,,ii #aahth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #cjch ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,october #d1 #bjbc,mr4 ,cassidy introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to improve manning and crewing requirements for certain outer ,continental ,shelf vessels1 vehicles1 and structures1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,american ,offshore ,worker ,fairness ,act4 #b4 ,manning and crewing requirements for certain outer continental shelf vessels1 vehicles1 and structures 7a7 ,authorization of limited exemptions from manning and crew requirement ,section #cj7;c7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,c71 by striking 2 and and inserting a period2 7#b7 beginning in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking 7c7 ,the regulations issued under subsection 7a77#c7 of this section and all that follows through to any vessel in paragraph 7#a7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,exemptions 7#a7 ,in general ,the regulations issued under subsection 7a77#c7 shall not apply to any vessel 2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by striking 7#b7 to any vessel and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,exemption for certain foreign-owned vessels1 rigs1 platforms1 and other vehicles or structures 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to the requirements of this paragraph1 the regulations issued under subsection 7a77#c7 shall not apply to any vessel 2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,a7 7as so designated71 by striking the exploration1 development1 or production of oil and gas and inserting exploring for1 developing1 or producing resources1 including nonmineral energy resources12 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,condition 7i7 ,in general ,subject to clauses 7ii7 and 7iii71 an exemption under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be subject to the condition that each individual who is manning or crewing the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure is-- 7,i7 a citizen of the ,united ,states2 7,,ii7 an alien lawfully admitted to the ,united ,states for permanent residence2 or 7,,iii7 a citizen of the nation under the laws of which the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure is documented4 7ii7 ,timeline for application 7,i7 ,in general ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 beginning on the effective date of the ,american ,offshore ,workers ,fairness ,act1 the condition described in clause 7i7 shall apply to all activities pursuant to this ,act on the outer ,continental ,shelf4 7,,ii7 ,export cable lay1 inter-array cable lay1 umbilical cable lay1 and pipe lay activities ,beginning on the date that is #c years after the effective date of the ,american ,offshore ,workers ,fairness ,act1 the condition described in clause 7i7 shall apply1 except as provided in section #cj;,a1 to vessels paying out-- 7aa7 export cables2 7bb7 inter-array cables2 7cc7 umbilical cables2 or 7dd7 pipes4 7iii7 ,permanent exemption for certain vessels performing heavy offshore lifts and offshore wind component parts ,beginning on the effective date of the ,american ,offshore ,workers ,fairness ,act1 the condition described in clause 7i7 shall not apply to-- 7,i7 a vessel that-- 7aa7 performs an offshore lift in excess of #a1jjj metric tons2 and 7bb7 has a crane with a height capability of #ahj meters2 or 7,,ii7 an offshore wind component part 7including an offshore wind transition piece1 nacelle1 or blade7 that-- 7aa7 is part of the installation of an offshore wind turbine2 and 7bb7 is less than #a1jjj metric tons4 7iv7 ,definitions ,in this subparagraph3 7,i7 ,offshore lift 7aa7 ,in general ,the term offshore lift means an individual lift1 or a sequence of lifts1 conducted by a crane on a vessel with slewing and luffing capabilities for an activity described in item 7bb7 from the time that the lifting activity begins1 when unlading from a vessel or removing the topside or subsea component1 until the time that the lifting activity is terminated4 7bb7 ,activities ,the activities described in this item are unlading1 installation1 or removal involving platform jackets1 monopiles1 a gravity-based or other subsea foundation1 wind energy transition piece1 wind energy towers1 wind turbine nacelles1 wind energy blades1 or wind turbine rotors and hubs4 7,,ii7 ,paying out 7aa7 ,in general ,the term paying out1 with respect to pipe or cable1 means the specific act of paying out pipe1 export cable1 inter-array cable1 or umbilical cable4 7bb7 ,exclusions ,the term paying out does not include repair or other activities incidental to the paying out of pipe1 export cable1 inter-array cable1 or umbilical cable1 such as-- 7,,aa7 site clearance2 7,,bb7 trenching2 7,,cc7 dredging2 7,,dd7 mattress installation2 7,,ee7 cable tie-ins2 7,,ff7 installation of pipeline end terminations or pipeline end manifolds2 7,,gg7 the setting or moving of any anchors associated with the cable or pipe2 7,,hh7 offshore cable or pipe burial2 and 7,,ii7 other activities that are not the actual paying of the pipe or cable4 7,c7 ,requirements ,an exemption under subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 shall provide that the number of individuals manning or crewing the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure who are individuals described in subclause 7,,ii7 or 7,,iii7 of subparagraph 7,b77i7 may not exceed #b4e times the number of individuals required to man or crew the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure under the laws of the nation in which the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure is documented2 and 7ii7 subject to subparagraph 7,d71 shall be effective for not more than #a year4 7,d7 ,application 7i7 ,in general ,the owner or operator of a vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure described in subparagraph 7,a7 may submit to the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating an application for an exemption or a renewal or extension of an exemption under that subparagraph4 7ii7 ,contents ,an application under clause 7i7 shall include a sworn statement by the applicant of all information required by the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating for the issuance of the exemption or renewal or extension4 7,e7 ,revocations 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating may revoke an exemption for a vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure under subparagraph 7,a7 if the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating determines that information provided in the application for the exemption or renewal or extension of such an exemption-- 7,i7 was false or incomplete2 or 7,,ii7 is no longer true or complete4 7ii7 ,manning or crewing violation ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall immediately revoke an exemption for a vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure under subparagraph 7,a7 if the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating determines that1 during the effective period of the exemption1 the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure was manned or crewed in a manner that-- 7,i7 was not authorized by the exemption2 or 7,,ii7 does not otherwise comply with this paragraph4 7iii7 ,notice ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall provide notice of a determination and revocation under clause 7i7 or 7ii7 to the owner1 operator1 agent1 or master of the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure4 7,f7 ,review of compliance 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall periodically1 but not less frequently than annually1 inspect each vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure for which an exemption under subparagraph 7,a7 has been granted to verify the compliance of the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure with this paragraph4 7ii7 ,requirement ,during each inspection of a vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure under clause 7i71 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall require all individuals who are manning or crewing the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure to hold a valid ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential4 7,g7 ,civil penalties ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating may impose on the owner or operator of a vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure for which an exemption under subparagraph 7,a7 has been granted a civil penalty of #aj1jjj per day for each day the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure-- 7i7 is manned or crewed in violation of this paragraph2 or 7ii7 operates under the exemption1 if the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating determines that-- 7,i7 the exemption was not validly obtained2 or 7,,ii7 information provided in the application for the exemption was false or incomplete4 7,h7 ,notification to ,secretary of ,state ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall notify the ,secretary of ,state of each exemption issued under this subsection1 including information on the effective period of the exemption4 4 7b7 ,exemption from all documentation1 registry1 and manning requirements ,section #cj of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,exemptions from documentation1 registry1 and manning requirements of this section ,the regulations issued under subsection 7a7 shall not apply-- 7#a7 to a rig1 or mobile offshore drilling unit1 while performing offshore drilling operations2 and 7#b7 to a floating production storage and offloading unit4 4 7c7 ,regulations ,not later than #a year after the effective date of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall promulgate regulations that specify the application requirements for an exemption under subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 of section #cj of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef74 7d7 ,existing exemptions 7#a7 ,in general ,each exemption granted to a vessel before the effective date of this ,act under section #cj7;c77#b7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;c77#b77 7as in effect on the day before such date7 shall remain in effect until the applicable date described in section #cj7;c77#b7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4#acef7;c77#b77 7as amended by this ,act7 based on the vessel's activity4 7#b7 ,termination ,on the day after the last day of the period described in paragraph 7#a71 each exemption described in that paragraph shall terminate1 except to the extent the exemption is continued for certain vessels under section #cj;,a of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act4 7#c7 ,notification ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall notify all persons that hold an exemption described in paragraph 7#a7 that the exemption will terminate in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7e7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall submit to ,congress a report that describes the number of exemptions granted under subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 of section #cj of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 during the preceding year4 7#b7 ,requirements ,each report under paragraph 7#a7 shall list for each vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure granted an exemption during the preceding year-- 7,a7 the name and ,international ,maritime ,organization number of the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure2 7,b7 the nation in which the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure is documented2 7,c7 the nationality of the #a or more owners of