The “Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024” includes several sections that outline the authorization of appropriations, structural and personnel changes within the Coast Guard, regulations for shipping and navigation, as well as liability for oil pollution incidents. The Act also mandates improvements in accountability and transparency for the Coast Guard, including oversight and reforms to enhance safety and efficiency in various maritime operations.

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

The section amends appropriations for various fiscal years, updating the financial allocations for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 in several categories, such as general budgets, retirement pay, and other specific military-related expenses. The changes include increases in allocated amounts for those years compared to previous fiscal years.

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 designated for acquiring one HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft, and $36 million for extending the life and upgrading the 47-foot Motor Life Boat. In fiscal year 2026, $1.2 billion is allocated for a Polar Security Cutter, $1.1 billion for two Offshore Patrol Cutters, $138.5 million for another HC–130J aircraft, and $153.5 million for preparing five MH–60T Jayhawk helicopters.

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 section outlines the requirement for the Commandant to submit a report to Congress about the Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The report must include details about maritime traffic, illicit activities, technology used, collaboration with other entities, any awareness gaps, and the Coast Guard's needs to address these gaps, including financial and technological obstacles.

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 amends title 46 of the United States Code to require the Secretary of the department overseeing the Coast Guard to consider life-cycle cost estimates when acquiring and procuring vessels and aircraft, ensuring these costs are taken into account during the design and evaluation processes.

The section instructs that when buying or building new ships and planes, the Coast Guard must, as much as possible, consider how much it will cost to operate and maintain them over their entire lifetime.

The section authorizes the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to allow certain nonprofit foundations to use Academy facilities or equipment for free, subject to specific legal and ethical conditions, such as no liability to the U.S. government and no compromise to the integrity of Coast Guard programs. Additionally, a yearly briefing about the supported activities must be provided to relevant congressional committees, and covered foundations are defined as nonprofits supporting recruitment, development, and athletics.

The Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy can allow certain approved charitable organizations to use Academy facilities or equipment for free, as long as the use meets specific conditions like legal approval and adherence to ethics rules, and it doesn't interfere with Academy duties or integrity. Each year, the Coast Guard must report to Congress about the events supported by this allowance.

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 section allows the Secretary to lower the liability limits for certain deepwater ports if they are considered to have a lower risk of oil pollution. It outlines factors the Secretary must consider in making this determination and sets minimum liability limits for ports involved in transporting oil and natural gas.

The section outlines a study tasked to a federally funded research center to evaluate the Coast Guard's capabilities to perform its duties and fulfill its missions. The study will provide recommendations for improving the Coast Guard's efficiency, including potential transfers of responsibilities to other agencies, with a follow-up assessment from the Commandant, who will report these findings and recommendations to Congress.

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 modifications to the career intermission program include changing the minimum break period from two months to one month, and ensuring that members and their survivors are entitled to death benefits, travel allowances for burial ceremonies, and general benefits.

The section requires the Commandant to submit a report within one year of the act's enactment to two specific congressional committees. This report will detail how the Coast Guard is addressing recommendations from a Government Accountability Office report on improving Coast Guard housing programs.

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 section revises various rules related to merchant mariner credentials, such as redefining classes and requirements for deck departments, adjusting service period lengths, and modifying training standards, while directing the Secretary of the department where the Coast Guard operates to implement changes without certain regulatory processes.

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 section amends various parts of title 46 in the United States Code by replacing the term “seamen” with “seafarers” wherever it appears, updating the language to reflect this change in different sections and analyses related to maritime credentials and certifications.

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 section amends various parts of title 46 of the United States Code to include noncitizen nationals, in addition to citizens, in requirements for merchant seamen licenses, certificates, and maritime documents. It also defines "noncitizen national" as someone described in the Immigration and Nationality Act and ensures vessels can be commanded and certified by noncitizen nationals.

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 section updates the requirements for amphibious passenger vessels by changing terminology from "DUKW" to "commercial amphibious small passenger vessels." It also modifies definitions and clarifies that these rules apply to small amphibious passenger vessels under U.S. jurisdiction.

The section amends title 46, section 3714 of the United States Code to allow the Secretary, with certain conditions met, to use a risk-based schedule for examining foreign-flagged tank vessels instead of the usual annual examinations, ensuring the same level of safety. Before adopting this new schedule, a study and assessment must be reviewed and reported to 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 mandates a study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to analyze the growth of commercial vessel traffic through the Bering Strait and assess emergency response capabilities at the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska. It includes consulting with various agencies and organizations to evaluate risks, support maritime emergency response, and recommend practical actions for improving infrastructure and safety in the region.

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.

Section 341 of the bill updates existing laws about anchor handling activities to include new types of facilities and vessels involved in energy production and space exploration. It defines an "energy production or transmission facility" as a floating offshore facility that is not a vessel, securely attached to the seabed, and equipped with wind turbines for producing renewable 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 the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to extend the timeline from 2025 to 2027.

