The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 outlines various provisions for the United States Coast Guard, including funding authorizations, organizational changes, and safety regulations. It covers topics like personnel policies, shipping and navigation standards, vessel and operational safety, as well as implementing recommendations for accountability and transparency, with the aim to enhance the Coast Guard's efficiency and effectiveness.

In this Act, the term “Commandant” refers to the leader of the Coast Guard.

The section amends the funding amounts in Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, updating the authorized appropriations for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. It specifies new funding totals for different purposes, including retired pay and other related payments.

The section allocates funds for updating the Coast Guard's information technology and shoreside infrastructure for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026. For technology, $36.3 million each year is set aside, with $11 million in 2025 aimed at a new maritime credentialing system. For infrastructure, $500 million and $600 million are designated for 2025 and 2026, respectively, for improvements across various Coast Guard facilities, including training centers, academies, and bases.

In fiscal year 2025, $138.5 million is allocated for one HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft, $36 million for updating the 47-foot Motor Life Boat, and $216 million for two Fast Response Cutters. In fiscal year 2026, $1.2 billion is for a Polar Security Cutter, $1.1 billion for two Offshore Patrol Cutters, $138.5 million for one more HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft, and $153.5 million to equip five MH–60T Jayhawk aircraft.

For the fiscal years 2025 and 2026, specific amounts are allocated to enhance Coast Guard recruiting efforts and to support various directed actions for improving accountability and transparency, as outlined in a memorandum from the Commandant.

The section amends United States Code to update the authorized levels of military strength and training, changing the applicable fiscal years from 2022 and 2023 to 2025 and 2026.

Section 201 amends Section 1105 of title 14 of the United States Code to prohibit the use of lead systems integrators. It also defines "lead systems integrator" according to its meaning in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

The amendment to Section 903(d)(1) of title 14 of the United States Code increases the budget for minor construction projects from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000.

The section outlines the requirement for the Coast Guard to create specific tsunami evacuation plans for its facilities in high-risk areas, ensuring safe evacuation routes and procedures for personnel and assets within 15 minutes of detection of a seismic event. The plans must be coordinated with local governments, evaluated regularly, and a report on their effectiveness and feasibility is to be submitted to Congress within two years.

The bill adds a new section to U.S. law stating that certain complex requirements do not apply to projects by the Coast Guard that are designed only to extend the usable life of equipment or systems. It defines a "service life extension program" as an investment aimed solely at prolonging the life and updating outdated parts of a specific capability or asset.

Section 1138 explains that the Coast Guard's service life extension programs are not subject to the usual requirements for large acquisition projects. A "service life extension program" is defined as a capital investment aimed solely at prolonging the life and updating outdated parts or systems of a specific asset.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard must submit a report to Congress within 180 days detailing the maritime domain awareness in the area of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. This report should include information on maritime traffic, sensor platforms, illicit activities, and any current or needed technology and assets, as well as financial obstacles that hinder addressing any gaps in monitoring and response capabilities.

The text describes amendments to the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, which moves and renumbers a section about sharing information on monthly drug and migrant interdictions. It specifies that the Commandant must publicly share details about these incidents, including the number of cases, types of drugs intercepted, and migrant interdictions, along with the Coast Guard sectors involved.

The section requires that information on the number of drugs and migrants intercepted each month be made available to the public.

The section requires the Commandant to submit a report within one year outlining plans to create an office within the Coast Guard for developing and acquiring unmanned system technologies. The report must cover strategies for managing, coordinating, and expanding these technologies, identify necessary contracting authorities, list useful commercial technologies, propose collaborations with other agencies, and describe a concept for integrating these new tools with data systems.

The section requires the Commandant to submit a strategy to Congress within 30 days of the Act's enactment. This strategy must explain how the Coast Guard plans to design and build a new Great Lakes icebreaker as capable as the Cutter Mackinaw within three years after receiving funding.

