,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #aabi ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #af1 #bjag ,mr4 ,sullivan 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,thune1 and ,mr4 ,nelson7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to authorize appropriations for the ,coast ,guard1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjag4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,effective dates4 ,,title ,i--,authorizations ,sec4 #aja4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,authorized levels of military strength and training4 ,,title ,,ii--,coast ,guard ,sec4 #bja4 ,primary duties4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,training2 emergency response providers4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,commissioned service retirement4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,officer promotion zones4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,officer evaluation report4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,retired pay2 amounts for payments in connection with modernized retirement system4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,inclusion of vessel for investigation purposes4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,leave for the birth of adoption of a child4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,aviation cadets2 appointment as ,reserve officers2 cross reference4 ,sec4 #baj4 ,clothing at time of discharge for good of service2 repeal4 ,sec4 #baa4 ,multiyear contracts4 ,sec4 #bab4 ,coast ,guard ,,rotc ,program4 ,,title ,,iii--,marine safety ,sec4 #cja4 ,coast ,guard advisory committees4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,clarification of logbook and entry requirements4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,technical corrections2 licenses1 certifications of registry1 and merchant mariner documents4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,numbering for undocumented barges4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,aids to navigation4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,equipment requirements2 exemption from throwable personal flotation devices4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,ensuring maritime coverage4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,deadline for compliance with alternate safety compliance program4 ,sec4 #cji4 ,fishing1 fish tender1 and fish processing vessel certification4 ,sec4 #caj4 ,termination of unsafe operations2 technical amendment4 ,sec4 #caa4 ,installation and use of engine cut-off switches on recreational vessel4 ,sec4 #cab4 ,visual distress signals and alternative use4 ,sec4 #cac4 ,renewal period for documented recreational vessels4 ,sec4 #cad4 ,exception from survival craft requirements4 ,sec4 #cae4 ,inland waterway and river tender acquisition plan4 ,sec4 #caf4 ,arctic planning criteria4 ,,title ,,iv--,maritime security ,sec4 #dja4 ,maritime border security cooperation4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,currency detection canine team program4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,confidential investigative expenses4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,arctic maritime domain awareness4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,strategic assets in the ,arctic4 ,,title ,v--,miscellaneous ,sec4 #eja4 ,ship shoal lighthouse transfer2 repeal4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,drawbridges4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,incentive contract2 ,coast ,guard yard and industrial establishments4 ,sec4 #eje4 ,coast ,guard health-care professionals2 licensure portability4 ,sec4 #ejf4 ,land exchange2 ,ayakulik ,island1 ,alaska4 ,sec4 #ejg4 ,abandoned seafarers fund amendments4 ,sec4 #ejh4 ,assistance for small shipyards4 ,sec4 #eji4 ,small shipyard contracts4 ,sec4 #eaj4 ,western challenger2 certificate of documentation4 ,,title ,,vi--,department of ,commerce vessels ,sec4 #fja4 ,waivers for certain contracts4 #b4 ,effective dates 7a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise specifically provided in this ,act1 this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,certain delayed effective dates ,the amendments made by sections #aja1 #ajb1 #djc1 and #ejh7;a7 shall take effect on ,october #a1 #bjag4 ,the amendments made by section #bjf shall take effect on ,january #a1 #bjah4 ,i ,authorizations #aja4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #bgjb of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 ,funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years #bjah and #bjai for necessary expenses of the ,coast ,guard as follows3 7#a7 ,for the operation and maintenance of the ,coast ,guard1 not otherwise provided for-- 7,a7 #g1cjj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjah2 and 7,b7 #g1eib1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai4 7#b7 ,for the acquisition1 construction1 renovation1 and improvement of aids to navigation1 shore and offshore facilities1 vessels1 and aircraft1 including equipment related thereto1 and for maintenance1 rehabilitation1 lease1 and operation of facilities and equipment-- 7,a7 #a1ihe1hde1jjj for fiscal year #bjah1 to remain available through ,september #cj1 #bjbb2 and 7,b7 #b1jbg1edg1gde for fiscal year #bjai1 to remain available through ,september #cj1 #bjbc4 7#c7 ,for the ,coast ,guard ,reserve program1 including operations and maintenance of the program1 personnel and training costs1 equipment1 and services-- 7,a7 #adb1ief1ccf for fiscal year #bjah2 and 7,b7 #ade1ieh1dai for fiscal year #bjai4 7#d7 ,for the environmental compliance and restoration of ,coast ,guard under chapter #ai of this title-- 7,a7 #ag1jea1gba for fiscal year #bjah1 to remain available through ,september #cj1 #bjbb2 and 7,b7 #ag1dji1hjg for fiscal year #bjai1 to remain available through ,september #bj1 #bjbc4 7#e7 ,to the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard for research1 development1 test1 and evaluation of technologies1 materials1 and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the ,coast ,guard's mission with respect to search and rescue1 aids to navigation1 marine safety1 marine environmental protection1 enforcement of laws and treaties1 ice operations1 oceanographic research1 and defense readiness1 and for maintenance1 rehabilitation1 lease1 and operation of facilities and equipment-- 7,a7 #bj1cjg1fij for fiscal year #bjah2 and 7,b7 #bj1gcd1aea for fiscal year #bjai4 4 #ajb4 ,authorized levels of military strength and training ,section #bgjd of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,active duty strength ,the ,coast ,guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of #dc1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah and #bjai4 7b7 ,military training student loads ,the ,coast ,guard is authorized average military training student loads for each of fiscal years #bjah and #bjai as follows3 7#a7 ,for recruit and special training1 #b1ejj student years4 7#b7 ,for flight training1 #afe student years4 7#c7 ,for professional training in military and civilian institutions1 #cej student years4 7#d7 ,for officer acquisition1 #a1bjj student years4 4 ,,ii ,coast ,guard #bja4 ,primary duties ,section #b7g7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking including the fulfillment of ,maritime ,defense ,zone command responsibilities and inserting and at all times assist in the defense of the ,united ,states4 #bjb4 ,training2 emergency response providers 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #g of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #ada the following3 #ada;a4 ,training2 emergency response providers 7a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may1 on a reimbursable or a non-reimbursable basis1 make training available to public safety personnel whenever the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 determines that-- 7#a7 a member of the ,coast ,guard1 who was scheduled to participate in such training1 is unable or unavailable to participate in such training2 7#b7 no other member of the ,coast ,guard1 who is assigned to the unit to which the member of the ,coast ,guard described in paragraph 7#a71 is able or available to participate in such training2 and 7#c7 such training1 if made available to public safety personnel1 would further the goal of interoperability among ,federal agencies1 non-,federal governmental agencies1 or both4 7b7 ,definition of emergency response provider ,in this section1 the term emergency response provider has the meaning given the term in section #aja of title #f4 7c7 ,treatment of reimbursement ,any reimbursement for training that the ,coast ,guard receives under this section shall be credited to the appropriation used to pay the costs for such training4 7d7 ,status2 limitation on liability 7#a7 ,status ,any individual to whom1 as an emergency response provider1 training is made available under this section shall not be considered a ,federal employee for any purpose1 including the purposes of-- 7,a7 chapter #ha of title #e 7relating to compensation for injury72 or 7,b7 sections #bfga through #bfhj of title #bh 7relating to tort claims74 7#b7 ,limitation on liability ,the individual described in paragraph 7#a7 or that individual's employer shall be liable for any claim arising out of such training4 4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #g of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #ada the following3 #ada;a4 ,training2 emergency response providers4 4 #bjc4 ,commissioned service retirement ,section #bia of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting 7a7 ,in general4-- before ,any regular and indenting appropriately2 7#b7 in subsection 7a71 as designated-- 7,a7 by inserting of the ,coast ,guard after officer2 and 7,b7 by striking ,president and inserting ,secretary2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,active commissioned service ,the ,secretary may authorize the ,commandant1 through fiscal year #bjai1 to reduce the requirement under subsection 7a7 for at least ten years of active service as a commissioned officer to a period of not less than eight years4 4 #bjd4 ,officer promotion zones ,section #bef7;a7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking six-tenths and inserting one-half4 #bje4 ,officer evaluation report 7a7 ,in general ,beginning with the first evaluation cycle after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall reduce lieutenant junior grade evaluation reports to the same length as an ensign or place lieutenant junior grade evaluations on an annual schedule4 7b7 ,board survey ,the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall survey outgoing promotion board members to determine1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 which sections of the officer evaluation report were most useful2 7#b7 which sections of the officer evaluation report were least useful2 7#c7 how to better reflect high performers1 and 7#d7 any recommendations for improving the officer evaluation report4 7c7 ,survey of officers ,the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall conduct a survey on the officer evaluation report to-- 7#a7 cover at least #aj percent of the officers from each grade of officers from ,o#a to ,o#f2 and 7#b7 determine how much time each member of the rating chain spends on that member's portion of the officer evaluation report4 7d7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ede days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report-- 7,a7 on the findings of the survey under subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 on the findings