ballast water [water held in ships to increase stability] discharges, or any discharge that contributes to a violation of a water quality standard or poses an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.)

extends time period environmental_protection_agency epa state state permit program prohibited requiring national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system permit federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act vessel feet length fishing vessel discharge effluent properly functioning marine engines laundry shower galley sink wastes incidental normal operation vessels ends prohibition december instead december prohibition apply respect garbage discharged overboard discharges vessel operating capacity means transportation ballast water water held ships increase stability discharges discharge contributes violation water quality standard poses unacceptable risk human health environment


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Makes permanent a provision which prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) for a vessel that is less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel for any discharge: (1) of effluent from properly functioning marine engines; (2) of laundry, shower, and galley sink wastes; or (3) that is incidental to the normal operation of those vessels. (Currently, the prohibition is temporary and the time period in which the EPA is prohibited from requiring a NPDES permit ends on December 18, 2014. This prohibition does not apply with respect to garbage discharged overboard, other discharges when the vessel is operating in a capacity other than as a means of transportation, discharges of ballast water held in ships to increase stability, or any discharge that contributes to a violation of a water quality standard or poses an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.)

measure amended introduced summary version repeated makes permanent provision prohibits environmental_protection_agency epa requiring national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system permit federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act vessel feet length fishing vessel discharge effluent properly functioning marine engines laundry shower galley sink wastes incidental normal operation vessels currently prohibition temporary time period epa prohibited requiring npdes permit ends december prohibition apply respect garbage discharged overboard discharges vessel operating capacity means transportation discharges ballast water held ships increase stability discharge contributes violation water quality standard poses unacceptable risk human health environment


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Improvement Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to:

 accept a gift of money from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. in order to renovate Melville Hall on the campus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; and enter into a contract with the Foundation for the Hall's operation.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated merchant marine academy improvement act authorizes administrator maritime_administration accept gift money merchant order renovate hall campus merchant marine_academy enter contract foundation hall operation


Summary: This bill amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1989 to expand the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers Training Program Pilot Program by authorizing the Coast Guard to establish and maintain a junior reserve officers training program in cooperation with the Pinellas County School District of Pinellas County, Florida.

bill amends coast_guard_authorization_act expand officers training program pilot program authorizing coast_guard establish maintain junior reserve officers training program cooperation florida


Summary:
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Improvement Act of 2015

Authorizes the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to: (1) accept a gift of money from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. in order to renovate Melville Hall on the campus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and (2) enter into a contract with the Foundation for the Hall's operation.

merchant marine academy improvement act authorizes administrator maritime_administration accept gift money merchant order renovate hall campus merchant marine academy enter contract foundation hall operation


Summary:
Maritime Lien Reform Act

This bill revises federal shipping laws governing maritime liability to prohibit: (1) maritime liens (liens on vessels) from being imposed on state or federal fishing permits, or (2) civil actions to enforce maritime liens on the permits. A fishing permit is not considered to be part of a vessel, so it does not pass with a vessel upon the vessel's sale or transfer.

maritime bill revises federal shipping laws governing maritime liability prohibit maritime liens liens vessels imposed state federal fishing permits civil actions enforce maritime liens permits fishing permit considered vessel pass vessel vessel sale transfer


Summary:
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Clarification Act of 2015

Amends the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to define "recreational vessel" as a vessel:

 being manufactured or operated primarily for pleasure; or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's pleasure. Prescribes the following rules in applying the definition:

 a vessel being manufactured or built, or being repaired under warranty by its manufacturer or builder, is a recreational vessel if the vessel appears intended, based on its design and construction, to be for ultimate recreational uses. Requires the manufacturer or builder to bear the burden of establishing that a vessel is recreational under this standard; a vessel being repaired, dismantled for repair, or dismantled at the end of its life will be treated as recreational at the time of repair, dismantling for repair, or dismantling, provided that such vessel shares elements of design and construction of traditional recreational vessels and is not normally engaged in a military, commercial or traditionally commercial undertaking; and a vessel will be treated as a recreational vessel if it is a public vessel, such as a vessel owned or chartered and operated by the United States, or by a state or local government, at the time of repair, dismantling for repair, or dismantling, provided that such vessel shares elements of design and construction with traditional recreational vessels and is not normally engaged in a military, commercial, or traditionally commercial undertaking. Requires the Secretary of Labor to revise a certain federal regulation to replace its definition of "recreational vessel" with the definition specified in this Act.

