The "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024" is a comprehensive legislative document containing several titles addressing various aspects of coast guard operations, including funding, organizational authority, personnel policies, shipping and navigation regulations, oil pollution liability, and the enactment of specific reforms to enhance accountability and transparency within the Coast Guard. The Act outlines provisions for building infrastructure, developing safety measures, implementing training requirements, and refining procedures for environmental protection and personnel management.

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 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 new law adds a section to Title 14 of the United States Code, explaining that certain acquisition requirements do not apply to Coast Guard projects aimed solely at extending the service life of their assets. A "service life extension program" is defined as a capital investment to prolong the lifespan and update obsolete components or systems.

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 section discusses changes made to a law from 2022 concerning the Coast Guard's reporting of drug and migrant interdictions. It has been moved, renumbered, and amended to ensure that the Commandant of the Coast Guard provides public reports on the number and details of incidents involving drugs and migrants each month, outlining where they occurred.

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 mandates that when the Coast Guard is buying ships and planes, they should take into account how much it will cost to own and use the equipment over its entire lifespan, not just the purchase price. This consideration should be included in the design and evaluation stages as much as possible.

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 allows the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to permit nonprofit organizations supporting the Academy's goals to use Academy facilities or equipment without charge, as long as certain conditions ensuring ethics and integrity are met. Each year, the Coast Guard must report to Congress on how often this support was granted.

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 amends the United States Code to allow certain members of the Coast Guard Reserve to take parental leave for up to 12 training periods within a year after the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child. It also provides that the leave might be extended beyond a year under specific conditions such as operational needs or educational commitments.

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.

This section outlines changes to the requirements and classifications for merchant mariner credentials, allowing the Secretary to issue credentials based on factors such as vessel type and waters operated on. It also reduces required service periods for certain credentials, revises training substitutions, and mandates implementation of these amendments by the Coast Guard.

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 amendments detailed in this section of the bill involve changing the term "seamen" to "seafarers" throughout various sections, headings, analyses, and subtitles of title 46 of the United States Code, which regulates maritime law, including sections related to merchant mariner credentials and able seafarers in different subsectors.

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 outlines amendments to various sections of title 46 of the United States Code, expanding the terms "citizen" and "citizenship" to include "noncitizen nationals," as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act. These changes affect the documentation and manning requirements for merchant mariners and documented vessels, ensuring noncitizen nationals have similar rights and obligations as citizens in these contexts.

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.

The amendment to Section 12111(d) of Title 46, United States Code, expands the definition to include facilities or vessels involved in energy production, transmission, or space activities. It also defines an "energy production or transmission facility" as a floating offshore facility that is not a vessel, is moored to the seabed without pile anchors, and has wind turbines for generating and transmitting energy.

The establishment of a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems aims to provide advice to the Secretary on how autonomous systems should be regulated and used in U.S. waters. The committee will consist of nine members with expertise in related fields, representing various groups such as marine safety, vessel construction, and academic institutions, among others.

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 section adds a requirement for the Coast Guard to provide information about water quality and biological organism data related to ballast water management systems, upon request from any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia. It also updates the contents list of the existing law to include 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 section outlines provisions for certain vessels, vehicles, and structures to be exempt from specific U.S. manning and crew requirements, given that the crew consists primarily of U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or citizens of the vessel's documenting nation. It details eligibility, limitations, penalties, and compliance checks, with exemptions being valid for up to 12 months, subject to renewal, and possible revocation if conditions are not met.

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 bill allows the Secretary overseeing the Coast Guard to create safety zones in U.S. waters for special activities, like space launches and offshore energy projects, to ensure safety and control access. It also defines terms like "safety zone," "special activities," and "United States citizen" related to these regulations.

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 amendment to Chapter 47 of Title 46 in the U.S. Code aims to prevent the abandonment of vessels by defining "abandon" and "covered vessel," outlining procedures for identifying and penalizing abandoned vessels, and establishing a publicly available inventory of such vessels. It further requires the issuance of regulations for determining vessel abandonment, with changes to existing section references for clarity.

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.

For two years after the law is enacted, the Coast Guard won't enforce certain citizenship or credentialing requirements for individuals working on barges that lay cables near the shore. These individuals, called "covered individuals," will need to be trained and certified by the Commandant in operating specific equipment related to energy development, but they are not part of the vessel's main crew for navigation or hospitality.

The section from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 has been amended to remove two subsections and to rearrange the remaining ones. It introduces a rule that prohibits vessels from anchoring on a specific part of the Hudson River unless they are doing so in an area designated as an anchorage 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 section requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to submit annual reports, starting by March 1, 2025, detailing the progress of specific actions aimed at accountability and transparency. These reports must include the status and plans for these actions, metrics for evaluating effectiveness, and any extra efforts 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 proposed amendment to Chapter 9 of Title 14 requires the Coast Guard to keep all records related to the final decisions on misconduct investigations of its members for at least seven years. It specifies the need for a signed memo that documents the decision and includes materials like the investigation report and correspondence.

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 allows the Secretary of the Coast Guard to designate officers with special expertise in military justice or healthcare, specifies their promotion criteria, and makes related amendments to existing laws to incorporate these designations.

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 allows the Coast Guard Commandant to hire qualified individuals directly for specific roles focused on preventing harmful behaviors, such as suicide and harassment, as well as for criminal investigation positions addressing those issues, without following some usual hiring rules. This authority will be valid until 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 text describes a new policy within the Coast Guard that allows members to report sexual assaults without fear of punishment for minor misconduct related to the incident, as long as there are no severe aggravating circumstances. The policy includes guidelines for handling such cases, specifying factors that might reduce or increase the seriousness of the misconduct, and requires 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 bill amends the United States Code to allow a board of review to downgrade a former Coast Guard member's honorable discharge to a general discharge if there is clear evidence that the member committed sexual assault or harassment. It ensures procedural rights, including notice and the opportunity to present evidence and appear before the board in person or by representative.

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 amendments update various sections of U.S. Code Title 46 concerning maritime laws, such as clarifying rules on entry prohibition, port security, and definitions, as well as adjusting references to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to ensure they align with current legal standards.