TITLE 14—COAST GUARD

This title was enacted by act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1, 63 Stat. 495

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior analysis for Title 14, Coast Guard, consisted of items for part I "Regular Coast Guard" beginning with section 1, part II "Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary" beginning with section 701, and part III "Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress" beginning with section 2701, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §101, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4194.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §101, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4194, inserted Title 14 designation and heading and added items for subtitles I to IV.

Table Showing Redesignations Made by Title I of Pub. L. 115–282

Title 14 Section Before Redesignation	Title 14 Section After Redesignation
1	14 U.S.C. 101
2	14 U.S.C. 102
3	14 U.S.C. 103
4	14 U.S.C. 105
5	14 U.S.C. 106
41	14 U.S.C. 301
41a	14 U.S.C. 2102
42	14 U.S.C. 2103
44	14 U.S.C. 302
46	14 U.S.C. 303
47	14 U.S.C. 304
50	14 U.S.C. 305
51	14 U.S.C. 306
52	14 U.S.C. 307
53	14 U.S.C. 309
54	14 U.S.C. 310
56	14 U.S.C. 308
57	14 U.S.C. 312
58	14 U.S.C. 313
59	14 U.S.C. 314
60	14 U.S.C. 315
81	14 U.S.C. 541
83	14 U.S.C. 542
84	14 U.S.C. 543
85	14 U.S.C. 544
86	14 U.S.C. 545
87	14 U.S.C. 561
88	14 U.S.C. 521
89	14 U.S.C. 522
90	14 U.S.C. 716
91	14 U.S.C. 527
92	14 U.S.C. 501
93	14 U.S.C. 504
94	14 U.S.C. 715
95	14 U.S.C. 525
96	14 U.S.C. 1153
97	14 U.S.C. 1154
98	14 U.S.C. 316
99	14 U.S.C. 523
100	14 U.S.C. 524
101	14 U.S.C. 562
102	14 U.S.C. 717
103	14 U.S.C. 563
104	14 U.S.C. 528
141	14 U.S.C. 701
142	14 U.S.C. 702
143	14 U.S.C. 703
144	14 U.S.C. 704
145	14 U.S.C. 705
146	14 U.S.C. 706
147	14 U.S.C. 707
147a	14 U.S.C. 708
148	14 U.S.C. 709
149	14 U.S.C. 710
150	14 U.S.C. 711
151	14 U.S.C. 712
152	14 U.S.C. 713
153	14 U.S.C. 507
154	14 U.S.C. 714
181	14 U.S.C. 1901
181a	14 U.S.C. 1926
183	14 U.S.C. 1927
184	14 U.S.C. 1928
185	14 U.S.C. 1929
186	14 U.S.C. 1941
187	14 U.S.C. 1942
188	14 U.S.C. 1943
189	14 U.S.C. 1944
190	14 U.S.C. 1945
191	14 U.S.C. 1946
192	14 U.S.C. 1947
194	14 U.S.C. 1903
195	14 U.S.C. 1923
196	14 U.S.C. 1904
197	14 U.S.C. 1930
199	14 U.S.C. 1948
200	14 U.S.C. 1902
211	14 U.S.C. 2101
214	14 U.S.C. 2104
215	14 U.S.C. 2105
251	14 U.S.C. 2106
252	14 U.S.C. 2107
253	14 U.S.C. 2108
254	14 U.S.C. 2109
255	14 U.S.C. 2110
256	14 U.S.C. 2111
256a	14 U.S.C. 2112
257	14 U.S.C. 2113
258	14 U.S.C. 2115
259	14 U.S.C. 2116
260	14 U.S.C. 2117
261	14 U.S.C. 2118
262	14 U.S.C. 2119
263	14 U.S.C. 2120
271	14 U.S.C. 2121
272	14 U.S.C. 2122
273	14 U.S.C. 2123
274	14 U.S.C. 2124
275	14 U.S.C. 2125
276	14 U.S.C. 2126
281	14 U.S.C. 2141
282	14 U.S.C. 2142
283	14 U.S.C. 2143
284	14 U.S.C. 2144
285	14 U.S.C. 2145
286	14 U.S.C. 2146
286a	14 U.S.C. 2147
287	14 U.S.C. 2148
288	14 U.S.C. 2149
289	14 U.S.C. 2150
290	14 U.S.C. 2151
291	14 U.S.C. 2152
292	14 U.S.C. 2153
293	14 U.S.C. 2154
294	14 U.S.C. 2155
295	14 U.S.C. 2156
296	14 U.S.C. 2157
321	14 U.S.C. 2158
322	14 U.S.C. 2159
323	14 U.S.C. 2160
324	14 U.S.C. 2161
325	14 U.S.C. 2162
326	14 U.S.C. 2163
327	14 U.S.C. 2164
331	14 U.S.C. 2127
332	14 U.S.C. 2128
333	14 U.S.C. 2165
334	14 U.S.C. 2501
335	14 U.S.C. 2181
336	14 U.S.C. 317
350	14 U.S.C. 2301
351	14 U.S.C. 2302
352	14 U.S.C. 2303
353	14 U.S.C. 2304
354	14 U.S.C. 2305
355	14 U.S.C. 2306
357	14 U.S.C. 2307
359	14 U.S.C. 2308
360	14 U.S.C. 2309
361	14 U.S.C. 2310
362	14 U.S.C. 2311
365	14 U.S.C. 2312
366	14 U.S.C. 2313
367	14 U.S.C. 2314
369	14 U.S.C. 2315
370	14 U.S.C. 2316
371	14 U.S.C. 2317
372	14 U.S.C. 2318
373	14 U.S.C. 2129
374	14 U.S.C. 2319
421	14 U.S.C. 2502
422	14 U.S.C. 2503
423	14 U.S.C. 2504
424	14 U.S.C. 2505
424a	14 U.S.C. 2506
425	14 U.S.C. 2507
426	14 U.S.C. 2508
427	14 U.S.C. 2509
428	14 U.S.C. 2510
429	14 U.S.C. 2182
430	14 U.S.C. 2511
431	14 U.S.C. 2512
432	14 U.S.C. 2531
461	14 U.S.C. 2769
467	14 U.S.C. 2513
468	14 U.S.C. 2701
469	14 U.S.C. 2702
470	14 U.S.C. 2770
471	14 U.S.C. 2771
472	14 U.S.C. 2772
475	14 U.S.C. 2943
476	14 U.S.C. 2703
477	14 U.S.C. 2704
478	14 U.S.C. 2773
479	14 U.S.C. 2774
480	14 U.S.C. 2775
481	14 U.S.C. 2776
482	14 U.S.C. 2705
483	14 U.S.C. 2706
484	14 U.S.C. 2707
485	14 U.S.C. 2708
486	14 U.S.C. 2777
487	14 U.S.C. 2709
488	14 U.S.C. 2778
491	14 U.S.C. 2732
491a	14 U.S.C. 2735
492	14 U.S.C. 2736
492a	14 U.S.C. 2737
492b	14 U.S.C. 2738
493	14 U.S.C. 2739
494	14 U.S.C. 2740
496	14 U.S.C. 2741
497	14 U.S.C. 2742
498	14 U.S.C. 2743
499	14 U.S.C. 2731
500	14 U.S.C. 2744
501	14 U.S.C. 2745
502	14 U.S.C. 2746
503	14 U.S.C. 2747
504	14 U.S.C. 2733
505	14 U.S.C. 2734
507	14 U.S.C. 2710
508	14 U.S.C. 2711
509	14 U.S.C. 2761
510	14 U.S.C. 2762
511	14 U.S.C. 2763
512	14 U.S.C. 2764
513	14 U.S.C. 2765
516	14 U.S.C. 2748
517	14 U.S.C. 2766
518	14 U.S.C. 2767
519	14 U.S.C. 2768
520	14 U.S.C. 506
531	14 U.S.C. 2901
532	14 U.S.C. 2902
541	14 U.S.C. 2903
542	14 U.S.C. 2904
543	14 U.S.C. 2905
544	14 U.S.C. 2906
551	14 U.S.C. 2921
552	14 U.S.C. 2922
553	14 U.S.C. 2923
554	14 U.S.C. 2924
555	14 U.S.C. 2925
561	14 U.S.C. 1101
562	14 U.S.C. 1102
563	14 U.S.C. 1104
564	14 U.S.C. 1105
565	14 U.S.C. 1106
566	14 U.S.C. 1108
567	14 U.S.C. 1109
569	14 U.S.C. 1110
571	14 U.S.C. 1131
572	14 U.S.C. 1132
573	14 U.S.C. 1133
574	14 U.S.C. 1134
575	14 U.S.C. 1135
576	14 U.S.C. 1136
577	14 U.S.C. 1152
578	14 U.S.C. 1103
579	14 U.S.C. 1107
581	14 U.S.C. 1171
631	14 U.S.C. 502
632	14 U.S.C. 505
633	14 U.S.C. 503
635	14 U.S.C. 931
636	14 U.S.C. 932
637	14 U.S.C. 526
638	14 U.S.C. 933
639	14 U.S.C. 934
640	14 U.S.C. 935
641	14 U.S.C. 901
642	14 U.S.C. 546
643	14 U.S.C. 547
644	14 U.S.C. 2712
645	14 U.S.C. 936
646	14 U.S.C. 937
647	14 U.S.C. 938
648	14 U.S.C. 939
649	14 U.S.C. 940
650	14 U.S.C. 941
652	14 U.S.C. 104
653	14 U.S.C. 902
654	14 U.S.C. 942
655	14 U.S.C. 943
656	14 U.S.C. 903
657	14 U.S.C. 1155
658	14 U.S.C. 944
659	14 U.S.C. 945
660	14 U.S.C. 2779
664	14 U.S.C. 946
665	14 U.S.C. 1151
666	14 U.S.C. 904
667	14 U.S.C. 947
668	14 U.S.C. 948
669	14 U.S.C. 949
670	14 U.S.C. 905
671	14 U.S.C. 906
672	14 U.S.C. 907
672a	14 U.S.C. 908
673	14 U.S.C. 950
674	14 U.S.C. 909
675	14 U.S.C. 910
676	14 U.S.C. 911
676a	14 U.S.C. 912
677	14 U.S.C. 913
678	14 U.S.C. 951
679	14 U.S.C. 5105
680 (added by Pub. L. 104–324)	14 U.S.C. 2941
680 (added by Pub. L. 113–281)	14 U.S.C. 2944
681 (added by Pub. L. 104–324)	14 U.S.C. 2942
681 (added by Pub. L. 114–120)	14 U.S.C. 914
685	14 U.S.C. 2945
687	14 U.S.C. 2946
688	14 U.S.C. 2947
701	14 U.S.C. 3701
702	14 U.S.C. 3702
703	14 U.S.C. 3703
704	14 U.S.C. 3704
705	14 U.S.C. 3705
706	14 U.S.C. 3706
707	14 U.S.C. 3707
708	14 U.S.C. 3708
709	14 U.S.C. 3709
709a	14 U.S.C. 3710
710	14 U.S.C. 3711
711	14 U.S.C. 3712
712	14 U.S.C. 3713
713	14 U.S.C. 3714
720	14 U.S.C. 3731
721	14 U.S.C. 3732
722	14 U.S.C. 3733
723	14 U.S.C. 3734
724	14 U.S.C. 3735
725	14 U.S.C. 3736
726	14 U.S.C. 3737
727	14 U.S.C. 3738
728	14 U.S.C. 3739
729	14 U.S.C. 3740
730	14 U.S.C. 3741
731	14 U.S.C. 3742
732	14 U.S.C. 3743
733	14 U.S.C. 3744
734	14 U.S.C. 3745
735	14 U.S.C. 3746
736	14 U.S.C. 3747
737	14 U.S.C. 3748
738	14 U.S.C. 3749
739	14 U.S.C. 3750
740	14 U.S.C. 3751
741	14 U.S.C. 3752
742	14 U.S.C. 3753
743	14 U.S.C. 3754
744	14 U.S.C. 3755
745	14 U.S.C. 3756
746	14 U.S.C. 3757
821	14 U.S.C. 3901
822	14 U.S.C. 3902
823	14 U.S.C. 3903
823a	14 U.S.C. 3904
824	14 U.S.C. 3905
825	14 U.S.C. 3906
826	14 U.S.C. 3907
827	14 U.S.C. 3908
828	14 U.S.C. 3909
829	14 U.S.C. 3910
830	14 U.S.C. 3911
831	14 U.S.C. 3912
832	14 U.S.C. 3913
891	14 U.S.C. 4101
892	14 U.S.C. 4102
893	14 U.S.C. 4103
894	14 U.S.C. 4104
2701	14 U.S.C. 4901
2702	14 U.S.C. 4902
2703	14 U.S.C. 4903
2704	14 U.S.C. 4904
2901	14 U.S.C. 5101
2902	14 U.S.C. 5102
2903	14 U.S.C. 5103
2904	14 U.S.C. 5104
2905	14 U.S.C. 5106
2906	14 U.S.C. 5107

Table Showing Disposition of All Sections of Former Title 14

Title 14 Former Sections	Title 14 New Sections
1	1, 3, 4(a), (b)
2	467
2a	Elim.
3	3, 571
3a	481, 465, 488, 576
4	Rep.
5	41
5a–6	Rep.
6a	42
6b	47, 222, 462
6c	225
6d	224(c)
6e, 6f	433(a), (b)
7	4(c)
8	Rep.
9	41, 43
10	Rep.
10a	224(c), 226
10b–10f	Rep.
10g	432(a)
10h	432(b)
10i	Rep.
11	44, 45
11a	47, 48
12	47, 48
12a	Rep.
13	485(b)
14	Rep.
15	182, 183
15a	184
15a–1	182, 185
15b	187, 188
15c	187, 189
15d	186
15e	191
15f	190
15g	193
15h	194
15i	192
15j	Rep.
15k	476
16	223
16a, 16b	Rep.
16c	223
17	223
18	223, 224
19, 19a, 20	Rep.
20a	228, 461
20a–1	228
20a–2	301
20b	Rep.
20c	228
21	41, 225
21a	228, 301
21b	433(c)
22	632
23	352
24	Rep.
25	182
26	636
27	636
28	92(b), 144(a), 145(a)
29	88, 92(c), 93(b)
30	485(a)
31	144(b), 145(b)
31a	144(c)
31b	93(k)
31c	151
32, 33	(See former 131, 132)
34	632
34–1	T. 34 §450b–1
34a	Rep.
35	351, 365, 367
35a	351, 367
35b	366
35c	367
35d	433(d)
36	651
37	651
38	Rep.
39	484
40, 40a	Rep.
41	505
41a	504
42	145(a)
43	(See former 127)
43a	641(a)
44	Rep.
45	89(a)
46	89(b)
47	89(c)
48	634(a)
48a	91
49	148
50	432(c)
50a	Rep. in part, elim. in part
50b	640
50c	643
50d	T. 37 §31a.
50e	433(e).
50f–50j	T. 5 §§150p–150t
50k	90(a)
50l	90(b)
50m	81
50n	82
50o	81
51	89, 92(i)
52	89, 93(a)
53	88, 93(a)
54	93(c)
55	88, 93, (d)
56	Rep.
57	145(a)
58	632
59	Rep.
60	88
61	88(a)
62	88
63	88
64	638
65	Rep.
66	89
67	89
68	637
69	92(d), 93(h)
70	Rep.
71	646
72–74	Rep.
91	93(d), 632
92	633
93	92(c), 93(b)
94	92(c), 93(h)
95	92(a), 93(b)
96	92(f)
97	93(b), (c)
98	Rep.
98a	92(c), 93(b)
99	632
100–102	Rep.
103	632
104	88(a), 89(b)
105–107	Rep.
108	93(h), (i)
109	92(d), 93(h), (i)
110	93(m)
111	93(e)
112	93(b), (c)
121	461
121a–121c	Rep.
121d	433(h)
122–127	Rep.
127a	Elim.
128	Rep.
129	464
130, 130a	Elim.
131	92(i)
132	479
132a, 133	Rep.
133a	475
134	478(b)
135	478
136	Rep.
136a	466
137	Rep.
138	472
141	562
142	561
143	563, 564, 566, 567
144	569(a)
145	569(b)
146	570
147	575, 644
148	482
161	46
161a	49
162	49
162a	230, 232, 243, 303, 313, 423
162b	T. 34 §428
163	Rep.
164, 165	240, 310
165a	241, 311
165b	240, 241, 310, 311
166	Rep.
167	423
167a	T. 37 §26a
167b	Rep.
167b–1	Elim.
167b–2	483
167b–3	Elim.
167c	T. 34 §399c–1
168	246, 315, 364
169	233, 241, 306, 311, 356
170	425, 635
171	234
172	233, 245, 306, 314, 356, 363
173	230, 303, 353
174	421(b)
174a	239, 309
175	231, 304, 354, 424
175a	238, 244
175b	235
175c	423
175d–175f	Rep.
176, 177	Rep.
178	431(a)
178a	431(b)
178b	431(c)
179	Rep.
180	432(d)
181	432(e)
182	433(f)
183	433(g)
185	357(a)
185a	355
185b	358
185c	359, 360
185d	357(a), (c), 423
185e	633
186	755(e)
191	Rep.
192	93(m)
193–196	500
201	226
202	Rep.
203	226(a)
204	226(a), 227
205	Rep.
206	302, 351
207, 208	Rep.
251–259	Rep.
260	821
261	822
262	823
263	821
264	825
265	826
266	827
266a	828
266b	829
267	830
268	831
269	Rep.
270	832
271	893
301	751
302	752
303	754
304	751
305	753, 754
306	755
307	756
308	757
309	758
310	759
311	755(c)
312	760
313	761
314, 315	Rep.
351	753, 823
352	891, 892
353	Rep.
354	894
381–388	Rep.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Positive Law; Citation

This title has been enacted into positive law by act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1, 63 Stat. 495, which provided in part that: "Title 14 of the United States Code, entitled 'Coast Guard', is hereby revised, codified, and enacted into law, and may be cited as '14 U.S.C., §—.' "

Effective Date

Act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §19, 63 Stat. 561, provided that: "This Act shall take effect on the first day of the third month after approval by the President but shall not affect any proceedings commenced by or against any person prior to the effective date of this Act."

Repeals

Act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §20, 63 Stat. 561, repealed the sections or parts of sections of the Revised Statutes or Statutes at Large covering provisions codified in this act, with a proviso that "any rights or liabilities now existing under such sections or parts thereof shall not be affected by such repeal".

Construction of Title I of Pub. L. 115–282

Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §124, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4241, provided that: "This title [see Tables for Classification], including the amendments made by this title, is intended only to reorganize title 14, United States Code, and may not be construed to alter—

"(1) the effect of a provision of title 14, United States Code, including any authority or requirement therein;

"(2) a department or agency interpretation with respect to title 14, United States Code; or

"(3) a judicial interpretation with respect to title 14, United States Code."

Legislative Construction of 1949 Enactment of Title 14

Act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §3, 63 Stat. 557, provided that: "No inference of a legislative construction is to be drawn by reason of the chapter in Title 14, Coast Guard, as set out in section 1 of this Act, in which any section is placed, nor by reason of the catch lines used in such title."

Separability

Act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §2, 63 Stat. 557, provided that: "If any part of Title 14, United States Code, as enacted by section 1 of this Act, shall be held invalid the remainder of such title shall not be affected thereby."

References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282

Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §123(a), (b)(1), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4240, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section [see Tables for classification], the following definitions apply:

"(1) Redesignated section.—The term 'redesignated section' means a section of title 14, United States Code, that is redesignated by this title [see Tables for classification], as that section is so redesignated.

"(2) Source section.—The term 'source section' means a section of title 14, United States Code, that is redesignated by this title, as that section was in effect before the redesignation.

"(b) Reference to Source Section.—

"(1) Treatment of reference.—A reference to a source section, including a reference in a regulation, order, or other law, is deemed to refer to the corresponding redesignated section."

Orders, Rules, and Regulations

Act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §4, 63 Stat. 558, provided that: "All orders, rules, and regulations of the Coast Guard in effect under provisions of law superseded or amended by this Act shall, to the extent they would have been authorized under this Act, remain in force and effect as the regulations and orders under the provisions of this Act and shall be administered and enforced under this Act as nearly as may be until specifically repealed, amended, or revised."

Reduction in Grade, Rank, Pay, Allowances, and Benefits

Act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §5, 63 Stat. 558, provided that: "Nothing contained in this Act shall operate to abolish or reduce the grade, rank, rating, pay, allowances, or other benefits to which any person in the Coast Guard is entitled on the effective date of this Act."

SUBTITLE I—ESTABLISHMENT, POWERS, DUTIES, AND ADMINISTRATION

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior analysis for part I of this title "REGULAR COAST GUARD" preceded prior section 1 and consisted of items for chapter 1 "Establishment and Duties" beginning with section 1, chapter 3 "Composition and Organization" beginning with section 41, chapter 5 "Functions and Powers" beginning with section 81, chapter 7 "Cooperation With Other Agencies" beginning with section 141, chapter 9 "Coast Guard Academy" beginning with section 181, chapter 11 "Personnel" beginning with section 211, chapter 13 "Pay, Allowances, Awards, and Other Rights and Benefits" beginning with section 461, chapter 14 "Coast Guard Family Support and Child Care" beginning with section 531, chapter 15 "Acquisitions" beginning with section 561, chapter 17 "Administration" beginning with section 631, chapter 18 "Coast Guard Housing Authorities" beginning with section 680, and chapter 19 "Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program" beginning with section 690, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §102, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §102, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195, inserted subtitle I designation and heading and added items for chapters 1 to 11.

CHAPTER 1—ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior analysis for chapter 1 "ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES" consisted of items 1 "Establishment of Coast Guard", 2 "Primary duties", 3 "Department in which the Coast Guard operates", 4 "Secretary defined", and 5 "Commandant defined", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195, inserted chapter 1 designation and heading and added items 101 to 106.

§101. Establishment of Coast Guard

The Coast Guard, established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 496, §1; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(1), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(1), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1555; renumbered §101, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §1 (Jan. 28, 1915, ch. 20, §1, 38 Stat. 800; July 11, 1941, ch. 290, §§5, 6(a), 55 Stat. 585).

Said section has been divided. Provisions relating to operation under the Navy in time of war are placed in sections 3 and 4 of this title, and the remainder is in this section.

This section continues the Coast Guard as a military service and branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times. By the act of July 11, 1941, 55 Stat. 585 (title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §1), the Coast Guard was constituted a branch of the land and naval forces of the United States at all times. This section therefore merely continues an existing agency and codifies existing law on the military status of the Coast Guard, substituting "armed forces" for "land and naval forces" because of the recent establishment of the Department of the Air Force as an "armed force" rather than as a part of the "land and naval forces". The Coast Guard is designated a service in the Treasury Department except when operating as a service in the Navy. This is a better definition of the status of the Coast Guard than one which defines it as a service under the Treasury Department in time of peace, because the President is authorized to place the Coast Guard under the Navy in time of emergency, which could be in time of peace.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 101 was renumbered section 562 of this title.

For redesignation of prior sections 1 to 100 not listed below as having been previously repealed or omitted, see Table Showing Redesignations Made by Title I of Pub. L. 115–282 preceding this section.

A prior section 5, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 497, which defined the term "Secretary" for purposes of this title, was omitted in the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(1), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1555. See section 105 of this title.