amends harbor workers compensation act define recreational vessel vessel manufactured operated primarily pleasure leased rented chartered pleasure prescribes following rules applying definition vessel manufactured built repaired warranty manufacturer builder recreational vessel vessel appears intended based design construction ultimate recreational uses requires manufacturer builder bear burden establishing vessel recreational standard vessel repaired dismantled repair dismantled end life treated recreational time repair dismantling repair dismantling provided vessel shares elements design construction traditional recreational vessels normally engaged military commercial traditionally commercial undertaking vessel treated recreational vessel public vessel vessel owned chartered operated united_states state local government time repair dismantling repair dismantling provided vessel shares elements design construction traditional recreational vessels normally engaged military commercial traditionally commercial undertaking requires secretary labor revise certain federal regulation replace definition recreational vessel definition specified act


Summary:
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act

This bill requires the Coast Guard to establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel into navigable waters. The Coast Guard's existing rule for ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel are adopted until those performance standards are revised or a more stringent state standard is adopted. Ballast water is water taken aboard a vessel to control stability or during the operation of a vessel's ballast water treatment technology.

Within two years, the Coast Guard must establish best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water.

By January 1, 2020, the Coast Guard must complete a feasibility review to determine whether revising ballast water performance standards will result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. The Coast Guard must establish a revised standard based on the ballast water treatment technology available. Further revisions to the performance standards are to be considered every 10 years.

This bill establishes a certification requirement for ballast water treatment technology. The Coast Guard may not approve a technology if it uses a biocide or generates a biocide that is a pesticide.

This bill establishes a petition process for a state seeking to enforce a state or local statute or regulation related to ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel that is more stringent than federal performance standards.

vessel_incidental discharge act bill requires coast_guard establish implement enforceable uniform national standards regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel navigable waters coast_guard existing rule ballast water discharges incidental normal operation vessel adopted performance standards revised stringent state standard adopted ballast water water taken aboard vessel control stability operation vessel ballast water treatment technology years coast_guard establish best management practices discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water january coast_guard complete feasibility review determine revising ballast water performance standards result scientifically demonstrable substantial reduction risk introduction establishment aquatic nuisance species coast_guard establish revised standard based ballast water treatment technology available revisions performance standards considered years bill establishes certification requirement ballast water treatment technology coast_guard approve technology uses biocide generates biocide pesticide bill establishes petition process state seeking enforce state local statute regulation related ballast water discharges incidental normal operation vessel stringent federal performance standards


Summary:
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015

 TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

 (Sec. 101) This bill authorizes FY2016-FY2017 appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard; (2) the acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) the Coast Guard Reserve program; (4) the Coast Guard's environmental compliance and restoration functions; and (5) research, development, test, and evaluation.

 The Coast Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 and average military training student loads for FY2016-FY2017.

 The Coast Guard must submit to Congress a manpower requirements plan when the President submits a budget to Congress for FY2017 and for FY2019 and every four years thereafter.

The Coast Guard Reserve program must receive congressional approval prior to funds being appropriated to the program. Appropriations for offshore establishments are no longer subject to this requirement for prior authorization of appropriations.

 The Coast Guard may use funds authorized for FY2016-FY2017 for designing and constructing an icebreaker that is capable of buoy tending to enhance ice breaking capacity on the Great Lakes.

TITLE II--COAST GUARD

(Sec. 201) The rank of the Coast Guard's Vice Commandant is changed from vice admiral to admiral.

(Sec. 202) The President may designate an additional position with the grade of vice admiral who will serve as the Coast Guard's Chief of Staff. The President may also designate additional vice admiral positions within the executive branch, other than within the Coast Guard.