of the survey under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,format ,the report under paragraph 7#a7 shall be formatted by each rank1 type of board1 and position1 as applicable4 #bjf4 ,retired pay2 amounts for payments in connection with modernized retirement system 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #aa of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #dbd;a the following3 #dbd;b4 ,retired pay2 amounts for payments in connection with modernized retirement system ,of the amounts appropriated for retirement pay under this chapter in any fiscal year1 the ,secretary may use such sums as are necessary for the following purposes 7in addition to other amounts that may be available for such purposes7 as such purposes relate to a member3 7#a7 ,lump sum payment of certain retired pay under section #adae of title #aj4 7#b7 ,thrift ,savings ,plan contributions under section #hddj;e7e7 of title #e4 7#c7 ,continuation pay under section #cef of title #cg4 4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for chapter #aa of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #dbd the following3 #dbd;b4 ,retired pay2 amounts for payments in connection with modernized retirement system4 4 #bjg4 ,inclusion of vessel for investigation purposes 7a7 ,in general ,section #fgh of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting or vessel after aircraft each place it appears4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,chapter #ag of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the table of contents of chapter #ag1 by inserting and vessel after ,aircraft in the item relating to section #fgh2 and 7#b7 in the heading for section #fgh1 by inserting and vessel after ,aircraft4 #bjh4 ,leave for the birth of adoption of a child ,section #dca of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,not later than #a year and inserting the following3 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 not later than #a year 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,leave associated with the birth or adoption of a child ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 including section #gja of title #aj1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall ensure that any rule1 policy1 or memorandum that provides leave associated with the birth or adoption of a child to officers and enlisted members of the ,coast ,guard permits1 at the discretion of the ,commanding ,officer-- 7#a7 an officer or member to take such leave in increments2 and 7#b7 flexible work schedules for such officer or member until all such leave is expended4 4 #bji4 ,aviation cadets2 appointment as ,reserve officers2 cross reference ,section #cgc7;a7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting designated under section #cga after cadet4 #baj4 ,clothing at time of discharge for good of service2 repeal ,section #dhb of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the item relating to that section in the table of contents of chapter #ac of that title1 are repealed4 #baa4 ,multiyear contracts ,the ,secretary is authorized to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of a tenth1 eleventh1 and twelfth ,national ,security ,cutter and associated government-furnished equipment4 #bab4 ,coast ,guard ,,rotc ,program ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the costs and benefits of creating a ,coast ,guard ,reserve ,officers' ,training ,corps ,program based on the other armed forces programs4 ,,iii ,marine safety #cja4 ,coast ,guard advisory committees 7a7 ,establishment ,subtitle ,i of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #g ,coast ,guard advisory committees ,sec4#gja4 ,administration4#gjb4 ,chemical ,transportation ,advisory ,committee4#gjc4 ,commercial ,fishing ,safety ,advisory ,committee4#gjd4 ,great ,lakes ,pilotage ,advisory ,committee4#gje4 ,lower ,mississippi ,river ,waterway ,safety ,advisory ,committee4#gjf4 ,merchant ,marine ,personnel ,advisory ,committee4#gjg4 ,merchant ,mariner ,medical ,advisory ,committee4#gjh4 ,national ,boating ,safety ,advisory ,council4#gji4 ,national ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee4#gaj4 ,national ,offshore ,safety ,advisory ,committee4#gaa4 ,navigation ,safety ,advisory ,council4#gab4 ,towing ,safety ,advisory ,committee4 #gja4 ,administration 7a7 ,employee status ,a member of an advisory committee or advisory council established under this chapter shall not be considered an employee of the ,federal ,government by reason of service on such committee or council1 except for the purposes of the following provisions of law3 7#a7 ,section #egjc of title #e 7relating to travel expenses74 7#b7 ,chapter #ha of title #e 7relating to compensation for work injuries74 7#c7 ,chapter #aga of title #bh and any other ,federal statute relating to tort liability4 7#d7 ,if the member is a special ,government employee-- 7,a7 chapter #gc of title #e2 7,b7 sections #bja1 #bjb1 #bjc1 #bje1 #bjg1 #bjh1 and #bji of title #ah2 7,c7 the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app472 and 7,d7 any other provision of law relating to employee conduct1 political activities1 ethics1 conflict of interest1 and corruption that applies to a special ,government employee4 7b7 ,compensation ,a member of an advisory committee or advisory council established under this chapter who is not otherwise a ,federal employee shall not receive pay by reason of service on such committee or council4 7c7 ,acceptance of volunteer services ,a member of an advisory committee or advisory council established under this chapter may serve on a voluntary basis without pay without regard to section #acdb of title #ca or any other law4 #gjb4 ,chemical ,transportation ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,chemical ,transportation ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to the safe and secure marine transportation of hazardous materials4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of not more than #be members4 7,b7 ,points of view ,each member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of #a of the following entities or groups associated with marine transportation of hazardous materials3 7i7 ,chemical manufacturing4 7ii7 ,marine handling or transportation of chemicals4 7iii7 ,vessel design and construction4 7iv7 ,marine safety or security4 7v7 ,marine environmental protection4 7,c7 ,needs of the ,coast ,guard ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall1 based on the needs of the ,coast ,guard1 determine the number of members who represent a specific point of view4 7,d7 ,rule of construction ,neither this subsection nor any other provision of law or policy shall be construed to require an equal distribution of members representing specific points of view among the membership of the ,committee4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah1 each member of the ,committee is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7,b7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gjc4 ,commercial ,fishing ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,commercial ,fishing ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized-- 7#a7 to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to the safe operation of vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies1 including navigation safety1 safety equipment and procedures1 marine insurance1 vessel design1 construction1 maintenance and operation1 and personnel qualifications and training2 and 7#b7 to review proposed regulations promulgated pursuant to chapter #de of this title4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #ah members4 7,b7 ,experience ,each member of the ,committee shall have particular expertise1 knowledge1 and experience regarding the commercial fishing industry4 7,c7 ,points of view ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,d71 a member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7i7 #aj members representing the commercial fishing industry who-- 7,i7 reflect a regional and representational balance2 and 7,,ii7 have experience in the operation of vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies or as a crew member or processing line worker on a fish processing vessel4 7ii7 #a member representing naval architects or marine engineers4 7iii7 #a member representing manufacturers of equipment for vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies4 7iv7 #a member representing education or training professionals related to fishing vessel1 fish processing vessel1 or fish tender vessel safety or personnel qualifications4 7v7 #a member representing underwriters that insure vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies4 7vi7 #a member representing owners of vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies4 7,d7 ,exception 7i7 ,in general ,subject to clause 7ii71 #c members of the ,committee shall represent the general public4 7ii7 ,experience ,whenever possible1 a member who represents the general public shall be either-- 7,i7 an independent expert or consultant in maritime safety2 7,,ii7 a marine surveyor who provides services to vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies2 or 7,,iii7 a person familiar with issues affecting fishing communities and families of fishermen4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah-- 7,a7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent a point of view of an entity or group under paragraph 7#b77;,c71 is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah72 and 7,b7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary may appoint to represent the general public1 is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7,b7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,consultation ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall1 whenever practicable-- 7#a7 consult with the ,committee before taking any significant action relating to the safe operation of vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies2 and 7#b7 consider the information1 advice1 and recommendations of the ,committee in consulting with other agencies and the public or in formulating policy regarding the safe operation of vessels to which chapter #de of this title applies4 7e7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gjd4 ,great ,lakes ,pilotage ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,great ,lakes ,pilotage ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function2 recommendations 7#a7 ,functions ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized-- 7,a7 to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to ,great ,lakes pilotage2 and 7,b7 to review proposed ,great ,lakes pilotage regulations and policies and make recommendations to the ,secretary that the ,committee considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,recommendations ,at least #f of the #g members shall agree by vote to make any recommendation under this subsection4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meetings ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #g members4 7,b7 ,experience ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,d71 each member of the ,committee shall have at least #e years practical experience in maritime operations4 7,c7 ,points of view ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,d71 a member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7i7 #c members representing the interests of ,great ,lake pilots1 among whom shall be the president of each ,great ,lake pilotage district 7or the president's designee74 7ii7 #a member representing the interests of vessel operators that contract for ,great ,lakes pilotage