A prior section 43, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 498, provided for relative rank of commissioned officers with respect to Army and Navy officers, prior to repeal by act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §53, 70A Stat. 641. See section 741 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

A prior section 45, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 498, related to permanent grade of Commandant on expiration of term, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 86–474, §1(4), May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 144.

Prior sections 48 and 49 were repealed by Pub. L. 86–474, §1(7), May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 145.

Section 48, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 499, related to permanent grade of that Assistant Commandant and Engineer in Chief on expiration of term.

Section 49, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 499, related to grade and retired pay upon retirement of Assistant Commandant or Engineer in Chief.

A prior section 50a, added Pub. L. 103–206, title II, §205(b)(1), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2422, related to appointment and grade of Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §511(b), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2952.

A prior section 55, added Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §214(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2915, related to appointment and functions of District Ombudsman, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §216(a), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1555.

A prior section 82, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 500; Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1263, §31, 68 Stat. 1237; Pub. L. 85–726, title XIV, §1404, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 89–662, §2, Oct. 14, 1966, 80 Stat. 912; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(4), (5), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(3), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 99–640, §10(a)(3), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3549; Pub. L. 103–272, §5(d), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1373; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XI, §1122(c), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2687, related to cooperation with Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to aids to air navigation, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §216(b), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1555.

A prior section 87, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1, 63 Stat. 501, related to color and numbering of buoys along coast, or in bays, harbors, sounds, or channels, as indicating whether such buoys were to be passed on the starboard or port hand and prescribed the coloring for buoys in channel ways, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 94–546, §1(6), (7), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519.

A prior section 90, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 85–726, title XIV, §1404, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(8), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519, authorized the Coast Guard to operate and maintain floating ocean stations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §216(c), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1555.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 1 of this title as this section.

2012—Pub. L. 112–213 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times. The Coast Guard shall be a service in the Department of Homeland Security, except when operating as a service in the Navy."

2002—Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "Department of Homeland Security" for "Department of Transportation".

1976—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted "Department of Transportation" for "Treasury Department".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Short Title of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8271, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4681, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle E (§§8271–8278) of title LVXXXII [LXXXII] of div. G of Pub. L. 116–283, enacting sections 1905, 2131, and 5111 of this title and section 417 of Title 6, Domestic Security, amending section 1903 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1901 of this title] may be cited as the 'Coast Guard Academy Improvement Act'."

Short Title of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–265, title III, §301, Oct. 11, 2018, 132 Stat. 3752, provided that: "This title [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 313 of this title] may be cited as the 'Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise Act'."

Short Title of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–281, §1, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3022, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014'."

Short Title of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–213, §1(a), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1540, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012'."

Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §501, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2951, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 57 to 59, 102, and 200 of this title and section 2116 of Title 46, Shipping, amending sections 47, 50, 51, 52, 93, and 290 of this title and section 3309 of Title 46, repealing section 50a of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 50 of this title] may be cited as the 'Coast Guard Modernization Act of 2010'."

Short Title of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–241, §1, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 516, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006'."

Short Title of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–293, §1, Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1028, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be referred to as the 'Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004'."

Short Title of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–295, title III, §301, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2102, provided that: "This title [amending sections 259, 260, 271, 336, and 511 of this title, sections 1203, 1231a, 2073, 2302, and 2752 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and sections 2110, 2302, 4508, 7302, 8701, and 13110 of Title 46, Shipping, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 88 and 92 of this title and section 1113 of Title 33] may be cited as the 'Coast Guard Personnel and Maritime Safety Act of 2002'."

Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §401, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2113, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Omnibus Maritime and Coast Guard Improvements Act of 2002'."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Coast Guard transferred to Department of Transportation and all functions, powers, and duties, relating to Coast Guard, of Secretary of the Treasury and of other offices and officers of Department of the Treasury transferred to Secretary of Transportation by Pub. L. 89–670, §6(b)(1), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 931. Section 6(b)(2) of Pub. L. 89–670, however, provided that notwithstanding such transfer of functions, Coast Guard shall operate as part of Navy in time of war or when President directs as provided in section 3 of this title. See section 108 of Title 49, Transportation.

Designation of Coast Guard Headquarters Building

Pub. L. 113–31, Aug. 9, 2013, 127 Stat. 511, provided that:

"SECTION 1. DESIGNATION.

"The headquarters building of the Coast Guard on the campus located at 2701 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue Southeast in the District of Columbia shall be known and designated as the 'Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building'.

"SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

"Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the building referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the 'Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building'."

§102. Primary duties

The Coast Guard shall—

(1) enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable Federal laws on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;

(2) engage in maritime air surveillance or interdiction to enforce or assist in the enforcement of the laws of the United States;

(3) administer laws and promulgate and enforce regulations for the promotion of safety of life and property on and under the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, covering all matters not specifically delegated by law to some other executive department;

(4) develop, establish, maintain, and operate, with due regard to the requirements of national defense, aids to maritime navigation, icebreaking facilities, and rescue facilities for the promotion of safety on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;

(5) pursuant to international agreements, develop, establish, maintain, and operate icebreaking facilities on, under, and over waters other than the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;

(6) engage in oceanographic research of the high seas and in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and

(7) maintain a state of readiness to assist in the defense of the United States, including when functioning as a specialized service in the Navy pursuant to section 103.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 496, §2; Pub. L. 87–396, §1, Oct. 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 827; Pub. L. 91–278, §1(1), June 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 304; Pub. L. 93–519, Dec. 13, 1974, 88 Stat. 1659; Pub. L. 99–640, §6, Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3547; Pub. L. 100–448, §17, Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1845; Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §7403, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4484; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(1), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1556; renumbered §102 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(b), title III, §302, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195, 4243.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section defines in general terms, for the first time in any statute, all the primary duties of the Coast Guard. It is derived from title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§45, 50k–50o, 51, 52, 53, 55, 60, 61, 62, 63, 98a, 104, 261, 301, title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§720, 720a, 740, 740a, 740b, title 46, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§1 (footnote), 2 (R.S. 1536, 2747, 2758, 2759, 4249; June 23, 1874, ch. 455, §1, 18 Stat. 220; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §4, 20 Stat. 163; July 5, 1884, ch. 221, §2, 23 Stat. 118; Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, §10, 32 Stat. 829; Apr. 19, 1906, ch. 1640, §§1–3, 34 Stat. 123; May 12, 1906, ch. 2454, 34 Stat. 190; June 17, 1910, ch. 301, §§6, 7, 36 Stat. 538; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §1, 37 Stat. 736; June 24, 1914, ch. 124, 38 Stat. 387; Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 81, §5, 38 Stat. 927; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 1820; May 22, 1926, ch. 371, §6, 44 Stat. 626; June 30, 1932, ch. 314, §501, 47 Stat. 415; May 27, 1936, ch. 463, §1, 49 Stat. 1380; Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 665, §3, 50 Stat. 667; Feb. 19, 1941, ch. 8, §§2, 201, 55 Stat. 9, 11; July 11, 1941, ch. 290, §7, 55 Stat. 585; Nov. 23, 1942, ch. 639, §2(2), 56 Stat. 102; Sept. 30, 1944, ch. 453, §1, 58 Stat. 759; June 22, 1948, ch. 600, 62 Stat. 574; June 26, 1948, ch. 672, 62 Stat. 1050).

This section contains a codification of functions. It sets forth in general language the primary responsibilities of the Coast Guard: enforcement of all Federal laws on waters to which they have application, safety of life and property at sea, aiding navigation, and readiness to function with the Navy. Having been created in 1915 by the consolidation of the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life Saving Service, the Coast Guard has gradually been given additional duties and responsibilities, such as the assignment of law enforcement powers on the high seas and navigable waters in 1936, the transfer of the Lighthouse Service in 1939, and the transfer of the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation in 1942. Existing along with these other duties has been that of maintaining a state of readiness as a specialized service prepared for active participation with the Navy in time of war. These various interdependent functions of the Service have not been expressed collectively in any statute heretofore, but it is believed desirable to do so in this revision in order to have outlined in general terms in one section the broad scope of the functions of the Coast Guard. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 102 was renumbered section 717 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §103(b), renumbered section 2 of this title as this section.

Par. (7). Pub. L. 115–282, §302, amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: "maintain a state of readiness to function as a specialized service in the Navy in time of war, including the fulfillment of Maritime Defense Zone command responsibilities."

2012—Pub. L. 112–213 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to primary duties of the Coast Guard.

1988—Pub. L. 100–690 substituted "United States; shall engage in maritime air surveillance or interdiction to enforce or assist in the enforcement of the laws of the United States; shall administer" for first reference to "United States;".

Pub. L. 100–448 substituted "Federal laws on, under, and over" for "Federal laws on and under".

1986—Pub. L. 99–640 inserted ", including the fulfillment of Maritime Defense Zone command responsibilities."

1974—Pub. L. 93–519 inserted provision requiring Coast Guard to develop, establish, maintain and operate, pursuant to international agreements, icebreaking facilities in waters other than those subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

1970—Pub. L. 91–278 improved and clarified text, substituting "on and under" for "upon" in clause preceding first semicolon; inserting "and under" after "life and property on" and striking out "on" after "the high seas and" in clause preceding second semicolon; and substituting "icebreaking" for "ice-breaking" and inserting ", under," after "promotion of safety on" in clause preceding third semicolon, respectively.

1961—Pub. L. 87–396 required Coast Guard to engage in oceanographic research on high seas and in waters subject to jurisdiction of the United States.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§103. Department in which the Coast Guard operates

(a) In General.—The Coast Guard shall be a service in the Department of Homeland Security, except when operating as a service in the Navy.

(b) Transfers.—Upon the declaration of war if Congress so directs in the declaration or when the President directs, the Coast Guard shall operate as a service in the Navy, and shall so continue until the President, by Executive order, transfers the Coast Guard back to the Department of Homeland Security. While operating as a service in the Navy, the Coast Guard shall be subject to the orders of the Secretary of the Navy, who may order changes in Coast Guard operations to render them uniform, to the extent such Secretary deems advisable, with Navy operations.

(c) Operation as a Service in the Navy.—Whenever the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy—

(1) applicable appropriations of the Navy Department shall be available for the expense of the Coast Guard;

(2) applicable appropriations of the Coast Guard shall be available for transfer to the Navy Department;

(3) precedence between commissioned officers of corresponding grades in the Coast Guard and the Navy shall be determined by the date of rank stated by their commissions in those grades;

(4) personnel of the Coast Guard shall be eligible to receive gratuities, medals, and other insignia of honor on the same basis as personnel in the naval service or serving in any capacity with the Navy; and

(5) the Secretary may place on furlough any officer of the Coast Guard and officers on furlough shall receive one half of the pay to which they would be entitled if on leave of absence, but officers of the Coast Guard Reserve shall not be so placed on furlough.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 496, §3; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(2), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §211, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 523; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(1), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1556; renumbered §103, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §1 (Jan. 28, 1915, ch. 20, §1, 38 Stat. 800; July 11, 1941, ch. 290, §§5, 6(a), 55 Stat. 585).

Said section has been divided. The provisions relating to when the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy are in this section. The provisions relating to the establishment of the Coast Guard are placed in section 1 of this title. The provisions relating to appropriations are placed in section 4 of this title.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 103 was renumbered section 563 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 3 of this title as this section.

2012—Pub. L. 112–213 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Upon the declaration of war if Congress so directs in the declaration or when the President directs, the Coast Guard shall operate as a service in the Navy, and shall so continue until the President, by Executive order, transfers the Coast Guard back to the Department of Homeland Security. While operating as a service in the Navy, the Coast Guard shall be subject to the orders of the Secretary of the Navy who may order changes in Coast Guard operations to render them uniform, to the extent he deems advisable, with Navy operations."

2006—Pub. L. 109–241 inserted "if Congress so directs in the declaration" after "Upon the declaration of war".

2002—Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "Department of Homeland Security" for "Department of Transportation".

1976—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted "Executive" for "executive" and "Department of Transportation" for "Treasury Department".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

§104. Removing restrictions

Any law removing for the duration of a war or national emergency proclaimed by the President any restriction contained in any then-existing law as applied to the Navy, including, but not limited to, restrictions relating to the manner in which purchases may be made and contracts awarded, fiscal operations, and personnel, shall, in the same manner and to the same extent, remove such restrictions as applied to the Coast Guard.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 550, §652; renumbered §104, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section is new and provides that any law removing for the duration of a war or national emergency any restriction contained in any then-existing law as applied to the Navy shall operate in the same manner to remove such restrictions as applied to the Coast Guard. Included are restrictions relating to the manner in which purchases may be made and contracts awarded, fiscal operations, and personnel. This provision is designed to enable the Coast Guard to operate as efficiently as the Navy Department in time of war or during a national emergency and would permit the Coast Guard more effectively to maintain itself in a state of military readiness during periods of emergency. Since the Coast Guard operates as part of the Navy in time of war, it is essential that its operations be as flexible and as efficient as those of the Department of which it is to be a part. This section would prevent inadvertent failures specifically to mention the Coast Guard in legislation of the type described in this section from hindering service operations. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 104 was renumbered section 528 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 652 of this title as this section.

§105. Secretary defined

In this title, the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the respective department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 497, §4; May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §14(u), 64 Stat. 148; Pub. L. 89–444, §1(1), June 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(1), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1557; renumbered §105, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Subsections (a) and (b) are based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §1 (Jan. 28, 1915, ch. 20, §1, 38 Stat. 800; July 11, 1941, ch. 290, §§5, 6(a), 55 Stat. 585).

Said section has been divided. The provisions relating to appropriations are in this section. The provisions relating to establishment of the Coast Guard are placed in section 1 of this title. The provisions relating to when the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy are placed in section 3 of this title.

The substantive changes relating to the availability of appropriations when the Coast Guard is transferred to the Navy were suggested by the Bureau of the Budget (July 11, 1941, ch. 290, §6 (a), 55 Stat. 585).

Subsection (c) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §7 (Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 600).

Subsection (d) is derived from title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§355 to 356b (Feb. 4, 1919, ch. 14, §§2–5, 40 Stat. 1056; Aug. 7, 1942, ch. 551, §1, 56 Stat. 743).

Said sections authorized medals for presentation ". . . to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy of the United States . . ."; inasmuch as this language includes the Coast Guard when it is operating under the Navy, this subsection entails no change in existing law.

Subsection (e) is based on title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §228 (R.S. 1442; Feb. 28, 1942, ch. 11, 59 Stat. 9).

Inasmuch as R.S. 1442 cited above applies to the Navy and Marine Corps as well as the Coast Guard it is not scheduled for repeal but is being amended by section 6 of this act to eliminate reference to the Coast Guard.

Subsection (f) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §3 (Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 600).

Said section has been divided. The provisions concerning applicability of Navy laws to Coast Guard personnel are placed in this section. The provisions of the provisos of title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §3 are placed in section 571 of this title.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 4 of this title as this section.

2012—Pub. L. 112–213 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to operation of Coast Guard as a service in the Navy.

1966—Pub. L. 89–444 made technical changes in subsecs. (d) and (e) by inserting "and" at end of subsec. (d) and substituting a period for "; and" at end of subsec. (e).

1950—Act May 5, 1950, repealed subsec. (f) which provided that personnel of the Coast Guard should be subject to the laws for the government of the Navy.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1950 Amendment

Act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §5, 64 Stat. 145, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective May 31, 1951.

§106. Commandant defined

In this title, the term "Commandant" means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

(Added Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3531(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2320, §5; renumbered §106, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

For redesignation of prior sections 141 to 296 not listed below as having been previously repealed or renumbered, see Table Showing Redesignations Made by Title I of Pub. L. 115–282 preceding section 101 of this title.

A prior section 182, Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 508; Pub. L. 88–276, §5(b), Mar. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 153; Pub. L. 89–444, §1(8), June 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 91–278, §1(4), June 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 304; Pub. L. 94–572, §1, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2708; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(8), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302; Pub. L. 100–448, §12, Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VI, §687(d), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3336; Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, §903(b)(4), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3011; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §618(a)(2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1426, related to cadets' appointment to the Academy and agreement to serve, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §110(c)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4215.

A prior section 193, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 510; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(16), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2520; Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §118(b), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1586; Pub. L. 100–448, §9, Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1842; Pub. L. 102–241, §15, Dec. 19, 1991, 105 Stat. 2213, provided for an Advisory Committee to the Academy, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §216(e), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1555.

A prior section 198, added Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §209(a), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 522, provided for fellowships in Coast Guard history, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §216(f), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1555.

A prior section 200 was renumbered section 199 of this title and subsequently renumbered section 1948 of this title.

Prior sections 212 and 213 were repealed by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(f)(5)(A), (h), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2767, effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994.

Section 212, added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177; amended Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(B), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865, related to original appointment of permanent commissioned warrant officers in Coast Guard. See section 571 et seq. of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section 213, added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 178; amended Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(B), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865, related to original appointment of permanent warrant officers (W–1) in Coast Guard. See section 571 et seq. of Title 10.

A prior section 216, added Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §215(a), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 525, provided that the initial appointment of the Director of the Boating Safety Office would be in the grade of Captain, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §209, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2912.

Prior sections 221 to 248 were repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Section 221, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 512, authorized filling of vacancies in active list of regular commissioned officers.

Section 222, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 512; May 14, 1960, Pub. L. 86–474, §1(16), 74 Stat. 146, related to promotion to flag rank.

Section 223, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 512, related to methods and criteria used in filling of vacancies by promotion.

Section 224, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 512, authorized filling of vacancies by appointment.

Section 225, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 513, authorized President to make permanent appointments. See section 571 et seq. of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section 226, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 513, authorized appointment of temporary commissioned officers.

Section 227, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 514; May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §15, 64 Stat. 148, related to promotion and discharge of temporary commissioned officers.

Section 228, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 514, authorized appointment of commissioned warrant officers. See section 571 et seq. of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section 229, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 514, related to revocation of commissions during first three years of service.

Section 230, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 514; May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §19(h), 68 Stat. 167, related to compulsory retirement of commissioned officers, with exception of commissioned warrant officers, at age 62.

Section 231, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 514, related to voluntary retirement after 30 years service.

Section 232, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 514; Aug. 4, 1955, ch. 553, §2, 69 Stat. 493, related to voluntary retirement after 20 years service.

Section 233, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 515, related to retirement for disabilities incident to service. See sections 1204 and 1376 of Title 10, Armed Forces. Section had previously been repealed by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408.

Section 234, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 515; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §5, 64 Stat. 406, related to retirement for failure in physical examination for promotion.

Section 235, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 515, related to designation and assembly of a personnel board, its procedure and its recommendations.

Section 236, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 516, related to involuntary retirement after 30 years' service.

Section 237, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 516, related to involuntary retirement after 10 years' service.

Section 238, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 516, related to voluntary retirement when out of line of promotion.

Section 239, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 516; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §6, 64 Stat. 406, authorized advancement to a higher grade upon retirement in case of special commendation. Section had previously been repealed by Pub. L. 86–155, §10(a)(1), (b), Aug. 11, 1959, 73 Stat. 338, effective Nov. 1, 1959.

Section 240, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 517; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §7, 64 Stat. 407, authorized recall of retired officers in time of war or national emergency.

Section 241, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 517; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §8, 64 Stat. 407, related to recall to active duty with the consent of the officer.

Section 242, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 517; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §9, 64 Stat. 407, related to relief of retired officers promoted while on active duty.

Section 243, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 517; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §10, 64 Stat. 407; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–144, §1, 71 Stat. 366, related to retirement in cases where a higher grade has been held.

Section 244, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 517, related to resignation when out of line of promotion.

Section 245, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 517, related to retiring or dropping for disabilities not incident to service. See section 1207 of Title 10, Armed Forces. Section had previously been repealed by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408.

Section 246, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, related to dropping for disabilities due to vicious habits. See section 1207 of Title 10. Section had previously been repealed by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408.

Section 247, added act Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 684, §1(2), 69 Stat. 620; amended May 14, 1960, Pub. L. 86–474, §1(17), 74 Stat. 146, related to involuntary retirement of rear admirals and to their retention on active list.

Section 248, added act Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 684, §1(2), 69 Stat. 620, related to involuntary retirement of captains and to their retention on active list.

A prior section 277, added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 183, provided that warrant officers could be temporarily promoted to higher warrant officer grades under regulations prescribed by Secretary, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §210(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3915, with such repeal not to be construed to affect the status of any warrant officer then serving under a temporary promotion.

A prior section 293, added Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(C), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 187; amended Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(5), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700, mandated retirement of any regular commissioned officer, except a commissioned warrant officer, at age 62, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §215(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2916.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 5 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, §11002, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4003, provided that: "In this division [div. K (§§11001–11808) of Pub. L. 117–263, see Tables for classification]:

"(1) Commandant.—The term 'Commandant' means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

"(2) Secretary.—Except as otherwise provided, the term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating."

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, §8002, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4633, provided that: "In this division [div. G (§§8001–8605) of Pub. L. 116–283, see Tables for classification], the term 'Commandant' means the Commandant of the Coast Guard."

CHAPTER 3—COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior analysis for chapter 3 "COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION" consisted of items 41 "Grades and ratings", 41a "Active duty promotion list", 42 "Number and distribution of commissioned officers on active duty promotion list", 44 "Commandant; appointment", 46 "Retirement of Commandant or Vice Commandant", 47 "Vice Commandant; appointment", 50 "Vice admirals", 51 "Retirement", 52 "Vice admirals and admiral, continuity of grade", 53 "Office of the Coast Guard Reserve; Director", 54 "Chief of Staff to President: appointment", 56 "Chief Acquisition Officer", 57 "Prevention and response workforces", 58 "Centers of expertise for Coast Guard prevention and response", 59 "Marine industry training programs", and 60 "Training course on workings of Congress", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §§11225(b), 11251(b), title CXIII, §11309(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4025, 4053, 4081, added items 315, 319, and 323 and struck out former items 315 "Training course on workings of Congress" and 319 "Land-based unmanned aircraft system program".

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8211(b), title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(b)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4649, 4746, added items 321 and 322.

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §519(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1351, added item 320.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(a), title III, §304(c)(1), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4245, inserted chapter 3 designation and heading and added items 301 to 319.

§301. Grades and ratings

In the Coast Guard there shall be admirals (two); vice admirals; rear admirals; rear admirals (lower half); captains; commanders; lieutenant commanders; lieutenants; lieutenants (junior grade); ensigns; chief warrant officers; cadets; warrant officers; and enlisted members. Enlisted members shall be distributed in ratings established by the Secretary.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 497, §41; Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §§6, 53, 70A Stat. 620, 679; Pub. L. 86–474, §1(1), May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 144; Pub. L. 92–451, §1(1), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 755; Pub. L. 97–417, §2(1), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2085; Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(B), (C), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §514(a)(2), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title V, §541(f)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2766; Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §201(a), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 33; renumbered §301, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196.)

Historical and Revision Notes

1949 Act

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§5, 9, 21 (Apr. 12, 1902, ch. 501, §1, 32 Stat. 100; Jan. 28, 1915, ch. 20, §2, 38 Stat. 801; May 18, 1920, ch. 190, §8, 41 Stat. 603; June 5, 1920, ch. 235, §1, 41 Stat. 879; Jan. 12, 1923, ch. 25, §§1, 2, 42 Stat. 1130; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, §§3, 9, 10, 44 Stat. 815, 817).

The grades of vice admiral and rear admiral are added to make provision for the commissioned officer personnel structure of the service as provided for in this revision. The entire rating structure for enlisted men is left to the administrative discretion of the Secretary, as in the past, for reasons of flexibility.