(Sec. 203) The Coast Guard may remit or cancel federal debts incurred by its members on active duty if it would be in the best interest of the United States. (Sec. 204) Test and evaluation master plans for the Coast Guard's acquisition projects must identify: (1) the performance data to be used to determine whether the key performance parameters have been resolved; and (2) the results during test and evaluation that will be required to demonstrate that a capability, asset, or subsystem meets performance requirements. The Coast Guard must implement a standard for tracking operational days at sea for Coast Guard cutters that does not include days during which the cutters are undergoing maintenance or repair and notify Congress of the standard implemented. The Coast Guard must submit to Congress a revised fleet mix analysis of Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft. (Sec. 205) The Coast Guard Auxiliary may conduct a patrol of a waterway, or a portion of it, only if: (1) the Coast Guard has determined that the waterway is navigable for purposes of the Coast Guard's jurisdiction, or (2) a state or other proper authority has requested the patrol. The Coast Guard must: (1) review the waterways patrolled by the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the most recently completed fiscal year to determine whether the waterways are eligible or ineligible for patrol, and (2) notify Congress of any waterways that are ineligible for patrol and the actions taken Coast Guard to ensure that the Auxiliary patrols do not occur on those waterways. (Sec. 206) Each report on the status of its major acquisition programs must include a plan that describes the upcoming fiscal year as well as a long-term major acquisitions plan for the next 20 fiscal years. (Sec. 207) The bill amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 to eliminate a requirement to notify Congress prior to designating Coast Guard communities. (Sec. 208) The Coast Guard is given 270 days to complete and submit to Congress its materiel condition assessment of the Polar Sea icebreaker and its determination of whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea compared with other options to provide ice breaking services. If a determination is not made by that deadline, the Coast Guard is authorized to decommission the Polar Sea. (Sec. 209) The bill amends the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 to make permanent a limitation on the Coast Guard's authority to close air facilities or reassign certain aviation assets. (Sec. 211) If the Coast Guard determines that there are at least two digital boat profile technologies that are commercially available, the Coast Guard must establish a pilot program under which digital boat profiles are utilized for at least two national security cutters, four fast response cutters, and four medium endurance cutters. A digital boat profile is a commercially available off-the-shelf technology that creates an electronic data source with respect to a vessel that: (1) provides lifecycle management support; (2) incorporates all manufacturer recommendations and operator best practices; (3) incorporates the use of real-time analytics of deferred tasks, future tasks, readiness assessments, and budgetary planners; (4) provides advance electronic notification of upcoming maintenance and inspections to multi-level permission-based recipients on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis; (5) facilitates oversight for pre-delivery discrepancy reporting and post-delivery warranty management of equipment items; and (6) is accessible by computing devices. (Sec. 212) The Coast Guard must establish a process for the discontinuance of an aid to navigation that it established, maintained, or operated. Adequate public notification of the discontinuance must be included in the process. (Sec. 213) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report an assessment of the efficacy of the Coast Guard's Standard Operational Planning Process with respect to annual mission performance measures. (Sec. 214) The Coast Guard must establish, carry out, and report on a response capabilities pilot program to access the response capabilities of certain radio communication gateways that are commercially available. (Sec. 215) The Coast Guard must establish a graduate education program for its members and employees. TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

(Sec. 301) Federal shipping laws governing maritime liability are revised to prohibit: (1) maritime liens (liens on vessels) from being imposed on state or federal fishing permits, or (2) civil actions to enforce maritime liens on the permits. A fishing permit is not considered to be part of a vessel, so it does not pass with a vessel upon the vessel's sale or transfer.

(Sec. 302) Safety regulations that require passenger vessels that operate in cold waters to carry survival craft are established.

(Sec. 303) The Department of Transportation (DOT) must respond within 30 days of receiving a request by a federal agency for DOT to determine if the agency's programs are subject to cargo preference requirements, which specify the percentage of cargo financed by taxpayers that must be transported on U.S. flagged vessels crewed with U.S. mariners. DOT must make a report available online that lists the programs that were subject to those determinations and describes the results of its most recent annual review of programs subject to cargo preference requirements.

(Sec. 304) The date on which a model year for a recreational vessel must begin is revised to begin on June 1 instead of August 1. Upon the request of a recreational vessel manufacturer, the Coast Guard may alter a model year for a recreational vessel by a prescribed amount.

(Sec. 305) The Coast Guard must harmonize the expiration dates of merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, and radar observer endorsements for individuals applying for new or renewed merchant mariner credentials.

(Sec. 306) If a safety zone is established for a marine event, all costs incurred by the Coast Guard to enforce the zone must be recovered.

(Sec. 307) Specified Acts are amended to transfer certain DOT authority to the Coast Guard with respect to: (1) constructing bridges, causeways, dams, or dikes; (2) alternating, removing, or repairing bridges or accessory obstructions to navigation; (3) opening drawbridges; and (4) relocating, maintaining, and operating bridges.

(Sec. 308) The Coast Guard must notify Congress of the actions it will take to implement specified recommendations on improvements to the Coast Guard's marine casualty reporting requirements and procedures.

(Sec. 309) The Coast Guard must update its references to recreational vessel's engine weights in regulations.

(Sec. 310) Certified medical practitioners may issue medical certificates for merchant mariners.

(Sec. 311) The Coast Guard must conclude the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study and submit the results of the study to Congress.

(Sec. 312) The Coast Guard must make certificates of documentation for recreational vessels effective for five years. Owners of recreational vessels must notify the Coast Guard of each change in the information on which the issuance of the certificate of documentation is based and apply for a new certificate of documentation if there is a change in information.

(Sec. 313) DOT must develop and report on guidelines to implement a program to promote the transportation of liquefied natural gas on U.S. flag vessels.

TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

(Sec. 401) The bill authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission for FY2016-FY2017.

(Sec. 402) The duties of the Chairman of the Commission are expanded to include preparing and submitting requests for appropriations for the Commission.

