,,ii  #aah? ,,congress  #a/ ,session    
,s4 #cjch  ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,!      
,,unit$ ,,/ates  ,octob] #d1 #bjbc,mr4  
,cassidy introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 
read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on  
,comm]ce1 ,sci5ce1 & ,transportation  ,a
 ,,bill  ,to improve mann+ & crew+      
requirem5ts = c]ta9 out] ,cont95tal     
,%elf vessels1 vehicles1 & /ructures1 & 
= o!r purposes4  #a4 ,%ort title ,?is   
,act may be cit$ z ! ,am]ican ,(f%ore   
,work] ,fairness ,act4  #b4 ,mann+ &    
crew+ requirem5ts = c]ta9 out] cont95tal
 %elf vessels1 vehicles1 & /ructures    
7a7 ,au?orization ( limit$ exemptions f 
mann+ & crew requirem5t ,section #cj7;c7
 ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act   
7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;c77 is am5d$--    
7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,c71 by /rik+ 2 & 
& ins]t+ a p]iod2  7#b7 beg9n+ 9 ! matt]
 prec$+ p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ 7c7 ,!  
regulations issu$ "u subsection 7a77#c7 
( ?is section & all t foll[s ?r\gh to   
any vessel 9 p>agraph 7#a7 & ins]t+ !   
foll[+3  7c7 ,exemptions  7#a7 ,9 g5]al 

,! regulations issu$ "u subsection      
7a77#c7 %all n apply to any vessel  2 & 
7#c7 9 p>agraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by /rik+    
7#b7 to any vessel & ins]t+ ! foll[+3   
7#b7 ,exemption = c]ta9 =eign-own$      
vessels1 rigs1 plat=ms1 & o!r vehicles  
or /ructures  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to 
! requirem5ts ( ?is p>agraph1 !         
regulations issu$ "u subsection 7a77#c7 
%all n apply to any vessel  2  7,b7 9   
subp>agraph 7,a7 7z s designat$71 by    
/rik+ ! exploration1 developm5t1 or     
production ( oil & gas & ins]t+ explor+ 
=1 develop+1 or produc+ res\rces1       
includ+ nonm9]al en]gy res\rces12 &     
7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7,b7   
,condition  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to    
clauses 7ii7 & 7iii71 an exemption "u   
subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be subject to !   
condition t ea* individual :o is mann+  
or crew+ ! vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r  
vehicle or /ructure is-- 7,i7 a citiz5 (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates2  7,,ii7 an ali5       
lawfully admitt$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates =   
p]man5t resid5ce2 or  7,,iii7 a citiz5 (

 ! nation "u ! laws ( :i* ! vessel1 rig1
 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or /ructure is  
docum5t$4  7ii7 ,timel9e = application  
7,i7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to subclause     
7,,ii71 beg9n+ on ! effective date ( !  
,am]ican ,(f%ore ,work]s ,fairness ,act1
 ! condition describ$ 9 clause 7i7 %all 
apply to all activities pursuant to ?is 
,act on ! out] ,cont95tal ,%elf4  7,,ii7
 ,export cable lay1 int]-array cable    
lay1 umbilical cable lay1 & pipe lay    
activities ,beg9n+ on ! date t is #c    
ye>s aft] ! effective date ( ! ,am]ican 
,(f%ore ,work]s ,fairness ,act1 !       
condition describ$ 9 clause 7i7 %all    
apply1 except z provid$ 9 section       
#cj;,a1 to vessels pay+ out-- 7aa7      
export cables2  7bb7 int]-array cables2 
7cc7 umbilical cables2 or  7dd7 pipes4  
7iii7 ,p]man5t exemption = c]ta9 vessels
 p]=m+ heavy (f%ore lifts & (f%ore w9d  
compon5t p>ts ,beg9n+ on ! effective    
date ( ! ,am]ican ,(f%ore ,work]s       
,fairness ,act1 ! condition describ$ 9  
clause 7i7 %all n apply to-- 7,i7 a     

vessel t-- 7aa7 p]=ms an (f%ore lift 9  
excess ( #a1jjj metric tons2 &  7bb7 has
 a crane ) a height capability ( #ahj   
met]s2 or  7,,ii7 an (f%ore w9d compon5t
 "p 7includ+ an (f%ore w9d transition   
piece1 nacelle1 or blade7 t-- 7aa7 is "p
 ( ! in/allation ( an (f%ore w9d turb9e2
 &  7bb7 is less ?an #a1jjj metric tons4
  7iv7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is subp>agraph3  
7,i7 ,(f%ore lift  7aa7 ,9 g5]al ,! t]m 
(f%ore lift means an individual lift1 or
 a sequ5ce ( lifts1 conduct$ by a crane 
on a vessel ) slew+ & luff+ capabilities
 = an activity describ$ 9 item 7bb7 f ! 
"t t ! lift+ activity beg9s1 :5 unlad+ f
 a vessel or remov+ ! topside or subsea 
compon5t1 until ! "t t ! lift+ activity 
is t]m9at$4  7bb7 ,activities ,!        
activities describ$ 9 ?is item are      
unlad+1 in/allation1 or removal involv+ 
plat=m jackets1 monopiles1 a            
gravity-bas$ or o!r subsea f\ndation1   
w9d en]gy transition piece1 w9d en]gy   
t[]s1 w9d turb9e nacelles1 w9d en]gy    
blades1 or w9d turb9e rotors & hubs4    