the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure2 and 7,d7 any changes to the information described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c7 applicable to the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure if the vessel1 rig1 platform1 or other vehicle or structure has received a prior exemption under subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 of section #cj of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 or section #cj7;c77#b7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;c77#b77 7as in effect on the day before the effective date of this ,act74 7f7 ,pipe1 inter-,array cable1 umbilical cable1 or export cable lay vessels 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cj 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 the following3 #cj;,a4 ,pipe1 inter-array cable1 umbilical cable1 or export cable lay projects 7a7 ,initial determination 7#a7 ,in general ,not prior to #ahj days before the date on which subclause 7,,ii7 of section #cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii7 takes effect1 the ,secretary shall determine for each category of vessel described in paragraph 7#b7 whether there exists a coastwise-endorsed vessel4 7#b7 ,categories ,the categories of vessels described in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,pipe lay vessels4 7,b7 ,inter-array cable lay vessels4 7,c7 ,umbilical cable lay vessels4 7,d7 ,export cable lay vessels4 7b7 ,application ,in the case the ,secretary determines under subsection 7a7 that a coastwise-endorsed vessel does not exist for a category of vessels described in subsection 7a77#b71 a vessel in such category shall1 beginning on the date on which the ,secretary makes such determination1 be exempt from the condition under section #cj7;c77#b77;,b7 with respect to an applicable project4 7c7 ,requests for determinations of coastwise-,endorsed vessels 7#a7 ,new determinations ,after the date on which the determination is made under subsection 7a71 the owner or operator of a vessel in the applicable category may seek a new determination from the ,secretary that a coastwise-endorsed vessel for such category exists4 7#b7 ,application to non-coastwise-endorsed vessels ,if the ,secretary makes a determination under paragraph 7#a7 that a coastwise-endorsed vessel for the applicable category exists1 then the owner or operator of a vessel in such category that is not coastwise-endorsed shall seek a determination under paragraph 7#c7 of the availability of a coastwise-endorsed vessel in such category for an applicable project before engaging in any such applicable project that has not commenced or resumed prior to such determination under paragraph 7#a7 that a coastwise-endorsed vessel for the applicable category exists4 7#c7 ,determination of availability 7,a7 ,in general ,as soon as practicable in accordance with this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall determine whether a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is available for the project that is the subject of a request under paragraph 7#b74 ,the ,secretary shall determine that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is not available for such project if-- 7i7 the owner or operator of the non-coastwise endorsed vessel making the request under paragraph 7#b7 submits to the ,secretary an application for the use of such vessel for such project that includes all relevant information and requirements for such project1 including engineering details and timing requirements2 7ii7 not later than #cj days after receiving such an application1 the ,secretary provides a copy of the application to the owner of each coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category that is listed in the inventory under section #abach7;b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and promptly publishes in the ,federal ,register a notice-- 7,i7 describing the applicable project2 7,,ii7 advising that all relevant information reasonably needed to assess the transportation and installation requirements for the pipe1 inter-array cables1 umbilical cables1 or export cables1 as applicable1 used in the applicable project will be made available to an interested person upon request2 and 7,,iii7 requesting that information on the availability for such applicable project of coastwise-endorsed vessels in the applicable category be submitted within the #cj-;day period beginning on the date of such publication2 and 7iii7 7,i7 within such #cj-;day period1 no information is submitted to the ,secretary from owners or operators of coastwise-endorsed vessels in the applicable category to meet the requirements of the applicable project described in the application submitted under clause 7i72 or 7,,ii7 the owner or operator of a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category submits information to the ,secretary asserting that the owner or operator has a suitable coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category to meet the requirements of the applicable project described in such application1 but the ,secretary determines1 in consultation with the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard1 within #ij days after the notice is first published1 that such vessel is not suitable or reasonably available for the transportation required for such applicable project and no other such vessel for which such information has been so submitted is so suitable and reasonably available for such transportation4 7,b7 ,guidance ,for the purpose of providing guidance on making determinations regarding suitability or availability under this paragraph1 the ,secretary1 to the maximum extent practicable1 shall contract with the ,american ,bureau of ,shipping or another classification society recognized by the ,secretary as meeting acceptable standards to provide such guidance4 7#d7 ,impact of determination 7,a7 ,coastwise-endorsed