(Sec. 403) The Commission may not expend any funds to issue an award, prize, commendation, or other honor to a nonfederal entity. TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS (Sec. 501) The Coast Guard may convey approximately 32 acres of specified property in Station Point Reyes to Marin County, California. (Sec. 502) The bill amends the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 to eliminate certain reporting requirements for the Coast Guard and the National Marine Fisheries Service to provide information concerning the distant water tuna fleet. Certain reporting requirements concerning the DOT's approvals of plans for constructing and maintain bridges under the International Bridge Act of 1972 are also eliminated. Reporting requirements under the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 are revised by replacing an annual reporting deadline with a deadline that is triggered by an oil discharge that will result in removal costs and damages that exceed certain liability limits. (Sec. 503) The GAO must submit to Congress a description of actions that could be taken to: (1) improve the efficiency of performance of the functions carried out by the National Vessel Documentation Center, and (2) strengthen the review of compliance with U.S. ownership requirements for vessels documented under U.S. law. (Sec. 504) The Coast Guard may provide the Tanana Chiefs Council, a nonprofit intertribal consortium of federally recognized Alaska tribes, the right of first refusal in the conveyance of approximately 3.25 acres in Tok, Alaska. (Sec. 505) The Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency may not prohibit the uptake or discharge of ballast water from a vessel operating in any national marine sanctuary that preserves shipwrecks or maritime heritage in the Great Lakes if the uptake and discharge meets all federal and state requirements and the designation documents for the sanctuary do not prohibit the uptake and discharge. Currently, this prohibition is limited to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve. (Sec. 506) The GAO must conduct and report on an audit of funds credited in each fiscal year after FY2004 to the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund that are attributable to certain sales of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold. (Sec. 507) The Coast Guard must establish an alternative safety compliance program for fishing vessels, fish tender vessels, or both that are at least 50 feet overall in length, and no more than 79 feet overall in length, and built after July 1, 2013. (Sec. 508) The Coast Guard may enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for the Academy to report on a comparison of the certain costs incurred by the federal government associated with acquiring, operating, constructing, or leasing a new polar class icebreaker as well as coast associated with reactivating the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea. (Sec. 509) Certain caps on penalties for not paying a seaman under an employment contract awarded under class action lawsuits are expanded by applying the caps to penalties awarded under all lawsuits. (Sec. 510) Claims by a seaman who is a citizen of a foreign nation for damages or expenses relating to personal injury, illness, or death that arise during engagement by a foreign passenger vessel may be brought in the United States if: (1) the seaman was a permanent resident alien of the United States at the time the claim arose; (2) the injury, illness, or death arose inside U.S. waters; or (3) the seaman does not have a right to seek compensation under the laws of the nation in which the vessel was registered at the time the claim arose or the nation in which the seaman maintained citizenship or residency at the time the claim arose.