7,,ii7 ,pay+ out  7aa7 ,9 g5]al ,! t]m  
pay+ out1 ) respect to pipe or cable1   
means ! specific act ( pay+ out pipe1   
export cable1 int]-array cable1 or      
umbilical cable4  7bb7 ,exclusions ,!   
t]m pay+ out does n include repair or   
o!r activities incid5tal to ! pay+ out (
 pipe1 export cable1 int]-array cable1  
or umbilical cable1 su* z-- 7,,aa7 site 
cle>ance2 7,,bb7 tr5*+2 7,,cc7 dr$g+2   
7,,dd7 mattress in/allation2 7,,ee7     
cable tie-ins2 7,,ff7 in/allation (     
pipel9e end t]m9ations or pipel9e end   
manifolds2 7,,gg7 ! sett+ or mov+ ( any 
an*ors associat$ ) ! cable or pipe2     
7,,hh7 (f%ore cable or pipe burial2 &   
7,,ii7 o!r activities t are n ! actual  
pay+ ( ! pipe or cable4  7,c7           
,requirem5ts ,an exemption "u           
subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7i7 %all provide t ! 
numb] ( individuals mann+ or crew+ !    
vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or  
/ructure :o are individuals describ$ 9  
subclause 7,,ii7 or 7,,iii7 (           
subp>agraph 7,b77i7 may n exce$ #b4e    

times ! numb] ( individuals requir$ to  
man or crew ! vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or   
o!r vehicle or /ructure "u ! laws ( !   
nation 9 :i* ! vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or  
o!r vehicle or /ructure is docum5t$2 &  
7ii7 subject to subp>agraph 7,d71 %all  
be effective = n m ?an #a ye>4  7,d7    
,application  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! own] or   
op]ator ( a vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r 
vehicle or /ructure describ$ 9          
subp>agraph 7,a7 may submit to !        
,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/    
,gu>d is op]at+ an application = an     
exemption or a r5ewal or ext5sion ( an  
exemption "u t subp>agraph4  7ii7       
,cont5ts ,an application "u clause 7i7  
%all include a sworn /atem5t by !       
applicant ( all in=mation requir$ by !  
,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/    
,gu>d is op]at+ = ! issuance ( !        
exemption or r5ewal or ext5sion4  7,e7  
,revocations  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y 
( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is     
op]at+ may revoke an exemption = a      
vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or  

/ructure "u subp>agraph 7,a7 if !       
,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/    
,gu>d is op]at+ det]m9es t in=mation    
provid$ 9 ! application = ! exemption or
 r5ewal or ext5sion ( su* an exemption--
 7,i7 0 false or incomplete2 or  7,,ii7 
is no long] true or complete4  7ii7     
,mann+ or crew+ violation ,! ,secret>y (
 ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is      
op]at+ %all imm$iately revoke an        
exemption = a vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or   
o!r vehicle or /ructure "u subp>agraph  
7,a7 if ! ,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* !
 ,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+ det]m9es t1 dur+ 
! effective p]iod ( ! exemption1 !      
vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or  
/ructure 0 mann$ or crew$ 9 a mann] t-- 
7,i7 0 n au?oriz$ by ! exemption2 or    
7,,ii7 does n o!rwise comply ) ?is      
p>agraph4  7iii7 ,notice ,! ,secret>y ( 
! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+
 %all provide notice ( a det]m9ation &  
revocation "u clause 7i7 or 7ii7 to !   
own]1 op]ator1 ag5t1 or ma/] ( ! vessel1
 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or         

/ructure4  7,f7 ,review ( compliance    
7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9
 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+ %all       
p]iodically1 b n less frequ5tly ?an     
annually1 inspect ea* vessel1 rig1      
plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or /ructure = :i*
 an exemption "u subp>agraph 7,a7 has   
be5 grant$ to v]ify ! compliance ( !    
vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or  
/ructure ) ?is p>agraph4  7ii7          
,requirem5t ,dur+ ea* inspection ( a    
vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or  
/ructure "u clause 7i71 ! ,secret>y ( ! 
dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+  
%all require all individuals :o are     
mann+ or crew+ ! vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or
 o!r vehicle or /ructure to hold a valid
 ,transportation ,work] ,id5tification  
,cr$5tial4  7,g7 ,civil p5alties ,!     
,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/    
,gu>d is op]at+ may impose on ! own] or 
op]ator ( a vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r 
vehicle or /ructure = :i* an exemption  
"u subp>agraph 7,a7 has be5 grant$ a    
civil p5alty ( #aj1jjj p] day = ea* day 

! vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or
 /ructure-- 7i7 is mann$ or crew$ 9     
violation ( ?is p>agraph2 or  7ii7      
op]ates "u ! exemption1 if ! ,secret>y (
 ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is      
op]at+ det]m9es t-- 7,i7 ! exemption 0 n
 validly obta9$2 or  7,,ii7 in=mation   
provid$ 9 ! application = ! exemption 0 
false or incomplete4  7,h7 ,notification
 to ,secret>y ( ,/ate ,! ,secret>y ( !  
dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+  
%all notify ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate ( ea*   
exemption issu$ "u ?is subsection1      
includ+ in=mation on ! effective p]iod (
 ! exemption4  4  7b7 ,exemption f all  
docum5tation1 regi/ry1 & mann+          
requirem5ts ,section #cj ( ! ,out]      
,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc         
,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 is am5d$ by add+ at !  
end ! foll[+3  7d7 ,exemptions f        
docum5tation1 regi/ry1 & mann+          
requirem5ts ( ?is section ,! regulations
 issu$ "u subsection 7a7 %all n apply-- 
7#a7 to a rig1 or mobile (f%ore drill+  
unit1 :ile p]=m+ (f%ore drill+          

op]ations2 &  7#b7 to a float+          
production /orage & (fload+ unit4  4    
7c7 ,regulations ,n lat] ?an #a ye> aft]
 ! effective date ( ?is ,act1 !         
,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/    
,gu>d is op]at+ %all promulgate         
regulations t specify ! application     
requirem5ts = an exemption "u subsection
 7c77#b77;,a7 ( section #cj ( ! ,out]   
,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc         
,u4,s4,c4 #acef74  7d7 ,exi/+ exemptions
  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,ea* exemption grant$ to
 a vessel be=e ! effective date ( ?is   
,act "u section #cj7;c77#b7 ( ! ,out]   
,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc         
,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;c77#b77 7z 9 effect on 
! day be=e su* date7 %all rema9 9 effect
 until ! applicable date describ$ 9     
section #cj7;c77#b7 ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal
 ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc                   
,u4,s4,c4#acef7;c77#b77 7z am5d$ by ?is 
,act7 bas$ on ! vessel's activity4  7#b7
 ,t]m9ation ,on ! day aft] ! la/ day ( !
 p]iod describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a71 ea*    
exemption describ$ 9 t p>agraph %all    

t]m9ate1 except to ! ext5t ! exemption  
is cont9u$ = c]ta9 vessels "u section   
#cj;,a ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s  
,act4  7#c7 ,notification ,n lat] ?an   
#ij days aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is   
,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* !  
,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+ %all notify all   
p]sons t hold an exemption describ$ 9   
p>agraph 7#a7 t ! exemption w t]m9ate 9 
accordance ) p>agraph 7#b74  7e7 ,annual
 report  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #a   
ye> aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 &
 annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y ( !      
dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+  
%all submit to ,congress a report t     
describes ! numb] ( exemptions grant$ "u
 subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 ( section #cj (
 ! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc
 ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 dur+ ! prec$+ ye>4    
7#b7 ,requirem5ts ,ea* report "u        
p>agraph 7#a7 %all li/ = ea* vessel1    
rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or /ructure 
grant$ an exemption dur+ ! prec$+ ye>-- 
7,a7 ! "n & ,int]national ,m>itime      
,organization numb] ( ! vessel1 rig1    

plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or /ructure2     
7,b7 ! nation 9 :i* ! vessel1 rig1      
plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or /ructure is   
docum5t$2  7,c7 ! nationality ( ! #a or 
m own]s ( ! vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r 
vehicle or /ructure2 &  7,d7 any *anges 
to ! in=mation describ$ 9 subp>agraphs  
7,a7 ?r\gh 7,c7 applicable to ! vessel1 
rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle or /ructure 
if ! vessel1 rig1 plat=m1 or o!r vehicle
 or /ructure has receiv$ a prior        
exemption "u subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 (  
section #cj ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf  
,l&s ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 or      
section #cj7;c77#b7 ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal
 ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4         
#acef7;c77#b77 7z 9 effect on ! day be=e
 ! effective date ( ?is ,act74  7f7     
,pipe1 int]-,array cable1 umbilical     
cable1 or export cable lay vessels  7#a7
 ,9 g5]al ,! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s
 ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acja et seq47 is  
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #cj 7#dc   
,u4,s4,c4 #acef7 ! foll[+3  #cj;,a4     
,pipe1 int]-array cable1 umbilical      

cable1 or export cable lay projects  7a7
 ,initial det]m9ation  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n 
prior to #ahj days be=e ! date on :i*   
subclause 7,,ii7 ( section              
#cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii7 takes effect1 !    
,secret>y %all det]m9e = ea* category ( 
vessel describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 :e!r !re
 exi/s a coa/wise-endors$ vessel4  7#b7 
,categories ,! categories ( vessels     
describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are ! foll[+3   
7,a7 ,pipe lay vessels4  7,b7           
,int]-array cable lay vessels4  7,c7    
,umbilical cable lay vessels4  7,d7     
,export cable lay vessels4  7b7         
,application ,9 ! case ! ,secret>y      
det]m9es "u subsection 7a7 t a          
coa/wise-endors$ vessel does n exi/ = a 
category ( vessels describ$ 9 subsection
 7a77#b71 a vessel 9 su* category %all1 
beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y     
makes su* det]m9ation1 be exempt f !    
condition "u section #cj7;c77#b77;,b7 ) 
respect to an applicable project4  7c7  
,reque/s = det]m9ations (               
coa/wise-,endors$ vessels  7#a7 ,new    