The section requires the Secretary of the department overseeing the Coast Guard to consider the long-term costs of maintaining and operating ships and aircraft when planning and reviewing their designs, as much as possible. Additionally, it updates the list of topics in the chapter to include this requirement.

The section mandates that the Secretary overseeing the Coast Guard, through the Commandant, must consider the long-term costs of owning and operating vessels and aircraft when designing and evaluating them for purchase.

The section authorizes the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to allow nonprofit organizations supporting the Academy, such as charities or educational groups, to use academy facilities or equipment for free if certain conditions are met. These conditions ensure there is no U.S. liability, maintain ethical standards, and require a report to Congress detailing events supported each fiscal year.

The section allows the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to let certain nonprofit organizations use the Academy's facilities or equipment for free, but only after legal review and under conditions such as ensuring no liability to the U.S. and maintaining integrity and ethics. It also requires a yearly report on these activities to two congressional committees.

Section 211 amends title 14 of the United States Code to modify the roles of the Secretary in relation to the Coast Guard Museum, specifically about designing, engineering, construction administration, and quality assurance services. It also updates the leasing terms of museum properties for Coast Guard operations and allows the Commandant to obtain services for the museum from nonprofit entities or through agreements and grants with the Association.

The section requires the Commandant to submit a detailed report to Congress on the acquisition status of the first Polar Security Cutter within 60 days of the law's enactment, including timelines, cost projections, and any potential risks. Additionally, the Commandant must provide regular briefings to Congress every 60 days about progress and notify them promptly if there are significant changes to the plan's scope or funding.

The text modifies United States Code Title 14 by increasing the number from "2" to "4" in a particular section related to a technology pilot program.

The section requires the Commandant to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment, detailing the condition of Missouri River dayboards and buoy placements. The report must include the last service date for each dayboard and buoy, a systematic service plan by the Coast Guard, and contact points.

The section outlines that, generally, only the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation can be given authority over the Saint Lawrence Seaway by the Secretary. However, in special circumstances, the Secretary or the Coast Guard, after consulting with the Secretary of Transportation, can enforce orders, establish safety zones, and take security actions to protect the area.

The section outlines the delegation of authority concerning the Saint Lawrence Seaway, stating that the Secretary's powers related to the Seaway cannot be transferred to any agency except the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. However, in certain situations, the Secretary or the head of another agency, after consulting with the Secretary of Transportation, can issue special orders, establish safety zones, and take security measures for ports and facilities.

The text outlines a requirement for the Commandant to partner with a research center to assess the Coast Guard's ability to perform its duties, considering manpower and asset limitations. This includes analyzing current capabilities, suggesting improvements, and potentially transferring some responsibilities to other agencies, followed by a report to Congress with recommendations for enhancing the Coast Guard's operations.

The amendment to Section 11221 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 requires the Secretary to include, in each quarterly report, updates on the use of renovated Coast Guard facilities on St. Paul Island, Alaska, and details about plans to build a helicopter hangar near the existing airport to support Coast Guard missions.

The section amends U.S. law to allow the Secretary of the Coast Guard more flexibility in hiring faculty at the Coast Guard Academy by enabling them to appoint highly qualified candidates directly and without the usual competitive process required by other federal hiring rules.

The Coast Guard is allowed to have a higher percentage of its enlisted members in the senior pay grades E–8 and E–9 on active duty until October 1, 2027, as an exception to existing law.

Section 223 of the bill amends a part of the United States Code to update a reference, changing it from "section 2117" to "sections 2115 and 2117," which affects the guidance available for reserve selection boards.

The section introduces a new rule that allows certain reserve members of the Coast Guard to take up to 12 periods of parental leave within one year after a child is born, adopted, or placed for adoption or foster care. If a member cannot use this leave within a year due to specific circumstances like operational duties, they may be allowed an extension to use the leave later.

The section provides that eligible reserve members of the Coast Guard may receive up to 12 training periods as parental leave within one year of events like the birth or adoption of a child. If operational or educational duties prevent using the leave within a year, an extension may be granted to use it later.