The last two paragraphs of said section 5 are obsolete and have been omitted.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

1956 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
41	14:41. 34:135a(a) (less last sentence, as applicable to temporary appointments).	Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1(41), 63 Stat. 497. May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §3(a) (less 3d and last sentences, as applicable to temporary appointments), 68 Stat. 157.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 301, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, related to permanent appointment of warrant officers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177. See section 571 et seq. of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 41 of this title as this section.

2016—Pub. L. 114–120 substituted "admirals (two);" for "an admiral,".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "chief warrant officers; cadets; warrant officers;" for "chief warrant officers, W–4; chief warrant officers, W–3; chief warrant officers, W–2; cadets; warrant officers, W–1;".

1985—Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "rear admirals (lower half)" for "commodores".

1984—Pub. L. 98–557 substituted "members" for "men" in two places.

1983—Pub. L. 97–417 inserted "commodores;" after "rear admirals;".

1972—Pub. L. 92–451 substituted "vice admirals" for "a vice admiral".

1960—Pub. L. 86–474 inserted the grade of admiral.

1956—Act Aug. 10, 1956, repealed and reenacted section by general amendment thereby substituting "chief warrant officers, W–4; chief warrant officers, W–3; chief warrant officers, W–2" for "commissioned warrant officers", and "warrant officers, W–1" for "warrant officers".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective on the first day of the fourth month beginning after Oct. 5, 1994, see section 541(h) of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 571 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–451 effective Oct. 2, 1972, except that continuation boards may not be held until one year thereafter, see section 3 of Pub. L. 92–451, set out as a note under section 2151 of this title.

§302. Commandant; appointment

The President may appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one Commandant for a period of four years, who may be reappointed for further periods of four years, who shall act as Chief of the Coast Guard. The term of an appointment, and any reappointment, shall begin on June 1 of the appropriate year and end on May 31 of the appropriate year, except that, in the event of death, retirement, resignation, or reassignment, or when the needs of the Service demand, the Secretary may alter the date on which a term begins or ends if the alteration does not result in the term exceeding a period of 4 years. The Commandant shall be appointed from the officers on the active duty promotion list serving above the grade of captain who have completed at least ten years of active service as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard. The Commandant while so serving shall have the grade of admiral.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 498, §44; Pub. L. 86–474, §1(3), May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 144; Pub. L. 88–130, §1(3), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 175; Pub. L. 89–444, §1(3), June 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 92–451, §1(3), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 755; Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §202, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3024; renumbered §302, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §11 (Apr. 16, 1908, ch. 145, §§1, 2, 35 Stat. 61; Jan. 28, 1915, ch. 20, §1, 38 Stat. 800; Jan. 12, 1923, ch. 25, §2, 42 Stat. 1130; Apr. 23, 1930, ch. 211, 46 Stat. 253; June 9, 1937, ch. 309, §1, 50 Stat. 252; June 6, 1940, ch. 257, §1(a), 54 Stat. 246).

Said section has been divided. The provisions of the first proviso are placed in section 45 of this title, and the remainder is placed in this section.

The grade of the Commandant is fixed as vice admiral rather than that prescribed for Bureau Chiefs of the Navy. The additional qualifications that an officer appointed Commandant must have at least 10 years commissioned service in the Coast Guard has been inserted. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 302, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, related to temporary appointments of warrant officers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 44 of this title as this section.

2014—Pub. L. 113–281 inserted after first sentence "The term of an appointment, and any reappointment, shall begin on June 1 of the appropriate year and end on May 31 of the appropriate year, except that, in the event of death, retirement, resignation, or reassignment, or when the needs of the Service demand, the Secretary may alter the date on which a term begins or ends if the alteration does not result in the term exceeding a period of 4 years."

1972—Pub. L. 92–451 substituted "above the grade of captain" for "in the grade of captain or above" in second sentence.

1966—Pub. L. 89–444 struck out provision that the position of an officer appointed Commandant be filled by promotion according to law.

1963—Pub. L. 88–130 substituted "officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of" for "active list of officers who hold a permanent commission as", required qualifying period of 10 years commissioned service to be "active" service, and struck out ", pay, and allowances" before "of admiral".

1960—Pub. L. 86–474 substituted "active list of officers" for "active list of line officers", "captain or above" for "commander or above", and "allowances of admiral" for "allowances of vice admiral".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–451 effective Oct. 2, 1972, except that continuation boards may not be held until one year thereafter, see section 3 of Pub. L. 92–451, set out as a note under section 2151 of this title.

Effective Date of Higher Grade and Increased Pay and Allowances

Pub. L. 86–474, §2, May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 146, provided that: "The increased grade of admiral for the Commandant and vice admiral for the Assistant Commandant [now Vice Commandant], including the pay and allowances applicable to such grades, shall be effective on the first day of the month following enactment of this Act [May 14, 1960]."

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 86–474, §3, May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 146, provided that: "Except as provided by section 2 [set out as a note under this section], the amendments by section 1 [amending sections 41, 42, 44, 46, 47, 186 to 191, 222, 247(c), 365, and 462 of this title, and repealing sections 45, 48, and 49 of this title] shall not operate to change or deprive the present incumbents serving as Commandant, Assistant Commandant [now Vice Commandant], and Engineer in Chief of any rights, benefits and privileges appertaining to such offices on the day preceding the date of enactment of this Act [May 14, 1960], nor to divest them of their offices for the terms appointed."

§303. Retirement of Commandant or Vice Commandant

(a)(1) A Commandant who is not reappointed shall be retired with the grade of admiral at the expiration of the appointed term, except as provided in section 306(d) of this title.

(2) A Vice Commandant who is retired while serving as Vice Commandant, after serving not less than 2 years as Vice Commandant, shall be retired with the grade of admiral, except as provided in section 306(d).

(b) A Commandant or Vice Commandant who is retired for physical disability shall be placed on the retired list with the grade of admiral.

(c) An officer who is retired prior to the expiration of the officer's term, while serving as Commandant or as an officer serving as Vice Commandant who has served less than 2 years as Vice Commandant, may, in the discretion of the President, be retired with the grade of admiral.

(d) Retirement under this section is subject to section 2501(a) of this title.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 499, §46; Pub. L. 86–474, §1(5), May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 144; Pub. L. 88–130, §1(4), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 175; Pub. L. 89–444, §1(4), (5), June 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(1), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(1), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 699; Pub. L. 103–206, title II, §204(a), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2421; Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §209(2), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 40; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3528(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2318; renumbered §303 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§104(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4240; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8201(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4641; Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11240, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4039.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §161 (Jan. 12, 1923, ch. 25, §2, 42 Stat. 1130; June 25, 1936, ch. 808, 49 Stat. 1924; June 9, 1937, ch. 309, §1, 50 Stat. 252; June 6, 1940, ch. 257, §1(a), 54 Stat. 246).

Provision is added for retirement of the Commandant with the grade and pay of vice admiral after 3 years service, in the discretion of the President, regardless of total length of service. Provision is also added for retirement with the grade and pay of vice admiral in case of physical disability. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 303, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, required compulsory retirement of warrant officers reaching age of sixty-two years, with retired pay of grade with which retired, prior to repeal by act May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §20(o), 68 Stat. 167, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §11240(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "A Vice Commandant who is not reappointed or appointed Commandant shall be retired with the grade of admiral at the expiration of the appointed term, except as provided in section 306(d)."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–263, §11240(2), substituted "or as an officer serving as Vice Commandant who has served less than 2 years as Vice Commandant" for "or Vice Commandant".

2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283 added subsec. (d).

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §104(b), renumbered section 46 of this title as this section.

Pub. L. 115–232, §3528(a)(1), inserted "or Vice Commandant" after "Commandant" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 306(d)" for "section 51(d)" in pars. (1) and (2).

Pub. L. 115–232, §3528(a)(2), (3), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–232, §3528(a)(4), inserted "or Vice Commandant" after "Commandant".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–232, §3528(a)(4), (5), inserted "or Vice Commandant" after "Commandant" and substituted "the officer's" for "his".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–120 substituted "section" for "subsection".

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–206 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Any Commandant who is not reappointed shall, at the expiration of his term, be retired with the grade of admiral."

1986—Pub. L. 99–348 struck out "and retired pay computed at the highest rates of basic pay applicable to him while he served as Commandant" after "admiral" in subsecs. (a) to (c).

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted "Commandant" for "commandant".

1966—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–444, §1(4), removed requirement that the Commandant serve 2½ years as Commandant before being eligible for retirement with the grade of admiral and retired pay computed at the highest rates of basic pay applicable to him while he served as Commandant.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–444, §1(5), repealed subsec. (d) which provided that a Commandant who retired within 2½ years of the date of his original appointment as Commandant would retire in his permanent grade and with the retired pay of that grade.

1963—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 88–130 substituted "of admiral and retired pay computed at the highest rates of basic pay applicable to him while he served as Commandant" for "and retired pay of admiral".

1960—Pub. L. 86–474 authorized any Commandant who is not reappointed at the expiration of his term to be retired with the grade and retired pay of admiral, directed placement on the retired list with the grade and retired pay of admiral for a Commandant who is retired for physical disability, reduced from three to two and one-half years the period that the Commandant must serve before he may voluntarily apply retirement without regard to total length of service, and provided that any Commandant who retires within two and one-half years of the date of his original appointment as Commandant shall retire in his permanent grade and with the retired pay of that grade.

§304. Vice Commandant; appointment

The President may appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one Vice Commandant who shall rank next after the Commandant, shall perform such duties as the Commandant may prescribe and shall act as Commandant during the absence or disability of the Commandant or in the event that there is a vacancy in the office of Commandant. The Vice Commandant shall be selected from the officers on the active duty promotion list serving above the grade of captain. The Commandant shall make recommendation for such appointment. The Vice Commandant shall, while so serving, have the grade of admiral with pay and allowances of that grade. The appointment and grade of a Vice Commandant shall be effective on the date the officer assumes that duty, and shall terminate on the date the officer is detached from that duty, except as provided in section 306(d) of this title.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 499, §47; Pub. L. 86–474, §1(6), May 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 144; Pub. L. 88–130, §1(5), (6), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 175; Pub. L. 89–444, §1(6), (7), June 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 92–451, §1(4), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 755; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(2), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(2), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700; Pub. L. 103–206, title II, §204(b)(1), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2421; Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §511(f)(1), (g), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2952, 2953; Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §§201(b), 209(3), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 33, 40; renumbered §304 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§104(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4240.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§11a, 12 (Apr. 16, 1908, ch. 145, §§1, 2, 35 Stat. 61; Jan. 28, 1915, ch. 20, §1, 38 Stat. 800; Jan. 12, 1923, ch. 25, §2, 42 Stat. 1130; May 24, 1939, ch. 148, §§2, 3, 53 Stat. 757; June 6, 1940, ch. 257, §§1(b), 3, 54 Stat. 246; July 23, 1947, ch. 301, §2, 61 Stat. 410; May 19, 1948, ch. 305, 62 Stat. 239).

Said sections have been divided. The provisions of the proviso of title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §11a, and the first proviso of title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §12, are placed in section 48 of this title and the remainder is placed in this section.

The provisions regarding appointment of the Assistant Commandant and Engineer in Chief are coordinated, inasmuch as these positions are about equal in the Coast Guard organization. The qualification that the Engineer in Chief be appointed from the active list of engineering officers is changed to the active list of officers who have qualified for engineering duty, because there is no longer any provision for a corps of engineering officers. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 304, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, provided for voluntary retirement of warrant officers after thirty years' service, with retired pay of grade with which retired, prior to repeal by act May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §20(o), 68 Stat. 167, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 306(d)" for "section 51(d)".

Pub. L. 115–282, §104(b), renumbered section 47 of this title as this section.

2016—Pub. L. 114–120, §209(3), substituted "Commandant" for "commandant" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 114–120, §201(b), substituted "grade of admiral" for "grade of vice admiral".

2010—Pub. L. 111–281 substituted "Vice commandant; appointment" for "Vice Commandant; assignment" in section catchline and "section 51(d)" for "subsection 51(d)" in text.

1993—Pub. L. 103–206 struck out "; retirement" after "assignment" in section catchline, struck out "(a)" before "The President may appoint", substituted "The appointment and grade of a Vice Commandant shall be effective on the date the officer assumes that duty, and shall terminate on the date the officer is detached from that duty, except as provided in subsection 51(d) of this title." for "The appointment of a Vice Commandant shall be effective on the date the officer assumes such duty, and shall terminate on the date he is detached from such duty.", and struck out subsecs. (b) to (d) which read as follows:

"(b) A Vice Commandant, while so serving, who is retired for physical disability shall be placed on the retired list with the grade of vice admiral.

"(c) An officer who is retired while serving as Vice Commandant, or who, after serving at least two and one-half years as Vice Commandant, is retired after completion of that service while serving in a lower rank or grade, may, in the discretion of the President, be retired with the grade of vice admiral.

"(d) An officer who, after serving less than two and one-half years as Vice Commandant, is retired after completion of that service while serving in a lower rank or grade, shall be retired in his permanent grade."

1986—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 99–348, §205(b)(2)(A), struck out "and retired pay" after "with the grade".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–348, §205(b)(2)(B), struck out "and with the retired pay of that grade" after "permanent grade".

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted "a" for "an" before "Vice Commandant".

1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–451 substituted "Vice Commandant" for "Assistant Commandant" in four places, and "above the grade of captain" for "in the grade of captain or above" in second sentence.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92–451 substituted "A Vice Commandant" for "An Assistant Commandant".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 92–451 substituted "Vice Commandant" for "Assistant Commandant" wherever appearing.

1966—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–444, §1(6), struck out requirement that Assistant Commandant serve 2½ years as Assistant Commandant before becoming eligible for retirement with the grade and pay of vice admiral.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–444, §1(7), struck out provision that section 334 of this title, which covers cases of retirement when a higher grade has been held, shall not apply to an officer retiring within 2½ years of the date of his original assignment as Assistant Commandant.

1963—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88–130, §1(5), substituted "officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of captain or above" for "active list of officers who hold a permanent commission as captain or above".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 88–130, §1(6), substituted "section 334" for "section 243".

1960—Pub. L. 86–474 amended section generally, and, among other changes, required Assistant Commandant to be appointed from the active list of officers who hold a permanent commission as captain or above, raised grade of Assistant Commandant from rear admiral to vice admiral, increased his pay and allowances from that of a rear admiral (upper half) to that of a vice admiral, struck out provisions which related to an Engineer in Chief, and added subsecs. (b) to (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–451 effective Oct. 2, 1972, except that continuation boards may not be held until one year thereafter, see section 3 of Pub. L. 92–451, set out as a note under section 2151 of this title.

Effective Date of Higher Grade and Increased Pay and Allowances

The increased grade of vice admiral for the Vice Commandant, including the pay and allowances applicable to such grade, effective on the first day of the month following May 14, 1960, see section 2 of Pub. L. 86–474, set out as a note under section 302 of this title.

§305. Vice admirals

(a)(1) The President may—

(A) designate, within the Coast Guard, no more than five positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so serving—

(i) shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade; and

(ii) shall perform such duties as the Commandant may prescribe, except that if the President designates five such positions, one position shall be the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard; and

(B) designate, within the executive branch, other than within the Coast Guard or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade.

(2) The President may appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and reappoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to any such position an officer of the Coast Guard who is serving on active duty above the grade of captain. The Commandant shall make recommendations for such appointments.

(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), one of the vice admirals designated under paragraph (1)(A) must have at least 10 years experience in vessel inspection, marine casualty investigations, mariner licensing, or an equivalent technical expertise in the design and construction of commercial vessels, with at least 4 years of leadership experience at a staff or unit carrying out marine safety functions and shall serve as the principal advisor to the Commandant on these issues.

(B) The requirements of subparagraph (A) do not apply to such vice admiral if the subordinate officer serving in the grade of rear admiral with responsibilities for marine safety, security, and stewardship possesses that experience.

(4) Prior to making a recommendation to the President for the nomination of an officer for appointment to a position of importance and responsibility under this section, which appointment would result in the initial appointment of the officer concerned in the grade of vice admiral, the Commandant shall consider all officers determined to be among the best qualified for such position.

(b)(1) The appointment and the grade of vice admiral shall be effective on the date the officer assumes that duty and, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection or in section 306(d) of this title, shall terminate on the date the officer is detached from that duty.

(2) An officer who is appointed to a position designated under subsection (a) shall continue to hold the grade of vice admiral—

(A) while under orders transferring the officer to another position designated under subsection (a), beginning on the date the officer is detached from that duty and terminating on the date before the day the officer assumes the subsequent duty, but not for more than 60 days;

(B) while hospitalized, beginning on the day of the hospitalization and ending on the day the officer is discharged from the hospital, but not for more than 180 days;

(C) at the discretion of the Secretary, while awaiting orders after being relieved from the position, beginning on the day the officer is relieved from the position, but not for more than 60 days; and

(D) while awaiting retirement, beginning on the date the officer is detached from duty and ending on the day before the officer's retirement, but not for more than 60 days.

(c)(1) An appointment of an officer under subsection (a) does not vacate the permanent grade held by the officer.

(2) An officer serving in a grade above rear admiral who holds the permanent grade of rear admiral (lower half) shall be considered for promotion to the permanent grade of rear admiral as if the officer was serving in the officer's permanent grade.

(d) Whenever a vacancy occurs in a position designated under subsection (a), the Commandant shall inform the President of the qualifications needed by an officer serving in that position or office to carry out effectively the duties and responsibilities of that position or office.

(Added Pub. L. 92–451, §1(5), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 755, §50; amended Pub. L. 103–206, title II, §204(c), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2421; Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §511(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2951; Pub. L. 111–330, §1(5), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569; Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §202, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 33; renumbered §305 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§104(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4240; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title V, §551(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3630.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 305, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 518, provided for voluntary retirement after twenty years' service, with retired pay of grade with which retired, prior to repeal by act May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §20(o), 68 Stat. 167, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 116–283 added par. (4).

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §104(b), renumbered section 50 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 306(d)" for "section 51(d)".

2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–120, §202(1)(A), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "The President may designate no more than 4 positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held by officers who—

"(A) while so serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay and allowances of that grade; and

"(B) shall perform such duties as the Commandant may prescribe."

Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–120, §202(1)(B), substituted "under paragraph (1)(A)" for "under paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 114–120, §202(2), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D).

2010—Pub. L. 111–281, §511(a), as amended by Pub. L. 111–330, amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section provided for the appointment of a Commander, Atlantic Area, and a Commander, Pacific Area, each having the grade of vice admiral with pay and allowances of that grade.

1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–206 substituted "The appointment and grade of an area commander shall be effective on the date the officer assumes that duty, and shall terminate on the date the officer is detached from that duty, except as provided in subsection 51(d) of this title." for "The appointment of an area commander is effective on the date the officer assumes that duty, and terminates on the date he is detached from that duty."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–330, §1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(5) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 2, 1972, except that continuation boards may not be held until one year thereafter, see section 3 of Pub. L. 92–451, set out as an Effective Date of 1972 Amendment note under section 2151 of this title.

Treatment of Incumbents; Transition

Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §511(h)(1), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2953, provided that:

"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an officer who, on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 15, 2010], is serving as Chief of Staff, Commander, Atlantic Area, or Commander, Pacific Area—

"(A) shall continue to have the grade of vice admiral with pay and allowance of that grade until such time that the officer is relieved of his duties and appointed and confirmed to another position as a vice admiral or admiral; or

"(B) for the purposes of transition, may continue at the grade of vice admiral with pay and allowance of that grade, for not more than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, to perform the duties of the officer's former position and any other such duties that the Commandant prescribes."

§306. Retirement

(a) An officer, other than the Commandant or Vice Commandant, who, while serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral, is retired for physical disability shall be placed on the retired list with the highest grade in which that officer served satisfactorily, as determined under section 2501 of this title.

(b) An officer, other than the Commandant or Vice Commandant, who is retired while serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral, or who, after serving at least 2½ years in the grade of admiral or vice admiral, is retired while serving in a lower grade, may in the discretion of the President, be retired with the highest grade in which that officer served satisfactorily, as determined under section 2501 of this title.

(c) An officer, other than the Commandant or Vice Commandant, who, after serving less than 2½ years in the grade of admiral or vice admiral, is retired while serving in a lower grade, shall be retired in his permanent grade if performance of duties in such grade is determined to have been satisfactory pursuant to section 2501 of this title.

(d) An officer serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral shall continue to hold that grade—

(1) while being processed for physical disability retirement, beginning on the day of the processing and ending on the day that officer is retired, but not for more than 180 days; and

(2) while awaiting retirement, beginning on the day that officer is relieved from the position of Commandant, Vice Commandant, or Vice Admiral and ending on the day before the officer's retirement, but not for more than 60 days.

(Added Pub. L. 92–451, §1(5), Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 755, §51; amended Pub. L. 99–348, title II, §205(b)(3), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 700; Pub. L. 103–206, title II, §§204(d), 205(c), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2421, 2422; Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §511(c), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2952; Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §201(c), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 33; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3528(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2318; renumbered §306, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8201(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4641.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 306, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519, related to retirement for disabilities incident to service, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177. See sections 1204 and 1376 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §8201(b)(1), inserted "satisfactorily, as determined under section 2501 of this title" before period at end.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §8201(b)(2), inserted "satisfactorily, as determined under section 2501 of this title" before period at end.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §8201(b)(3), inserted "if performance of duties in such grade is determined to have been satisfactory pursuant to section 2501 of this title" before period at end.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 51 of this title as this section.

Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "other than the Commandant or Vice Commandant," for "other than the Commandant,".

2016—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 114–120 inserted "admiral or" before "vice admiral," wherever appearing.

2010—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 111–281, §511(c)(1), added subsecs. (a) to (c) and struck out former subsecs. (a) to (c) which read as follows:

"(a) An officer who, while serving in the grade of vice admiral, is retired for physical disability shall be placed on the retired list with the grade of vice admiral.

"(b) An officer who is retired while serving in the grade of vice admiral, or who, after serving at least two and one-half years in the grade of vice admiral, is retired while serving in a lower grade, may in the discretion of the President, be retired with the grade of vice admiral.

"(c) An officer who, after serving less than two and one-half years in the grade of vice admiral, is retired while serving in a lower grade, shall be retired in his permanent grade."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 111–281, §511(c)(2), substituted "or Vice Admiral" for "Area Commander, or Chief of Staff".

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–206, §205(c)(1), substituted "in the grade of vice admiral" for "as Commander, Atlantic Area, or Commander, Pacific Area".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–206, §205(c)(2), substituted "in the grade of vice admiral" for "as Commander, Atlantic Area, or Commander, Pacific Area".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–206, §204(d), added subsec. (d).

1986—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 99–348, §205(b)(3)(A), struck out "and retired pay" after "with the grade".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–348, §205(b)(3)(B), struck out "and with the retired pay of that grade" after "permanent grade".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 2, 1972, except that continuation boards may not be held until one year thereafter, see section 3 of Pub. L. 92–451, set out as an Effective Date of 1972 Amendment note under section 2151 of this title.

§307. Vice admirals and admiral, continuity of grade

The continuity of an officer's precedence on the active duty promotion list, date of rank, grade, pay, and allowances as a vice admiral or admiral shall not be interrupted by the termination of an appointment for the purpose of reappointment to another position as a vice admiral or admiral.