vessel availability ,after the date on which a determination is made under paragraph 7#c7 that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is available for an applicable project1 the owner or operator of a vessel in the applicable category that is not coastwise-endorsed-- 7i7 shall engage only in applicable project for which the vessel began or resumed prior to the date of the determination under paragraph 7#a7 that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category exists and pursuant to the exemption under subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 may not engage or resume in any further applicable projects until the vessel is in compliance with the condition under section #cj7;c77#b77;,b7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;c77#b77;,b774 7,b7 ,no coastwise-endorsed vessel availability ,after the date on which a determination is made under paragraph 7#c7 that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is not available for an applicable project1 the owner or operator of the vessel in the applicable category that is not coastwise-endorsed shall be permitted to engage in the applicable project as authorized under subsection 7b7 without regard to whether such project has commenced or resumed prior to the date of the determination under paragraph 7#a7 that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category exists4 7#e7 ,time periods ,the ,secretary shall not extend any period under paragraph 7#c77;,a7 beyond the period as required under such paragraph4 7#f7 ,deemed approval ,if the ,secretary has failed to take an action required of the ,secretary under paragraph 7#c77;,a7 within the period required for such action under such paragraph with respect to an application submitted under clause 7i7 of such paragraph1 the owner or operator who submitted such application shall be deemed permitted under paragraph 7#d77;,b7 to engage in the applicable project that is the subject of such application4 7d7 ,coordination ,the ,secretary shall coordinate with the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating in order to apply an exemption determined under this section to the condition under section #cj7;c77#b77;,b7 with respect to an applicable project4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,applicable category ,the term applicable category1 with respect to a vessel for which a determination is made under subsection 7a71 means the category of such vessel as described in paragraph 7#b7 of such subsection4 7#b7 ,applicable project ,the term applicable project-- 7,a7 with respect to a pipe lay vessel1 means a project paying out pipe2 7,b7 with respect to an inter-array cable lay vessel1 means a project paying out inter-array cables2 7,c7 with respect to an umbilical cable lay vessel1 means a project paying out umbilical cables2 and 7,d7 with respect to an export cable lay vessel1 means a project paying out export cables4 7#c7 ,coastwise-endorsed ,the term coastwise-endorsed1 with respect to a vessel1 means that the vessel has been issued a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement under chapter #aba of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,inter-array cable vessel ,the term inter-array cable lay vessel means a vessel paying out inter-array cables to which section #cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7 applies1 including paying out a submarine inter-array cable described in section #abach7;b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,export cable lay vessel ,the term export cable lay vessel means a vessel paying out export cables to which section #cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7 applies1 including paying out a submarine export cable described in section #abach7;b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#f7 ,pipe lay vessel ,the term pipe lay vessel means a vessel paying out pipe to which section #cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7 applies1 including paying out a submarine pipe described in such section #abach7;b74 7#g7 ,umbilical cable lay vessel ,the term umbilical cable lay vessel means a vessel paying out umbilical cables to which section #cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7 applies1 including paying out a submarine umbilical cable described in such section #abach7;b74 7#h7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,transportation4 4 7#b7 ,inventory ,section #abach7;b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in the heading1 by striking ,vessels for cable laying1 maintenance1 and repair and inserting ,vessels for paying out pipe1 inter-array cables1 umbilical cables1 or export cables1 maintenance1 and repair2 and 7,b7 by amending paragraph 7#a7 to read as follows3 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation shall develop1 maintain1 and periodically update an inventory of vessels that-- 7,a7 are documented under this chapter2 7,b7 are at least #bjj feet in length2 and 7,c7 have the capability to pay out1 maintain1 or repair a submarine export cable1 inter-array cable1 umbilical cable1 or pipe without regard to whether a particular vessel is classed as a cable or pipe lay ship or cable or pipe lay vessel4 2 7,c7 by amending paragraph 7#b77;,b7 to read as follows3 7,b7 the abilities and limitations of the vessel with respect to paying out1 maintaining1 and repairing a submarine export1 inter-array1 or umbilical cable or submarine pipeline2 and 2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,categories ,for purposes of subsection 7c77#c77;,a77ii7 of section #cj;,a of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall note the category of each vessel included in the inventory under this subsection in accordance with the categories described in subsection 7a77#b7 of such section #cj;,a4 4 7g7 ,savings provisions 7#a7 ,in general ,nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall authorize a pipe lay vessel1 inter-array cable lay vessel1 umbilical cable lay vessel1 or export cable lay vessel that is not coastwise-endorsed to engage in the transportation of merchandise in coastwise trade4 7#b7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,coastwise-endorsed ,the term coastwise-endorsed has the meaning given the term in section #cj;,a7e7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act1 as added by subsection 7f77#a74 7,b7 ,export cable lay vessel2 inter-array cable lay vessel2 pipe lay vessel2 and umbilical cable lay vessel ,the terms export cable lay vessel1 inter-array cable lay vessel1 pipe lay vessel1 and umbilical cable lay vessel have the meanings given such terms in section #cj;,a7e7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act1 as added by subsection 7f77#a74 7h7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section shall be construed as adopting any agency interpretations of any provisions of1 or terms within1 chapter #eea of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 #c4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,prohibition on ,jones ,act penalty mitigation ,section #eeajb7;c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,merchandise and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,merchandise 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,no mitigation ,the ,secretary shall not mitigate or lower any such penalty amount4 4 7b7 ,publication of penalties ,section #eeajb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,publication of penalties 7#a7 ,in general ,upon final agency action regarding a violation of this section1 with respect to a vessel that does not have a coastwise endorsement under chapter #aba of this title or is not otherwise authorized to engage in the coastwise trade1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall publish a notification in the ,customs ,bulletin and ,decisions within #g days of such agency action4 7#b7 ,contents ,the notification under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 the name of the vessel involved in the violation2 7,b7 the name of the owner of the vessel involved2 7,c7 the amount of the fine or value of merchandise seized as a result of the violation of subsection 7b72 and 7,d7 a summary of the misconduct and justification for imposing a penalty4 7e7 ,regulations ,by not later than #ij days after the effective date of the ,american ,offshore ,worker ,fairness ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall prescribe regulations implementing subsection 7d71 which may include amending regulations relating to penalties issued by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 particularly with respect to the information to be contained in the notification under such subsection4 4 7c7 ,notification 7#a7 ,advance notification required ,prior to engaging in any activity or operations on the outer ,continental ,shelf 7as defined in section #b of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca771 the operator of a foreign vessel used in such activity or operations shall file with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security a notification describing all activities and operations to be performed on the outer ,continental ,shelf and1 if applicable1 an identification of applicable ruling letters issued by the ,secretary that have approved the use of a foreign vessel in an identical activity or operation4 7#b7 ,publication of notices 7,a7 ,publication ,the ,secretary shall publish a notification under paragraph 7#a7 in the ,customs ,bulletin and ,decisions within #ad days of receipt of such notification4 7,b7 ,confidential information ,the ,secretary shall redact any information exempt from disclosure under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 in a notification published under subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,exceptions ,this subsection shall not apply to-- 7,a7 any vessel that-- 7i7 is performing an offshore lift1 as defined in section #cj7;c77#b77;,b77iv77,i7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef 7c77#b77;,b77iv77,i772 and 7ii7 has a crane height capability of #ahj meters2 and 7,b7 any rig or unit described in section #cj7;d7 of such ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;d774 #d4 ,authorization of appropriations for ,maritime ,centers of ,excellence2 grant limitation 7a7 ,amendment to ,,ndaa #bjbc ,section #ceja7;a77#d77;,b7 of the ,james4 ,m4 ,inhofe ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjbc 7,public ,law #aag-bfc7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking #cj1jjj1jjj and inserting #hj1jjj1jjj2 and 7#b7 by inserting 1 except that a covered training entity may not receive more than #aj1jjj1jjj under such section for a fiscal year after ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,fiscal years #bjbd-bjbh ,there are authorized to be appropriated #hj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbh for the ,maritime ,centers of ,excellence1 including to make grants authorized under section #eagjf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,grant limitation ,section #eagjf7;b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,limitation ,a covered training entity may not receive more than #aj1jjj1jjj under this section for a fiscal year4 4 #e4 ,interpretive ruling process 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #eea of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eeabd4 ,interpretive ruling process 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,coastwise qualified vessel ,the term coastwise qualified vessel has the meaning given the term in section #eeajh of this title4 7#b7 ,interested party ,the term interested party means-- 7,a7 the owner or operator of a vessel engaged in coastwise trade2 7,b7 a manufacturer of coastwise