The section allows the Coast Guard to give pregnant officers a cash allowance to buy maternity uniform items if these are not provided. The amount of the allowance is decided by the Secretary of the department overseeing the Coast Guard.

The section requires the Commandant to send a report within one year to certain committees in the House of Representatives and Senate. The report should address how the recommendations from a Government Accountability Office report on improving Coast Guard housing have been implemented.

In this section, the outer Continental Shelf is defined according to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. A ruling letter is explained as a type of letter related to the Jones Act, provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Lastly, the Secretary refers to the Secretary of Homeland Security, specifically acting through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Prior to conducting activities on the outer Continental Shelf, foreign vessel operators must notify the Secretary about their planned operations. The Secretary then has 14 days to publish this notification, excluding any confidential details, in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions.

The bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to publish pre-penalty notices or penalty notifications on vessel-related fines in the Customs Bulletin within 14 days of issuance. The publication must include details about the vessel and its owner, the penalty amount, and a summary of the alleged misconduct. Additionally, the Secretary must create regulations within 90 days to support these changes.

The changes to the U.S. Code outlined in this section revise the training, credentialing, and service requirements for merchant mariners, including redefining service lengths and allowing educational substitutes for certain service requirements, while also giving the Secretary of the department that oversees the Coast Guard authority to implement these changes swiftly.

The section allows the Secretary to issue different types of credentials to members of ship deck departments, categorizing them based on factors like vessel size, type, and areas they operate in. The Secretary can consider factors such as age, character, experience, and physical condition when issuing these credentials.

The bill amends title 46 of the United States Code by replacing the term "seamen" with "seafarers" in various sections that address the credentials and classifications of different types of maritime workers, such as those in the unlimited, limited, and special categories, including those working on offshore supply vessels, sailing ships, and in the fishing industry. Additionally, the term "Merchant Seamen Licenses, Certificates, and Documents" is changed to "Merchant Mariner Credentials" to reflect these updates.

Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is updated to clarify that when a merchant mariner renews their credential, the renewed credential will start the day after the old one expires, as long as it's not an extension under the specified earlier subsections.

The text amends various sections of title 46 of the United States Code to include "noncitizen nationals," as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act, alongside "citizens" regarding merchant seamen licenses, documents, and vessel operations. It ensures that these noncitizen nationals receive the same recognition as citizens in matters such as documentation, manning of vessels, and command eligibility.

The section outlines that operating a vessel in a grossly negligent way can lead to severe legal consequences. If someone operates a vessel negligently and puts others at risk, they commit a class A misdemeanor, but if serious injuries occur, it becomes a class E felony, with a possible fine up to $35,000.

The text outlines changes to the United States Code about security risks on vessels. It updates legal language to specify circumstances under which an individual can be considered a security risk, such as having probable cause to believe they violated company policy and pose a threat to others on the vessel.

The law changes focus from "DUKW amphibious passenger vessels" to "commercial amphibious small passenger vessels" by altering references and definitions. It specifies that the section now applies to small passenger vessels operating in U.S. waters as defined by relevant federal regulations.

The amendment to Section 3714 of title 46 allows the Secretary to establish a risk-based examination schedule for foreign-flagged tank vessels, but only after reviewing a study by the National Academies, conducting an assessment as recommended by the Government Accountability Office, and ensuring that the new schedule maintains the same safety level as the previously required annual examinations. The results of this assessment must also be shared with specific Congressional committees.

The section updates existing law to improve the safety of ports and waterways. It includes cyber incidents, organized crime, and foreign state threats as potential risks and strengthens regulations to address these threats during national emergencies. Additionally, it prevents individuals from countries supporting terrorism from visiting certain secure facilities.

The section requires the Commandant to partner with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to study commercial vessel traffic in the Bering Strait and assess the emergency response capabilities at the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska. The study, which involves various government and non-government entities, aims to evaluate risks and recommend improvements for maritime safety and response in the Arctic region, with a report due within a year.