(Added Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §115(a)(1), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1585, §52; amended Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §203(1), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1911; Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §511(d), (f)(2), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2952, 2953; renumbered §307, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 307, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519, provided for compulsory retirement of warrant officers after thirty years' service, upon recommendation of a personnel board, prior to repeal by act May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §20(o), 68 Stat. 167, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 52 of this title as this section.

2010—Pub. L. 111–281 substituted "Vice admirals and admiral, continuity of grade" for "Vice admirals, continuity of grade" in section catchline and inserted "or admiral" after "allowances as a vice admiral" in text.

1989—Pub. L. 101–225 inserted "or admiral" after "position as a vice admiral".

§308. Chief Acquisition Officer

(a) In General.—There shall be in the Coast Guard a Chief Acquisition Officer selected by the Commandant who shall be a Rear Admiral or civilian from the Senior Executive Service (career reserved) and who meets the qualifications set forth under subsection (b). The Chief Acquisition Officer shall serve at the Assistant Commandant level and have acquisition management as that individual's primary duty.

(b) Qualifications.—

(1) The Chief Acquisition Officer and any flag officer serving in the Acquisition Directorate shall be an acquisition professional with a Level III acquisition management certification and must have at least 10 years experience in an acquisition position, of which at least 4 years were spent as—

(A) the program executive officer;

(B) the program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program;

(C) the deputy program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition;

(D) the project manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition; or

(E) any other acquisition position of significant responsibility in which the primary duties are supervisory or management duties.

(2) The Commandant shall periodically publish a list of the positions designated under paragraph (1).

(3) In this subsection each of the terms "Level 1 acquisition" and "Level 2 acquisition" has the meaning that term has in chapter 11 of this title.

(c) Functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer.—The functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer include—

(1) monitoring the performance of acquisition projects and programs on the basis of applicable performance measurements and advising the Commandant, through the chain of command, regarding the appropriate business strategy to achieve the missions of the Coast Guard;

(2) maximizing the use of full and open competition at the prime contract and subcontract levels in the acquisition of property, capabilities, assets, and services by the Coast Guard by establishing policies, procedures, and practices that ensure that the Coast Guard receives a sufficient number of sealed bids or competitive proposals from responsible sources to fulfill the Government's requirements, including performance and delivery schedules, at the lowest cost or best value considering the nature of the property, capability, asset, or service procured;

(3) making acquisition decisions in concurrence with the technical authority, or technical authorities, of the Coast Guard, as designated by the Commandant, consistent with all other applicable laws and decisions establishing procedures within the Coast Guard;

(4) ensuring the use of detailed performance specifications in instances in which performance-based contracting is used;

(5) managing the direction of acquisition policy for the Coast Guard, including implementation of the unique acquisition policies, regulations, and standards of the Coast Guard;

(6) developing and maintaining an acquisition career management program in the Coast Guard to ensure that there is an adequate acquisition workforce;

(7) assessing the requirements established for Coast Guard personnel regarding knowledge and skill in acquisition resources and management and the adequacy of such requirements for facilitating the achievement of the performance goals established for acquisition management;

(8) developing strategies and specific plans for hiring, training, and professional development;

(9) reporting to the Commandant, through the chain of command, on the progress made in improving acquisition management capability; and

(10)(A) keeping the Commandant informed of the progress of major acquisition programs (as that term is defined in section 1171);

(B) informing the Commandant on a continuing basis of any developments on such programs that may require new or revisited trade-offs among cost, schedule, technical feasibility, and performance, including—

(i) significant cost growth or schedule slippage; and

(ii) requirements creep (as that term is defined in section 3104(c)(1) of title 10); and

(C) ensuring that the views of the Commandant regarding such programs on cost, schedule, technical feasibility, and performance trade-offs are strongly considered by program managers and program executive officers in all phases of the acquisition process.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2929, §56; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §899(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2332; renumbered §308 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§104(b), 123(b)(2), (c)(4), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4240, 4241; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, §1702(d)(1), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2156.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 308, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519, provided for retired pay of warrant officers involuntarily retired under section 307, prior to repeal by act May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §20(o), 68 Stat. 167, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(10)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "section 3104(c)(1)" for "section 2547(c)(1)".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §104(b), renumbered section 56 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(c)(4), substituted "chapter 11" for "chapter 15".

Subsec. (c)(10)(A). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 1171" for "section 581".

2016—Subsec. (c)(10). Pub. L. 114–328 added par. (10).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Selection Deadline

Pub. L. 111–281, title IV, §401(c), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2930, provided that: "As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 15, 2010], but no later than October 1, 2011, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall select a Chief Acquisition Officer under section 56 [now 308] of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this section."

Special Rate Supplements

Pub. L. 111–281, title IV, §401(d), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2930, as amended by Pub. L. 111–330, §1(3), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that:

"(1) Requirement to establish.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 15, 2010] and in accordance with section 9701.333 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish special rate supplements that provide higher pay levels for employees necessary to carry out the amendment made by this section [enacting this section].

"(2) Subject to appropriations.—The requirement under paragraph (1) is subject to the availability of appropriations."

Elevation of Disputes to the Chief Acquisition Officer

Pub. L. 111–281, title IV, §401(e), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2931, which directed the Commandant to provide to Congress a description of the issues involved in disputes elevated to the Chief Acquisition Officer that remained unresolved after 90 days, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(a)(4), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4745.

§309. Office of the Coast Guard Reserve; Director

(a) Establishment of Office; Director.—There is in the executive part of the Coast Guard an Office of the Coast Guard Reserve. The head of the Office is the Director of the Coast Guard Reserve. The Director of the Coast Guard Reserve is the principal adviser to the Commandant on Coast Guard Reserve matters and may have such additional functions as the Commandant may direct.

(b) Appointment.—The President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint the Director of the Coast Guard Reserve, from officers of the Coast Guard who—

(1) have had at least 10 years of commissioned service;

(2) are in a grade above captain; and

(3) have been recommended by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

(c) Term.—(1) The Director of the Coast Guard Reserve holds office for a term determined by the President, normally two years, but not more than four years. An officer may be removed from the position of Director for cause at any time.

(2) The Director of the Coast Guard Reserve, while so serving, holds a grade above Captain, without vacating the officer's permanent grade.

(d) Budget.—The Director of the Coast Guard Reserve is the official within the executive part of the Coast Guard who, subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commandant, is responsible for preparation, justification, and execution of the personnel, operation and maintenance, and construction budgets for the Coast Guard Reserve. As such, the Director of the Coast Guard Reserve is the director and functional manager of appropriations made for the Coast Guard Reserve in those areas.

(e) Annual Report.—The Director of the Coast Guard Reserve shall submit to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense an annual report on the state of the Coast Guard Reserve and the ability of the Coast Guard Reserve to meet its missions. The report shall be prepared in conjunction with the Commandant and may be submitted in classified and unclassified versions.

(Added Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §557(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 619, §53; amended Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; renumbered §309, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 309, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §11, 64 Stat. 407, authorized retirement of warrant officers with grade of commissioned warrant officer in case of special commendation, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 86–155, §10(a)(1), (b), Aug. 11, 1959, 73 Stat. 338, effective Nov. 1, 1959, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 53 of this title as this section.

2002—Subsecs. (b)(3), (d), (e). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

§310. Chief of Staff to President: appointment

The President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may appoint a flag officer of the Coast Guard as the Chief of Staff to the President.

(Added Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §597(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3283, §54; renumbered §310, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 310, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §12, 64 Stat. 407, related to recall to active duty during war or national emergency of warrant officers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 54 of this title as this section.

§311. Captains of the port

Any officer, including any petty officer, may be designated by the Commandant as captain of the port or ports or adjacent high seas or waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, as the Commandant deems necessary to facilitate execution of Coast Guard duties.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(c)(1)(A), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4198.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 311, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 519; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §13, 64 Stat. 407, related to recall of warrant officers to active duty with consent of the officer, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

§312. Prevention and response workforces

(a) Career Paths.—The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall ensure that appropriate career paths for civilian and military Coast Guard personnel who wish to pursue career paths in prevention or response positions are identified in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression of civilians and members of the Armed Forces to the most senior prevention or response positions, as appropriate. The Secretary shall make available published information on such career paths.

(b) Qualifications for Certain Assignments.—An officer, member, or civilian employee of the Coast Guard assigned as a—

(1) marine inspector shall have the training, experience, and qualifications equivalent to that required for a similar position at a classification society recognized by the Secretary under section 3316 of title 46 for the type of vessel, system, or equipment that is inspected;

(2) marine casualty investigator shall have the training, experience, and qualifications in investigation, marine casualty reconstruction, evidence collection and preservation, human factors, and documentation using best investigation practices by Federal and non-Federal entities;

(3) marine safety engineer shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience in—

(A) the construction and operation of commercial vessels;

(B) judging the character, strength, stability, and safety qualities of such vessels and their equipment; or

(C) the qualifications and training of vessel personnel;

(4) waterways operations manager shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience with respect to maritime transportation system management; or

(5) port and facility safety and security specialist shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience with respect to the safety, security, and environmental protection responsibilities associated with maritime ports and facilities.

(c) Apprenticeship Requirement To Qualify for Certain Careers.—The Commandant may require an officer, member, or employee of the Coast Guard in training for a specialized prevention or response career path to serve an apprenticeship under the guidance of a qualified individual. However, an individual in training to become a marine inspector, marine casualty investigator, marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility safety and security specialist shall serve a minimum of one-year as an apprentice unless the Commandant authorizes a shorter period for certain qualifications.

(d) Management Information System.—The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, shall establish a management information system for the prevention and response workforces that shall provide, at a minimum, the following standardized information on individuals serving in those workforces:

(1) Qualifications, assignment history, and tenure in assignments.

(2) Promotion rates for military and civilian personnel.

(e) Sector Chief of Prevention.—There shall be in each Coast Guard sector a Chief of Prevention who shall be at least a Lieutenant Commander or civilian employee within the grade GS–13 of the General Schedule, and who shall be a—

(1) marine inspector, qualified to inspect vessels, vessel systems, and equipment commonly found in the sector; and

(2) qualified marine casualty investigator, marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility safety and security specialist.

(f) Signatories of Letter of Qualification for Certain Prevention Personnel.—Each individual signing a letter of qualification for marine safety personnel must hold a letter of qualification for the type being certified.

(g) Sector Chief of Response.—There shall be in each Coast Guard sector a Chief of Response who shall be at least a Lieutenant Commander or civilian employee within the grade GS–13 of the General Schedule in each Coast Guard sector.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §521(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2953, §57; amended Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §§203, 221(b)(1)(B), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3024, 3038; renumbered §312, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §§8504(a), 8505(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4747.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 312, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §14, 64 Stat. 407, related to relief of retired warrant officer promoted while on active duty, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §8504(a), substituted "maritime transportation system" for "marine transportation system".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283, §8505(a)(1), substituted "individuals" for "persons" in introductory provisions.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 57 of this title as this section.

2014—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 113–281, §203(1), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–281, §203(2), substituted "marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility safety and security specialist" for "or marine safety engineer".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–281, §221(b)(1)(B), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to assessment of adequacy of marine safety workforce.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–281, §221(b)(1)(B)(ii), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 113–281, §203(3), substituted "investigator, marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility safety and security specialist" for "investigator or marine safety engineer".

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 113–281, §221(b)(1)(B)(ii), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).

§313. Centers of expertise for Coast Guard prevention and response

(a) Establishment.—The Commandant may establish and operate one or more centers of expertise for prevention and response missions of the Coast Guard (in this section referred to as a "center").

(b) Missions.—Any center established under subsection (a) shall—

(1) promote, facilitate, and conduct—

(A) education;

(B) training; and

(C) activities authorized under section 504(a)(4);

(2) be a repository of information on operations, practices, and resources related to the mission for which the center was established; and

(3) perform and support the mission for which the center was established.

(c) Joint Operation With Educational Institution Authorized.—The Commandant may enter into an agreement with an appropriate official of an institution of higher education to—

(1) provide for joint operation of a center; and

(2) provide necessary administrative services for a center, including administration and allocation of funds.

(d) Acceptance of Donations.—

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commandant may accept, on behalf of a center, donations to be used to defray the costs of the center or to enhance the operation of the center. Those donations may be accepted from any State or local government, any foreign government, any foundation or other charitable organization (including any that is organized or operates under the laws of a foreign country), or any individual.

(2) The Commandant may not accept a donation under paragraph (1) if the acceptance of the donation would compromise or appear to compromise—

(A) the ability of the Coast Guard or the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, any employee of the Coast Guard or the department, or any member of the Armed Forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or

(B) the integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or of any individual involved in such a program.

(3) The Commandant shall prescribe written guidance setting forth the criteria to be used in determining whether or not the acceptance of a donation from a foreign source would have a result described in paragraph (2).

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §521(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2955, §58; amended Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §204, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3025; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3531(c)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2320; renumbered §313 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§104(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4240; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4747.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 313, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §15, 64 Stat. 407, provided that any warrant officer who was retired under sections 303 to 305 or 307 of this title should be retired from active service with the highest grade held by him in which his performance of duty was satisfactory, but not lower than his permanent grade, with retired pay of the grade with which retired, prior to repeal by act May 29, 1954, ch. 249, §20(o), 68 Stat. 167, and by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

A prior section 313a, added Pub. L. 85–144, §2(a), Aug. 14, 1957, 71 Stat. 367, related to retirement of warrant officers in cases where higher grade has been held, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–130, §1(10)(A), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 177.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "individual" for "person".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §104(b), renumbered section 58 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "Commandant" for "Commandant of the Coast Guard".

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 504(a)(4)" for "section 93(a)(4)".

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–281 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each center shall—

"(1) promote and facilitate education, training, and research;

"(2) develop a repository of information on its missions and specialties; and

"(3) perform any other missions as the Commandant may specify."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Center of Expertise for Great Lakes Oil Spill Preparedness and Response

Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, §807, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4301, as amended by Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11214, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4016, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 4, 2018], the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish a Center of Expertise for Great Lakes Oil Spill Preparedness and Response (referred to in this section as the 'Center of Expertise') in accordance with section 313 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act.

"(b) Location.—The Center of Expertise shall be located in close proximity to—

"(1) critical crude oil transportation infrastructure on and connecting the Great Lakes, such as submerged pipelines and high-traffic navigation locks; and

"(2) an institution of higher education with adequate aquatic research laboratory facilities and capabilities and expertise in Great Lakes aquatic ecology, environmental chemistry, fish and wildlife, and water resources.

"(c) Functions.—The Center of Expertise shall—

"(1) monitor and assess, on an ongoing basis, the current state of knowledge regarding freshwater oil spill response technologies and the behavior and effects of oil spills in the Great Lakes;

"(2) identify any significant gaps in Great Lakes oil spill research, including an assessment of major scientific or technological deficiencies in responses to past spills in the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies, and seek to fill those gaps;

"(3) conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation for freshwater oil spill response equipment, technologies, and techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in the Great Lakes;

"(4) educate and train Federal, State, and local first responders located in Coast Guard District 9 in—

"(A) the incident command system structure;

"(B) Great Lakes oil spill response techniques and strategies; and

"(C) public affairs; and

"(5) work with academic and private sector response training centers to develop and standardize maritime oil spill response training and techniques for use on the Great Lakes.

"(d) Definition.—In this section, the term 'Great Lakes' means—

"(1) Lake Ontario;

"(2) Lake Erie;

"(3) Lake Huron (including Lake St. Clair);

"(4) Lake Michigan;

"(5) Lake Superior; and

"(6) the connecting channels (including the following rivers and tributaries of such rivers: Saint Mary's River, Saint Clair River, Detroit River, Niagara River, Illinois River, Chicago River, Fox River, Grand River, St. Joseph River, St. Louis River, Menominee River, Muskegon River, Kalamazoo River, and Saint Lawrence River to the Canadian border)."

Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise

Pub. L. 115–265, title III, §302, Oct. 11, 2018, 132 Stat. 3752, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 11, 2018] and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commandant may establish under section 58 [now 313] of title 14, United States Code, a Blue Technology center of expertise.

"(b) Missions.—In addition to the missions listed in section 58(b) [now 313(b)] of title 14, United States Code, the Center may—

"(1) promote awareness within the Coast Guard of the range and diversity of Blue Technologies and their potential to enhance Coast Guard mission readiness, operational performance, and regulation of such technologies;

"(2) function as an interactive conduit to enable the sharing and dissemination of Blue Technology information between the Coast Guard and representatives from the private sector, academia, nonprofit organizations, and other Federal agencies;

"(3) increase awareness among Blue Technology manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and vendors of Coast Guard acquisition policies, procedures, and business practices;

"(4) provide technical support, coordination, and assistance to Coast Guard districts and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center, as appropriate; and

"(5) subject to the requirements of the Coast Guard Academy, coordinate with the Academy to develop appropriate curricula regarding Blue Technology to be offered in professional courses of study to give Coast Guard cadets and officer candidates a greater background and understanding of Blue Technologies.

"(c) Blue Technology Exposition; Briefing.—Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 11, 2018], the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on the costs and benefits of hosting a biennial Coast Guard Blue Technology exposition to further interactions between representatives from the private sector, academia, and nonprofit organizations, and the Coast Guard and examine emerging technologies and Coast Guard mission demands.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Center.—The term 'Center' means the Blue Technology center of expertise established under this section.

"(2) Commandant.—The term 'Commandant' means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

"(3) Blue technology.—The term 'Blue Technology' means any technology, system, or platform that—

"(A) is designed for use or application above, on, or below the sea surface or that is otherwise applicable to Coast Guard operational needs, including such a technology, system, or platform that provides continuous or persistent coverage; and

"(B) supports or facilitates—

"(i) maritime domain awareness, including—

     "(I) surveillance and monitoring;

     "(II) observation, measurement, and modeling:[;] or

     "(III) information technology and communications;

"(ii) search and rescue;

"(iii) emergency response;

"(iv) maritime law enforcement;

"(v) marine inspections and investigations; or

"(vi) protection and conservation of the marine environment."

§314. Marine industry training program

The Commandant shall, by policy, establish a program under which an officer, member, or employee of the Coast Guard may be assigned to a private entity to further the institutional interests of the Coast Guard with regard to marine safety, including for the purpose of providing training to an officer, member, or employee. Policies to carry out the program—

(1) with regard to an employee of the Coast Guard, shall include provisions, consistent with sections 3702 through 3704 of title 5, as to matters concerning—

(A) the duration and termination of assignments;

(B) reimbursements; and

(C) status, entitlements, benefits, and obligations of program participants; and

(2) shall require the Commandant, before approving the assignment of an officer, member, or employee of the Coast Guard to a private entity, to determine that the assignment is an effective use of the Coast Guard's funds, taking into account the best interests of the Coast Guard and the costs and benefits of alternative methods of achieving the same results and objectives.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §521(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2956, §59; amended Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §221(a)(1), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3037; renumbered §314, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 314, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520, related to retiring or dropping for disabilities not incident to service, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408. See section 1207 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 59 of this title as this section.

2014—Pub. L. 113–281 struck out subsec. (a) designation and heading before "The Commandant" and struck out subsec. (b). Text of subsec. (b) read as follows: "Not later than the date of the submission each year of the President's budget request under section 1105 of title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that describes—

"(1) the number of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard assigned to private entities under this section; and

"(2) the specific benefit that accrues to the Coast Guard for each assignment."

§315. Training for congressional affairs personnel

(a) In General.—The Commandant shall develop a training course, which shall be administered in person, on the workings of Congress for any member of the Coast Guard selected for a position as a fellow, liaison, counsel, or administrative staff for the Coast Guard Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs or as any Coast Guard district or area governmental affairs officer.

(b) Course Subject Matter.—

(1) In general.—The training course required under this section shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including—

(A) the congressional budget process;

(B) the congressional appropriations process;

(C) the congressional authorization process;

(D) the Senate advice and consent process for Presidential nominees;

(E) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification;

(F) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process;

(G) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight within the governance framework of separation of powers;

(H) the roles of Coast Guard fellows, liaisons, counsels, governmental affairs officers, the Coast Guard Office of Program Review, the Coast Guard Headquarters program offices, and any other entity the Commandant considers relevant; and

(I) the roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard public affairs and external communications personnel with respect to Members of Congress and the staff of such Members necessary to enhance communication between Coast Guard units, sectors, and districts and Member offices and committees of jurisdiction so as to ensure visibility of Coast Guard activities.

(2) Detail within coast guard office of budget and programs.—

(A) In general.—At the written request of a receiving congressional office, the training course required under this section shall include a multi-day detail within the Coast Guard Office of Budget and Programs to ensure adequate exposure to Coast Guard policy, oversight, and requests from Congress.

(B) Nonconsecutive detail permitted.—A detail under this paragraph is not required to be consecutive with the balance of the training.

(c) Completion of Required Training.—A member of the Coast Guard selected for a position described in subsection (a) shall complete the training required by this section before the date on which such member reports for duty for such position.

(Added Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §214(b)(1), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 43, §60; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. C, title XXXV, §3503(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2775; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3532, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2321; renumbered §315, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196; Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11251(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4052.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 315, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 520, related to dropping for disabilities due to vicious habits, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408. See section 1207 of Title 10.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to training course on workings of Congress.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 60 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–232 amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) related to completion of required training for then current and newly appointed flag officers and employees.

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016" for "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–328, div. C, title XXXV, §3503(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2775, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 429, 676a, and 2702 of this title, sections 3104, 4503, and 7510 of Title 46, Shipping, and provisions set out as a note under section 1151 of Title 16, Conservation] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of Public Law 114–120 [Feb. 8, 2016]."

§316. National Coast Guard Museum

(a) Establishment.—The Commandant may establish, accept, operate, maintain and support the Museum, on lands which will be federally owned and administered by the Coast Guard, and are located in New London, Connecticut.

(b) Use of Funds.—

(1) The Secretary shall not expend any funds appropriated to the Coast Guard on the construction of any museum established under this section.

(2) Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may expend funds appropriated to the Coast Guard on the engineering and design of a Museum.

(3) The priority for the use of funds appropriated to the Coast Guard shall be to preserve, protect, and display historic Coast Guard artifacts, including the design, fabrication, and installation of exhibits or displays in which such artifacts are included.

(c) Funding Plan.—Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020 and at least 90 days before the date on which the Commandant accepts the Museum under subsection (f), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a plan for constructing, operating, and maintaining such Museum, including—

(1) estimated planning, engineering, design, construction, operation, and maintenance costs;

(2) the extent to which appropriated, nonappropriated, and non-Federal funds will be used for such purposes, including the extent to which there is any shortfall in funding for engineering, design, or construction;

(3) an explanation of any environmental remediation issues related to the land associated with the Museum; and

(4) a certification by a third party entity qualified to undertake such a certification process that the estimates provided pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) are reasonable and realistic.

(d) Construction.—

(1) The Association may construct the Museum described in subsection (a).

(2) The Museum shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the International Building Code 2018, and construction performed on Federal land under this section shall be exempt from State and local requirements for building or demolition permits.

(e) Agreements.—Under such terms and conditions as the Commandant considers appropriate, notwithstanding section 504, and until the Commandant accepts the Museum under subsection (f), the Commandant may—

(1) license Federal land to the Association for the purpose of constructing the Museum described in subsection (a); and

(2)(A) at a nominal charge, lease the Museum from the Association for activities and operations related to the Museum; and

(B) authorize the Association to generate revenue from the use of the Museum.