coast guard authorization act title authorizations sec bill authorizes fy2016 fy2017 appropriations coast_guard operation maintenance coast_guard acquisition construction renovation improvement aids navigation shore facilities vessels aircraft coast_guard_reserve program coast_guard environmental compliance restoration functions research development test evaluation coast_guard authorized end year strength active duty personnel average military training student loads fy2016 fy2017 coast_guard submit congress manpower requirements plan president submits budget congress fy2017 fy2019 years coast_guard_reserve program receive congressional approval prior funds appropriated program appropriations offshore establishments longer subject requirement prior authorization appropriations coast_guard use funds authorized fy2016 fy2017 designing constructing icebreaker capable buoy enhance ice breaking capacity great lakes title coast guard sec rank coast_guard vice commandant changed vice admiral admiral sec president designate additional position grade vice admiral serve coast_guard chief staff president designate additional vice admiral positions executive branch coast_guard sec coast_guard remit cancel federal debts incurred members active duty best interest united_states sec test evaluation master plans coast_guard acquisition projects identify performance data determine key performance parameters resolved results test evaluation required demonstrate capability asset meets performance requirements coast_guard implement standard tracking operational days sea coast_guard cutters include days cutters undergoing maintenance repair notify congress standard implemented coast_guard submit congress revised fleet mix analysis coast_guard fixed wing aircraft sec coast_guard_auxiliary conduct patrol waterway portion coast_guard determined waterway navigable purposes coast_guard jurisdiction state proper authority requested patrol coast_guard review waterways coast_guard_auxiliary recently completed fiscal year determine waterways eligible ineligible patrol notify congress waterways ineligible patrol actions taken coast_guard ensure auxiliary patrols occur waterways sec report status major acquisition programs include plan describes upcoming fiscal year long term major acquisitions plan fiscal years sec bill amends coast_guard_authorization_act eliminate requirement notify congress prior designating coast_guard communities sec coast_guard given days complete submit congress materiel condition assessment polar_sea icebreaker determination cost effective reactivate polar_sea compared options provide ice breaking services determination deadline coast_guard authorized decommission polar_sea sec bill amends maritime transportation act permanent limitation coast_guard authority close air facilities reassign certain aviation assets sec coast_guard determines digital boat profile technologies commercially available coast_guard establish pilot program digital boat profiles utilized national security cutters fast response cutters medium cutters digital boat profile commercially available shelf technology creates electronic data source respect vessel provides lifecycle management support incorporates manufacturer recommendations operator best practices incorporates use real time analytics deferred tasks future tasks readiness assessments budgetary planners provides advance electronic notification upcoming maintenance inspections multi level permission based recipients daily weekly monthly basis facilitates oversight pre delivery discrepancy reporting post delivery warranty management equipment items accessible computing devices sec coast_guard establish process discontinuance aid navigation established maintained operated adequate public notification discontinuance included process sec government_accountability_office gao report assessment efficacy coast_guard respect annual mission performance measures sec coast_guard establish carry report response capabilities pilot program access response capabilities certain radio communication commercially available sec coast_guard establish graduate education program members employees title iii shipping navigation sec federal shipping laws governing maritime liability revised prohibit maritime liens liens vessels imposed state federal fishing permits civil actions enforce maritime liens permits fishing permit considered vessel pass vessel vessel sale transfer sec safety regulations require passenger vessels operate cold waters carry survival craft established sec department_of_transportation dot respond days receiving request federal agency dot determine agency programs subject cargo preference requirements specify percentage cargo financed taxpayers transported flagged vessels mariners dot report available online lists programs subject determinations describes results recent annual review programs subject cargo preference requirements sec date model year recreational vessel begin revised begin june instead august request recreational vessel manufacturer coast_guard alter model year recreational vessel prescribed sec coast_guard harmonize expiration dates merchant mariner credentials mariner medical certificates radar observer endorsements individuals applying new renewed merchant mariner credentials sec safety zone established marine event costs incurred coast_guard enforce zone recovered sec specified acts amended transfer certain dot authority coast_guard respect constructing bridges dams removing repairing bridges accessory obstructions navigation opening relocating maintaining operating bridges sec coast_guard notify congress actions implement specified recommendations improvements coast_guard marine casualty reporting requirements procedures sec coast_guard update references recreational vessel engine weights regulations sec certified medical practitioners issue medical certificates merchant mariners sec coast_guard conclude submit results study congress sec coast_guard certificates documentation recreational vessels effective years owners recreational vessels notify coast_guard change information issuance certificate documentation based apply new certificate documentation change information sec dot develop report guidelines implement program promote transportation liquefied natural gas flag vessels title federal maritime commission sec bill authorizes appropriations federal_maritime_commission fy2016 fy2017 sec duties chairman commission expanded include preparing submitting requests appropriations commission sec commission expend funds issue award prize honor nonfederal entity title miscellaneous sec coast_guard convey approximately acres specified property station point reyes marin_county california sec bill amends coast_guard maritime transportation act eliminate certain reporting requirements coast_guard national_marine_fisheries_service provide information concerning distant water tuna fleet certain reporting requirements concerning dot approvals plans constructing maintain bridges international bridge act eliminated reporting requirements coast_guard maritime transportation act revised replacing annual reporting deadline deadline triggered oil discharge result removal costs damages exceed certain liability limits sec gao submit congress description actions taken improve efficiency performance functions carried strengthen review compliance ownership requirements vessels documented law sec coast_guard provide nonprofit intertribal consortium federally recognized alaska tribes right refusal conveyance approximately acres alaska sec coast_guard environmental_protection_agency prohibit uptake discharge ballast water vessel operating national marine sanctuary preserves maritime heritage great lakes uptake discharge meets federal state requirements designation documents sanctuary prohibit uptake discharge currently prohibition limited thunder_bay_national_marine_sanctuary underwater preserve sec gao conduct report audit funds credited fiscal year fy2004 attributable certain sales obsolete vessels national_defense_reserve_fleet sold sec coast_guard establish alternative safety compliance program fishing vessels fish tender vessels feet overall length feet overall length built july sec coast_guard enter arrangement report comparison certain costs incurred federal government associated acquiring operating constructing leasing new polar class icebreaker coast associated sec certain caps penalties paying seaman employment contract awarded class action lawsuits expanded applying caps penalties awarded lawsuits sec claims seaman citizen foreign nation damages expenses relating personal injury illness death arise engagement foreign passenger vessel brought united_states seaman permanent resident alien united_states time claim arose injury illness death arose inside waters seaman right seek compensation laws nation vessel registered time claim arose nation seaman maintained citizenship residency time claim arose


Summary:
This bill authorizes the Coast Guard (CG) to convey 3.25 acres of CG real property (including all improvements located on the property) in Tok, Alaska, upon payment to the United States of the fair market value of the property.

The Tanana Chief's Conference shall have the right of first refusal to purchase the property.

The property must be sold at fair market value.