qualified vessels2 7,c7 a certified labor organization1 recognized labor organization1 or group of workers or mariners which is representative of an industry engaged or employed in-- 7i7 the coastwise trade2 or 7ii7 coastwise qualified vessel construction2 7,d7 a trade or business association1 a majority of whose members are-- 7i7 owners or operators of vessels engaged in coastwise trade2 or 7ii7 manufacturers of coastwise qualified vessels2 or 7,e7 an association1 a majority of whose members are composed of persons described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d74 7#c7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating4 7b7 ,interpretive rulings process ,upon written request by an interested party1 the ,secretary shall furnish1 by not later than #fj days after such request1 an interpretive ruling regarding a non-coastwise qualified vessel's activities and compliance with ,united ,states laws in the internal waters of the ,united ,states1 the territorial sea1 and the waters of the outer ,continental ,shelf1 including the vessel's compliance with sections #ejejc and #eeaja through #eeaba of this title4 7c7 ,petition 7#a7 ,in general ,after the ,secretary furnishes an interpretive ruling requested under subsection 7b7 or any other interpretive ruling regarding the interpretation1 application1 or enforcement of the coastwise laws1 an interested party that believes the ruling is incorrect may file a petition with the ,secretary setting forth-- 7,a7 the interested party's understanding of the factual scenario2 7,b7 the outcome of the decision that the interested party believes to be proper in the provided factual scenario2 and 7,c7 the reasons for the belief of the interested party4 7#b7 ,publication ,the ,secretary shall publish online-- 7,a7 the name of an interested party filing a petition under paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 the ruling that such party believes is incorrect4 7d7 ,determination on petition 7#a7 ,correction of interpretive ruling ,if1 after receipt and consideration of a petition filed under subsection 7c7 by an interested party1 the ,secretary determines that the conclusion reached in the contested interpretive ruling is not correct1 the ,secretary shall1 by not later than #fj days after such receipt1 determine the proper outcome and notify the interested party of the ,secretary's determination4 7#b7 ,contest by petitioner 7,a7 ,determination ,if after receipt and consideration of a petition filed under subsection 7c7 by an interested party1 the ,secretary determines that the contested interpretive ruling under subsection 7b7 is correct1 the ,secretary shall1 by not later than #cj days after such receipt1 notify the interested party4 7,b7 ,appeal ,an interested party that receives a notice under subparagraph 7,a7 may file an appeal to contest the ruling by not later than #cj days after the date of the notification4 ,upon receipt of an appeal from the interested party1 the ,secretary shall make a determination of the interpretive ruling as presented in the original ruling under subsection 7b7 by not later than #g days after the receipt of the appeal4 7#c7 ,publication ,not later than #c days after making a determination under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b71 the ,secretary shall publish online such determination4 7e7 ,review of interpretive ruling ,not later than #ij days after the ,secretary makes a determination regarding an interpretive ruling under subsection 7d77#b77;,b71 any interested party may commence an action in any district court of the ,united ,states1 subject to the venue requirements of section #acia of title #bh1 by filing concurrently a summons and complaint1 each with the content and in the form1 manner1 and style prescribed by the rules of such court1 contesting any legal conclusions of the ,secretary4 7f7 ,regulations implementing required procedures ,by not later than #ij days after the effective date of this section1 the ,secretary shall prescribe regulations to implement the procedures required under this section4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #eea of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #eeabc the following3 ,sec4 #eeabd4 ,interpretive ruling process4 4 #f4 ,regulations regarding affirmation of authority for non-oil and gas operations on the outer ,continental ,shelf ,not later than #ij days after the effective date of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall promulgate regulations to implement the amendment made by section #iejc of the ,william ,m4 7,mac7 ,thornberry ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjba 7,public ,law #aaf-bhc2 #acd ,stat4 #dhbb7 to section #d7;a77#a7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #accc7;a77#a77 with respect to laws administered by such ,secretary4 #g4 ,rules of construction 7a7 ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act ,nothing in this ,act or the amendments made by this ,act may be construed to nullify or supersede any other provision of law relating to the outer ,continental ,shelf 7as such term is defined in section #b of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca771 except as expressly provided in this ,act or an amendment made by this ,act4 7b7 ,ruling letters ,nothing in this ,act or the amendments made by this ,act may be construed as congressional validation of a ruling letter1 interpretative guidance1 or doctrine issued1 or other action taken1 by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 #h4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating and the ,secretary of ,transportation such sums as may be necessary to carry out this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act4 #i4 ,effective date ,this ,act1 and the amendments made by this ,act1 shall take effect on the day that is #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act4