(f) Acceptance.—Not earlier than 90 days after the Commandant submits the plan under subsection (c), the Commandant shall accept the Museum from the Association and all right, title, and interest in and to the Museum shall vest in the United States when—

(1) the Association demonstrates, in a manner acceptable to the Commandant, that the Museum meets the design and construction requirements of subsection (d); and

(2) all financial obligations of the Association incident to the National Coast Guard Museum have been satisfied.

(g) Services.—The Commandant may solicit from the Association and accept services from nonprofit entities, including services related to activities for construction of the Museum.

(h) Authority.—The Commandant may not establish a Museum except as set forth in this section.

(i) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Museum.—The term "Museum" means the National Coast Guard Museum.

(2) Association.—The term "Association" means the National Coast Guard Museum Association.

(Added Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §213(a), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1037, §98; amended Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §219, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 48; renumbered §316 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(b), title III, §303, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4243; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], §8439(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4737; Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11259, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4058.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020, referred to in subsec. (c), is the date of enactment of div. G of Pub. L. 116–283, which was approved Jan. 1, 2021.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "a third party entity qualified to undertake such a certification process" for "the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating".

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to National Coast Guard Museum.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §303, amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to National Coast Guard Museum.

Pub. L. 115–282, §104(b), renumbered section 98 of this title as this section.

2016—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–120, §219(1), substituted "any funds appropriated to the Coast Guard on" for "any appropriated Federal funds for".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–120, §219(2), substituted "artifacts, including the design, fabrication, and installation of exhibits or displays in which such artifacts are included." for "artifacts."

§317. United States Coast Guard Band; composition; director

(a) The United States Coast Guard Band shall be composed of a director and other personnel in such numbers and grades as the Secretary determines to be necessary.

(b) The Secretary may designate as the director any individual determined by the Secretary to possess the necessary qualifications. Upon the recommendation of the Secretary, an individual so designated may be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to a commissioned grade in the Regular Coast Guard.

(c) The initial appointment to a commissioned grade of an individual designated as director of the Coast Guard Band shall be in the grade determined by the Secretary to be most appropriate to the qualifications and experience of the appointed individual.

(d) An individual who is designated and commissioned under this section shall not be included on the active duty promotion list. He shall be promoted under section 2126 of this title. However, the grade of the director may not be higher than captain.

(e) The Secretary may revoke any designation as director of the Coast Guard Band. When an individual's designation is revoked, his appointment to commissioned grade under this section terminates and he is entitled, at his option—

(1) to be discharged from the Coast Guard; or

(2) to revert to the grade and status he held at the time of his designation as director.

(Added Pub. L. 89–189, §1(1), Sept. 17, 1965, 79 Stat. 820, §336; amended Pub. L. 102–587, title V, §5201, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5071; Pub. L. 107–295, title III, §311, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2102; Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §204(a), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 520; renumbered §317 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§104(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4196, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §104(b), renumbered section 336 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2126" for "section 276".

2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–241, §204(a)(1), in first sentence, substituted "The Secretary may designate as the director any individual determined by the Secretary to possess the necessary qualifications." for "The Secretary shall designate the director from among qualified members of the Coast Guard.", and, in second sentence, substituted "an individual so designated" for "a member so designated".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–241, §204(a)(2), substituted "of an individual" for "of a member" and "determined by the Secretary to be most appropriate to the qualifications and experience of the appointed individual" for "of lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–241, §204(a)(3), substituted "An individual" for "A member".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–241, §204(a)(4), substituted "When an individual's designation is revoked," for "When a member's designation is revoked," and "option—" for "option:".

2002—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–295 substituted "captain" for "commander".

1992—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–587 substituted "commander" for "lieutenant commander".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Current Director

Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §204(b), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 520, provided that: "The individual serving as Coast Guard band director on the date of enactment of this Act [July 11, 2006] may be immediately promoted to a commissioned grade, not to exceed captain, determined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to be most appropriate to the qualifications and experience of that individual."

§318. Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program

(a) Definitions.—For the purposes of this section—

(1) "environment", "facility", "person", "release", "removal", "remedial", and "response" have the same meaning they have in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601);

(2) "hazardous substance" has the same meaning it has in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601), except that it also includes the meaning given "oil" in section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321); and

(3) "pollutant" has the same meaning it has in section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362).

(b) Program.—

(1) The Secretary shall carry out a program of environmental compliance and restoration at current and former Coast Guard facilities.

(2) Program goals include:

(A) Identifying, investigating, and cleaning up contamination from hazardous substances and pollutants.

(B) Correcting other environmental damage that poses an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare or to the environment.

(C) Demolishing and removing unsafe buildings and structures, including buildings and structures at former Coast Guard facilities.

(D) Preventing contamination from hazardous substances and pollutants at current Coast Guard facilities.

(3)(A) The Secretary shall respond to releases of hazardous substances and pollutants—

(i) at each Coast Guard facility the United States owns, leases, or otherwise possesses;

(ii) at each Coast Guard facility the United States owned, leased, or otherwise possessed when the actions leading to contamination from hazardous substances or pollutants occurred; and

(iii) on each vessel the Coast Guard owns or operates.

(B) Subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not apply to a removal or remedial action when a potentially responsible person responds under section 122 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9622).

(C) The Secretary shall pay a fee or charge imposed by a State authority for permit services for disposing of hazardous substances or pollutants from Coast Guard facilities to the same extent that nongovernmental entities are required to pay for permit services. This subparagraph does not apply to a payment that is the responsibility of a lessee, contractor, or other private person.

(4) The Secretary may agree with another Federal agency for that agency to assist in carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities under this section. The Secretary may enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and grant agreements with State and local governments to assist in carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities under this section. Services that may be obtained under this paragraph include identifying, investigating, and cleaning up off-site contamination that may have resulted from the release of a hazardous substance or pollutant at a Coast Guard facility.

(5) Section 119 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9619) applies to response action contractors that carry out response actions under this section. The Coast Guard shall indemnify response action contractors to the extent that adequate insurance is not generally available at a fair price at the time the contractor enters into the contract to cover the contractor's reasonable, potential, long-term liability.

(c) Amounts Recovered for Response Actions.—

(1) All sums appropriated to carry out the Coast Guard's environmental compliance and restoration functions under this section or another law shall be credited or transferred to an appropriate Coast Guard account, as determined by the Commandant and remain available until expended.

(2) Funds may be obligated or expended from such account to carry out the Coast Guard's environmental compliance and restoration functions under this section or another law.

(3) In proposing the budget for any fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, the President shall set forth separately the amount requested for the Coast Guard's environmental compliance and restoration activities under this section or another law.

(4) Amounts recovered under section 107 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9607) for the Secretary's response actions at current and former Coast Guard facilities shall be credited to an appropriate Coast Guard account, as determined by the Commandant.

(d) Annual List of Projects to Congress.—The Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a prioritized list of projects eligible for environmental compliance and restoration funding for each fiscal year concurrent with the President's budget submission for that fiscal year.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(c)(1)(B), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4198.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, referred to in text, probably means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Pub. L. 96–510, Dec. 11, 1980, 94 Stat. 2767, which is classified principally to chapter 103 (§9601 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9601 of Title 42 and Tables.

§319. Unmanned system program and autonomous control and computer vision technology project

(a) Unmanned System Program.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish, under the control of the Commandant, an unmanned system program for the use by the Coast Guard of land-based, cutter-based, and aircraft-based unmanned systems for the purpose of increasing effectiveness and efficiency of mission execution.

(b) Autonomous Control and Computer Vision Technology Project.—

(1) In general.—The Commandant shall conduct a project to retrofit 2 or more existing Coast Guard small boats deployed at operational units with—

(A) commercially available autonomous control and computer vision technology; and

(B) such sensors and methods of communication as are necessary to control, and technology to assist in conducting, search and rescue, surveillance, and interdiction missions.

(2) Data collection.—As part of the project required under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall collect and evaluate field-collected operational data from the retrofit described in such paragraph to inform future requirements.

(3) Briefing.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the project required under paragraph (1) is completed, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the project that includes an evaluation of the data collected from the project.

(c) Unmanned System Defined.—In this section, the term "unmanned system" means—

(1) an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49);

(2) an unmanned marine surface system; and

(3) an unmanned marine subsurface system.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title III, §304(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4244; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], §8413(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4725; Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11225(a), title CXVIII, §11803(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4024, 4163.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (a), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 117–263, which was approved Dec. 23, 2022.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263, §11225(a), amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to land-based unmanned aircraft system program.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §11803(a), which directed substitution of "section 44801 of title 49" for "section 331 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note)", could not be executed because of the intervening general amendment of this section by Pub. L. 117–263, §11225(a). See above.

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Testing

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], §8412, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4724, provided that:

"(a) Training Area.—The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall carry out and update, as appropriate, a program for the use of one or more training areas to facilitate the use of unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft to support missions of the Coast Guard.

"(b) Designation of Area.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Commandant shall, as part of the program under subsection (a), designate an area for the training, testing, and development of unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft.

"(2) Considerations.—In designating a training area under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall—

"(A) ensure that such training area has or receives all necessary Federal Aviation Administration flight authorization; and

"(B) take into consideration all of the following attributes of the training area:

"(i) Direct over-water maritime access from the site.

"(ii) The availability of existing Coast Guard support facilities, including pier and dock space.

"(iii) Proximity to existing and available offshore Warning Area airspace for test and training.

"(iv) Existing facilities and infrastructure to support unmanned aircraft system-augmented, and small unmanned aircraft-augmented, training, evaluations, and exercises.

"(v) Existing facilities with a proven track record of supporting unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft systems flight operations.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section—

"(1) the term 'existing' means as of the date of enactment of this Act; and

"(2) the terms 'small unmanned aircraft' and 'unmanned aircraft system' have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code."

§320. Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may establish and maintain a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, organized into units, at public and private secondary educational institutions.

(b) Applicability.—Except as provided in subsection (d), the provisions of chapter 102 of title 10 shall apply to a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps established and maintained under this section in the same manner that such provisions apply to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps of each military department. For purposes of the application of such provisions to this section—

(1) any reference in such provisions to a "military department" shall be treated as a reference to the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and

(2) any reference in such provisions to a "Secretary of a military department", a "Secretary concerned", or the "Secretary of Defense" shall be treated as a reference to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

(c) Scope.—Beginning on December 31, 2025, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall maintain at all times a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program with not fewer than 1 such program established in each Coast Guard district.

(d) Exception.—The requirements of chapter 102 of title 10 shall not apply to a unit of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps established by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating before the date of the enactment of this section unless the Secretary determines it is appropriate to apply such requirements to such unit.

(Added Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §519(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1350; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11247(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4047.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (d), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 116–92, which was approved Dec. 20, 2019.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §11247(a)(2), substituted "subsection (d)" for "subsection (c)".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 117–263, §11247(a)(1), (3), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

§321. Congressional affairs; Director

The Commandant shall appoint a Director of Congressional Affairs from among officers of the Coast Guard who are in a grade above captain. The Director of Congressional Affairs is separate and distinct from the Director of Governmental and Public Affairs for the Coast Guard and is the principal advisor to the Commandant on all congressional and legislative matters for the Coast Guard and may have such additional functions as the Commandant may direct.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8211(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4649.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 321 was renumbered section 2158 of this title.

§322. Redistricting notification requirement

The Commandant shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate at least 180 days before—

(1) implementing any plan to reduce the number of, change the location of, or change the geographic area covered by any existing Coast Guard Districts; or

(2) permanently transferring more than 10 percent of the personnel or equipment from a district office where such personnel or equipment is based.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4745.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §215, Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1038, formerly set out as a note under section 504 of this title, was redesignated as this section, transferred to appear after section 321 of this title, and amended so that the enumerator, section catchline, typeface, and typestyle conformed to those appearing in other sections of this title by Pub. L. 116–283, §8501(a)(1).

Prior Provisions

A prior section 322 was renumbered section 2159 of this title.

For redesignation of prior sections 323 to 500 not listed below as having been previously repealed or renumbered, see Table Showing Redesignations Made by Title I of Pub. L. 115–282 preceding section 101 of this title.

A prior section 356, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 521, related to retirement for disabilities incident to service, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408. See sections 1204 and 1376 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

A prior section 358, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1, 63 Stat. 522, limited number of retirements in a calendar year of enlisted men who had completed 20 years of service, to not more than the whole number nearest 1 percent of the total enlisted force on the active list, and any men so authorized to be retired annually who were not so retired, could be retired during any subsequent year providing the total retired in that year did not exceed 3 percent of the total enlisted force, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–114, §1(2), Sept. 6, 1963, 77 Stat. 144.

Prior sections 363 and 364 were repealed by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408.

Section 363, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 523, related to retiring or dropping for disabilities not incident to service. See section 1207 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Section 364, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 523, related to dropping for disabilities due to vicious habits. See section 1207 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

A prior section 368, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 524, related to discharge in case of under-age enlistment, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §115(b)(1), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1585.

A prior section 425, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 525, related to retiring boards, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408. See section 1216 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Prior sections 431, 433, and 434 were repealed by Pub. L. 99–640, §10(a)(6)(A), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3549, which provided in part that such repeal did not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun under those sections before Nov. 10, 1986.

Section 431, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 526; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §24, 64 Stat. 407, related to personnel of former Life Saving Service.

Section 433, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 528; Sept. 27, 1949, ch. 586, 63 Stat. 698; Sept. 24, 1963, Pub. L. 88–130, §1(11), 77 Stat. 190; Oct. 12, 1982, Pub. L. 97–295, §2(11), (14), 96 Stat. 1302, related to personnel of former Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation and Bureau of Customs.

Section 434, added act Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 996, 64 Stat. 978; amended Oct. 12, 1982, Pub. L. 97–295, §2(14), 96 Stat. 1302, related to personnel appointed as constructors.

Prior sections 435 to 437 were repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §4(a), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 192.

Section 435, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §9(a), 70A Stat. 620, related to temporary appointments in time of war or national emergency.

Section 436, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §9(a), 70A Stat. 621, related to temporary promotions in time of war or national emergency.

Section 437, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §9(a), 70A Stat. 622; June 28, 1962, Pub. L. 87–509, §4(b), 76 Stat. 121, related to discharge during war or emergency of officers having less than 20 years of service for unsatisfactory performance of duty.

A prior section 438, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §9(a), 70A Stat. 623; amended June 9, 1966, Pub. L. 89–444, §1(21), 80 Stat. 197; Dec. 12, 1980, Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §505(b), 94 Stat. 2918, related to laws not applicable to warrant officers of former Life Saving Service, Lighthouse Service, Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation, and Bureau of Customs, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–640, §10(a)(6)(A), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3549, which provided in part that such repeal did not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun under that section before Nov. 10, 1986.

Prior sections 439 and 440 were repealed by Pub. L. 88–130, §4(a), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 192.

Section 439, added act July 20, 1956, ch. 647, §3(a), 70 Stat. 588, related to oath of office.

Section 440, added Pub. L. 85–861, §33(b)(1), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1567, related to temporary promotion of warrant officers.

A prior section 462, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 530; May 14, 1960, Pub. L. 86–474, §1(19), 74 Stat. 146, related to pay and allowances of rear admirals, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 87–649, §§14d(1), 15, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 502, effective Nov. 1, 1962. See section 202 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

A prior section 462a, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §10(a), 70A Stat. 623; amended Sept. 7, 1962, Pub. L. 87–649, §7(b), 76 Stat. 495, related to retired pay after two years of active duty for retired rear admirals, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–417, §2(11), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2086.

A prior section 463, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 530, related to continuation of additional pay, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408.

Prior sections 464 and 465 were repealed by Pub. L. 87–649, §§14d(2), (3), 15, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 502, effective Nov. 1, 1962.

Section 464, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 531, related to allotments of pay. See section 703 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

Section 465, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 531, related to advances to officers ordered to and from sea or shore duty beyond the seas. See section 1006 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.

A prior section 466, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 531, provided for settlement of accounts of deceased officers and men, prior to repeal by act July 12, 1955, ch. 328, §5(3), 69 Stat. 296. See section 2771 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and section 714 of Title 32, National Guard.

A prior section 471a, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §11(a), 70A Stat. 624, authorized transportation of motor vehicles on permanent change of station, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 87–651, title III, §307B, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 526.

A prior section 472, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 532, related to travel allowance to enlisted men on discharge, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §36, 64 Stat. 408.

A prior section 473, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 532, authorized Secretary to discharge underage Coast Guard enlisted personnel with appropriate pay and allowances, such persons to be given subsistence and transportation in kind to their homes, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–295, §2(15)(A), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302.

A prior section 474, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 532, related to compensation for travel tolls and fares, prior to repeal by act Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1211, §5, 68 Stat. 1130.

A prior section 489, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 534, provided for payment of a death gratuity to survivors of officers and enlisted men of Regular Coast Guard, prior to repeal by act Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 837, title V, §502(8)(A), 70 Stat. 886. See sections 1475 to 1480 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

A prior section 490, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1, 63 Stat. 534; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §26, 64 Stat. 407; Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–738, §1, 72 Stat. 832; Sept. 15, 1965, Pub. L. 89–185, §2, 79 Stat. 789, provided for settlement of claims of military and civilian personnel, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 88–558, §7, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 768, effective two years from Aug. 31, 1964. See section 3721 of Title 31, Money and Finance. Pub. L. 89–185 and Pub. L. 88–558 were repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1068.

A prior section 492a was renumbered section 492b of this title and subsequently renumbered section 2738 of this title.

A prior section 495, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 535, related to additional pay for holders of medals, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 87–526, §1(3), July 10, 1962, 76 Stat. 141, and by Pub. L. 87–649, §§14d(5), 15, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 502, effective Nov. 1, 1962.

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 redesignated section 215 of Pub. L. 108–293 as this section and made technical changes to conform this section to other sections of this title. See Codification note above.

§323. Western Alaska Oil Spill Planning Criteria Program

(a) Establishment.—There is established within the Coast Guard a Western Alaska Oil Spill Planning Criteria Program (referred to in this section as the "Program") to develop and administer the Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria.

(b) Program Manager.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Commandant shall select a permanent civilian career employee through a competitive search process for a term of not less than 5 years to serve as the Western Alaska Oil Spill Criteria Program Manager (referred to in this section as the "Program Manager")—

(A) the primary duty of whom shall be to administer the Program; and

(B) who shall not be subject to frequent or routine reassignment.

(2) Conflicts of interest.—The individual selected to serve as the Program Manager shall not have conflicts of interest relating to entities regulated by the Coast Guard.

(3) Duties.—

(A) Development of guidance.—The Program Manager shall develop guidance for—

(i) approval, drills, and testing relating to the Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria; and

(ii) gathering input concerning such planning criteria from Federal agencies, State and local governments, Tribes, and relevant industry and nongovernmental entities.

(B) Assessments.—Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Program Manager shall—

(i) assess whether such existing planning criteria adequately meet the needs of vessels operating in the geographic area; and

(ii) identify methods for advancing response capability so as to achieve, with respect to a vessel, compliance with national planning criteria.

(C) Onsite verifications.—The Program Manager shall address the relatively small number and limited nature of verifications of response capabilities for vessel response plans by increasing, within the Seventeenth Coast Guard District, the quantity and frequency of onsite verifications of the providers identified in vessel response plans.

(c) Training.—The Commandant shall enhance the knowledge and proficiency of Coast Guard personnel with respect to the Program by—

(1) developing formalized training on the Program that, at a minimum—

(A) provides in-depth analysis of—

(i) the national planning criteria described in part 155 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section);

(ii) alternative planning criteria;

(iii) Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria;

(iv) Captain of the Port and Federal On-Scene Coordinator authorities related to activation of a vessel response plan;

(v) the responsibilities of vessel owners and operators in preparing a vessel response plan for submission; and

(vi) responsibilities of the Area Committee, including risk analysis, response capability, and development of alternative planning criteria;

(B) explains the approval processes of vessel response plans that involve alternative planning criteria or Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria; and

(C) provides instruction on the processes involved in carrying out the actions described in paragraphs (9)(D) and (9)(F) of section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)), including instruction on carrying out such actions—

(i) in any geographic area in the United States; and

(ii) specifically in the Seventeenth Coast Guard District; and

(2) providing such training to all Coast Guard personnel involved in the Program.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Alternative planning criteria.—The term "alternative planning criteria" means criteria submitted under section 155.1065 or 155.5067 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section), for vessel response plans.

(2) Tribe.—The term "Tribe" has the meaning given the term "Indian Tribe" in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(3) Vessel response plan.—The term "vessel response plan" means a plan required to be submitted by the owner or operator of a tank vessel or a nontank vessel under regulations issued by the President under section 311(j)(5) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(5)).

(4) Western alaska oil spill planning criteria.—The term "Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria" means the criteria required to be established under paragraph (9) of section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)).

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIII, §11309(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4079.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1), (c)(1)(A)(i), and (d)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 117–263, which was approved Dec. 23, 2022.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Rule of Construction

Nothing in amendment made by Pub. L. 117–263 to be construed to satisfy any requirement for government-to-government consultation with Tribal governments or to affect or modify any treaty or other right of any Tribal government, see section 11003 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 245 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

CHAPTER 5—FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL POWERS

        

SUBCHAPTER II—LIFE SAVING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

        

SUBCHAPTER III—AIDS TO NAVIGATION

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—MISCELLANEOUS

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior analysis for chapter 5 "FUNCTIONS AND POWERS" consisted of items 81 "Aids to navigation authorized", 83 "Unauthorized aids to maritime navigation; penalty", 84 "Interference with aids to navigation; penalty", 85 "Aids to maritime navigation; penalty", 86 "Marking of obstructions", 87 "Icebreaking in polar regions", 88 "Saving life and property", 89 "Law enforcement", 90 "Arctic maritime transportation", 91 "Safety of naval vessels", 92 "Secretary; general powers", 93 "Commandant; general powers", 94 "Oceanographic research", 95 "Special agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service law enforcement authority", 96 "Prohibition on overhaul, repair, and maintenance of Coast Guard vessels in foreign shipyards", 97 "Procurement of buoy chain", 98 "National Coast Guard Museum", 99 "Enforcement authority", 100 "Enforcement of coastwise trade laws", 101 "Appeals and waivers", 102 "Agreements", 103 "Notification of certain determinations", and 104 "Protecting against unmanned aircraft", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4199.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §§11231(b), 11258(b)(2), 11272(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4032, 4057, 4066, added items 509, 510, and 564. Amendment by section 11258(b)(2) of Pub. L. 117–263 adding item 510 to the analysis for subchapter I of this chapter was executed by adding item 510 to the analysis for this chapter, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8509(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4756, added items 548 to 550.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(a), title III, §§305(b), 318(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200, 4246, 4252, inserted chapter 5 designation and heading and added items 501 to 563.

¹ Editorially supplied. Section added by Pub. L. 117–263 at the end of subchapter III without corresponding amendment of chapter analysis.

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL POWERS

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(c)(1), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4202, inserted subchapter I designation and heading.