The section requires the Commandant or a designated individual to brief certain Congressional committees within 30 days of the new law's enactment. The briefing will cover the program for underwater inspections instead of using dry docks, as described in the specified federal regulations.

The Commandant is required to carry out an independent study of boat traffic at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River before making a final decision regarding Docket Number USCG–2022–0222, which concerns the St. Lucie River railroad bridge.

The section requires the Secretary overseeing the Coast Guard to finalize new rules about shipping routes along the Atlantic Coast. These rules must be issued within 180 days and are based on a previous study and announcement made in June 2020.

The section outlines manning requirements for articulated tug-barge units, specifying that vessels on domestic voyages over 600 miles must have at least two licensed engineers, while those on voyages under 600 miles need only one. It defines a "covered vessel" as a towing vessel with a specific inspection certificate and certain engineering systems or past manning documents.

Under this section, certain tug-barge vessels on voyages within the U.S. are allowed to have fewer licensed engineers than usually required by law. A vessel traveling more than 600 miles must have at least two engineers, while one traveling less than 600 miles needs only one. This applies to vessels with specific safety certifications or those meeting certain engineering standards.

In this section, an amendment is made to the United States Code to include facilities and vessels related to energy production and space transportation. It specifies that an "energy production or transmission facility" is a floating offshore setup that isn't a vessel but is anchored to the seabed and has wind turbines for generating non-mineral energy.

The text establishes a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems, which will advise on regulating and using autonomous systems in U.S. waters. The committee will have 9 members with expertise in relevant areas, and represent diverse groups including marine safety, vessel design, and academic institutions.

The section establishes a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems, which will provide advice on how autonomous systems should be regulated and used in U.S. waters. The Committee will have 9 members, each having expertise in areas like maritime safety, vessel design, unmanned vehicles, port operations, and other related fields.

The section of the bill updates the United States Code to clarify that it is illegal for any individual on a covered vessel to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance. It also specifies that these actions are covered by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

The section amends a part of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by changing the year “2025” to “2027” in Section 8313(b).

The new section added to the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to provide specific data on ballast water management systems, like water quality and biological organisms, to any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories upon request. Additionally, a clerical update is made to the act’s table of contents to reflect this new section.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard is required to share data about water quality and biological organism concentrations related to ballast water management systems, when requested by any U.S. state or territory, including Washington D.C. This data must pertain to systems with a type approval certificate as per the regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations.

The bill allows the Secretary in charge of the Coast Guard to grant limited exemptions from manning and crew requirements for certain vessels, vehicles, and structures owned by foreign nationals, provided specific criteria are met. These exemptions ensure compliance with safety and security regulations and may include penalties for violations, while requiring periodic inspections to verify adherence to the exemption’s terms.

The section allows the Secretary of the department operating the Coast Guard to grant exemptions from manning and crew requirements to owners or operators of certain foreign-owned vessels if specific conditions are met, such as crew members being U.S. citizens or lawful residents. These exemptions are limited in duration, require compliance checks, and come with penalties for violation, while detailed application and potential revocation procedures ensure accountability.

The proposed amendment to section 3316(d) of title 46 of the United States Code clarifies that foreign classification societies must meet specific delegation criteria by their home government and explicitly states that the Secretary cannot delegate authority to any classification society from the People’s Republic of China.

The text outlines a change in law allowing the Coast Guard to create safety zones in U.S. exclusive economic zones for specific activities like space launches and offshore energy projects. It also clarifies that these zones are areas where only authorized people and vehicles can enter for safety or environmental reasons.

The Secretary responsible for the Coast Guard can create safety zones in the exclusive economic zone to manage special activities. These safety zones can be areas on water or shore where only authorized people, vehicles, or vessels can enter. Special activities include space activities by U.S. citizens and offshore energy development near fixed platforms.