services4 7iii7 #a member representing the interests of ,great ,lakes ports4 7iv7 #a member representing the interests of shippers whose cargoes are transported through ,great ,lakes ports4 7,d7 ,remaining member #a member of the ,committee-- 7i7 shall have a background in finance or accounting2 7ii7 must have been recommended to the ,secretary by a unanimous vote of the other members of the ,committee2 and 7iii7 may be appointed without regard to requirement under subparagraph 7,b7 that each member have #e years of practical experience in maritime operations4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah-- 7,a7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group under paragraph 7#b77;,c71 is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah72 and 7,b7 the member of the ,committee with the background prescribed under paragraph 7#b77;,d7 is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7,b7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,designation ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7#h7 ,observers 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 at the request of the ,commandant1 may designate #b individuals to participate as observers in the work of the ,committee and offer necessary information for which each observer is uniquely qualified to provide4 7,b7 ,requirements ,each observer-- 7i7 shall not be deemed a member of the ,committee2 7ii7 shall not vote on any matter before the ,committee2 7iii7 shall not contribute to a quorum2 7iv7 shall serve without compensation2 and 7v7 shall be responsible for all travel expenses4 7,c7 ,designation2 experience 7i7 ,experience ,the ,secretary may designate an individual as an observer without regard to the requirement of paragraph 7#b77;,b71 except that-- 7,i7 #a observer shall have particular knowledge of the national interests of ,american pilots2 and 7,,ii7 #a observer shall have particular knowledge of the interests of ,canadian shippers4 7ii7 ,notice ,the ,secretary may designate an individual as an observer without regard to the requirement of paragraph 7#d77;,a71 except that the ,secretary may solicit1 from the ,commandant1 recommendations with regard to the individual whom the ,secretary shall designate as an observer4 7iii7 ,canadian shippers ,with regard to the individual with particular knowledge of the interests of ,canadian shippers1 the ,secretary may1 with the concurrence of the ,secretary of ,state1 designate an individual who is a citizen of ,canada4 7,d7 ,vacancy ,an observer shall serve a term of not more than #c years from the effective date of the designation1 except that1 in the case of a designation to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the observer shall be designated for a full term4 7d7 ,consultation ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall1 whenever practicable-- 7#a7 consult with the ,committee before taking any significant action relating to ,great ,lakes pilotage2 and 7#b7 consider the information1 advice1 and recommendations of the ,committee in formulating policy regarding matters affecting ,great ,lakes pilotage4 7e7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gje4 ,lower ,mississippi ,river ,waterway ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,lower ,mississippi ,river ,waterway ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to communication1 surveillance1 traffic management1 anchorages1 development and operation of ,new ,orleans ,vessel ,traffic ,services1 and other related topics dealing with and actions relating to navigational safety on the ,lower ,mississippi ,river4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #bd members4 7,b7 ,experience ,each member of the ,committee shall have expertise1 knowledge1 and experience regarding the transportation1 equipment1 and techniques that are used to ship cargo and to navigate vessels on the ,lower ,mississippi ,river and its connecting navigable waterways1 including the ,gulf of ,mexico4 7,c7 ,points of view ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,d71 each member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7i7 #e members representing ,river ,port ,authorities between ,baton ,rouge1 ,louisiana1 and the head of passes of the ,lower ,mississippi ,river1 of which-- 7,i7 #a member shall be from the ,port of ,st4 ,bernard2 and 7,,ii7 #a member from the ,port of ,plaquemines4 7ii7 #b members representing vessel owners or ship owners domiciled in the ,state of ,louisiana4 7iii7 #b members representing organizations which operate harbor tugs or barge fleets in the geographical area covered by the ,committee4 7iv7 #b members representing companies which transport cargo or passengers on the navigable waterways in the geographical area covered by the ,committee4 7v7 #c members representing ,state ,commissioned ,pilot organizations1 with #a member each representing-- 7,i7 the ,new ,orleans-,baton ,rouge ,steamship ,pilots ,association2 7,,ii7 the ,crescent ,river ,port ,pilots ,association2 and 7,,iii7 the ,association ,branch ,pilots4 7vi7 #c members representing consumers1 shippers1 or importers and exporters that utilize vessels which utilize the navigable waterways covered by the ,committee4 7vii7 #b members representing those licensed merchant mariners1 other than pilots1 who perform shipboard duties on those vessels which utilize navigable waterways covered by the ,committee4 7viii7 #a member representing an organization that serves in a consulting or advisory capacity to the maritime industry4 7ix7 #a member representing an environmental organization4 7,d7 ,additional members 7i7 ,in general #c members of the ,committee shall represent the general public4 7ii7 ,water transportation facilities ,whenever possible1 #b of the #c members who represent the general public shall be individuals who utilize water transportation facilities located in the geographic area that the ,committee covers4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah-- 7,a7 each member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group set out in paragraph 7#b77;,c71 is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah72 and 7,b7 each member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the general public1 is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extension ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7,b7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,consultation ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall1 whenever practicable1 consult with the ,committee before taking any significant action relating to navigation safety in the ,lower ,mississippi ,river4 7e7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gjf4 ,merchant ,marine ,personnel ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,merchant ,marine ,personnel ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to personnel in the ,united ,states merchant marine1 including training1 qualifications1 certification1 documentation1 and fitness standards4 7c7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7d7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #ai members4 7#b7 ,points of view ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,c71 each member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7,a7 #i members representing the interests of mariners-- 7i7 each of whom-- 7,i7 shall be a citizen of the ,united ,states2 and 7,,ii7 shall hold an active license or certificate issued under chapter #ga of this title or a merchant mariner document issued under chapter #gc of this title2 and 7ii7 among whom shall be-- 7,i7 #c deck officers representing the interests of merchant marine deck officers1 of whom-- 7aa7 #b shall be licensed for oceans any gross tons2 7bb7 #a shall be licensed for inland river route with a limited or unlimited tonnage2 7cc7 #b shall have a master's license or a master of towing vessels license2 7dd7 #a shall have significant tanker experience2 and 7ee7 to the extent practicable-- 7,,aa7 #a shall represent the interests of labor2 and 7,,bb7 #a shall represent the interests of management2 7,,ii7 #c engineering officers representing the interests of merchant marine engineering officers1 of whom-- 7aa7 #b shall be licensed as chief engineer any horsepower2 7bb7 #a shall be licensed as either a limited chief engineer or a designated duty engineer2 and 7cc7 to the extent practicable-- 7,,aa7 #a shall represent the interests of labor2 and 7,,bb7 #a shall represent the interests of management2 7,,iii7 #b unlicensed seamen1 of whom-- 7aa7 #a shall represent the interests of able-bodied seamen2 and 7bb7 #a shall represent the interests of qualified members of the engine department2 and 7,,iv7 #a pilot representing the interests of merchant marine pilots4 7,b7 #f members representing the interests of marine educators-- 7i7 each of whom shall be a marine educator2 and 7ii7 among whom shall be-- 7,i7 #c marine educators who shall represent the interests of maritime academies1 including-- 7aa7 #b who shall represent the interests of ,state maritime academies2 and 7bb7 #a who shall represent either the viewpoint of the ,state maritime academies or the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy2 and 7,,ii7 #c marine educators who shall represent the interests of other maritime training institutions1 #a of whom shall represent the interests of the small vessel industry4 7,c7 #b members representing the interests of shipping companies employed in ship operation management4 7,d7 #b members of the ,committee shall represent the general public4 7#c7 ,status of members 7,a7 ,in general ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah-- 7i7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group set out in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah72 and 7ii7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the general public1 is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7,b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the nomination or appointment of a ,federal employee to serve as a member of the ,committee representing the interests of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy4 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointment ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,soliciting nominations ,notwithstanding subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 the ,secretary may-- 7i7 with regard to the appointment of a member or members to represent the interests of the ,state maritime academies1 solicit nominations for membership on the ,committee from each ,state maritime academy or a joint nomination from some or all ,state maritime academies2 and 7ii7 with regard to the appointment of a member to represent the interests of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 solicit a nomination for membership on the ,committee from the ,secretary of ,transportation4 7,d7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7iii7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7e7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gjg4 ,merchant ,mariner ,medical ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,merchant ,mariner ,medical ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to-- 7#a7 medical certification determinations of merchant mariners2 7#b7 medical standards and guidelines for the physical qualifications of operators of commercial vessels2 7#c7 medical examiner education2 and 7#d7 medical research4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #ad members4 7,b7 ,restriction ,no member of the ,committee shall be a regular ,federal employee4 7,c7 ,experience ,of the members of the ,committee-- 7i7 #aj members shall be health-care