det]m9ations ,aft] ! date on :i* !      
det]m9ation is made "u subsection 7a71 !
 own] or op]ator ( a vessel 9 !         
applicable category may seek a new      
det]m9ation f ! ,secret>y t a           
coa/wise-endors$ vessel = su* category  
exi/s4  7#b7 ,application to            
non-coa/wise-endors$ vessels ,if !      
,secret>y makes a det]m9ation "u        
p>agraph 7#a7 t a coa/wise-endors$      
vessel = ! applicable category exi/s1 !n
 ! own] or op]ator ( a vessel 9 su*     
category t is n coa/wise-endors$ %all   
seek a det]m9ation "u p>agraph 7#c7 ( ! 
availability ( a coa/wise-endors$ vessel
 9 su* category = an applicable project 
be=e engag+ 9 any su* applicable project
 t has n comm5c$ or resum$ prior to su* 
det]m9ation "u p>agraph 7#a7 t a        
coa/wise-endors$ vessel = ! applicable  
category exi/s4  7#c7 ,det]m9ation (    
availability  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,z soon z   
practicable 9 accordance ) ?is p>agraph1
 ! ,secret>y %all det]m9e :e!r a        
coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 ! applicable  

category is available = ! project t is !
 subject ( a reque/ "u p>agraph 7#b74 ,!
 ,secret>y %all det]m9e t a             
coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 ! applicable  
category is n available = su* project   
if-- 7i7 ! own] or op]ator ( !          
non-coa/wise endors$ vessel mak+ !      
reque/ "u p>agraph 7#b7 submits to !    
,secret>y an application = ! use ( su*  
vessel = su* project t includes all     
relevant in=mation & requirem5ts = su*  
project1 includ+ eng9e]+ details & tim+ 
requirem5ts2  7ii7 n lat] ?an #cj days  
aft] receiv+ su* an application1 !      
,secret>y provides a copy ( !           
application to ! own] ( ea*             
coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 ! applicable  
category t is li/$ 9 ! inv5tory "u      
section #abach7;b7 ( title #df1 ,unit$  
,/ates ,code1 & promptly publi%es 9 !   
,f$]al ,regi/] a notice-- 7,i7 describ+ 
! applicable project2  7,,ii7 advis+ t  
all relevant in=mation reasonably ne$$  
to assess ! transportation & in/allation
 requirem5ts = ! pipe1 int]-array       

cables1 umbilical cables1 or export     
cables1 z applicable1 us$ 9 ! applicable
 project w be made available to an      
int]e/$ p]son ^u reque/2 &  7,,iii7     
reque/+ t in=mation on ! availability = 
su* applicable project (                
coa/wise-endors$ vessels 9 ! applicable 
category be submitt$ )9 ! #cj-;day p]iod
 beg9n+ on ! date ( su* publication2 &  
7iii7 7,i7 )9 su* #cj-;day p]iod1 no    
in=mation is submitt$ to ! ,secret>y f  
own]s or op]ators ( coa/wise-endors$    
vessels 9 ! applicable category to meet 
! requirem5ts ( ! applicable project    
describ$ 9 ! application submitt$ "u    
clause 7i72 or  7,,ii7 ! own] or op]ator
 ( a coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 !        
applicable category submits in=mation to
 ! ,secret>y ass]t+ t ! own] or op]ator 
has a suitable coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9
 ! applicable category to meet !        
requirem5ts ( ! applicable project      
describ$ 9 su* application1 b !         
,secret>y det]m9es1 9 consultation ) !  
,comm&ant ( ! ,coa/ ,gu>d1 )9 #ij days  

aft] ! notice is fir/ publi%$1 t su*    
vessel is n suitable or reasonably      
available = ! transportation requir$ =  
su* applicable project & no o!r su*     
vessel = :i* su* in=mation has be5 s    
submitt$ is s suitable & reasonably     
available = su* transportation4  7,b7   
,guidance ,= ! purpose ( provid+        
guidance on mak+ det]m9ations reg>d+    
suitability or availability "u ?is      
p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y1 to ! maximum     
ext5t practicable1 %all contract ) !    
,am]ican ,bureau ( ,%ipp+ or ano!r      
classification society recogniz$ by !   
,secret>y z meet+ acceptable /&>ds to   
provide su* guidance4  7#d7 ,impact (   
det]m9ation  7,a7 ,coa/wise-endors$     
vessel availability ,aft] ! date on :i* 
a det]m9ation is made "u p>agraph 7#c7 t
 a coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 !          
applicable category is available = an   
applicable project1 ! own] or op]ator ( 
a vessel 9 ! applicable category t is n 
coa/wise-endors$-- 7i7 %all engage only 
9 applicable project = :i* ! vessel     