§501. Secretary; general powers

For the purpose of executing the duties and functions of the Coast Guard the Secretary may within the limits of appropriations made therefor:

(a) establish, change the limits of, consolidate, discontinue, and re-establish Coast Guard districts;

(b) arrange with the Secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force to assign members of the Coast Guard to any school maintained by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, for instruction and training, including aviation schools;

(c) construct, or cause to be constructed, Coast Guard shore establishments;

(d) design or cause to be designed, cause to be constructed, accept as gift, or otherwise acquire vessels, aircraft, and systems, and subject to applicable regulations under subtitle I of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41 dispose of them;

(e) acquire land or interests in land, including acceptance of gifts thereof, where required for the purpose of carrying out any project or purpose for which an appropriation has been made;

(f) exchange land or interests in land in part or in full payment for such other land or interests in land as may be necessary or desirable, the balance of such part payment to be defrayable in accordance with other provisions of this section;

(g) exercise any of the powers vested by this title in the Commandant in any case in which the Secretary deems it appropriate; and

(h) do any and all things necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 503, §92; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, §§1(32), 2(9), 3(3), 65 Stat. 702, 707, 708; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(4), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(D), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865; Pub. L. 107–217, §3(c)(1), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1298; Pub. L. 111–350, §5(c)(1), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3847; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3533(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2321; renumbered §501 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), title III, §311(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200, 4248.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section grants broad general powers concerning policy matters to the Secretary. Many of the powers are contained in existing law but some are enlarged and some additional powers are added as explained following.

Subsection (a) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §95 (Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601). Said section has been divided. The provision authorizing the Secretary to man stations seems more appropriately given to the operational head of the Service, the Commandant, and for that reason is incorporated in section 93(c) of this title.

Subsection (b) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§28, 42 (Aug. 16, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, §11, 44 Stat. 817). These sections were rewritten in order to broaden existing authority in regard to the training of Coast Guard personnel at schools of the other armed forces, thus approaching a practice of war time, and making for economy in the training of Service personnel; such training would be on a basis mutually satisfactory to the Secretaries involved.

Subsection (c) is based on R.S. 4242 and on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§29, 93, 94, 98a (R.S. 4245, 4249; May 4, 1882, ch. 117, §2, 22 Stat. 56; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601; June 6, 1940, ch. 257, §4, 54 Stat. 247; Aug. 6, 1947, ch. 502, 61 Stat. 786). This subsection broadens existing law in that it provides general legislative authority for the construction and disposal of shore establishments of all types including aviation stations.

Subsection (d) is based in part on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§55, 57, 69, 109, and in part on title 31, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§487, 720, (R.S. 2748, 3618, 3692; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §3, 20 Stat. 163; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601). This subsection broadens existing law in that it provides general legislative authority for the design, construction, acquisition by other means, and disposal of vessels.

Subsection (e) is new. It is derived from title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §31b (June 6, 1941, ch. 177, 55 Stat. 247 [which was originally repealed by act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title VI, §602(a)(28), 63 Stat. 399, renumbered Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, §6(a), (b), 64 Stat. 583]) which provides for the exchange of vehicles, planes, and engines; similar authority in relation to vessels, is granted to the Secretary by this subsection and should prove advantageous to the Government.

Subsection (f) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §96 and on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§729, 730, 731 (Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 130, §1, 18 Stat. 372; Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 299, 35 Stat. 972; June 17, 1910, ch. 301, §9, 36 Stat. 538; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 168, 37 Stat. 1018). This subsection broadens the power of the Secretary to receive as a gift or purchase sites for stations, to include the acquisition of land by any means provided it is for the purpose of executing duties and functions of the Coast Guard.

Subsection (g) is based in part on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §732 (Aug. 28, 1916, ch. 414, §2, 39 Stat. 538; July 11, 1941, ch. 290, §1, 55 Stat. 584) and grants authority to the Secretary to exchange interests in land as payment or part payment for other interests in land for the purpose of executing the duties and functions of the Coast Guard; this authority, on the basis of past experience, will prove advantageous to the Government.

Subsection (h) is new and merely insures that the Secretary may exercise any of the powers granted to the Commandant in this title.

Subsection (i) is based in part on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§51, 131 (R.S. 2756, 2758) and insures that the Secretary may do anything necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 501 was renumbered section 2745 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §105(b), renumbered section 92 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–282, §311(a), inserted "aircraft, and systems," after "vessels,".

Subsecs. (e) to (i). Pub. L. 115–232 redesignated subsecs. (f) to (i) as (e) to (h), respectively.

2011—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–350 substituted "division C (except sections 3302, 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41" for "title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)".

2002—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–217 inserted "subtitle I of title 40 and title III of" before "the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949" and substituted "(41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)" for "(40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)".

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–557 substituted reference to members for reference to officers and enlisted men.

1982—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted "(40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)" for ", as amended," after "Act of 1949".

1951—Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 31, 1951, §3(3), struck out provision relating to sale or other disposition of unsuitable or unserviceable shore establishments, and disposition of the net monies received therefrom.

Subsec. (d). Act Oct. 31, 1951, §2(9), inserted reference to applicable regulations of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, and struck out requirement that net monies received from the disposition of vessels be covered into the Treasury.

Subsec. (e). Act Oct. 31, 1951, §1(32), repealed subsec. (e) which empowered the Secretary to exchange vessels and parts thereof in part payment for new vessels.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

At-Sea Recovery Operations Pilot Program

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXV, §11504, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4131, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary shall conduct a pilot program to evaluate the potential use of remotely controlled or autonomous operation and monitoring of certain vessels for the purposes of—

"(1) better understanding the complexities of such at-sea operations and potential risks to navigation safety, vessel security, maritime workers, the public, and the environment;

"(2) gathering observational and performance data from monitoring the use of remotely-controlled or autonomous vessels; and

"(3) assessing and evaluating regulatory requirements necessary to guide the development of future occurrences of such operations and monitoring activities.

"(b) Duration and Effective Date.—The duration of the pilot program established under this section shall be not more than 5 years beginning on the date on which the pilot program is established, which shall be not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022].

"(c) Authorized Activities.—The activities authorized under this section include—

"(1) remote over-the-horizon monitoring operations related to the active at-sea recovery of spaceflight components on an unmanned vessel or platform;

"(2) procedures for the unaccompanied operation and monitoring of an unmanned spaceflight recovery vessel or platform; and

"(3) unmanned vessel transits and testing operations without a physical tow line related to space launch and recovery operations, except within 12 nautical miles of a port.

"(d) Interim Authority.—In recognition of potential risks to navigation safety, vessel security, maritime workers, the public, and the environment, and the unique circumstances requiring the use of remotely operated or autonomous vessels, the Secretary, in the pilot program established under subsection (a), may—

"(1) allow remotely controlled or autonomous vessel operations to proceed consistent to the extent practicable under the proposed title 33, United States Code [sic], and 46, United States Code, including navigation and manning laws and regulations;

"(2) modify or waive applicable regulations and guidance as the Secretary considers appropriate to—

"(A) allow remote and autonomous vessel at-sea operations and activities to occur while ensuring navigation safety; and

"(B) ensure the reliable, safe, and secure operation of remotely-controlled or autonomous vessels; and

"(3) require each remotely operated or autonomous vessel to be at all times under the supervision of 1 or more individuals—

"(A) holding a merchant mariner credential which is suitable to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard; and

"(B) who shall practice due regard for the safety of navigation of the autonomous vessel, to include collision avoidance.

"(e) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to—

"(1) permit foreign vessels to participate in the pilot program established under subsection (a);

"(2) waive or modify applicable laws and regulations under the proposed title 33, United States Code [sic], and title 46, United States Code, except to the extent authorized under subsection (d)(2);

"(3) waive or modify applicable laws and regulations under titles 49 and 51 of the United States Code; or

"(4) waive or modify any regulations arising under international conventions.

"(f) Savings Provision.—Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the employment in the coastwise trade of a vessel or platform that does not meet the requirements of sections 12112, 55102, 55103, and 55111 of title 46, United States Code.

"(g) Authority Unaffected.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect, impinge, or alter any authority of the Secretary of Transportation under titles 49 and 51, United States Code.

"(h) Briefings.—The Secretary or the designee of the Secretary shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives on the program established under subsection (a) on a quarterly basis.

"(i) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the expiration of the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a final report regarding an assessment of the execution of the pilot program and implications for maintaining navigation safety, the safety of maritime workers, and the preservation of the environment.

"(j) GAO Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section [Dec. 23, 2022], the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the state of autonomous and remote technologies in the operation of shipboard equipment and the safe and secure navigation of vessels in Federal waters of the United States.

"(2) Elements.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) An assessment of commercially available autonomous and remote technologies in the operation of shipboard equipment and the safe and secure navigation of vessels during the 10 years immediately preceding the date of the report.

"(B) An analysis of the safety, physical security, cybersecurity, and collision avoidance risks and benefits associated with autonomous and remote technologies in the operation of shipboard equipment and the safe and secure navigation of vessels, including environmental considerations.

"(C) An assessment of the impact of such autonomous and remote technologies, and all associated technologies, on labor, including—

"(i) roles for credentialed and noncredentialed workers regarding such autonomous, remote, and associated technologies; and

"(ii) training and workforce development needs associated with such technologies.

"(D) An assessment and evaluation of regulatory requirements necessary to guide the development of future autonomous, remote, and associated technologies in the operation of shipboard equipment and safe and secure navigation of vessels.

"(E) An assessment of the extent to which such technologies are being used in other countries and how such countries have regulated such technologies.

"(F) Recommendations regarding authorization, infrastructure, and other requirements necessary for the implementation of such technologies in the United States.

"(3) Consultation.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, consultation with the maritime industry including—

"(A) vessel operators, including commercial carriers, entities engaged in exploring for, developing, or producing resources, including non-mineral energy resources in its offshore areas, and supporting entities in the maritime industry;

"(B) shipboard personnel impacted by any change to autonomous vessel operations, in order to assess the various benefits and risks associated with the implementation of autonomous, remote, and associated technologies in the operation of shipboard equipment and safe and secure navigation of vessels and the impact such technologies would have on maritime jobs and maritime manpower;

"(C) relevant federally funded research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and academia; and

"(D) the commercial space industry.

"(k) Merchant Mariner Credential Defined.—In this section, the term 'merchant mariner credential' means a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to title 46, United States Code."

[For definition of "Secretary" as used in section 11504 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out above, see section 11002 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.]

Conveyance of Coast Guard Vessels for Public Purposes

Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, §914, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3018, which provided for transfer of a Coast Guard vessel or aircraft to an eligible entity for public purposes when authorized by law or declared excess by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, was redesignated as section 510 of this title and transferred to appear after section 509 of this title by Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11258(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4057.

Implementation of International Agreements

Pub. L. 109–241, title VIII, §801, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 562, provided that: "In consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall work with the responsible officials and agencies of other nations to accelerate efforts at the International Maritime Organization to enhance oversight and enforcement of security, environmental, and other agreements adopted within the International Maritime Organization by flag States on whom such agreements are binding, including implementation of—

"(1) a code outlining flag State responsibilities and obligations;

"(2) an audit regime for evaluating flag State performance;

"(3) measures to ensure that responsible organizations, acting on behalf of flag States, meet established performance standards; and

"(4) cooperative arrangements to improve enforcement on a bilateral, regional, or international basis."

Voluntary Measures for Reducing Pollution From Recreational Boats

Pub. L. 109–241, title VIII, §802, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 563, provided that: "In consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local government agencies, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall undertake outreach programs for educating the owners and operators of boats using two-stroke engines about the pollution associated with such engines and support voluntary programs that reduce such pollution and encourage the early replacement of older two-stroke engines."

Great Lakes Lighthouses

Pub. L. 107–295, title III, §345, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2106, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—The Congress finds the following:

"(1) The Great Lakes are home to more than 400 lighthouses. One hundred and twenty of these maritime landmarks are in the State of Michigan.

"(2) Lighthouses are an important part of Great Lakes culture and stand as a testament to the importance of shipping in the region's political, economic, and social history.

"(3) Advances in navigation technology have made many Great Lakes lighthouses obsolete. In Michigan alone, approximately 70 lighthouses will be designated as excess property of the Federal Government and will be transferred to the General Services Administration for disposal.

"(4) Unfortunately, the Federal property disposal process is confusing, complicated, and not well-suited to disposal of historic lighthouses or to facilitate transfers to nonprofit organizations. This is especially troubling because, in many cases, local nonprofit historical organizations have dedicated tremendous resources to preserving and maintaining Great Lakes lighthouses.

"(5) If Great Lakes lighthouses disappear, the public will be unaware of an important chapter in Great Lakes history.

"(6) The National Trust for Historic Preservation has placed Michigan lighthouses on their list of Most Endangered Historic Places.

"(b) Assistance for Great Lakes Lighthouse Preservation Efforts.—The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may—

"(1) continue to offer advice and technical assistance to organizations in the Great Lakes region that are dedicated to lighthouse stewardship; and

"(2) promptly release information regarding the timing of designations of Coast Guard lighthouses on the Great Lakes as excess to the needs of the Coast Guard, to enable those organizations to mobilize and be prepared to take appropriate action with respect to the disposal of those properties."

VHF Communications Services

Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §406, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2116, which permitted the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to authorize placement of commercial VHF communications equipment on real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard, was redesignated as section 720 of this title and transferred to appear after section 719 of this title by Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(a)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4745.

"(b) Commercial VHF communication equipment placed on real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard under this section shall not interfere in any manner with any current or future Coast Guard communication equipment.

"(c) Nothing in this section shall affect the rights or obligations of the United States under section 704(c) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–104] (47 U.S.C. 332 note) with respect to the availability of property or under section 359(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 357(d)) with respect to charges for transmission of distress messages."

Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products; Notice to Recipients of Assistance

Pub. L. 104–324, title XI, §1127, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3983, provided that:

"(a) Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products.—It is the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available under this Act [see Tables for classification] should be American-made.

"(b) Notice to Recipients of Assistance.—In providing financial assistance under this Act, the official responsible for providing the assistance, to the greatest extent practicable, shall provide to each recipient of the assistance a notice describing the statement made in subsection (a) by the Congress."

Coast Guard Vessel Design

Pub. L. 101–380, title IV, §4203, Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat. 532, provided that: "The Secretary shall ensure that vessels designed and constructed to replace Coast Guard buoy tenders are equipped with oil skimming systems that are readily available and operable, and that complement the primary mission of servicing aids to navigation."

Authorization of Junior Reserve Officers Training Program Pilot Program

Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §204, Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1911, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (hereinafter in this section referred to as the 'Secretary') may carry out a pilot program to establish and maintain a junior reserve officers training program in cooperation with the Dade County Public School System of Dade County, Florida, as part of the Maritime and Science Technology Academy established by that school system (hereinafter in this section referred to as the 'Academy').

"(b) Program Requirements.—A pilot program carried out by the Secretary under this section—

"(1) shall be known as the 'Claude Pepper Junior Reserve Officers Training Program', and

"(2) shall provide to students at the Academy—

"(A) instruction in subject areas relating to operations of the Coast Guard; and

"(B) training in skills which are useful and appropriate for a career in the Coast Guard.

"(c) Provision of Additional Support.—To carry out a pilot program under this section, the Secretary may provide to the Academy—

"(1) assistance in course development, instruction, and other support activities;

"(2) commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Coast Guard to serve as administrators and instructors; and

"(3) necessary and appropriate course materials, equipment, and uniforms.

"(d) Employment of Retired Coast Guard Personnel.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may authorize the Academy to employ as administrators and instructors for the pilot program retired Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve commissioned, warrant, and petty officers who request that employment and who are approved by the Secretary and the Academy.

"(2) Authorized pay.—(A) Retired members employed under paragraph (1) of this subsection are entitled to receive their retired or retainer pay and an additional amount of not more than the difference between—

"(i) the amount the individual would be paid as pay and allowance if they were considered to have been ordered to active duty during that period of employment; and

"(ii) the amount of retired pay the individual is entitled to receive during that period.

"(B) The Secretary shall pay to the Academy an amount equal to one half of the amount described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, from funds appropriated for that purpose.

"(C) Notwithstanding any other law, while employed under this subsection, an individual is not considered to be on active duty or inactive duty training."

Consideration of Maritime Administration Vessels

Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §213, Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1914, provided that: "Before acquiring a vessel for use by the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Transportation or the Commandant of the Coast Guard, as appropriate, shall review the inventory of vessels acquired by the Secretary or the Secretary of Commerce as the result of a default under title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 ([former] 46 App. U.S.C. 1271–1279c) [see 46 U.S.C. 53701 et seq.], to determine whether any of those vessels are suitable for use by the Coast Guard."

Lifesaving Equipment on Passenger Ferries

Pub. L. 98–557, §10, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2863, provided that: "The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall proceed vigorously with efforts to develop improved lifesaving equipment for use on passenger ferries."

Aircraft

Provisions specifying the maximum number of aircraft on hand at any one time, exclusive of planes and parts stored to meet future attrition, were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 105–66, title I, Oct. 27, 1997, 111 Stat. 1426.

Pub. L. 104–205, title I, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 2953.

Pub. L. 104–50, title I, Nov. 15, 1995, 109 Stat. 438.

Pub. L. 103–331, title I, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2473.

Pub. L. 103–122, title I, Oct. 27, 1993, 107 Stat. 1201.

Pub. L. 102–388, title I, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1523.

Pub. L. 102–143, title I, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 920.

Pub. L. 101–516, title I, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2158.

Pub. L. 101–164, title I, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1071.

Pub. L. 100–457, title I, Sept. 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 2126.

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(l) [title I], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–358, 1329-359.

Pub. L. 99–500, §101(l) [H.R. 5205, title I], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–308, and Pub. L. 99–591, §101(l), Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–308.

Pub. L. 99–190, §101(e) [title I], Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1267, 1269.

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(i) [title I], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1944, 1945.

Pub. L. 98–78, title I, Aug. 15, 1983, 97 Stat. 454.

Pub. L. 97–369, title I, Dec. 18, 1982, 96 Stat. 1766.

Pub. L. 97–102, title I, Dec. 23, 1981, 95 Stat. 1443.

Pub. L. 96–400, title I, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1681.

Pub. L. 96–131, title I, Nov. 30, 1979, 93 Stat. 1023.

Pub. L. 95–335, title I, Aug. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 435.

Pub. L. 95–85, title I, Aug. 2, 1977, 91 Stat. 402.

Pub. L. 94–387, title I, Aug. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1172.

Pub. L. 94–134, title I, Nov. 24, 1975, 89 Stat. 696.

Pub. L. 93–391, title I, Aug. 28, 1974, 88 Stat. 769.

Pub. L. 93–98, title I, Aug. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 330.

Pub. L. 92–398, title I, Aug. 22, 1972, 86 Stat. 581.

Pub. L. 92–74, title I, Aug. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 202.

Pub. L. 91–168, title I, Dec. 26, 1969, 83 Stat. 454.

Pub. L. 90–464, title I, Aug. 8, 1968, 82 Stat. 654.

Pub. L. 90–112, title II, Oct. 23, 1967, 81 Stat. 312.

Pub. L. 89–474, title I, June 29, 1966, 80 Stat. 223.

Pub. L. 89–57, title I, June 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 197.

Pub. L. 88–392, title I, Aug. 1, 1964, 78 Stat. 369.

Pub. L. 88–39, title I, June 13, 1963, 77 Stat. 59.

Pub. L. 87–575, title I, Aug. 6, 1962, 76 Stat. 311.

Pub. L. 87–159, title I, Aug. 21, 1961, 75 Stat. 395.

Pub. L. 86–561, title I, June 30, 1960, 74 Stat. 285.

Pub. L. 86–39, title I, June 11, 1959, 73 Stat. 67.

Pub. L. 85–354, title I, Mar. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 62.

Pub. L. 85–37, title I, May 27, 1957, 71 Stat. 37.

Apr. 2, 1956, ch. 161, title I, 70 Stat. 93.

June 1, 1955, ch. 113, title I, 69 Stat. 74.

May 28, 1954, ch. 242, title I, 68 Stat. 146.

June 18, 1953, ch. 132, title I, 67 Stat. 69.

June 30, 1952, ch. 523, title I, 66 Stat. 291.

Aug. 11, 1951, ch. 301, title I, 65 Stat. 185.

Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, Ch. IV, title I, 64 Stat. 639.

June 30, 1949, ch. 286, title I, 63 Stat. 367.

June 19, 1948, ch. 558, title I, 62 Stat. 563.

July 1, 1947, ch. 186, title I, 61 Stat. 227.

July 12, 1946, ch. 569, §1, 60 Stat. 531.

§502. Delegation of powers by the Secretary

The Secretary is authorized to confer or impose upon the Commandant any of the rights, privileges, powers, or duties, in respect to the administration of the Coast Guard, vested in or imposed upon the Secretary by this title or other provisions of law.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 544, §631; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(33), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2521; renumbered §502, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section authorizes the Secretary to delegate to the Commandant any of the authority granted to him in respect to the administration of the Coast Guard. Such power to delegate is granted by other statutes to the heads of many of the executive departments. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 502 was renumbered section 2746 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 631 of this title as this section.

1976—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of the Treasury" wherever appearing and substituted "Commandant" for "Commandant of the Coast Guard".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Administrative Advisory Committees; Solicitation of Nominations for Membership; Publication in Federal Register; Disclosures to Congress; Compensation and Travel Expenses

Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §118(e), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1587, provided that:

"(1) The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall, not less often than once a year, publish notice in the Federal Register for solicitation of nominations for membership on any advisory committee established administratively for the purpose of giving advice and recommendations to such Secretary or the Commandant of the Coast Guard with respect to functions of the Coast Guard.

"(2) Any advisory committee described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is authorized to make available to Congress any information, advice, and recommendations which the committee is authorized to give to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating or the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

"(3) Members of any advisory committee described in paragraph (1) of this subsection who are not officers or employees of the United States shall serve without pay and members of any such committee who are officers or employees of the United States shall receive no additional pay on account of their service on such committee. While away from their homes or regular places of business, members of any such committee may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code."

§503. Regulations

In addition to the authority conferred by other provisions of this title the Secretary may promulgate such regulations and orders as he deems appropriate to carry out the provisions of this title or any other law applicable to the Coast Guard.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 545, §633; renumbered §503, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§92, 185e (June 20, 1874, ch. 344, §8, 18 Stat. 127; May 26, 1906, ch. 2556, §1, 34 Stat. 200; May 24, 1939, ch. 146, §6, 53 Stat. 756).

This section enlarges said sections to prescribe what is generally understood in a military organization, that the promulgation of regulations is a function of the head of the Department.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 503 was renumbered section 2747 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 633 of this title as this section.