professionals with particular expertise1 knowledge1 or experience regarding the medical examinations of merchant mariners or occupational medicine2 and 7ii7 #d members shall be professional mariners with knowledge and experience in mariners' occupational requirements4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah1 each member of the ,committee is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7iii7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gjh4 ,national ,boating ,safety ,advisory ,council 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,national ,boating ,safety ,advisory ,council 7referred to in this section as the ,council74 7b7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,council shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,council shall consist of #ba members4 7,b7 ,experience ,each member of the ,council shall have particular expertise1 knowledge1 and experience in recreational boating safety4 7,c7 ,points of view ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,d71 each member of the ,council shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7i7 #g members representing ,state officials responsible for ,state boating safety programs4 7ii7 #g members representing manufacturers1 wholesale distributors1 or retail distributors of recreational vessels or associated equipment4 7iii7 ,at least #e members representing national recreational boating organizations4 7,d7 ,additional members ,not more than #b members of the ,council may represent the general public4 7,e7 ,panels ,additional individuals from an entity or group set out in subparagraph 7,c7 may be appointed to panels of the ,council to assist the ,council in performing its duties4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah-- 7,a7 a member of the ,council1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group set out in paragraph 7#b77;,c71 is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah72 and 7,b7 in the event that the ,secretary appoints a member to represent the general public1 such member of the ,council is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,council4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,council4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,council4 7iii7 ,vacancy ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,council more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,council shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,council shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7#a71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,council to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7iii7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,council1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,council as the ,chairman and another member of the ,council as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,council1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,council in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7c7 ,consultation ,in addition to the consultation required by section #dcjb of this title1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall1 whenever practicable1 consult with the ,council on boating safety matters related to chapter #aca of this title4 7d7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,council4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,council shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gji4 ,national ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,national ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to national maritime security4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of not less than #h members1 but not more than #ab members4 7,b7 ,experience ,each member of the ,committee shall have at least #e years practical experience in maritime security operations4 7,c7 ,points of view ,each member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7i7 ,at least #a member representing the port authorities4 7ii7 ,at least #a member representing the facilities owners or operators4 7iii7 ,at least #a member representing the terminal owners or operators4 7iv7 ,at least #a member representing the vessel owners or operators4 7v7 ,at least #a member representing the maritime labor organizations4 7vi7 ,at least #a member representing the academic community4 7vii7 ,at least #a member representing ,state or local governments4 7viii7 ,at least #a member representing the maritime industry4 7ix7 ,not more than #d members1 each representing an entity or group1 the point of view of which or the area of expertise of which the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 determines would aid the ,committee's deliberations4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah1 each member of the ,committee is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of an individual in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7,d7 ,background examinations ,the ,secretary may require an individual to have passed an appropriate security background examination before appointment to the ,committee4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7iii7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gaj4 ,national ,offshore ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,national ,offshore ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to activities directly involved with1 or in support of1 the exploration of offshore mineral and energy resources insofar as such activities relate to matters within ,coast ,guard jurisdiction4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #ae members4 7,b7 ,points of view ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,c71 each member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7i7 #b members representing companies1 organizations1 enterprises1 or similar entities engaged in the production of petroleum4 7ii7 #b members representing companies1 organizations1 enterprises1 or similar entities engaged in offshore drilling4 7iii7 #b members representing companies1 organizations1 enterprises or similar entities engaged in the support1 by offshore supply vessels or other vessels1 of offshore operations4 7iv7 #a member representing a company1 organization1 enterprise or similar entity engaged in the construction of offshore facilities4 7v7 #a member representing a company1 organization1 enterprise or similar entity providing diving services to the offshore industry4 7vi7 #a member representing a company1 organization1 enterprise or similar entity providing safety and training services to the offshore industry4 7vii7 #a member representing a company1 organization1 enterprise or similar entity providing subsea engineering1 construction or remotely operated vehicle support to the offshore industry4 7viii7 #b members representing employees of companies1 organizations1 enterprises or similar entities engaged in offshore operations1 #a of whom should have recent practical experience on vessels or units involved in the offshore industry4 7ix7 #a member representing a company1 organization1 enterprise or similar entity providing environmental protection1 compliance or response services to the offshore industry4 7x7 #a member representing a company1 organization1 enterprise or similar entity engaged in offshore oil exploration or production on the ,outer ,continental ,shelf of ,alaska4 7,c7 ,additional member #a member of the ,committee shall represent the general public4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah-- 7,a7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group set out in paragraph 7#b77;,c71 is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah72 and 7,b7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the general public1 is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7iii7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate one member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gaa4 ,navigation ,safety ,advisory ,council 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,navigation ,safety ,advisory ,council 7referred to in this section as the ,council74 7b7 ,function ,the ,council1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to maritime collisions1 rammings and groundings1 ,inland ,rules of the ,road1 ,international ,rules of the ,road1 navigation regulations and equipment1 routing measures1 marine information1 and aids to navigation systems4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,council shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,council shall consist of not more than #ba members4 7,b7 ,experience ,each member of the ,council shall have expertise in ,inland and ,international vessel navigation ,rules of the ,road1 aids to maritime navigation1 maritime law1 vessel safety1 or port safety4 7,c7 ,points of view ,each member of the ,council shall represent the point of view of one of the following entities or groups3 7i7 ,commercial vessel owners or operators4 7ii7 ,professional mariners4 7iii7 ,recreational boaters4 7iv7 ,state agencies responsible for vessel or port safety4 7v7 ,the ,maritime ,law ,association4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah1 each member of the ,council is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,council4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,council4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the ,council4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,council more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,council shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,council shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,council to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,council1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,council as the ,chairman and another member of the ,council as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,council1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,council who shall perform the duties set forth in section #aj7;c7 of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,council4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,council shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 #gab4 ,towing ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,towing ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this section as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee1 acting through the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee71 is authorized to advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to shallow-draft inland navigation1 coastal waterway navigation1 and towing safety4 7c7 ,organization 7#a7 ,meeting ,the ,committee shall1 at least once each calendar year1 meet at the call of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #ah members4 7,b7 ,experience ,each member of the ,committee shall have particular expertise1 knowledge1 and experience regarding-- 7i7 shallow-draft inland navigation or coastal waterway navigation2 and 7ii7 towing safety4 7,c7 ,points of view ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,d71 each member of the ,committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group1 as follows3 7i7 #g members representing the barge and towing industry1 reflecting a regional geographic balance4 7ii7 #a member representing the offshore mineral and oil supply vessel industry4 7iii7 #a member representing ,masters or ,pilots of towing vessels who have experience on the ,western ,rivers and the ,gulf ,intracoastal ,waterway4 7iv7 #a member representing ,masters of towing vessels who have experience in offshore service4 7v7 #a member representing ,masters of towing vessels who have experience in