began or resum$ prior to ! date ( !     
det]m9ation "u p>agraph 7#a7 t a        
coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 ! applicable  
category exi/s & pursuant to ! exemption
 "u subsection 7b72 &  7ii7 may n engage
 or resume 9 any fur!r applicable       
projects until ! vessel is 9 compliance 
) ! condition "u section                
#cj7;c77#b77;,b7 ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal   
,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4          
#acef7;c77#b77;,b774  7,b7 ,no          
coa/wise-endors$ vessel availability    
,aft] ! date on :i* a det]m9ation is    
made "u p>agraph 7#c7 t a               
coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 ! applicable  
category is n available = an applicable 
project1 ! own] or op]ator ( ! vessel 9 
! applicable category t is n            
coa/wise-endors$ %all be p]mitt$ to     
engage 9 ! applicable project z au?oriz$
 "u subsection 7b7 )\t reg>d to :e!r su*
 project has comm5c$ or resum$ prior to 
! date ( ! det]m9ation "u p>agraph 7#a7 
t a coa/wise-endors$ vessel 9 !         
applicable category exi/s4  7#e7 ,"t    

p]iods ,! ,secret>y %all n ext5d any    
p]iod "u p>agraph 7#c77;,a7 beyond !    
p]iod z requir$ "u su* p>agraph4  7#f7  
,deem$ approval ,if ! ,secret>y has     
fail$ to take an action requir$ ( !     
,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#c77;,a7 )9 !    
p]iod requir$ = su* action "u su*       
p>agraph ) respect to an application    
submitt$ "u clause 7i7 ( su* p>agraph1 !
 own] or op]ator :o submitt$ su*        
application %all be deem$ p]mitt$ "u    
p>agraph 7#d77;,b7 to engage 9 !        
applicable project t is ! subject ( su* 
application4  7d7 ,coord9ation ,!       
,secret>y %all coord9ate ) ! ,secret>y (
 ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is      
op]at+ 9 ord] to apply an exemption     
det]m9$ "u ?is section to ! condition "u
 section #cj7;c77#b77;,b7 ) respect to  
an applicable project4  7e7 ,def9itions 
,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,applicable        
category ,! t]m applicable category1 )  
respect to a vessel = :i* a det]m9ation 
is made "u subsection 7a71 means !      
category ( su* vessel z describ$ 9      

p>agraph 7#b7 ( su* subsection4  7#b7   
,applicable project ,! t]m applicable   
project-- 7,a7 ) respect to a pipe lay  
vessel1 means a project pay+ out pipe2  
7,b7 ) respect to an int]-array cable   
lay vessel1 means a project pay+ out    
int]-array cables2  7,c7 ) respect to an
 umbilical cable lay vessel1 means a    
project pay+ out umbilical cables2 &    
7,d7 ) respect to an export cable lay   
vessel1 means a project pay+ out export 
cables4  7#c7 ,coa/wise-endors$ ,! t]m  
coa/wise-endors$1 ) respect to a vessel1
 means t ! vessel has be5 issu$ a       
c]tificate ( docum5tation ) a coa/wise  
endorsem5t "u *apt] #aba ( title #df1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#d7 ,int]-array  
cable vessel ,! t]m int]-array cable lay
 vessel means a vessel pay+ out         
int]-array cables to :i* section        
#cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7 applies1     
includ+ pay+ out a subm>9e int]-array   
cable describ$ 9 section #abach7;b7 (   
title #df1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#e7   
,export cable lay vessel ,! t]m export  

cable lay vessel means a vessel pay+ out
 export cables to :i* section           
#cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7 applies1     
includ+ pay+ out a subm>9e export cable 
describ$ 9 section #abach7;b7 ( title   
#df1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#f7 ,pipe   
lay vessel ,! t]m pipe lay vessel means 
a vessel pay+ out pipe to :i* section   
#cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7 applies1     
includ+ pay+ out a subm>9e pipe describ$
 9 su* section #abach7;b74  7#g7        
,umbilical cable lay vessel ,! t]m      
umbilical cable lay vessel means a      
vessel pay+ out umbilical cables to :i* 
section #cj7;c77#b77;,b77ii77,,ii7      
applies1 includ+ pay+ out a subm>9e     
umbilical cable describ$ 9 su* section  
#abach7;b74  7#h7 ,secret>y ,! t]m      
,secret>y means ! ,secret>y (           
,transportation4  4  7#b7 ,inv5tory     
,section #abach7;b7 ( title #df1 ,unit$ 
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 ! head+1
 by /rik+ ,vessels = cable lay+1        
ma9t5ance1 & repair & ins]t+ ,vessels = 
pay+ out pipe1 int]-array cables1       