§504. Commandant; general powers

(a) For the purpose of executing the duties and functions of the Coast Guard the Commandant may:

(1) maintain water, land, and air patrols, and ice-breaking facilities;

(2) establish and prescribe the purpose of, change the location of, consolidate, discontinue, re-establish, maintain, operate, and repair Coast Guard shore establishments;

(3) assign vessels, aircraft, vehicles, aids to navigation, equipment, appliances, and supplies to Coast Guard districts and shore establishments, and transfer any of the foregoing from one district or shore establishment to another;

(4) conduct experiments and investigate, or cause to be investigated, plans, devices, and inventions relating to the performance of any Coast Guard function, including research, development, test, or evaluation related to intelligence systems and capabilities;

(5) conduct any investigations or studies that may be of assistance to the Coast Guard in the performance of any of its powers, duties, or functions;

(6) collect, publish, and distribute information concerning Coast Guard operations;

(7) conduct or make available to personnel of the Coast Guard, and to eligible spouses as defined under section 2904, such specialized training and courses of instruction, including correspondence courses and the textbooks, manuals, and other materials required as part of such training or course of instruction, as may be necessary or desirable for the good of the service;

(8) design or cause to be designed, cause to be constructed, accept as gift, or otherwise acquire patrol boats and other small craft, equip, operate, maintain, supply, and repair such patrol boats, other small craft, aircraft, and vehicles, and subject to applicable regulations under subtitle I of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41 dispose of them;

(9) acquire, accept as gift, maintain, repair, and discontinue aids to navigation, appliances, equipment, and supplies;

(10) equip, operate, maintain, supply, and repair Coast Guard districts and shore establishments;

(11) establish, equip, operate, and maintain shops, depots, and yards for the manufacture and construction of aids to navigation, equipment, apparatus, vessels, vehicles, and aircraft not normally or economically obtainable from private contractors, and for the maintenance and repair of any property used by the Coast Guard;

(12) accept and utilize, in times of emergency in order to save life or protect property, such voluntary services as may be offered to the Coast Guard;

(13) rent or lease, under such terms and conditions as are deemed advisable, for a period not exceeding five years, such real property under the control of the Coast Guard as may not be required for immediate use by the Coast Guard, the monies received from any such rental or lease, less amount of expenses incurred (exclusive of governmental personal services), to be deposited in the fund established under section 2946;

(14) grant, under such terms and conditions as are deemed advisable, permits, licenses, easements, and rights-of-way over, across, in, and upon lands under the control of the Coast Guard when in the public interest and without substantially injuring the interests of the United States in the property thereby affected;

(15) establish, install, abandon, re-establish, reroute, operate, maintain, repair, purchase, or lease such telephone and telegraph lines and cables, together with all facilities, apparatus, equipment, structures, appurtenances, accessories, and supplies used or useful in connection with the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of such lines and cables, including telephones in residences leased or owned by the Government of the United States when appropriate to assure efficient response to extraordinary operational contingencies of a limited duration, and acquire such real property rights of way, easements, or attachment privileges as may be required for the installation, operation, and maintenance of such lines, cables, and equipment;

(16) establish, install, abandon, reestablish, change the location of, operate, maintain, and repair radio transmitting and receiving stations;

(17) provide medical and dental care for personnel entitled thereto by law or regulation, including care in private facilities;

(18) accept, under terms and conditions the Commandant establishes, the service of an individual ordered to perform community service under the order of a Federal, State, or municipal court;

(19) notwithstanding any other law, enter into cooperative agreements with States, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, to accept and utilize voluntary services for the maintenance and improvement of natural and historic resources on, or to benefit natural and historic research on, Coast Guard facilities, subject to the requirement that—

(A) the cooperative agreements shall each provide for the parties to contribute funds or services on a matching basis to defray the costs of such programs, projects, and activities under the agreement; and

(B) an individual providing voluntary services under this subsection shall not be considered a Federal employee except for purposes of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, with respect to compensation for work-related injuries, and chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, with respect to tort claims;

(20) enter into cooperative agreements with other Government agencies and the National Academy of Sciences;

(21) require that any member of the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve (including a cadet or an applicant for appointment or enlistment to any of the foregoing and any member of a uniformed service who is assigned to the Coast Guard) request that all information contained in the National Driver Register pertaining to the individual, as described in section 30304(a) of title 49, be made available to the Commandant under section 30305(b)(7) of title 49, may receive that information, and upon receipt, shall make the information available to the individual;

(22) provide for the honorary recognition of individuals and organizations that significantly contribute to Coast Guard programs, missions, or operations, including State and local governments and commercial and nonprofit organizations, and pay for, using any appropriations or funds available to the Coast Guard, plaques, medals, trophies, badges, and similar items to acknowledge such contribution (including reasonable expenses of ceremony and presentation);

(23) rent or lease, under such terms and conditions as are considered by the Secretary to be advisable, commercial vehicles to transport the next of kin of eligible retired Coast Guard military personnel to attend funeral services of the service member at a national cemetery;

(24) after informing the Secretary, make such recommendations to the Congress relating to the Coast Guard as the Commandant considers appropriate;

(25) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements with Federal entities and other public or private entities, including academic entities, to develop a positioning, navigation, and timing system to provide redundant capability in the event Global Positioning System signals are disrupted, which may consist of an enhanced LORAN system; and

(26) develop data workflows and processes for the leveraging of mission-relevant data by the Coast Guard to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.

(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(13), a lease described in paragraph (2) of this subsection may be for a term of up to 20 years.

(2) A lease referred to in paragraph (1) is a lease—

(A) to the United States Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association for the construction of an Alumni Center on the grounds of the United States Coast Guard Academy; or

(B) to an entity with which the Commandant has a cooperative agreement under section 4(e) ¹ of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, and for which a term longer than 5 years is necessary to carry out the agreement.

(c) Marine Safety Responsibilities.—In exercising the Commandant's duties and responsibilities with regard to marine safety, the individual with the highest rank who meets the experience qualifications set forth in section 305(a)(3) shall serve as the principal advisor to the Commandant regarding—

(1) the operation, regulation, inspection, identification, manning, and measurement of vessels, including plan approval and the application of load lines;

(2) approval of materials, equipment, appliances, and associated equipment;

(3) the reporting and investigation of marine casualties and accidents;

(4) the licensing, certification, documentation, protection and relief of merchant mariners;

(5) suspension and revocation of licenses and certificates;

(6) enforcement of manning requirements, citizenship requirements, control of log books;

(7) documentation and numbering of vessels;

(8) State boating safety programs;

(9) commercial instruments and maritime liens;

(10) the administration of bridge safety;

(11) administration of the navigation rules;

(12) the prevention of pollution from vessels;

(13) ports and waterways safety;

(14) waterways management; including regulation for regattas and marine parades;

(15) aids to navigation; and

(16) other duties and powers of the Secretary related to marine safety and stewardship.

(d) Other Authority Not Affected.—Nothing in subsection (c) affects—

(1) the authority of Coast Guard officers and members to enforce marine safety regulations using authority under section 522 of this title; or

(2) the exercise of authority under section 527 of this title and the provisions of law codified at sections 191 through 195 of title 50 on the date of enactment of this paragraph.

(e) Operation and Maintenance of Coast Guard Assets and Facilities.—All authority, including programmatic budget authority, for the operation and maintenance of Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, systems, aids to navigation, infrastructure, and other assets or facilities shall be allocated to and vested in the Coast Guard and the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

(f) Leasing of Tidelands and Submerged Lands.—

(1) Authority.—The Commandant may lease under subsection (a)(13) submerged lands and tidelands under the control of the Coast Guard without regard to the limitation under that subsection with respect to lease duration.

(2) Limitation.—The Commandant may lease submerged lands and tidelands under paragraph (1) only if—

(A) the lease is for cash exclusively;

(B) the lease amount is equal to the fair market value of the use of the leased submerged lands or tidelands for the period during which such lands are leased, as determined by the Commandant;

(C) the lease does not provide authority to or commit the Coast Guard to use or support any improvements to such submerged lands and tidelands, or obtain goods and services from the lessee; and

(D) proceeds from the lease are deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under section 2946.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 504, §93; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §2, 64 Stat. 406; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, §§1(33), 2(10), 4(1), 65 Stat. 702, 707, 709; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(9), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 97–136, §6(d), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1706; Pub. L. 97–276, §143, Oct. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 1199; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(4), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §115(c), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1586; Pub. L. 102–241, §7, Dec. 19, 1991, 105 Stat. 2212; Pub. L. 103–206, title II, §202, title III, §316, Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2420, 2426; Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §207(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3908; Pub. L. 105–383, title II, §§202, 203, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3414, 3415; Pub. L. 107–217, §3(c)(2), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1298; Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §§201, 217, Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1031, 1038; Pub. L. 109–241, title IX, §901(a), (c), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 564; Pub. L. 111–259, title IV, §442(1), Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2733; Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §523, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2958; Pub. L. 111–350, §5(c)(2), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3847; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §202, Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1543; Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §§206(a), 207, 208(a), 209, 214(c), 222(1), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3025, 3026, 3034, 3038; Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §209(4), title VI, §610(b), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 40, 85; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3533(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2321; renumbered §504 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§105(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200, 4240; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(3), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4747; Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11229, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4029.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section grants powers to the Commandant concerning, in general, operations within the Service and the internal functioning of the Service. Many of the powers are contained in existing law, but some are enlarged, and some additional powers are added as explained following.

Subsection (a) is derived from title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §53, and title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §471 (R.S. 1536). The authority to order vessels to cruise along the coasts should be in the operational head of the Service, and not in the President. This section is changed to cover adequately the necessary present day cruising and patrolling.

Subsection (b) is derived from R.S. 4242 and title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§29, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98a (R.S. 4245, 4249; May 4, 1882, ch. 117, §§2, 3, 22 Stat. 56; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601; Aug. 6, 1947, ch. 502, 61 Stat. 786; June 6, 1940, ch. 257, §4, 54 Stat. 247), and specifically grants to the Commandant authority in regard to the establishment, discontinuance, and change of Coast Guard shore establishments other than Coast Guard districts. This power must exist inherently in order for the Service to function efficiently.

Subsection (c) is derived from title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§54, 97, 112 (May 4, 1882, ch. 117, §3, 22 Stat. 56; May 30, 1908, ch. 231, 35 Stat. 553; Apr. 21, 1910, ch. 182, §2, 36 Stat. 326), and specifically grants to the Commandant authority in regard to the assignment of vessels, vehicles, aids to navigation, and other equipment. This power is inherent to the proper functioning of any Service.

Subsection (d) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §91 (June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §7, 20 Stat. 164; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, §304, 42 Stat. 24; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, §9, 44 Stat. 817). Said section has been divided. The part dealing with investigation of plans and inventions is covered in this subsection in broader terms, and the other parts are covered in general terms in section 632 of this title.

Subsection (e) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §111 (June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §9, 20 Stat. 164). This section has been rewritten to broaden the authority to include any investigation or study that may be of assistance to the Coast Guard, the limitation as to investigation of shipwrecks having been eliminated.

Subsection (f) is new and is intended to give legislative recognition to the importance of disseminating information by the Coast Guard for the promotion of safety at sea, life-saving techniques, and other Coast Guard activities.

Subsection (g) is new and provides for the training of Coast Guard personnel at other than schools or institutions of the other armed forces. Such training is essential and has been carried on under the authority of appropriation acts for many years.

Subsection (h) is based in part on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§69, 108, 109, (R.S. 2748; June 20, 1874, ch. 344, §9, 18 Stat. 127; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §3, 20 Stat. 163), and is intended to complement the authority granted to the Secretary in sec. 92(d) of this title granting similar authority to the Commandant as to smaller craft.

Subsection (i) is based in part on title 14, U.S.C., §§108, 109, and on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §752 (June 20, 1874, ch. 344, §9, 18 Stat. 127; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §3, 20 Stat. 163; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 168, 37 Stat. 10183, and grants power to the Commandant to acquire and dispose of various equipment and supplies. The authority with respect to the acceptance of such equipment as a gift is new.

Subsection (j) is new and grants power to the Commandant to operate and maintain shore establishments; previously such authority has been inferred from statutes providing for the establishment of shore stations; again such authority is inherent to the functioning of any Service, and this section will provide no greater authority than has been exercised in the past.

Subsection (k) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §31b (June 6, 1941, ch. 177, 55 Stat. 247 [which was originally repealed by act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title VI, §602(a)(28), 63 Stat. 399, renumbered Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, §6(a), (b), 64 Stat. 583]). The primary authority is granted to the Commandant as well as to the Secretary inasmuch as such exchange seems to be an operational matter and the items which may be exchanged have been enlarged by the addition of aids to navigation, appliances, equipment, and supplies.

Inasmuch as the act cited above applies to the Navy as well as the Coast Guard it is not scheduled for repeal but is being amended by section 13 of this act to eliminate reference to the Coast Guard.

Subsection (l) is new and is deemed desirable in order to give legislative authority for existing yards, and for the procurement of needed equipment and material in case such is not normally or economically obtainable from private contractors.

Subsection (m) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§110, 192 (June 20, 1874, ch. 344, §6, 18 Stat. 127; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §10, 20 Stat. 165; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, §9, 44 Stat. 817). The power to accept volunteer services is enlarged to include all services offered in time of emergency, to save life or protect property, and the restrictive provisions relating to lifeboat stations only have been eliminated.

Subsection (n) is new and grants authority to the Commandant to lease real property under the control of the Coast Guard, when not immediately needed in Coast Guard operations. Such authority will be advantageous to the Government, on the basis of past experience.

Subsection (o) is new and is supplementary to subsection (n) of this section. It grants further authority to the Commandant permitting him to grant minor interests in land which is under control of the Coast Guard. This will avoid the necessity of special acts of Congress in each of such instances.

Subsection (p) is new and is necessary to give proper authority for the maintenance of networks of wires and cables, in some cases over or along private property or public highways. These networks are in existence at the present time and are essential for the Service to carry out its functions.

Subsection (q) is new and is necessary in order to provide clear authority for the maintenance of radio stations which are essential to Coast Guard functions.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 4(e) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), is section 4(e) of Pub. L. 92–340, which was classified to section 1223(e) of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title IV, §402(e), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4264. See Transitional and Savings Provisions note preceding section 101 of Title 46, Shipping, and section 70001 of Title 46.

The date of enactment of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–281, which was approved Oct. 15, 2010.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 504 was renumbered section 2733 of this title.

Another prior section 504, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 537, related to disposition of the remains of deceased Coast Guard personnel, prior to repeal by act July 15, 1954, ch. 507, §14(c)(5), 68 Stat. 481. For provisions relating to recovery, care, and disposition of the remains of deceased personnel of the uniformed services and deceased civilian personnel, see section 1481 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(26). Pub. L. 117–263 added par. (26).

2021—Subsec. (a)(19)(B). Pub. L. 116–283, §8505(a)(3)(A), substituted "an individual" for "a person".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §8505(a)(3)(B), substituted "mariners;" for "seamen;".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §105(b)(2), renumbered section 93 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2904" for "section 542".

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2946" for "section 687".

Subsec. (a)(21). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 30305(b)(7)" for "section 30305(a)".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 305(a)(3)" for "section 50(a)(3)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 522" for "section 89".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 527" for "section 91".

Subsec. (f)(2)(D). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 2946" for "section 687".

2016—Subsec. (a)(25). Pub. L. 114–120, §610(b), added par. (25).

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 114–120, §209(4), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which related to limitation on leasing of tidelands and submerged lands.

2014—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 113–281, §206(a), substituted "and investigate" for ", investigate" and struck out ", and cooperate and coordinate such activities with other Government agencies and with private agencies" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 113–281, §214(c), inserted ", and to eligible spouses as defined under section 542," after "Coast Guard".

Pub. L. 113–281, §207, inserted "and the textbooks, manuals, and other materials required as part of such training or course of instruction" after "correspondence courses".

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 113–281, §208(a), substituted "the fund established under section 687" for "the Treasury".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–281, §222(1), substituted "(a)(13)" for "(a)(14)".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–281, §209, added subsec. (f).

2012—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–213 added subsec. (e).

2011—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 111–350, which directed amendment of subsec. (h) by substituting "division C (except sections 3302, 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41" for "title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)", was executed by making the substitution in subsec. (a)(8) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the amendment by Pub. L. 108–293, §201. See 2004 Amendment note below.

2010—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 111–259 substituted "function, including research, development, test, or evaluation related to intelligence systems and capabilities," for "function".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 111–281 added subsecs. (c) and (d).

2006—Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 109–241, §901(a), redesignated subpars. (1) and (2) as (A) and (B), respectively.

Subsec. (a)(24). Pub. L. 109–241, §901(c), redesignated par. (y) as (24).

2004—Pub. L. 108–293, §201, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), redesignated former subsecs. (a) to (j) and (l) to (w) as pars. (1) to (23), respectively, of subsec. (a), substituted semicolon for comma at end of par. (18), and added subsec. (b).

Pub. L. 108–293, §217, which directed amendment of this section by striking out "and" after semicolon at end of "paragraph (w)", substituting "; and" for period at end of "paragraph (x)", and adding a paragraph designated "(y)" at the end, was executed to this section prior to the amendment by Pub. L. 108–293, §201, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See above.

2002—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–217 inserted "subtitle I of title 40 and title III of" before "the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949" and substituted "(41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)" for "(40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)".

1998—Subsec. (w). Pub. L. 105–383, §202, added subsec. (w).

Subsec. (x). Pub. L. 105–383, §203, added subsec. (x).

1996—Subsec. (v). Pub. L. 104–324 added subsec. (v).

1993—Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 103–206, §202, added subsec. (t).

Subsec. (u). Pub. L. 103–206, §316, added subsec. (u).

1991—Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 102–241 added subsec. (s).

1982—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted "(40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)" for ", as amended," after "Act of 1949".

Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 97–276 and Pub. L. 97–322 made identical amendments adding subsec. (r) relating to medical and dental care for personnel entitled thereto by law or regulation, including care in private facilities.

1981—Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 97–136, inserted "including telephones in residences leased or owned by the Government of the United States when appropriate to assure efficient response to extraordinary operational contingencies of a limited duration," after "of such lines and cables,".

1976—Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 94–546 substituted "to be deposited in the Treasury" for "to be covered into the Treasury".

1951—Subsec. (h). Act Oct. 31, 1951, §2(10), inserted reference to applicable regulations of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, and struck out the requirement that net monies received from the disposition of patrol boats, etc., be covered into the Treasury.

Subsec. (i). Act Oct. 31, 1951, §4(1), inserted provision permitting discontinuance of aids to navigation, etc., and struck out provision permitting discontinuance or other disposition of obsolete, unsuitable, or unserviceable aids to navigation, etc., and the requirement that the net monies received from such disposition be covered into the Treasury.

Subsec. (k). Act Oct. 31, 1951, §1(33), repealed subsec. (k) which empowered the Commandant to exchange aircraft, vehicles, and parts thereof, and obsolete, unsuitable, or unserviceable machines, tools, aids to navigation, appliances, equipment, and supplies in part payment for new items of the same or similar character.

1950—Subsec. (o). Act Aug. 3, 1950, struck out "and" after the semicolon.

Subsec. (p). Act Aug. 3, 1950, substituted "; and" for the period at end.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Pilot Project for Enhancing Coast Guard Cutter Readiness Through Condition-Based Maintenance

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11208, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4011, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall conduct a pilot project to enhance cutter readiness and reduce lost patrol days through the deployment of condition-based program standards for cutter maintenance, in accordance with the criteria set forth in subsection (b).

"(b) Criteria for Condition-Based Maintenance Evaluation.—In conducting the pilot project under subsection (a), the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in cooperation with government and industry partners, shall—

"(1) select at least 1 class of cutters under construction with respect to which the application of the pilot project would enhance readiness;

"(2) use condition-based program standards which incorporate artificial, intelligence, prognostic based maintenance planning;

"(3) create and model a full ship digital twin for the cutters selected under paragraph (1);

"(4) install or modify instrumentation capable of producing full hull, mechanical, and electrical data necessary to analyze cutter operational conditions with active maintenance alerts; and

"(5) evaluate and weight efficacy of potential emergent repairs as well as planned depot maintenance activities.

"(c) Consideration.—Prior to developing the pilot project in this section, the Commandant shall evaluate commercially available products, technology, applications, standards, and technology for development and implementation of the pilot program.

"(d) Report to Congress.—The Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives—

"(1) an interim report not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act on the progress in carrying out the pilot project described in subsection (a); and

"(2) a final report not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act on the results of the pilot project described in subsection (a) that includes—

"(A) options to integrate condition-based program standards with prognostic based maintenance planning to Coast Guard cutters; and

"(B) plans to deploy condition-based program standards with prognostic based maintenance planning to Coast Guard cutters."

Database on Icebreaking Operations in Great Lakes

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11213, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4015, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Commandant shall establish and maintain a database for collecting, archiving, and disseminating data on icebreaking operations and commercial vessel and ferry transit in the Great Lakes during ice season.

"(b) Elements.—The database required under subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) Attempts by commercial vessels and ferries to transit ice-covered waterways in the Great Lakes that are unsuccessful because of inadequate icebreaking.

"(2) The period of time that each commercial vessel or ferry was unsuccessful at transit described in paragraph (1) due to inadequate icebreaking.

"(3) The amount of time elapsed before each such commercial vessel or ferry was successfully broken out of the ice and whether it was accomplished by the Coast Guard or by commercial icebreaking assets.

"(4) Relevant communications of each such commercial vessel or ferry with the Coast Guard and with commercial icebreaking services during such period.

"(5) A description of any mitigating circumstance, such as Coast Guard icebreaker diversions to higher priority missions, that may have contributed to the amount of time described in paragraph (3).

"(c) Voluntary Reporting.—Any reporting by operators of commercial vessels or ferries under this section shall be voluntary.

"(d) Public Availability.—The Commandant shall make the database available to the public on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard.

"(e) Consultation With Industry.—With respect to the Great Lakes icebreaking operations of the Coast Guard and the development of the database required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall consult operators of commercial vessels and ferries.

"(f) Public Report.—Not later than July 1 after the first winter in which the Commandant is subject to the requirements of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, the Commandant shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard a report on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of such section.

"(g) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Commercial vessel.—The term 'commercial vessel' means any privately owned cargo vessel operating in the Great Lakes during the winter season of at least 500 tons, as measured under section 14502 of title 46, United States Code, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of such title, as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of such title.

"(2) Great lakes.—The term 'Great Lakes' means the United States waters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron (including Lake St. Clair), Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, their connecting waterways, and their adjacent harbors, and the connecting channels (including the following rivers and tributaries of such rivers: Saint Mary's River, Saint Clair River, Detroit River, Niagara River, Illinois River, Chicago River, Fox River, Grand River, St. Joseph River, St. Louis River, Menominee River, Muskegon River, Kalamazoo River, and Saint Lawrence River to the Canadian border).

"(3) Ice-covered waterway.—The term 'ice-covered waterway' means any portion of the Great Lakes in which commercial vessels or ferries operate that is 70 percent or greater covered by ice, but does not include any waters adjacent to piers or docks for which commercial icebreaking services are available and adequate for the ice conditions.

"(4) Open to navigation.—The term 'open to navigation' means navigable to the extent necessary to—

"(A) extricate vessels and individuals from danger;

"(B) prevent damage due to flooding;

"(C) meet the reasonable demands of commerce;

"(D) minimize delays to passenger ferries; and

"(E) conduct other Coast Guard missions as required.

"(5) Reasonable demands of commerce.—The term 'reasonable demands of commerce' means the safe movement of commercial vessels and ferries transiting ice-covered waterways in the Great Lakes, regardless of type of cargo, at a speed consistent with the design capability of Coast Guard icebreakers operating in the Great Lakes and appropriate to the ice capability of the commercial vessel."

[For definitions of "Commandant" and "Secretary" as used in section 11213 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out above, see section 11002 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.]

Enhancing Maritime Cybersecurity

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11224, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4023, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Cyber incident.—The term 'cyber incident' means an occurrence that actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of information on an information system, or actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, an information system.

"(2) Maritime operators.—The term 'maritime operators' means the owners or operators of vessels engaged in commercial service, the owners or operators of facilities, and port authorities.

"(3) Facilities.—The term 'facilities' has the meaning given the term 'facility' in section 70101 of title 46, United States Code.

"(b) Public Availability of Cybersecurity Tools and Resources.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in coordination with the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall identify and make available to the public a list of tools and resources, including the resources of the Coast Guard and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, designed to assist maritime operators in identifying, detecting, protecting against, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents.

"(2) Identification.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Commandant, the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall identify tools and resources that—

"(A) comply with the cybersecurity framework for improving critical infrastructure established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology; or

"(B) use the guidelines on maritime cyber risk management issued by the International Maritime Organization on July 5, 2017 (or successor guidelines).