The United States shall deposit the proceeds in the CG Housing Fund.

bill authorizes coast_guard convey acres real property including improvements located property alaska payment united_states fair market value property chief conference shall right refusal purchase property property sold fair market value united_states shall deposit proceeds


Summary:
Scan Containers Absolutely Now Act or the SCAN Act

 Amends the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to:

 conduct a one-year pilot program at two domestic ports to evaluate the process of 100% scanning of cargo containers and its potential for use at all domestic ports, achieve a full-scale implementation of the program within one year after enactment of this Act, and evaluate and report on such program within one year after program completion. Requires the Secretary to:

 acquire the equipment necessary to conduct the pilot program, make information about the equipment available to domestic ports as part of the application process, and permit such equipment to remain with the selected ports upon completion of the program. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase or lease equipment for, as well as contract for performance of scanning of cargo under, the program.

scan containers act scan act amends security accountability port act direct secretary homeland_security conduct year pilot program domestic ports evaluate process scanning cargo containers potential use domestic ports achieve scale implementation program year enactment act evaluate report program year program completion requires secretary acquire equipment necessary conduct pilot program information equipment available domestic ports application process permit equipment remain selected ports completion program authorizes secretary purchase lease equipment contract performance scanning cargo program


Summary:
Boating Occupancy and Teaching Safety Act or the BOATS Act

Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to:

 establish maximum passenger capacity and maximum weight capacity standards for recreational vessels; and require manufacturers and operators of passenger vessels to permanently display in a legible manner that is clearly visible, including on each flying bridge of the vessel, to vessel passengers such maximum capacity requirements and a notice of the need to balance vessel weight to avoid capsizing. Defines "flying bridge" to mean an open deck above the main navigating bridge of a recreational vessel.

Amends federal shipping law to revise state recreational boating safety program requirements.

Allows a state to contract with a local government or private entity to provide boating safety education services under a state recreational boating safety program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make amounts in the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund available for expenditures to carry out the purposes of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (as in effect upon enactment of this Act).

boating occupancy teaching safety act boats act directs commandant coast guard establish maximum passenger capacity maximum weight capacity standards recreational vessels require manufacturers operators passenger vessels permanently display legible manner clearly visible including flying bridge vessel vessel passengers maximum capacity requirements notice need balance vessel weight avoid defines flying bridge mean open deck main navigating bridge recreational vessel amends federal shipping law revise state recreational boating safety program requirements allows state contract local government private entity provide boating safety education services state recreational boating safety program amends internal revenue code amounts sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund available expenditures carry purposes dingell-johnson_sport_fish_restoration_act effect enactment act


Summary:
Hydrographic Services Improvement Amendments Act of 2015

 This bill reauthorizes the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 through FY2019.

 The Governmental Accountability Office must compare the unit costs of hydrographic surveys conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the unit costs of procuring the surveys.

hydrographic services improvement amendments act bill reauthorizes fy2019 compare unit costs hydrographic surveys conducted national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration unit costs procuring surveys


Summary:
Ships to be Recycled in the States Act or the STORIS Act

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the Department of the Navy, to report to Congress on the program for disposal of government-owned merchant vessels as well as on any other disposal of obsolete government-owned vessels.

The Government Accountability Office shall audit all excess federal government vessel sales contracts, including resulting receivables and expenditures, entered into by the Maritime Administration during a specified period.

The bill repeals authority to scrap any vessel sold from the National Defense Reserve Fleet in an approved foreign market without obtaining additional separate DOT approval to transfer the vessel to a person not a U.S. citizen.

The Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 is amended to revise requirements for the selection of qualified scrapping facilities.

The Toxic Substances Control Act is amended to declare that nothing in the mandate for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) shall be construed to prohibit the dismantling of a vessel or marine structure in order to recycle recovered materials. If PCBs are found or suspected, the person dismantling the vessel or marine structure must comply with specified requirements for informing the EPA and disposing of the PCBs.

The bill repeals authorization for any foreign country to apply for an obsolete vessel to be used for an artificial reef.

The Maritime Administration shall make public on its website the full text of each memorandum of agreement and similar agreement between the Maritime Administration and any other agency, department, or person.

ships recycled states act act bill requires department_of_transportation dot coordination department_of_the_navy report congress program disposal government owned merchant vessels disposal obsolete government owned vessels government_accountability_office shall audit excess federal government vessel sales contracts including resulting receivables expenditures entered maritime_administration specified period bill repeals authority vessel sold national_defense_reserve_fleet approved foreign market obtaining additional separate dot approval transfer vessel person citizen floyd spence national defense authorization act fiscal year amended revise requirements selection qualified facilities toxic_substances_control_act amended declare mandate environmental_protection_agency epa regulate polychlorinated biphenyls shall construed prohibit dismantling vessel marine structure order recycle recovered materials found suspected person dismantling vessel marine structure comply specified requirements informing epa disposing bill repeals authorization foreign country apply obsolete vessel artificial reef maritime administration shall public website text memorandum agreement similar agreement maritime_administration agency department person


Summary:
Cruise Passenger Protection Act

 Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine whether any of the enumerated rights in the international cruise line passenger bill of rights (adopted by the members of the Cruise Lines International Association) is enforceable under federal law.