harbor-assist operations4 7vi7 #a member representing towing vessel engineers4 7vii7 #b members representing port districts1 authorities1 or terminal operators4 7viii7 #a member representing shippers4 7ix7 #a member representing shippers who are engaged in the chartering or shipping of oil or hazardous materials by barge4 7,d7 ,additional members #b members of the ,committee shall represent the general public4 7#c7 ,status of members ,for the purposes of ,federal law1 including the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and chapter #aa of title #ah-- 7,a7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group set out in paragraph 7#b77;,c71 is hereby deemed a representative of the member's respective special interest entity or group1 and not a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah72 and 7,b7 a member of the ,committee1 whom the ,secretary appoints to represent the general public1 is hereby deemed a special ,government employee 7as defined in section #bjb7;a7 of title #ah74 7#d7 ,nominations2 appointments2 service 7,a7 ,nominations ,as necessary1 the ,secretary shall publish1 in the ,federal ,register1 a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee4 7,b7 ,appointments 7i7 ,in general ,after timely notice is published1 the ,secretary shall1 as necessary1 appoint members to the ,committee4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary may not seek1 consider1 or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of an individual in making an appointment to the ,committee4 7iii7 ,reappointments ,the ,secretary may reappoint a member to the ,committee more than once4 7,c7 ,service ,each member of the ,committee shall serve at the pleasure of the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,term2 vacancy 7,a7 ,term 7i7 ,in general ,the term of each member of the ,committee shall expire on ,december #ca of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7ii7 ,extensions ,notwithstanding clause 7i71 paragraph 7#d71 or any other provision of law or policy1 the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may extend the term of a member of the ,committee to ,december #ca of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment4 7iii7 ,vacancy ,in the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term4 7#f7 ,chairman2 vice chairman 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate #a member of the ,committee as the ,chairman and another member of the ,committee as the ,vice ,chairman1 both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 and for a term to be fixed by the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee74 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 may solicit1 from the ,committee1 recommendations with regard to the members whom the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate as the ,chairman and the ,vice ,chairman4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,the ,vice ,chairman shall act as ,chairman in the absence or incapacity of1 or in the event of a vacancy in the office of1 the ,chairman4 7#g7 ,designated ,federal ,officer ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall designate a ,designated ,federal ,officer to the ,committee in accordance with the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,consultation ,the ,commandant 7or the ,commandant's designee7 shall1 whenever practicable1 consult with the ,committee before taking any significant action affecting shallow-draft inland navigation1 coastal waterway navigation1 and towing safety4 7e7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,committee4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendments 7#a7 ,table of chapters ,the table of chapters for subtitle ,i of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #g4;,coast ,guard advisory committees#gja 4 7#b7 ,commercial ,fishing ,safety ,advisory ,committee 7,a7 ,repeal ,section #dejh of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7,b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #de of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #dejh4 7#c7 ,great ,lakes ,pilotage ,advisory ,committee 7,a7 ,repeal ,section #icjg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7,b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #ic of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #icjg4 7#d7 ,lower ,mississippi ,river ,waterway ,safety ,advisory ,committee ,section #ai of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #aiia 7,public ,law #ajb-bda2 #aje ,stat4 #bbae7 is repealed4 7#e7 ,merchant ,marine ,personnel ,advisory ,committee 7,a7 ,repeal ,section #hajh of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7,b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #ha of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #hajh4 7#f7 ,merchant ,mariner ,medical ,advisory ,committee 7,a7 ,repeal ,section #gaae of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7,b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #ga of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #gaae4 7#g7 ,national ,boating ,safety ,advisory ,council 7,a7 ,repeal ,section #acaaj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7,b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #aca of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #acaaj4 7,c7 ,technical amendment ,section #dcjb7;c77#d7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #acaaj and inserting #gjh4 7#h7 ,national ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee ,section #aji7;a77#a7 of the ,maritime ,transportation ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#df ,u4,s4,c4 #gjaja note7 is amended by striking section #gjaab of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this ,act and inserting section #gji of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#i7 ,navigation ,safety ,advisory ,council ,section #e of the ,inland ,navigational ,rules ,act of #aihj 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bjgc7 is repealed4 7#aj7 ,towing ,safety ,advisory ,committee ,the ,act to establish a ,towing ,safety ,advisory ,committee in the ,department of ,transportation1 approved ,october #f1 #aihj 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abca;a71 is repealed4 7c7 ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committees 7#a7 ,in general ,section #gjaab of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in the heading1 by striking ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committees and inserting ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committees2 7,b7 by amending subsection 7a7 to read as follows3 7a7 ,establishment of ,committees 7#a7 ,the ,secretary may-- 7,a7 establish an ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee for any port area of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 request an ,area ,maritime ,security ,committee to review the proposed ,area ,maritime ,transportation ,security ,plan developed under section #gjajc7;b7 and make recommendations to the ,secretary that the ,committee considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,each ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee-- 7,a7 may advise1 consult with1 report to1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to maritime security in that area2 7,b7 may make available to the ,congress recommendations that the ,committee makes to the ,secretary2 and 7,c7 shall meet at the call of-- 7i7 the ,secretary1 who shall call such a meeting at least once during each calendar year2 or 7ii7 a majority of the ,committee4 2 7,c7 in subsection 7b7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking of the committees and inserting ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 7ii7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7,i7 by striking such a committee and inserting an ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 and 7,,ii7 by striking the committee and inserting an ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 7iii7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking the ,committee and inserting an ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 and 7iv7 in paragraph 7#e7-- 7,i7 by striking subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,,ii7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking 7,b7 and indenting appropriately2 7,d7 in subsection 7c77#a71 by striking committee and inserting ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 7,e7 by striking subsection 7d72 7,f7 by redesignating subsections 7e71 7f71 and 7g7 as subsections 7d71 7e71 and 7f71 respectively2 7,g7 in subsection 7d71 as redesignated-- 7i7 by striking the ,committee and inserting an ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 and 7ii7 by striking the period at the end and inserting for an area42 7,h7 in subsection 7e71 as redesignated-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking a committee and inserting an ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking such a committee and inserting an ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee2 and 7,i7 by amending subsection 7f71 as redesignated1 to read as follows3 7f7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act2 termination date 7#a7 ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 does not apply to ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committees established under this section4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committees shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbg4 4 7d7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #gja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended in the item relating to section #gjaab by striking ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committees and inserting ,area ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committees4 7e7 ,houston-,galveston ,navigation ,safety ,advisory ,committee2 repeal ,section #ah of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #aiia 7,public ,law #ajb-bda2 #aje ,stat4 #bbac7 is repealed4 7f7 ,transition of ,coast ,guard advisory committees 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding the amendments made under subsections 7b7 and 7c7 of this section1 an advisory committee described in paragraph 7#b7 of this subsection shall continue to be subject to the requirements under law to which such advisory committee was subject as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act1 including its charter1 and the members appointed to such advisory committee shall continue to serve pursuant thereto1 until the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating makes the applicable appointments under sections #gjb through #gab of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,coast ,guard advisory committees ,an advisory committee described in this paragraph is as follows3 7,a7 ,chemical ,transportation ,advisory ,committee4 7,b7 ,commercial ,fishing ,safety ,advisory ,committee established under section #dejh of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,c7 ,great ,lakes ,pilotage ,advisory ,committee established under section #icjg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,d7 ,lower ,mississippi ,river ,waterway ,safety ,advisory ,committee established under section #ai of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #aiia 7,public ,law #ajb-bda2 #aje ,stat4 #bbae74 7,e7 ,merchant ,marine ,personnel ,advisory ,committee established under section #hajh of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,f7 ,merchant ,mariner ,medical ,advisory ,committee established under section #gaae of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,g7 ,national ,boating ,safety ,advisory ,committee established under section #acaaj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,h7 ,national ,maritime ,security ,advisory ,committee established under section #gjaab of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,i7 ,national ,offshore ,safety ,advisory ,committee4 7,j7 ,navigation ,safety ,advisory ,council established under section #e of the ,inland ,navigational ,rules ,act of #aihj 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bjgc74 7,k7 ,towing ,safety ,advisory ,committee established under the ,act entitled the ,act to establish a ,towing ,safety ,advisory ,committee in the ,department of ,transportation1 approved ,october #f1 #aihj 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abca;a74 7#c7 ,deadline ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall make the appointments1 and file any necessary charters1 under sections #gjb through #gab of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 #cjb4 ,clarification of logbook and entry requirements ,section #aacjd of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking an official logbook1 which and inserting a logbook1 which may be in any form1 including electronic1 and2 and 7,b7 by inserting or a ferry1 passenger vessel1 or small passenger vessel 7as those terms are defined in section #baja7 after ,canada2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking log book and inserting logbook2 and 7,b7 by amending paragraph 7#c7 to read as follows3 7#c7 ,each illness of or injury1 the nature of the illness or injury1 and any medical treatment administered4 4 #cjc4 ,technical corrections2 licenses1 certifications of registry1 and merchant mariner documents ,part ,e of subtitle ,,ii of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #gajf7;b71 by striking merchant mariner's document and inserting license2 7#b7 in section #gajg7;b71 by striking merchant mariner's document and inserting certificate of registry2 and 7#c7 in section #gejg7;b77#b71 by striking a merchant mariner's document and inserting a license or a certificate of registry44 #cjd4 ,numbering for undocumented barges ,chapter #aba of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #abajb-- 7,a7 in subsection 7c71 by adding at the end the following3 ,the ,secretary may require such an undocumented barge more than #ajj gross tons operating on the navigable waters of the ,united ,states to be numbered under chapter #abc of this title42 and 7,b7 in subsection 7d71 by striking ,secretary of ,transportation and inserting ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating2 and 7#b7 in section #abcja-- 7,a7 by striking subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 by striking the subsection designation in subsection 7a7 and indenting appropriately4 #cje4 ,aids to navigation 7a7 ,authorizations ,section #baj7;a7 of the ,water ,resources ,development ,act of #aihf 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bbch7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 up to #ajj percent of the ,coast ,guard's eligible operations and maintenance costs necessitated by the completion of a navigation improvement project4 4 7b7 ,definitions ,section #bad7b7 of the ,water ,resources ,development ,act of #aihf 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bbda7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c72 7#b7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,c7 as subparagraph 7,d72 7#c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,b7 the following3 7,c7 ,as applied to the ,coast ,guard1 the term eligible operations and maintenance means all operations and maintenance reasonably necessary to relocate or establish a ,federal navigational aid necessary for a navigation improvement project4 2 and 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,d71 as redesignated1 by striking the period at the end and inserting 1 except as applied to the ,coast ,guard under subparagraph 7,c744 #cjf4 ,equipment requirements2 exemption from throwable personal flotation devices ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall revise section #age4ag of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to exempt paddleboards and rafts from the requirement for carriage of an additional throwable personal flotation device if each person is required to wear a personal flotation device while under way and at least #a rescue throw bag1 as typically used in whitewater rafting1 is on board4 #cjg4 ,ensuring maritime coverage ,in order to meet all of the mission requirements of its maritime response program1 as the ,coast ,guard recapitalizes assets1 it shall ensure continuity of the coverage currently provided by that program to locations that may lose assets4 #cjh4 ,deadline for compliance with alternate safety compliance program 7a7 ,in general ,section #dejc7;d7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,after ,january #a1 #bjbj1 and all that follows through the ,secretary1 if and inserting ,subject to paragraph 7#c71 beginning on the date that is #c years after the date that the ,secretary prescribes an alternate safety compliance program1 a fishing vessel1 fish processing vessel1 or fish tender vessel to which section #dejb7;b7 of this title applies shall comply with the alternate safety compliance program if2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking establishes standards for an alternate safety compliance program1 shall comply with such an alternative safety compliance program that is developed in cooperation with the commercial fishing industry and prescribed by the ,secretary and inserting prescribes an alternate safety compliance program under paragraph 7#a71 shall comply with the alternate safety compliance program2 and 7#c7 by amending paragraph 7#c7 to read as follows3 7#c7 ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 a separate alternate safety compliance program may be developed for a specific region or specific fishery4 4 7b7 ,final rule ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall issue a final rule implementing the alternate safety compliance programs under section #dejc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by subsection 7a7 of this section4 #cji4 ,fishing1 fish tender1 and fish processing vessel certification 7a7 ,nonapplication ,section #dejc7;c77#b77;,a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #gi and inserting #ahj4 7b7 ,determining when keel is laid ,section #dejc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7g7 as subsection 7h72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7f7 the following3 7g7 ,for purposes of this section1 a keel is laid when a structure1 adequate of serving as a keel for a vessel greater than #gi feet in length is identified for use in the construction of a specific vessel and is so affirmed by a marine surveyor4 4 #caj4 ,termination of unsafe operations2 technical amendment ,section #deje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #dejc7a7 and inserting #dejc7;a77#a74 #caa4 ,installation and use of engine cut-off switches on recreational vessel 7a7 ,use of engine cut-,off switch links 7#a7 ,requirement ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall revised the regulations under part #age of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to prohibit a person from operating a recreational vessel #be feet or less in length unless-- 7,a7 the person is wearing an engine cut-off switch link while operating on plane or above displacement speed2 and 7,b7 the engine cut-off switch is factory equipped on the primary propulsion machinery4 7#b7 ,exceptions ,the requirement under paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply to the following3 7,a7 ,a vessel #be feet or less in length whose main helm is installed within an enclosed cabin that would protect an operator from being thrown overboard should the operator be displaced from the helm4 7,b7 ,a vessel with propulsion machinery developing static thrust of less than #aae pounds or #c horsepower4 7,c7 ,a vessel without factory equipped engine cut-off switches4 7b7 ,installation of engine cut-,off switches ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall revise the regulations under part #ahc of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to require an equipment manufacturer1 distributor1 or dealer that installs propulsion machinery and associate starting controls on a recreational vessel #be feet or less in length and capable of developing at least #aae pounds of static thrust to install an engine cut-off switch on such recreational vessel in accordance with the ,american ,boat and ,yacht ,standard ,a-#cc1 as amended4 7c7 ,penalty ,a person that violates a regulation promulgated under subsection 7a77#a7 of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty under section #dcaa of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 not to exceed-- 7#a7 #ajj for the first offense2 7#b7 #bej for the second offense2 and 7#c7 #ejj for any subsequent offense4 7d7 ,preemption ,in accordance with section #dcjf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 a ,state may not establish1 continue in effect1 or enforce any law or regulation addressing engine cut-off switch requirements that is not identical to a regulation prescribed under this section4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,engine cut-off switch ,the term engine cut-off switch means a mechanical or electronic device that is connected to propulsion machinery that will stop propulsion if-- 7,a7 the switch is not properly connected2 or 7,b7 the switch components are submerged in water or separated from the switch by a predetermined distance4 7#b7 ,engine cut-off switch link ,the term engine cut-off switch link means the equipment attached to the recreational vessel operator and which activates the engine cut-off switch4 7f7 ,effective dates ,a regulation prescribed under this section shall specify an effective date that is not earlier than #a year from the date the regulation was published4 #cab4 ,visual distress signals and alternative use 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall develop a performance standard for the alternative use and possession of visual distress signals as mandated by carriage requirements for recreational boats in subpart ,c of part #age of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7b7 ,regulations ,not later than #ahj days after the performance standard for alternative use and possession of a visual distress signal is finalized1 the ,secretary shall revise part #age of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to allow for carriage of such alternative signal devices4 7c7 ,e,p,i,r,bs and ,p,l,bs ,in revising the regulations under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall allow use of a position indicating radio beacons 7,e,p,i,r,bs7 or ,personal ,locating ,devices 7,p,l,bs7 of #djf megahertz1 operating on the ,,cospas-,,sarsat system to meet the alternative carriage requirements for recreational boats under subpart ,c of part #age of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 #cac4 ,renewal period for documented recreational vessels 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall issue certificates of documentation for recreational vessels effective for #e years and charge a nonrefundable fee of #acj per issuance4 7b7 ,fees ,all fees collected from recreational vessel owners under subsection 7a7 shall be available to fund recreational vessel documentation costs until expended4 #cad4 ,exception from survival craft requirements ,section #cajd of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7d7 as