Section 349 amends Title 46 of the U.S. Code to require updated safety training for fishing vessel operators and crew, focusing on health risks like substance use disorder and worker fatigue. It also adjusts grant rules and increases funding to $6 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to further these objectives in consultation with the Coast Guard and other authorities.

The section amends the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to affirm the Secretary of Transportation's authority over issuing regulations and conducting environmental reviews, while clarifying that the Coast Guard retains some responsibilities related to deepwater port safety; it also ensures these changes do not affect existing applications or limit other agency powers.

The amendment to Section 15106(c) of title 46 in the U.S. Code increases the number of members on the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee from 15 to 17. Additionally, it specifies that 2 of the members should represent organizations involved in non-mineral energy activities on the Outer Continental Shelf.

The section focuses on improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring by requiring the Commandant to implement a restructuring plan for anchorages in San Pedro Bay, conduct a study on the proximity of anchorage grounds to pipelines, and submit a report to Congress. Additionally, it mandates the introduction of audible and visual alarms to alert when vessels are too close to pipelines and the development of notification procedures for potential pipeline incursions, along with annual reporting to Congress on these measures.

The text outlines amendments to laws concerning abandoned and derelict vessels, specifying that vessel owners cannot leave their vessels unattended on U.S. waters for over 45 days. It establishes procedures for identifying, notifying, and penalizing owners of abandoned vessels, mandates a national inventory of such vessels, and requires the Coast Guard to create a way for reporting potentially abandoned vessels.

The section defines key terms used in the subchapter, including "abandon," which refers to leaving a vessel unattended for over 45 days, "covered vessel," which excludes certain barges, and "Indian Tribe," which is defined by another specific U.S. law.

The section prohibits the abandonment of certain vessels on U.S. navigable waters and outlines how the Coast Guard will determine if a vessel is abandoned. If a vessel is found abandoned, the owner could face a fine of up to $500 and other penalties. However, a vessel is not considered abandoned if it is in authorized mooring areas or private property, or if the owner can prove it is not abandoned.

The section requires the Commandant, with input from relevant agencies, to create a public national inventory of abandoned vessels. It outlines that this inventory will have detailed information about each vessel’s location and establishes a process for States, Indian Tribes, or individuals to report potentially abandoned vessels for inclusion.

Section 354 amends the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by removing certain subsections and introducing a new rule. It prohibits vessels from anchoring in a specified part of the Hudson River unless they anchor in locations that were established before January 1, 2021.

The bill section requires regular checks on equipment and vessels used in responding to oil or hazardous substance spills in U.S. waters, ensuring they have the best removal technology. It also mandates a report to Congress about firefighting capabilities for vessel fires close to shore, including potential improvements in coordination and training for these emergencies.

Section 402 of the bill modifies Section 6308 of title 46, United States Code, by changing the term "initiated" to "conducted" and clarifying that an administrative proceeding by the United States includes certain proceedings related to oil pollution claims.

In Section 403 of the bill, a new rule is added to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, stating that no one can challenge decisions related to a removal action made by an on-scene coordinator before the action is completed.

The section requires the National Response Center to create an online system within two years for reporting oil discharges or hazardous substance releases. However, it does not mandate that notifications must be made through this online application.

The bill requires the Commandant to submit an annual report from 2025 to 2028 to certain congressional committees about the progress of specific actions outlined in a memorandum focused on accountability and transparency. The report must include the status and future plans for these actions, effectiveness metrics, and any additional measures to address sexual assault and harassment in the Coast Guard.

The Commandant is required to report to certain U.S. Congressional committees by March 1, 2025, and annually for three years after, about the progress of specific actions aimed at increasing accountability and transparency, as described in a key memorandum. The report must outline the status, plans for completion, effectiveness metrics, and additional efforts related to addressing sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard.

The section outlines that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will report on the Coast Guard's efforts to address sexual assault and harassment, with evaluations and recommendations due within a year. Additionally, the Commandant must respond with a plan or explanation for any disagreement on suggestions from the GAO.