Applies this Act to passenger vessels that: (1) carry at least 250 passengers, (2) have sleeping facilities for each passenger, (3) are on a voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States, (4) are not engaged in coastwise trade, and (5) are not federal- or state-owned.

Revises passenger vessel security and safety requirements concerning: (1) log book entries and reporting of deaths, missing individuals, thefts, and other crimes; and (2) placement, access to records, and notice of video surveillance equipment to monitor crime.

Directs DOT to maintain on a website a statistical compilation of reported incidents of missing persons, crimes, and other information for vessel passengers.

Directs DOT, in coordination with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Department of Justice, and heads of other relevant federal agencies, to study the feasibility of having an individual on board each passenger vessel to provide victim support and related safety and security services.

Requires the Maritime Administration (who, currently, is merely authorized) to certify organizations in the United States and abroad that offer the curriculum for training and certification of passenger vessel security personnel, crewmembers, and law enforcement officials on the appropriate methods for prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of crimes in international waters.

Revises vessel design, equipment, construction, and retrofitting requirements.

Requires vessel owners to ensure that a vessel is staffed at all times with appropriate medical staff to treat passengers on board.

Requires the peep hole or other means of visual identification in the entry door of a passenger stateroom or crew cabin to provide an unobstructed view of the area outside the stateroom or crew cabin.

Authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to withhold or revoke the clearance of, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deny entry into the United States to, any vessel owner that: (1) commits an act or omission for which a penalty is imposed under this Act, or (2) fails to pay the penalty.

cruise passenger protection act directs department_of_transportation dot determine enumerated rights international cruise line passenger bill rights adopted members enforceable federal law applies act passenger vessels carry passengers sleeping facilities passenger voyage passengers united_states engaged coastwise trade state owned revises passenger vessel security safety requirements concerning log book entries reporting deaths missing individuals thefts crimes placement access records notice video surveillance equipment monitor crime directs dot maintain website statistical compilation reported incidents missing persons crimes information vessel passengers directs dot coordination secretary department coast_guard operating department_of_justice heads relevant federal agencies study feasibility having individual board passenger vessel provide victim support related safety security services requires maritime_administration currently merely authorized certify organizations united_states abroad offer curriculum training certification passenger vessel security personnel crewmembers law enforcement officials appropriate methods prevention detection evidence preservation reporting crimes international waters revises vessel design equipment construction retrofitting requirements requires vessel owners ensure vessel staffed times appropriate medical staff treat passengers board requires hole means visual identification entry door passenger stateroom crew cabin provide view area outside stateroom crew cabin authorizes department homeland security withhold revoke clearance secretary department coast_guard operating deny entry united_states vessel owner commits act omission penalty imposed act fails pay penalty


Summary:
National Icebreaker Fund Act of 2015

This bill establishes the National Icebreaker Fund, which shall be available for obligation and expenditure only for construction, alteration, renovation, and the lease or charter of icebreakers for the Coast Guard.

There shall be deposited into the Fund: (1) all funds appropriated to any federal agency for construction, alteration, renovation, or the lease or charter of icebreakers; and (2) all receipts from the disposition of icebreakers by the federal government.

Amounts in the Fund may not be used to: (1) lease, charter, construct, alter, renovate, or otherwise acquire any vessel built in a shipyard located in a foreign country, unless specifically authorized by law; or (2) construct, alter, or renovate a vessel in any shipyard other than a U.S. shipyard.

Amounts in the Fund may be expended for: (1) the lease, charter, construction, alteration, or renovation of icebreakers capable of search and rescue, saving of life at sea, maritime safety and security, drug and migrant interdiction, fisheries law enforcement, and environmental response in the Arctic; and (2) additional capabilities that are necessary to carry out national defense missions or for missions related to research and resupply in the Antarctic.