subsection 7e72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following3 7d7 ,auxiliary craft 7#a7 ,exception ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 this section shall not apply to a vessel carrying an auxiliary craft on board1 except an inflatable liferaft1 if the auxiliary craft-- 7,a7 is readily accessible during an emergency2 and 7,b7 is capable of safely holding all individuals on board the vessel4 7#b7 ,requirement ,a vessel described in paragraph 7#a7 may not exceed the rated capacity on the capacity plate of the auxiliary craft if the auxiliary craft is equipped with a ,coast ,guard required capacity plate4 4 #cae4 ,inland waterway and river tender acquisition plan 7a7 ,acquisition plan ,not later than #ede days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a plan to replace the aging fleet of inland waterway and river tenders4 7b7 ,contents ,the plan described in subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a schedule for the acquisition to begin2 7#b7 the date the first vessel will be delivered2 7#c7 the date the acquisition will be complete2 7#d7 a description of the order and location of replacements2 7#e7 an estimate of the cost per vessel and for total acquisition program of record2 and 7#f7 an analysis of whether existing vessels can be used4 #caf4 ,arctic planning criteria 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the oil spill prevention and response capabilities for the area covered by the ,captain of the ,port ,zone that includes the ,arctic4 7b7 ,contents ,the report shall include the following3 7#a7 ,levels of equipment and assets4 7#b7 ,location the equipment and assets that are to be deployed1 including an estimate of the time to deploy the equipment and assets4 7#c7 ,a determination on the degree of how effectively the assets are distributed throughout the area4 7#d7 ,a statement on whether performance of ability to deploy equipment is taken into account when measuring the level of equipment available4 7#e7 ,validation of port assessment visit process and response resource inventory4 7#f7 ,a description of the resources need throughout the ,coast ,guard to conduct port assessments1 exercises1 response plan review and spill responses4 7c7 ,definition of ,arctic ,in this section1 the term ,arctic has the meaning given the term under section #aab of the ,arctic ,research and ,policy ,act of #aihd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #daaa74 ,,iv ,maritime security #dja4 ,maritime border security cooperation ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall1 in accordance with law-- 7#a7 partner with other ,federal1 ,state1 and local government agencies to leverage technology1 including existing sensor and camera systems and other sensors1 to provide continuous monitoring of the maritime border2 and 7#b7 enter into such agreements as the ,secretary considers necessary to ensure #bd-;hour monitoring of such technology4 #djb4 ,currency detection canine team program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,canine currency detection team ,the term canine currency detection team means a canine and a canine handler that are trained to detect currency4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating4 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a program to allow the use of canine currency detection teams for purposes of ,coast ,guard maritime law enforcement and maritime security operations1 including underway vessel boardings4 7c7 ,operation ,the ,secretary may cooperate with1 or enter into an agreement with1 the head of another ,federal agency to meet the requirements under subsection 7b74 #djc4 ,confidential investigative expenses ,section #feh of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #de1jjj and inserting #bej1jjj4 #djd4 ,arctic maritime domain awareness 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall conduct a #a-year pilot program to determine the impact of persistent aircraft-based surveillance on illegal maritime activities in the ,alaskan and ,western ,pacific regions4 7b7 ,requirements ,the pilot program shall-- 7#a7 use light aircraft-based detection systems which can identify potential illegal activity from higher altitudes and produce enforcement-quality evidence at lower altitudes2 and 7#b7 be directed at detecting and deterring illegal1 unreported1 and unregulated fishing and enhancing maritime domain awareness4 #dje4 ,strategic assets in the ,arctic 7a7 ,definition of ,arctic ,in this section1 the term ,arctic has the meaning given the term in section #aab of the ,arctic ,research and ,policy ,act of #aihd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #daaa74 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,arctic continues to grow in significance to both the national security interests and the economic prosperity of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 the ,coast ,guard must ensure it is positioned to respond to any accident1 incident1 or threat with appropriate assets4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the progress toward implementing the strategic objectives described in the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,arctic ,strategy dated ,may #bjac4 7d7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7c7 shall include-- 7#a7 a description of the ,coast ,guard's progress toward each strategic objective2 7#b7 plans to provide communications throughout the entire ,coastal ,western ,alaska ,captain of the ,port zone to improve waterway safety and mitigate close calls1 collisions1 and other dangerous interactions between the shipping industry and subsistence hunters2 7#c7 plans to prevent marine casualties1 when possible1 by ensuring vessels avoid environmentally sensitive areas and permanent security zones2 7#d7 an explanation of-- 7,a7 whether it is feasible to establish a vessel traffic service1 using existing resources or otherwise2 and 7,b7 whether an ,arctic ,response ,center of ,expertise is necessary to address the gaps in experience1 skills1 equipment1 resources1 training1 and doctrine to prepare1 respond to1 and recover spilled oil in the ,arctic2 7#e7 an assessment of whether sufficient agreements are in place to ensure the ,coast ,guard is receiving the information it needs to carry out its responsibilities2 7#f7 an assessment of the assets and infrastructure necessary to meet the strategic objectives identified in the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,arctic ,strategy dated ,may #bjac based on factors such as-- 7,a7 response time2 7,b7 coverage area2 7,c7 endurance on scene2 7,d7 presence2 and 7,e7 deterrence2 and 7#g7 an analysis of ,national ,security ,cutters1 ,offshore ,patrol ,cutters1 and ,fast ,response ,cutters capabilities based on the factors described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e7 of paragraph 7#f71 both stationed from various ,alaska ports and in other locations4 ,v ,miscellaneous #eja4 ,ship shoal lighthouse transfer2 repeal ,section #bg of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #aiia 7,public ,law #ajb-bda2 #aje ,stat4 #bbah7 is repealed4 #ejb4 ,acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority 7a7 ,expedited hiring authority 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #ae of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #efc the following3 #efc;a4 ,acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority ,for purposes of section #ccjd of title #e1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard may-- 7#a7 designate any category of acquisition positions within the ,coast ,guard as shortage category positions2 and 7#b7 use the authorities in such section to recruit and appoint highly qualified persons directly to positions so designated4 4 7#b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #ae of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #efc the following3 #efc;a4 ,acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority4 4 7#c7 ,repeal ,section #djd of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-bha2 #abd ,stat4 #biej7 is repealed4 7b7 ,acquisition workforce reemployment authority 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #ae of title #ad1 as amended by subsection 7a7 of this section1 is further amended by inserting after section #efc;a the following3 #efc;b4 ,acquisition workforce reemployment authority 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 if an annuitant receiving an annuity from the ,civil ,service ,retirement and ,disability ,fund becomes employed in any category of acquisition positions designated by the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard under section #efc;a of this title1 the annuity of an annuitant so employed shall continue4 ,an annuitant so reemployed shall not be considered an employee for purposes of subchapter ,,iii of chapter #hc or chapter #hd of title #e4 7b7 7#a7 ,election ,an annuitant retired under section #hccf7;d77#a7 or #hdad7;b77#a77;,a7 of title #e1 receiving an annuity from the ,civil ,service ,retirement and ,disability ,fund1 who becomes employed in a position within the ,coast ,guard after the date of enactment of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjag1 may elect to be subject to section #hcdd or #hdfh of such title 7as the case may be74 7,a7 ,deadline ,an election for coverage under this subsection shall be filed not later than #ij days after the ,commandant takes reasonable actions to notify employees who may file an election4 7,b7 ,coverage ,if an employee files an election under this subsection1 coverage shall be effective beginning on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of the filing of the election4 7#b7 ,application ,paragraph 7#a7 shall apply to an individual who is eligible to file an election under subparagraph 7,a7 and does not file a timely election under subparagraph 7,b74 4 7#b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #ae of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended in subsection 7a7 of this section1 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #efc;a the following3 #efc;b4 ,acquisition workforce reemployment authority4 4 #ejc4 ,drawbridges 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to ensure the public is made aware of any temporary change to a drawbridge operating schedule2 and 7#b7 to ensure the operators are maintaining logs of drawbridge movement4 7b7 ,temporary changes to drawbridge operating schedules ,section #e of the ,act entitled ,an ,act making appropriations for the construction1 repair1 and preservation of certain public works on rivers and harbors1 and for other purposes1 approved ,august #ah1 #ahid 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #dii71 is amended by adding at the end the following-- 7d7 ,temporary changes to drawbridge operating schedules ,notwithstanding section #eec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 whenever a temporary change to the operating schedule of a drawbridge1 lasting #ahj days or less1 is approved-- 7#a7 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall-- 7,a7 issue a deviation approval letter to the bridge owner2 7,b7 publish a notice of the temporary deviation from the regulations in the ,federal ,register2 and 7,c7 announce the temporary change in-- 7i7 the ,local ,notice to ,mariners2 7ii7 broadcast notices to mariners through the ,coast ,guard radio station or ,navy radio station1 or both2 or 7iii7 such other local media as the ,secretary considers appropriate2 and 7#b7 the bridge owner1 except a railroad bridge owner1 shall notify-- 7,a7 the public by publishing notice of the temporary change in a newspaper of general