The section requires the Commandant to maintain records related to investigations of Coast Guard members accused of certain offenses, with documents being kept for at least seven years. It specifies what should be included in these records and clarifies that this requirement does not authorize the discovery or production of internal legal documents.

The section mandates that the Commandant must keep records from investigations involving Coast Guard members accused of certain military offenses for at least seven years. It outlines what specific documents are considered as "work product" and emphasizes that this section does not require the disclosure of internal legal documents or reports.

The bill requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to conduct a study on how the Coast Guard Academy is governed, particularly looking at the roles and responsibilities of its Board of Visitors and Board of Trustees. A report with the study's findings and suggestions for improving the Academy's governance must be submitted to Congress within one year.

The section amends U.S. law to allow a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, who faces an alleged sexual assault, to seek a transfer to another Service Academy or a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at a different school. The process for such transfers must be expedited, with decisions typically made within 72 hours, and include confidentiality measures. If denied, the cadet can request a review, and upon graduation, they're entitled to commission into the Coast Guard.

The section amends the United States Code to allow the Secretary of the Coast Guard to designate certain officers as experts in military justice or healthcare. These designated officers will have specific rules regarding promotion, including exclusion from the active duty promotion list and a limit on promotion to no higher than the rank of captain.

The section allows the Secretary to select a small group of Coast Guard officers who have special expertise in military justice or healthcare. These officers will not appear on the general promotion list, will be promoted according to specific guidelines, and cannot be promoted beyond the rank of captain.

The section grants the Coast Guard the ability to directly hire qualified individuals for specific non-clinical and criminal investigative roles focused on preventing harmful behaviors, such as suicide and harassment, without following the usual hiring procedures, but this authority will expire on September 30, 2034.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard is given the authority to directly hire qualified candidates for non-clinical specialist roles that help prevent harmful behaviors and for law enforcement positions in the Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service. This hiring authority is exempt from certain federal hiring rules and will expire on September 30, 2034.

The section establishes a "safe-to-report" policy for the Coast Guard, which is aimed at managing minor misconduct issues related to members who report or are victims of sexual assault. The Secretary is tasked with creating regulations that define what constitutes minor misconduct, specify exceptions, and develop a system to anonymously track these incidents.

The section sets a safe-to-report policy for the Coast Guard, detailing how minor misconduct linked with reporting a sexual assault will be handled more leniently to encourage reporting. It requires tracking such incidents while balancing the misconduct's impact on discipline by identifying both mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

Section 509 changes the due date for a Coast Guard sexual assault report in the United States Code from January 15 to March 1.

The section amends title 14 of the U.S. Code to require a higher-level review of decisions by boards that choose to retain officers accused of sexual assault. It defines what constitutes a "sexual assault offense" and grants authorities the power to forward cases for further consideration by a Board of Inquiry.

The section amends the United States Code to allow a review board to change a former member of the Coast Guard's discharge status from honorable to general if there is clear evidence of sexual misconduct. It also outlines the rights of former Coast Guard members to participate in these review proceedings, including the ability to present evidence and appear before the board.

The section outlines conditions under which a review board may downgrade a former Coast Guard member's honorable discharge if they committed sexual assault or harassment while in service, provided there is clear evidence and certain limitations are met. It also details procedural rights, allowing individuals to present evidence and appear before the board, with a requirement for written notification to those subject to discharge review.

The section amends a law to allow the denial of certain credentials to individuals who are convicted sex offenders under federal, state, local, or tribal law, by adding specific references to military justice codes.

Coast Guard Academy Cadets have the option to request a change in their room assignments if they are feeling uncomfortable due to their current rooming situation, as stated in the amendment to Section 1902 of title 14 in the United States Code.

The section outlines various amendments to the United States Code and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, including minor text changes for clarity and the reorganization of certain sections and subsections. These changes primarily involve updates to legal references and adjustments in terminology to improve accuracy and consistency within the legislation.