umbilical cables1 or export cables1     
ma9t5ance1 & repair2 &  7,b7 by am5d+   
p>agraph 7#a7 to read z foll[s3  7#a7 ,9
 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,transportation   
%all develop1 ma9ta91 & p]iodically     
update an inv5tory ( vessels t-- 7,a7   
are docum5t$ "u ?is *apt]2  7,b7 are at 
lea/ #bjj feet 9 l5g?2 &  7,c7 h !      
capability to pay out1 ma9ta91 or repair
 a subm>9e export cable1 int]-array     
cable1 umbilical cable1 or pipe )\t     
reg>d to :e!r a p>ticul> vessel is      
class$ z a cable or pipe lay %ip or     
cable or pipe lay vessel4  2  7,c7 by   
am5d+ p>agraph 7#b77;,b7 to read z      
foll[s3  7,b7 ! abilities & limitations 
( ! vessel ) respect to pay+ out1       
ma9ta9+1 & repair+ a subm>9e export1    
int]-array1 or umbilical cable or       
subm>9e pipel9e2 &  2 &  7,d7 by add+ at
 ! end ! foll[+3  7#d7 ,categories ,=   
purposes ( subsection 7c77#c77;,a77ii7 (
 section #cj;,a ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal    
,%elf ,l&s ,act1 ! ,secret>y (          
,transportation %all note ! category (  

ea* vessel includ$ 9 ! inv5tory "u ?is  
subsection 9 accordance ) ! categories  
describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b7 ( su*     
section #cj;,a4  4  7g7 ,sav+s          
provisions  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,no?+ 9 ?is   
section or ! am5dm5ts made by ?is       
section %all au?orize a pipe lay vessel1
 int]-array cable lay vessel1 umbilical 
cable lay vessel1 or export cable lay   
vessel t is n coa/wise-endors$ to engage
 9 ! transportation ( m]*&ise 9 coa/wise
 trade4  7#b7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is        
subsection3 7,a7 ,coa/wise-endors$ ,!   
t]m coa/wise-endors$ has ! mean+ giv5 ! 
t]m 9 section #cj;,a7e7 ( ! ,out]       
,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act1 z add$ by   
subsection 7f77#a74  7,b7 ,export cable 
lay vessel2 int]-array cable lay vessel2
 pipe lay vessel2 & umbilical cable lay 
vessel ,! t]ms export cable lay vessel1 
int]-array cable lay vessel1 pipe lay   
vessel1 & umbilical cable lay vessel h !
 mean+s giv5 su* t]ms 9 section         
#cj;,a7e7 ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf    
,l&s ,act1 z add$ by subsection 7f77#a74

  7h7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is   
section or an am5dm5t made by ?is       
section %all be con/ru$ z adopt+ any    
ag5cy int]pretations ( any provisions (1
 or t]ms )91 *apt] #eea ( title #df1    
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  #c4 ,en=cem5t  7a7
 ,prohibition on ,jones ,act p5alty     
mitigation ,section #eeajb7;c7 ( title  
#df1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$--    
7#a7 by /rik+ ,m]*&ise & ins]t+ !       
foll[+3  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,m]*&ise  2 &    
7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7#b7   
,no mitigation ,! ,secret>y %all n      
mitigate or l[] any su* p5alty am\nt4  4
  7b7 ,publication ( p5alties ,section  
#eeajb ( title #df1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1
 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3    
7d7 ,publication ( p5alties  7#a7 ,9    
g5]al ,^u f9al ag5cy action reg>d+ a    
violation ( ?is section1 ) respect to a 
vessel t does n h a coa/wise endorsem5t 
"u *apt] #aba ( ?is title or is n       
o!rwise au?oriz$ to engage 9 ! coa/wise 
trade1 ! ,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! 
,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+ %all publi% a     

notification 9 ! ,cu/oms ,bullet9 &     
,decisions )9 #g days ( su* ag5cy       
action4  7#b7 ,cont5ts ,! notification  
"u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include1 at a     
m9imum-- 7,a7 ! "n ( ! vessel involv$ 9 
! violation2  7,b7 ! "n ( ! own] ( !    
vessel involv$2  7,c7 ! am\nt ( ! f9e or
 value ( m]*&ise seiz$ z a result ( !   
violation ( subsection 7b72 &  7,d7 a   
summ>y ( ! misconduct & ju/ification =  
impos+ a p5alty4  7e7 ,regulations ,by n
 lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! effective date
 ( ! ,am]ican ,(f%ore ,work] ,fairness  
,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security   
%all prescribe regulations implem5t+    
subsection 7d71 :i* may include am5d+   
regulations relat+ to p5alties issu$ by 
,u4,s4 ,cu/oms & ,bord] ,protection1    
p>ticul>ly ) respect to ! in=mation to  
be conta9$ 9 ! notification "u su*      
subsection4  4  7c7 ,notification  7#a7 
,advance notification requir$ ,prior to 
engag+ 9 any activity or op]ations on ! 
out] ,cont95tal ,%elf 7z def9$ 9 section
 #b ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act

 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca771 ! op]ator ( a  
=eign vessel us$ 9 su* activity or      
op]ations %all file ) ! ,secret>y (     
,homel& ,security a notification        
describ+ all activities & op]ations to  
be p]=m$ on ! out] ,cont95tal ,%elf &1  
if applicable1 an id5tification (       
applicable rul+ lett]s issu$ by !       
,secret>y t h approv$ ! use ( a =eign   
vessel 9 an id5tical activity or        
op]ation4  7#b7 ,publication ( notices  
7,a7 ,publication ,! ,secret>y %all     
publi% a notification "u p>agraph 7#a7 9
 ! ,cu/oms ,bullet9 & ,decisions )9 #ad 
days ( receipt ( su* notification4  7,b7
 ,confid5tial in=mation ,! ,secret>y    
%all r$act any in=mation exempt f       
disclosure "u section #eeb ( title #e1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 9 a notification   
publi%$ "u subp>agraph 7,a74  7#c7      
,exceptions ,?is subsection %all n apply
 to-- 7,a7 any vessel t-- 7i7 is p]=m+  
an (f%ore lift1 z def9$ 9 section       
#cj7;c77#b77;,b77iv77,i7 ( ! ,out]      
,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc         