The section requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to supply data related to water quality and biological organisms from ballast water management systems with a type approval certificate to any State, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories upon request. This amendment is part of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018.

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 section allows the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates to offer temporary exemptions from standard crew and manning regulations for certain foreign-owned vessels and offshore structures, provided specific conditions are met, such as having approved U.S. citizens or lawful residents as crew. The Secretary can revoke exemptions if conditions are violated and can impose fines for non-compliance, and an annual report detailing these exemptions must be submitted to Congress.

The section allows the Secretary of the department where the Coast Guard operates to give certain exemptions from manning and crew requirements for vessels mainly owned or controlled by a foreign nation. These exemptions require individuals crewing the vessel to be U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents, or citizens of the registering nation, with strict limits and the possibility of revocation, penalties, and periodic inspections to ensure compliance.

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 section grants the Secretary of the department overseeing the Coast Guard the power to create safety zones in the exclusive economic zone for activities like space launches and offshore energy projects. These safety zones restrict access for safety or environmental reasons and can be around moving vessels or stationary areas.

The Secretary of the department overseeing the Coast Guard can establish special safety zones in the exclusive economic zone to manage certain activities. These activities include space-related activities by U.S. citizens and offshore energy developments near fixed platforms.

Section 349 of the bill amends the United States Code to enhance safety and health training for fishing vessel operators and crew. It increases funding for these programs to $6 million per year for 2025 and 2026 and changes how training criteria are developed in consultation with the Coast Guard.

The section amends parts of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to grant the Secretary of Transportation exclusive authority to issue regulations under the Act, work with other federal agencies on environmental reviews, and take over some responsibilities from the Coast Guard, except for navigational safety. Additionally, these changes do not affect any applications submitted before the Act's enactment or limit the authority of other agencies.

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 bill modifies Chapter 47 of Title 46 in the United States Code to include regulations for removing abandoned and derelict vessels, excluding barges, in U.S. waters. It outlines the process for determining if a vessel is abandoned, penalties for abandonment, the creation and publication of a national inventory for such vessels, and exemptions for vessels in approved or authorized locations, while calling for rulemaking and conforming amendments to support these regulations.

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 vessels on U.S. navigable waters and outlines the process for determining if a vessel is abandoned, including notifying the owner, who may face a penalty of up to $500 and the owner's liability for removal costs. It also details situations where a vessel cannot be considered abandoned, such as when it's in an approved mooring area or on private property with permission.

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.

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 requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the Coast Guard's efforts to address sexual assault and harassment within one year, evaluating specific actions and making recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the Commandant must respond within 90 days to these recommendations, either with a plan for implementation or an explanation for any disagreements.

The bill adds a section to United States law that requires the Coast Guard to keep records of decisions on investigations involving their members for at least seven years. This includes memos, emails, notes, and various reports related to the decision, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the investigation process.

The section requires the Commandant to keep all work related to final decisions on investigations of Coast Guard members accused of misconduct for at least seven years. It also defines "work product" to include various documents like prosecution memos, emails, and reports, and mandates that a signed memo summarize key materials and decisions in these cases.

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 introduces a new law under United States Code, allowing the Secretary of the Coast Guard to designate a small number of officers as experts in military justice or healthcare. These designated officers will have specific rules for promotion and cannot be promoted above the rank of captain. It also makes various technical amendments to ensure consistency with this new designation.

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 new section added to chapter 19 of title 14 in the United States Code establishes a "safe-to-report" policy for all members of the Coast Guard, including those in reserve, auxiliary, and at the Coast Guard Academy. This policy is designed to manage minor offenses committed by individuals who report or are victims of sexual assault, aiming to encourage reporting by addressing any minor infractions related to the incident while ensuring they are tracked and evaluated for mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

The section mandates the Secretary overseeing the Coast Guard to create a safe-to-report policy to address minor misconduct by Coast Guard members who report or are victims of sexual assault. It requires the establishment of guidelines for handling such incidents and a tracking system for them, ensuring their actions are assessed with consideration for 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 the United States Code to require that if a board decides to keep an officer who has a record indicating a sexual assault offense, the case must be sent for a higher-level review. The higher-level reviewer has the power to refer the case to a Board of Inquiry for further examination.

The section outlines the procedures for reviewing the discharges or dismissals from the Coast Guard, allowing a board to downgrade an honorable discharge if there's clear evidence of sexual misconduct. It also ensures that affected former members have rights to present evidence, appear in person, and be notified of proceedings.

The section describes how a board can change a former Coast Guard member's discharge status from "honorable" to "general (under honorable conditions)" if there is strong evidence they committed sexual assault or harassment while in service. It also explains that former members have rights during the review process, such as presenting evidence, having representation, and receiving written notice of the proceedings.

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.