The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall enter into an agreement with nations that operate facilities in Antarctica to establish a mechanism to provide icebreaking services necessary to supply those facilities by constructing, leasing or chartering, renovating, operating, or maintaining an icebreaker.

bill establishes shall available obligation expenditure construction alteration renovation lease charter icebreakers coast_guard shall deposited fund funds appropriated federal agency construction alteration renovation lease charter icebreakers receipts disposition icebreakers federal government amounts fund lease charter construct alter renovate acquire vessel built shipyard located foreign country specifically authorized law construct alter renovate vessel shipyard shipyard amounts fund expended lease charter construction alteration renovation icebreakers capable search rescue saving life sea maritime safety security drug migrant interdiction fisheries law enforcement environmental response arctic additional capabilities necessary carry national defense missions missions related research antarctic secretary department coast_guard operating shall enter agreement nations operate facilities establish mechanism provide icebreaking services necessary supply facilities constructing leasing chartering renovating operating maintaining icebreaker


Summary:
Coast Guard Academy Opportunity Act

 Modifies the Coast Guard Academy cadet nomination process by requiring that half of each incoming class be composed of cadets nominated by: (1) the Vice President or, if there is no Vice President, the President pro tempore of the Senate; (2) a Senator; (3) a Member of the House of Representatives; and (4) the various delegates to Congress, including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. Entitles each Senator, House Member, Delegate, and Resident Commissioner to nominate three persons each year.

Requires nominees to be citizens or nationals of the United States and meet any minimum requirements established by the Secretary of the respective department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

Directs the Academy to furnish any Member of Congress, upon written request, the name of the nominating authority responsible for the nomination of any named or identified person for appointment to the Academy.

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security, acting through the Chief Human Capital Officer, to issue a comprehensive strategy to improve outreach and recruitment to attract candidates to the Academy.

coast_guard_academy opportunity act modifies coast_guard_academy cadet nomination process requiring half incoming class composed cadets nominated vice president vice president president pro tempore senate senator member house_of_representatives delegates congress including resident commissioner puerto_rico entitles senator house member delegate resident commissioner nominate persons year requires nominees citizens nationals united_states meet minimum requirements established secretary respective department coast_guard operating directs academy furnish member congress written request nominating authority responsible nomination named identified person appointment academy amends homeland security act direct department_of_homeland_security acting issue comprehensive strategy improve outreach recruitment attract candidates academy


Summary:
Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the excise tax rate for the Inland Waterways Trust Fund to equal 29 cents per gallon or the per energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel in the case of liquefied natural gas, as defined by this Act.

waterway lng parity act bill amends internal_revenue_code modify excise tax rate inland_waterways_trust_fund equal cents gallon energy equivalent gallon diesel case liquefied natural gas defined act


Summary:
Protecting Orderly and Responsible Transit of Shipments Act of 2015 or the PORTS Act

This bill amends the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 to extend to labor slowdowns occurring at U.S. ports the President's authority to appoint a board of inquiry into the issues involved.

State and territorial governors shall have authority to request the President to appoint a board of inquiry if a slowdown, or a threatened or an actual strike or lock-out, occurring at one or more U.S. ports will, if continued, imperil national or state health or safety.

If the President does not appoint a board of inquiry within 10 days after receiving a request, the governor who made the request may appoint one to report on the dispute to the governor and the President, although without recommendations. Supplemental reports are also authorized. Boards of inquiry are limited to one that may appointed for each dispute during a 90-day period.

Governors may also petition for injunctions against such labor or management actions affecting ports in their states or territories.

The National Labor Relations Board, for each dispute, shall take not more than one secret ballot for the same employees in any 30-day period.

The Government Accountability Office shall study the West Coast ports slowdown to:

 study the economic impact of the slowdowns and congestion caused by the negotiations on the nation as a whole as well as each port, review steps taken by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to resolve the dispute, identify steps FMCS and the Administration could have taken sooner to facilitate an agreement, and determine what legislative changes could strengthen these tools and result in more timely intervention.

protecting orderly responsible transit shipments act ports act bill amends extend labor occurring ports president authority appoint board inquiry issues involved state territorial governors shall authority request president appoint board inquiry threatened actual strike lock occurring ports continued national state health safety president appoint board inquiry days receiving request governor request appoint report dispute governor president recommendations supplemental reports authorized boards inquiry limited appointed dispute day period governors petition injunctions labor management actions affecting ports states territories national_labor_relations_board dispute shall secret ballot employees day period government_accountability_office shall study west_coast ports study economic impact congestion caused negotiations nation port review steps taken federal_mediation_and_conciliation_service fmcs resolve dispute identify steps fmcs administration taken sooner facilitate agreement determine legislative changes strengthen tools result timely intervention


Summary:
Midshipmen Education Certainty Act

 Makes appropriations available each fiscal year for operations of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for the Academy are not in effect.

Requires funds made available for a fiscal year under this Act to remain available until the enactment of: (1) an appropriation for such fiscal year (including a continuing appropriation) for such operations; or (2) an applicable regular appropriation for the Maritime Administration for such fiscal year, or continuing appropriations resolution for such fiscal year, without any appropriation for such operations.

midshipmen education certainty act makes appropriations available fiscal year operations merchant marine academy period interim year appropriations academy effect requires funds available fiscal year act remain available enactment appropriation fiscal year including continuing appropriation operations applicable regular appropriation maritime_administration fiscal year continuing appropriations resolution fiscal year appropriation operations