,u4,s4,c4 #acef 7c77#b77;,b77iv77,i772 &
  7ii7 has a crane height capability (  
#ahj met]s2 &  7,b7 any rig or unit     
describ$ 9 section #cj7;d7 ( su* ,act   
7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acef7;d774  #d4         
,au?orization ( appropriations =        
,m>itime ,c5t]s ( ,excell5ce2 grant     
limitation  7a7 ,am5dm5t to ,,ndaa #bjbc
 ,section #ceja7;a77#d77;,b7 ( ! ,james4
 ,m4 ,inh(e ,national ,def5se           
,au?orization ,act = ,fiscal ,ye> #bjbc 
7,public ,law #aag-bfc7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 
by /rik+ #cj1jjj1jjj & ins]t+           
#hj1jjj1jjj2 &  7#b7 by ins]t+ 1 except 
t a cov]$ tra9+ entity may n receive m  
?an #aj1jjj1jjj "u su* section = a      
fiscal ye> aft] ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4    
7b7 ,fiscal ye>s #bjbd-bjbh ,!re are    
au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ #hj1jjj1jjj =
 ea* ( fiscal ye>s #bjbd ?r\gh #bjbh = !
 ,m>itime ,c5t]s ( ,excell5ce1 includ+  
to make grants au?oriz$ "u section      
#eagjf ( title #df1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4
  7c7 ,grant limitation ,section        
#eagjf7;b7 ( title #df1 ,unit$ ,/ates   

,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+3  7#e7 ,limitation ,a cov]$ tra9+
 entity may n receive m ?an #aj1jjj1jjj 
"u ?is section = a fiscal ye>4  4  #e4  
,int]pretive rul+ process  7a7 ,9 g5]al 
,*apt] #eea ( title #df1 ,unit$ ,/ates  
,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+3  #eeabd4 ,int]pretive rul+      
process  7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3
 7#a7 ,coa/wise qualifi$ vessel ,! t]m  
coa/wise qualifi$ vessel has ! mean+    
giv5 ! t]m 9 section #eeajh ( ?is title4
  7#b7 ,int]e/$ p>ty ,! t]m int]e/$ p>ty
 means-- 7,a7 ! own] or op]ator ( a     
vessel engag$ 9 coa/wise trade2  7,b7 a 
manufactur] ( coa/wise qualifi$ vessels2
  7,c7 a c]tifi$ labor organization1    
recogniz$ labor organization1 or gr\p ( 
work]s or m>9]s :i* is repres5tative (  
an indu/ry engag$ or employ$ 9-- 7i7 !  
coa/wise trade2 or  7ii7 coa/wise       
qualifi$ vessel con/ruction2  7,d7 a    
trade or bus9ess association1 a majority
 ( ^: memb]s are-- 7i7 own]s or op]ators
 ( vessels engag$ 9 coa/wise trade2 or  

7ii7 manufactur]s ( coa/wise qualifi$   
vessels2 or  7,e7 an association1 a     
majority ( ^: memb]s are compos$ (      
p]sons describ$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7     
?r\gh 7,d74  7#c7 ,secret>y ,! t]m      
,secret>y means ! ,secret>y ( !         
,dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/ ,gu>d is op]at+4
  7b7 ,int]pretive rul+s process ,^u    
writt5 reque/ by an int]e/$ p>ty1 !     
,secret>y %all furni%1 by n lat] ?an #fj
 days aft] su* reque/1 an int]pretive   
rul+ reg>d+ a non-coa/wise qualifi$     
vessel's activities & compliance )      
,unit$ ,/ates laws 9 ! int]nal wat]s ( !
 ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! t]ritorial sea1 & !   
wat]s ( ! out] ,cont95tal ,%elf1 includ+
 ! vessel's compliance ) sections #ejejc
 & #eeaja ?r\gh #eeaba ( ?is title4  7c7
 ,petition  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,aft] !       
,secret>y furni%es an int]pretive rul+  
reque/$ "u subsection 7b7 or any o!r    
int]pretive rul+ reg>d+ ! int]pretation1
 application1 or en=cem5t ( ! coa/wise  
laws1 an int]e/$ p>ty t believes ! rul+ 
is incorrect may file a petition ) !    