circulation published in the place where the bridge is located2 7,b7 the department1 agency1 or office of transportation with jurisdiction over the roadway that abuts the approaches to the bridge2 and 7,c7 the law enforcement organization with jurisdiction over the roadway that abuts the approaches to the bridge4 7e7 ,drawbridge movements ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating-- 7#a7 shall require a drawbridge operator to record each movement of the drawbridge in a log2 7#b7 may inspect the log to ensure drawbridge movement is in accordance with the posted operating schedule2 and 7#c7 may determine if the operating schedule should be adjusted for efficiency4 4 #ejd4 ,incentive contract2 ,coast ,guard yard and industrial establishments 7a7 ,in general ,whenever the parties to a project order for industrial work to be performed by the ,coast ,guard ,yard or a designated ,coast ,guard industrial establishment agree that delivery or technical performance of the wage-grade industrial employees may1 during the term of such project order1 improve1 the parties to such project order may1 notwithstanding any other provision of law1 including any provision of law that provides for the time or purpose of appropriated funds1 enter into an incentive project order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee project order by which an agreed upon amount of the adjustment to be made pursuant to section #fdh7;a7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 may1 notwithstanding that provision of law or any other provision of law1 be distributed as an incentive to the wage-grade industrial employees who completed the project order4 7b7 ,condition ,before entering into an incentive project order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee project order1 the commanding officer of the ,coast ,guard ,yard or the commanding officer of the ,coast ,guard industrial establishment1 as the case may be1 shall complete a determination and finding for such incentive project order or cost-plus-incentive-fee project order that justifies the use of such project order as in the best interest of the ,federal ,government4 7c7 ,treatment of incentive award ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 in the event that the industrial workforce of the ,coast ,guard ,yard or a ,coast ,guard industrial establishment satisfies the performance target set out in an incentive project order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee project order-- 7#a7 the adjustment to be made pursuant to section #fdh7;a7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall1 notwithstanding that provision of law1 be reduced by the agreed amount and distributed as an incentive to such wage-grade industrial employees2 and 7#b7 the remainder of the adjustment shall be credited to the appropriation current at that time4 #eje4 ,coast ,guard health-care professionals2 licensure portability 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajid7;d77#a7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply in the same manner and to the same degree as such section applies to a health-care professional described in subsection 7d77#b7 of that section to a health-care professional described in subsection 7b7 of this section4 7b7 ,health-,care professional ,a health-care professional described in this subsection is a member of the ,coast ,guard1 civilian employee of the ,coast ,guard1 member of the ,public ,health ,service assigned to the ,coast ,guard1 personal services contractor under section #ajia of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 or other health-care professional credentialed and privileged at a ,federal health care institution or location specially designated by the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating for this purpose who-- 7#a7 has a current license to practice medicine1 osteopathic medicine1 dentistry1 or another health profession2 and 7#b7 is performing authorized duties for the ,coast ,guard4 #ejf4 ,land exchange2 ,ayakulik ,island1 ,alaska 7a7 ,land exchange2 ,ayakulik ,island1 ,alaska ,if the owner of ,ayakulik ,island1 ,alaska1 offers to exchange the ,island for the ,tract-- 7#a7 within #cj days after receiving such offer1 the ,secretary shall provide notice of the offer to the ,commandant2 7#b7 within #cj days after receiving the notice under paragraph 7#a71 the ,commandant shall develop and transmit to the ,secretary proposed operational restrictions on commercial activity conducted on the ,tract1 including the right of the ,commandant to-- 7,a7 order the immediate termination1 for a period of up to #gb hours1 of any activity occurring on or from the ,tract that violates or threatens to violate #a or more of such restrictions2 or 7,b7 commence a civil action for appropriate relief1 including a permanent or temporary injunction enjoining the activity that violates or threatens to violate such restrictions2 7#c7 within #cj days after receiving the proposed operational restrictions from the ,commandant1 the ,secretary shall transmit such restrictions to the owner of ,ayakulik ,island2 and 7#d7 within #cj days after transmitting the proposed operational restrictions to the owner of ,ayakulik ,island1 and if the owner agrees to such restrictions1 the ,secretary shall convey all right1 title1 and interest of the ,united ,states in and to the ,tract to the owner1 subject to an easement granted to the ,commandant to enforce such restrictions1 in exchange for all right1 title1 and interest of such owner in and to ,ayakulik ,island4 7b7 ,boundary revisions ,the ,secretary may make technical and conforming revisions to the boundaries of the ,tract before the date of the exchange4 7c7 ,public land order ,effective on the date of an exchange under subsection 7a71 ,public ,land ,order #eeej shall have no force or effect with respect to submerged lands that are part of the ,tract4 7d7 ,failure ,to timely respond to notice ,if the ,commandant does not transmit proposed operational restrictions to the ,secretary within #cj days after receiving the notice under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,secretary shall1 by not later than #fj days after transmitting such notice1 convey all right1 title1 and interest of the ,united ,states in and to the ,tract to the owner of ,ayakulik ,island in exchange for all right1 title1 and interest of such owner in and to ,ayakulik ,island4 7e7 ,,cercla not affected ,this section and an exchange under this section shall not be construed to limit the application of or otherwise affect section #abj7;h7 of the ,comprehensive ,environmental ,response1 ,compensation1 and ,liability ,act of #aihj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifbj7;h774 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,commandant ,the term ,commandant means the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 acting through the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#c7 ,tract ,the term ,tract means the land 7including submerged land7 depicted as ,,proposed ,,property ,,exchange ,,area on the survey titled ,,proposed ,,property ,,exchange ,,parcel and dated ,march #bb1 #bjag4 #ejg4 ,abandoned seafarers fund amendments ,section #aaaac of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#b71 by striking may be appropriated to the ,secretary in the matter before subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting shall be available to the ,secretary without further appropriation1 and shall remain available until expended12 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting plus a surcharge of #be percent of such total amount1 after seafarer1 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#d74 #ejh4 ,assistance for small shipyards 7a7 ,in general ,section #edaja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the heading1 by striking and maritime communities2 7#b7 in subsection 7a77#b71 by striking in communities and all that follows through the period and inserting relating to shipbuilding1 ship repair1 and associated industries42 7#c7 by amending subsection 7b77#a7 to read as follows3 7#a7 consider projects that foster-- 7,a7 efficiency1 competitive operations1 and quality ship construction1 repair1 and reconfiguration2 and 7,b7 employee skills and enhancing productivity related to shipbuilding1 ship repair1 and associated industries2 and 2 7#d7 in subsection 7c77#a71 by striking subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 to make capital and related improvements in small shipyards2 and 7,b7 to provide training for workers in shipbuilding1 ship repair1 and associated industries4 2 7#e7 in subsection 7d71 by striking unless and all that follows and inserting a period2 7#f7 in subsection 7e7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#b72 and 7,b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#c7 as paragraph 7#b72 and 7#g7 in subsection 7i71 by striking for each of fiscal years #bjae through #bjag and all that follows and inserting to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah and #bjai44 7b7 ,technical amendment ,section #edaja7;f77#b7 is amended by striking shall include and all that follows and inserting3 shall include a comprehensive description of-- 7#a7 the need for the project2 7#b7 the methodology for implementing the project2 and 7#c7 any existing programs or arrangements that can be used to supplement or leverage assistance under the program4 4 7c7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section1 or the amendments made by this section1 shall affect an agreement to provide assistance under section #edaja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 that was executed before ,october #a1 #bjag4 ,such an agreement shall continue to be subject to the requirements to which such agreement was subject under section #edaja of that title as in effect on the day before ,october #a1 #bjag4 #eji4 ,small shipyard contracts 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #ag of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #ffg the following3 #ffg;a4 ,construction of ,coast ,guard vessels and assignment of vessel projects ,the assignment of ,coast ,guard vessel conversion1 alteration1 and repair projects shall be based on economic and military considerations and may not be restricted by a requirement that certain parts of ,coast ,guard shipwork be assigned to a particular type of shipyard or geographical area or by a similar requirement4 4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of chapter #ag of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #ffg the following3 #ffg;a4 ,construction of ,coast ,guard vessels and assignment of vessel projects4 4 #eaj4 ,western challenger2 certificate of documentation ,section #fjd7;b7 of the ,howard ,coble ,coast ,guard and ,maritime ,transportation ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-bha2 #abh ,stat4 #cjfb7 is amended by inserting and a fisheries endorsement after endorsement4 ,,vi ,department of ,commerce vessels #fja4 ,waivers for certain contracts ,section #cacd of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 after ,air ,force1 each place it appears2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,commerce ,the ,secretary of ,commerce may waive this subchapter with respect to contracts for the construction1 alteration1 or repair of vessels1 regardless of the terms of the contracts as to payment or title1 when the contract is made under the ,act entitled ,an ,act to define the functions and duties of the ,coast and ,geodetic ,survey1 and for other purposes1 approved ,august #f1 #aidg 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #hhc;a et seq474 4