,secret>y sett+ =?-- 7,a7 ! int]e/$     
p>ty's und]/&+ ( ! factual sc5>io2  7,b7
 ! outcome ( ! decision t ! int]e/$ p>ty
 believes to be prop] 9 ! provid$       
factual sc5>io2 &  7,c7 ! reasons = !   
belief ( ! int]e/$ p>ty4  7#b7          
,publication ,! ,secret>y %all publi%   
onl9e-- 7,a7 ! "n ( an int]e/$ p>ty fil+
 a petition "u p>agraph 7#a72 &  7,b7 ! 
rul+ t su* p>ty believes is incorrect4  
7d7 ,det]m9ation on petition  7#a7      
,correction ( int]pretive rul+ ,if1 aft]
 receipt & consid]ation ( a petition    
fil$ "u subsection 7c7 by an int]e/$    
p>ty1 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t !          
conclusion rea*$ 9 ! conte/$ int]pretive
 rul+ is n correct1 ! ,secret>y %all1 by
 n lat] ?an #fj days aft] su* receipt1  
det]m9e ! prop] outcome & notify !      
int]e/$ p>ty ( ! ,secret>y's            
det]m9ation4  7#b7 ,conte/ by petition] 
7,a7 ,det]m9ation ,if aft] receipt &    
consid]ation ( a petition fil$ "u       
subsection 7c7 by an int]e/$ p>ty1 !    
,secret>y det]m9es t ! conte/$          

int]pretive rul+ "u subsection 7b7 is   
correct1 ! ,secret>y %all1 by n lat] ?an
 #cj days aft] su* receipt1 notify !    
int]e/$ p>ty4  7,b7 ,appeal ,an int]e/$ 
p>ty t receives a notice "u subp>agraph 
7,a7 may file an appeal to conte/ ! rul+
 by n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date ( ! 
notification4 ,^u receipt ( an appeal f 
! int]e/$ p>ty1 ! ,secret>y %all make a 
det]m9ation ( ! int]pretive rul+ z      
pres5t$ 9 ! orig9al rul+ "u subsection  
7b7 by n lat] ?an #g days aft] ! receipt
 ( ! appeal4  7#c7 ,publication ,n lat] 
?an #c days aft] mak+ a det]m9ation "u  
p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b71 ! ,secret>y %all 
publi% onl9e su* det]m9ation4  7e7      
,review ( int]pretive rul+ ,n lat] ?an  
#ij days aft] ! ,secret>y makes a       
det]m9ation reg>d+ an int]pretive rul+  
"u subsection 7d77#b77;,b71 any int]e/$ 
p>ty may comm5ce an action 9 any di/rict
 c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 subject to !   
v5ue requirem5ts ( section #acia ( title
 #bh1 by fil+ concurr5tly a summons &   
compla9t1 ea* ) ! cont5t & 9 ! =m1      

mann]1 & /yle prescrib$ by ! rules ( su*
 c\rt1 conte/+ any legal conclusions ( !
 ,secret>y4  7f7 ,regulations implem5t+ 
requir$ proc$ures ,by n lat] ?an #ij    
days aft] ! effective date ( ?is        
section1 ! ,secret>y %all prescribe     
regulations to implem5t ! proc$ures     
requir$ "u ?is section4  4  7b7 ,con=m+ 
am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #eea
 ( title #df1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #eeabc ! foll[+3  ,sec4 #eeabd4 
,int]pretive rul+ process4  4  #f4      
,regulations reg>d+ affirmation (       
au?ority = non-oil & gas op]ations on ! 
out] ,cont95tal ,%elf ,n lat] ?an #ij   
days aft] ! effective date ( ?is ,act1 !
 ,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/   
,gu>d is op]at+ %all promulgate         
regulations to implem5t ! am5dm5t made  
by section #iejc ( ! ,william ,m4 7,mac7
 ,?ornb]ry ,national ,def5se            
,au?orization ,act = ,fiscal ,ye> #bjba 
7,public ,law #aaf-bhc2 #acd ,/at4      
#dhbb7 to section #d7;a77#a7 ( ! ,out]  

,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act 7#dc         
,u4,s4,c4 #accc7;a77#a77 ) respect to   
laws adm9i/]$ by su* ,secret>y4  #g4    
,rules ( con/ruction  7a7 ,out]         
,cont95tal ,%elf ,l&s ,act ,no?+ 9 ?is  
,act or ! am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act may 
be con/ru$ to nullify or sup]s$e any o!r
 provision ( law relat+ to ! out]       
,cont95tal ,%elf 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9  
section #b ( ! ,out] ,cont95tal ,%elf   
,l&s ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca771 except
 z expressly provid$ 9 ?is ,act or an   
am5dm5t made by ?is ,act4  7b7 ,rul+    
lett]s ,no?+ 9 ?is ,act or ! am5dm5ts   
made by ?is ,act may be con/ru$ z       
congressional validation ( a rul+ lett]1
 int]pretative guidance1 or doctr9e     
issu$1 or o!r action tak51 by !         
,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security4  #h4     
,au?orization ( appropriations ,!re are 
au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ to !         
,secret>y ( ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! ,coa/    
,gu>d is op]at+ & ! ,secret>y (         
,transportation su* sums z may be       
necess>y to c>ry out ?is ,act & !       

am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act4  #i4         
,effective date ,?is ,act1 & ! am5dm5ts 
made by ?is ,act1 %all take effect on ! 
day t is #a ye> aft] ! date ( enactm5t (
 ?is ,act4