"(3) Consultation.—The Commandant, the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology may consult with maritime operators, other Federal agencies, industry stakeholders, and cybersecurity experts to identify tools and resources for purposes of this section."

Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11226, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4026, provided that:

"(a) Coordination of Data and Artificial Intelligence Activities Relating to Identifying, Demonstrating, and Where Appropriate Transitioning to Operational Use.—

"(1) In general.—The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall coordinate data and artificial intelligence activities relating to identifying, demonstrating and where appropriate transitioning to operational use of artificial intelligence technologies when such technologies enhance mission capability or performance.

"(2) Emphasis.—The set of activities established under paragraph (1) shall—

"(A) apply data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine-learning solutions to operational and mission-support problems; and

"(B) coordinate activities involving artificial intelligence and artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities within the Coast Guard.

"(b) Designated Official.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall designate a senior official of the Coast Guard (referred to in this section as the 'designated official') with the principal responsibility for the coordination of data and artificial intelligence activities relating to identifying, demonstrating, and, where appropriate, transitioning to operational use artificial intelligence and machine learning for the Coast Guard.

"(2) Governance and oversight of artificial intelligence and machine learning policy.—The designated official shall regularly convene appropriate officials of the Coast Guard—

"(A) to integrate the functional activities of the Coast Guard with respect to data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning;

"(B) to ensure that there are efficient and effective data, artificial intelligence, and machine-learning capabilities throughout the Coast Guard, where appropriate; and

"(C) to develop and continuously improve research, innovation, policy, joint processes, and procedures to facilitate the coordination of data and artificial intelligence activities relating to identification, demonstration, and, where appropriate, transition into operational use artificial intelligence and machine learning throughout the Coast Guard.

"(c) Strategic Plan.—

"(1) In general.—The designated official shall develop a strategic plan to coordinate activities relating to identifying, demonstrating, and transitioning artificial intelligence technologies into operational use where appropriate.

"(2) Elements.—The plan required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A strategic roadmap for the coordination of data and artificial intelligence activities for the identification, demonstration, and transition to operational use, where appropriate, artificial intelligence technologies and key enabling capabilities.

"(B) The continuous identification, evaluation, and adaptation of relevant artificial intelligence capabilities adopted by the Coast Guard and developed and adopted by other organizations for military missions and business operations.

"(C) Consideration of the identification, adoption, and procurement of artificial intelligence technologies for use in operational and mission support activities.

"(3) Submission to commandant.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the designated official shall submit to the Commandant the plan developed under paragraph (1).

"(4) Submission to congress.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives the plan developed under paragraph (1)."

Cyber Data Management

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11228, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4028, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] and the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency shall—

"(1) develop policies, processes, and operating procedures governing—

"(A) access to and the ingestion, structure, storage, and analysis of information and data relevant to the Coast Guard Cyber Mission, including—

"(i) intelligence data relevant to Coast Guard missions;

"(ii) internet traffic, topology, and activity data relevant to such missions; and

"(iii) cyber threat information relevant to such missions; and

"(B) data management and analytic platforms relating to such missions; and

"(2) evaluate data management platforms referred to in paragraph (1)(B) to ensure that such platforms operate consistently with the Coast Guard Data Strategy.

"(b) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report that includes—

"(1) an assessment of the progress on the activities required by subsection (a); and

"(2) any recommendation with respect to funding or additional authorities necessary, including proposals for legislative change, to improve Coast Guard cyber data management."

Improving Representation of Women and Racial and Ethnic Minorities Among Coast Guard Active-Duty Members

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11248, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4048, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], in consultation with the Advisory Board on Women at the Coast Guard Academy established under section 1904 of title 14, United States Code, and the minority outreach team program established by section 1905 of such title, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall—

"(1) determine which recommendations in the RAND representation report may practicably be implemented to promote improved representation in the Coast Guard of—

"(A) women; and

"(B) racial and ethnic minorities; and

"(2) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the actions the Commandant has taken, or plans to take, to implement such recommendations.

"(b) Curriculum and Training.—In the case of any action the Commandant plans to take to implement recommendations described in subsection (a)(1) that relate to modification or development of curriculum and training, such modified curriculum and trainings shall be provided at—

"(1) officer accession points, including the Coast Guard Academy and the Leadership Development Center;

"(2) enlisted member accession at the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey; and

"(3) the officer, enlisted member, and civilian leadership courses managed by the Leadership Development Center.

"(c) Definition of RAND Representation Report.—In this section, the term 'RAND representation report' means the report of the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center of the RAND Corporation entitled 'Improving the Representation of Women and Racial/Ethnic Minorities Among U.S. Coast Guard Active-Duty Members', issued on August 11, 2021."

Advance Notification of Military or Other Exercises

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIII, §11323, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4094, provided that: "In consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and commercial fishing industry participants, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall develop and publish on a publicly available website a plan for notifying United States mariners and the operators of United States fishing vessels in advance of—

"(1) military exercises in the exclusive economic zone (as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802)); or

"(2) other military activities that will impact recreational or commercial activities."

Development of Medical Staffing Standards for Coast Guard

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, §11406, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4112, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Defense Health Agency and any healthcare expert the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop medical staffing standards for the Coast Guard that are consistent with the recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States set forth in the report titled 'Coast Guard Health Care: Improvements Needed for Determining Staffing Needs and Monitoring Access to Care' and published in February 2022.

"(b) Inclusions.—In developing the standards under subsection (a), the Commandant shall address and take into consideration the following:

"(1) Current and future operations of healthcare personnel in support of Department of Homeland Security missions, including surge deployments for incident response.

"(2) Staffing standards for specialized providers, including flight surgeons, dentists, behavioral health specialists, and physical therapists.

"(3) Staffing levels of medical, dental, and behavioral health providers for the Coast Guard who are—

"(A) members of the Coast Guard;

"(B) assigned to the Coast Guard from the Public Health Service;

"(C) Federal civilian employees; or

"(D) contractors hired by the Coast Guard to fill vacancies.

"(4) Staffing levels at medical facilities for Coast Guard units in remote locations.

"(5) Any discrepancy between medical staffing standards of the Department of Defense and medical staffing standards of the Coast Guard.

"(c) Review by Comptroller General.—Not later than 90 days after the Commandant completes the staffing standards required by subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit the standards to the Comptroller General, who shall review the standards and provide recommendations to the Commandant.

"(d) Report to Congress.—Not later than 180 days after developing the standards developed under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the standards developed under subsection (a) and the recommendations provided under subsection (c) that includes a plan and a description of the resources and budgetary needs required to implement the standards.

"(e) Modification, Implementation, and Periodic Updates.—The Commandant shall—

"(1) modify such standards, as necessary, based on the recommendations under subsection (c);

"(2) implement the standards; and

"(3) review and update the standards not less frequently than every 4 years."

Data Collection and Access to Care

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, §11408, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4115, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Defense Health Agency and any healthcare expert the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop, and make publicly available, a policy to require the collection of data regarding access by members of the Coast Guard and their dependents to medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare as recommended by the Comptroller General of the United States in the report entitled 'Coast Guard Health Care: Improvements Needed for Determining Staffing Needs and Monitoring Access to Care', published in February 2022.

"(b) Elements.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall address the following:

"(1) Methods to collect data on access to care for—

"(A) routine annual physical health assessments;

"(B) flight physicals for aviators or prospective aviators;

"(C) sick call;

"(D) injuries;

"(E) dental health; and

"(F) behavioral health conditions.

"(2) Collection of data on access to care for referrals.

"(3) Collection of data on access to care for members of the Coast Guard stationed at remote units, aboard Coast Guard cutters, and on deployments.

"(4) Use of the electronic health record system to improve data collection on access to care.

"(5) Use of data for addressing the standards of care, including time between requests for appointments and actual appointments, including appointments made with referral services.

"(c) Publication and Report to Congress.—Not later than 90 days after the policy under subsection (a) is completed, or any subsequent updates to such policy, the Commandant shall—

"(1) publish the policy on a publicly accessible internet website of the Coast Guard; and

"(2) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the policy and the manner in which the Commandant plans to address access-to-care deficiencies.

"(d) Periodic Updates.—Not less frequently than every 5 years, the Commandant shall review and update the policy required under subsection (a)."

Behavioral Health Policy

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, §11409, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4116, provided that:

"(a) Interim Behavioral Health Policy.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall establish an interim behavioral health policy for members of the Coast Guard that is in parity with section 5.28 (relating to behavioral health) of Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, volume 2, 'Medical Standards for Military Service: Retention'.

"(2) Termination.—The interim policy established under paragraph (1) shall remain in effect until the date on which the Commandant issues a permanent behavioral health policy for members of the Coast Guard.

"(b) Permanent Policy.—In developing a permanent policy with respect to retention and behavioral health, the Commandant shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, the policy of the Coast Guard is in parity with section 5.28 (relating to behavioral health) of Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, volume 2, 'Medical Standards for Military Service: Retention'."

Expansion of Access to Counseling

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, §11412, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4119, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall hire, train, and deploy not fewer than an additional 5 behavioral health specialists.

"(b) Requirement.—Through the hiring process required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that at least 35 percent of behavioral health specialists employed by the Coast Guard have experience in behavioral healthcare for the purpose of supporting members of the Coast Guard with needs for perinatal mental health care and counseling service for miscarriage, child loss, and postpartum depression.

"(c) Accessibility.—The support provided by the behavioral health specialists described in subsection (a)—

"(1) may include care delivered via telemedicine; and

"(2) shall be made widely available to members of the Coast Guard."

Support of Women Serving in the Coast Guard

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8215(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4650, provided that:

"(a) Action Plan.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall—

"(A) determine which recommendations in the RAND gender diversity report can practicably be implemented to promote gender diversity in the Coast Guard; and

"(B) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the actions the Coast Guard has taken, or plans to take, to implement such recommendations.

"(2) Curriculum and training.—The Commandant shall update curriculum and training materials used at—

"(A) officer accession points, including the Coast Guard Academy and the Leadership Development Center;

"(B) enlisted member accession at the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey; and

"(C) the officer, enlisted member, and civilian leadership courses managed by the Leadership Development Center.

"Such updates shall reflect actions the Coast Guard has taken, or plans to take, to carry out the recommendations of the RAND gender diversity report.

"(3) Definition.—In this subsection, the term 'RAND gender diversity report' means the RAND Corporation's Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center 2019 report entitled 'Improving Gender Diversity in the U.S. Coast Guard: Identifying Barriers to Female Retention'."

Shore Infrastructure

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8251, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4673, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall—

"(1) develop a plan to standardize Coast Guard facility condition assessments;

"(2) establish shore infrastructure performance goals, measures, and baselines to track the effectiveness of maintenance and repair investments and provide feedback on progress made;

"(3) develop a process to routinely align the Coast Guard shore infrastructure portfolio with mission needs, including disposing of unneeded assets;

"(4) establish guidance for planning boards to document inputs, deliberations, and project prioritization decisions for infrastructure maintenance projects;

"(5) employ models for Coast Guard infrastructure asset lines for—

"(A) predicting the outcome of investments in shore infrastructure;

"(B) analyzing tradeoffs; and

"(C) optimizing decisions among competing investments;

"(6) include supporting details about competing project alternatives and report tradeoffs in congressional budget requests and related reports; and

"(7) explore the development of real property management expertise within the Coast Guard workforce, including members of the Senior Executive Service.

"(b) Briefing.—Not later than December 31, 2020, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the status of the actions required under subsection (a)."

Unmanned Maritime Systems and Satellite Vessel Tracking Technologies

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], §8411, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4723, provided that:

"(a) Assessment.—The Commandant [of the Coast Guard], acting through the Blue Technology Center of Expertise, shall regularly assess available unmanned maritime systems and satellite vessel tracking technologies for potential use to support missions of the Coast Guard.

"(b) Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], and biennially thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the actual and potential effects of the use of then-existing unmanned maritime systems and satellite vessel tracking technologies on the mission effectiveness of the Coast Guard.

"(2) Contents.—Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) An inventory of current unmanned maritime systems used by the Coast Guard, an overview of such usage, and a discussion of the mission effectiveness of such systems, including any benefits realized or risks or negative aspects of such usage.

"(B) An inventory of satellite vessel tracking technologies, and a discussion of the potential mission effectiveness of such technologies, including any benefits or risks or negative aspects of such usage.

"(C) A prioritized list of Coast Guard mission requirements that could be met with additional unmanned maritime systems, or with satellite vessel tracking technologies, and the estimated costs of accessing, acquiring, or operating such systems, taking into consideration the interoperability of such systems with the current and future fleet of—

"(i) National Security Cutters;

"(ii) Fast Response Cutters;

"(iii) Offshore Patrol Cutters;

"(iv) Polar Security Cutters; and

"(v) in-service legacy cutters, including the 210- and 270-foot medium endurance cutters and 225-foot Buoy Tenders.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Unmanned maritime systems.—

"(A) In general.—The term 'unmanned maritime systems' means—

"(i) remotely operated or autonomous vehicles produced by the commercial sector designed to travel in the air, on or under the ocean surface, on land, or any combination thereof, and that function without an on-board human presence; and

"(ii) associated components of such vehicles, including control and communications systems, data transmission systems, and processing systems.

"(B) Examples.—Such term includes the following:

"(i) Unmanned undersea vehicles.

"(ii) Unmanned surface vehicles.

"(iii) Unmanned aerial vehicles.

"(iv) Autonomous underwater vehicles.

"(v) Autonomous surface vehicles.

"(vi) Autonomous aerial vehicles.

"(2) Available unmanned maritime systems.—The term 'available unmanned maritime systems' includes systems that can be purchased commercially or are in use by the Department of Defense or other Federal agencies.

"(3) Satellite vessel tracking technologies.—The term 'satellite vessel tracking technologies' means shipboard broadcast systems that use satellites and terrestrial receivers to continually track vessels."

United States Commercial Space-Based Radio Frequency Maritime Domain Awareness Testing and Evaluation Program

Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], §8415, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4726, provided that:

"(a) Testing and Evaluation Program.—The Commandant [of the Coast Guard], acting through the Blue Technology Center of Expertise, shall carry out a testing and evaluation program of United States commercial space-based radio frequency geolocation and maritime domain awareness products and services to support the mission objectives of maritime enforcement by the Coast Guard and other components of the Coast Guard. The objectives of this testing and evaluation program shall include—

"(1) developing an understanding of how United States commercial space-based radio frequency data products can meet current and future mission requirements;

"(2) establishing how United States commercial space-based radio frequency data products should integrate into existing work flows; and

"(3) establishing how United States commercial space-based radio frequency data products could be integrated into analytics platforms.

"(b) Report.—Not later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Commandant shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the testing and evaluation program under subsection (a), including recommendations on how the Coast Guard should fully exploit United States commercial space-based radio frequency data products to meet current and future mission requirements."

Electronic Health Records

Pub. L. 115–282, title III, §305(c), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4246, provided that:

"(1) System.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard is authorized to procure for the Coast Guard an electronic health record system that—

"(A) has been competitively awarded by the Department of Defense; and

"(B) ensures full integration with the Department of Defense electronic health record systems.

"(2) Support services.—

"(A) In general.—The Commandant is authorized to procure support services for the electronic health record system procured under paragraph (1) necessary to ensure full integration with the Department of Defense electronic health record systems.

"(B) Scope.—Support services procured pursuant to this paragraph may include services for the following:

"(i) System integration support.

"(ii) Hosting support.

"(iii) Training, testing, technical, and data migration support.

"(iv) Hardware support.

"(v) Any other support the Commandant considers appropriate.

"(3) Authorized procurement actions.—The Commandant is authorized to procure an electronic health record system under this subsection through the following:

"(A) A task order under the Department of Defense electronic health record contract.

"(B) A sole source contract award.

"(C) An agreement made pursuant to sections 1535 and 1536 of title 31, United States Code.

"(D) A contract or other procurement vehicle otherwise authorized.

"(4) Competition in contracting; exemption.—Procurement of an electronic health record system and support services pursuant to this subsection shall be exempt from the competition requirements of section 2304 of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.]."

Training of Coast Guard Personnel

Pub. L. 115–265, title II, §210, Oct. 11, 2018, 132 Stat. 3748, which required the Commandant of the Coast Guard to provide training to marine safety personnel and to brief congressional committees on its marine inspections staff, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXI [LXXXI], §8111(c)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4639.

Days Away From Homeport

Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §204(c), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 35, as amended by Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, §818(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4308, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 8, 2016], the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall—

"[(1) Repealed. Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, §818(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4308.]

"(2) notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of the standard implemented under paragraph (1)."

Report on Sexual Assaults in the Coast Guard

Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §217, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2917, as amended by Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3521(a)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2314, which directed the Commandant of the Coast Guard to submit a report on sexual assaults and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard to congressional committees, was redesignated as section 5112 of this title and transferred to appear after section 5111 of this title by Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(a)(7)(A), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4745.

Marine Vessel and Cold Water Safety Education

Pub. L. 109–241, title IV, §405, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 535, provided that: "The Coast Guard shall continue cooperative agreements and partnerships with organizations in effect on the date of enactment of this Act [July 11, 2006] that provide marine vessel safety training and cold water immersion education and outreach programs for fishermen and children."

Redistricting Notification Requirement

Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §215, Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1038, which directed the Commandant of the Coast Guard to notify congressional committees before redistricting, was redesignated as section 322 of this title and transferred to appear after section 321 of this title by Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4745.

Innovative Construction Alternatives

Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §222, Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1040, provided that: "The Commandant of the Coast Guard may consult with the Office of Naval Research and other Federal agencies with research and development programs that may provide innovative construction alternatives for the Integrated Deepwater System."

Icebreaking Services

Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §210, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 523, provided that:

"(a) Operation and Maintenance Plan.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 11, 2006], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a plan—

"(1) for operation and maintenance after fiscal year 2006 of the Coast Guard polar icebreakers POLAR STAR, POLAR SEA, and HEALY, that does not rely on the transfer of funds to the Coast Guard by any other Federal agency; and

"(2) for the long-term recapitalization of these assets.

"(b) Necessary Measures.—The Secretary shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the Coast Guard maintains, at a minimum, its current vessel capacity for carrying out ice breaking in the Arctic and Antarctic, Great Lakes, and New England regions, including the necessary funding for operation and maintenance of such vessels, until it has implemented the long-term recapitalization of the Coast Guard polar icebreakers POLAR STAR, POLAR SEA, and HEALY in accordance with the plan submitted under subsection (a).

"(c) Reimbursement.—Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from seeking reimbursement for operation and maintenance costs of such polar icebreakers from other Federal agencies and entities, including foreign countries, that benefit from the use of the icebreakers.

"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2006 to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating $100,000,000 to carry out this section with respect to the polar icebreakers referred to in subsection (a)."

Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §429, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2127, provided that: "The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall not plan, implement, or finalize any regulation or take any other action which would result in the decommissioning of any WYTL-class harbor tugs unless and until the Commandant certifies in writing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that sufficient replacement capability has been procured by the Coast Guard to remediate any degradation in current icebreaking services that would be caused by such decommissioning."

Fishing Vessel Safety Training

Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §430, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2128, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard may provide support, with or without reimbursement, to an entity engaged in fishing vessel safety training, including—

"(1) assistance in developing training curricula;

"(2) use of Coast Guard personnel, including active duty members, members of the Coast Guard Reserve, and members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, as temporary or adjunct instructors;

"(3) sharing of appropriate Coast Guard informational and safety publications; and

"(4) participation on applicable fishing vessel safety training advisory panels.

"(b) No Interference With Other Functions.—In providing support under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that the support does not interfere with any Coast Guard function or operation."

Conveyance of Lighthouses; Notification

Pub. L. 105–383, title IV, §416(d), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3437, provided that: "Not less than 1 year prior to reporting to the General Services Administration that a lighthouse or light station eligible for listing under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 ([former] 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) [see 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.] and under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard is excess to the needs of the Coast Guard, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall notify the State in which the lighthouse or light station is located, (including the State Historic Preservation Officer, if any) the appropriate political subdivision of that State, and any lighthouse, historic, or maritime preservation organizations in that State, that such property is excess to the needs of the Coast Guard."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§505. Functions and powers vested in the Commandant

All powers and functions conferred upon the Coast Guard, or the Commandant, by or pursuant to this title or any other law shall, unless otherwise specifically stated, be executed by the Commandant subject to the general supervision of the Secretary. In order to execute the powers and functions vested in him, the Commandant may assign personnel of the Coast Guard to duty in the District of Columbia, elsewhere in the United States, in any territory of the United States, and in any foreign country, but such personnel shall not be assigned to duties in any foreign country without the consent of the government of that country; assign to such personnel such duties and authority as he deems necessary; and issue rules, orders, and instructions, not inconsistent with law, relating to the organization, internal administration, and personnel of the Coast Guard.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 545, §632; renumbered §505, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 5, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §41, and on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed. §§22, 58, 91, 99, 103 (R.S. 2749; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §§7, 8, 22 Stat. 164; May 4, 1882, ch. 117, §5, 22 Stat. 57; Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2918, 34 Stat. 1309; Jan. 28, 1915, ch. 20, §1, 38 Stat. 800; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, §304, 42 Stat. 23; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, §9, 44 Stat. 817).

Said section 91 has been divided. That part dealing with investigation of plans and inventions is covered in section 93(d) of this title. The remainder is covered in general terms. It has been rewritten in broad terms, making clear that the Commandant is granted the necessary authority to administer the Coast Guard under the Secretary, including authority to issue rules, orders, and instructions.

This section is primarily a consolidation of existing functions rather than a codification of existing laws. It does not, for the most part, grant new authority to the Coast Guard as an organization. It merely clarifies the method by which Coast Guard functions shall be administered. Under existing statutes, functions relating to the Coast Guard have been conferred upon the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Commandant, and sometimes upon the Secretary of the Treasury in times of peace and the Secretary of the Navy in times of war. This revision confers some functions directly upon the Coast Guard, and this section provides for the execution of those functions by the Commandant, the military head of the organization, thereby making for consistency and uniformity. The functions are to be executed "subject to the general supervision of the Secretary". Title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §91 now grants authority to the Commandant to prescribe regulations; this is changed to the issuance of rules, orders, and instructions as the promulgation of regulations in a military organization is properly a function of the Secretary.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 505 was renumbered section 2734 of this title.

Another prior section 505, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 537, related to escorts to the place of burial for the bodies of deceased Coast Guard personnel, prior to repeal by act July 15, 1954, ch. 507, §14(c)(5), 68 Stat. 481. For provisions relating to recovery, care, and disposition of the remains of deceased personnel of the uniformed services and deceased civilian personnel, see section 1481 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 632 of this title as this section.

§506. Prospective payment of funds necessary to provide medical care

(a) Prospective Payment Required.—In lieu of the reimbursement required under section 1085 of title 10, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall make a prospective payment to the Secretary of Defense of an amount that represents the actuarial valuation of treatment or care—

(1) that the Department of Defense shall provide to members of the Coast Guard, former members of the Coast Guard, and dependents of such members and former members (other than former members and dependents of former members who are a Medicare-eligible beneficiary or for whom the payment for treatment or care is made from the Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund as established under chapter 56 of title 10) at facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense or a military department; and

(2) for which a reimbursement would otherwise be made under section 1085.

(b) Amount.—The amount of the prospective payment under subsection (a) shall be—

(1) in the case of treatment or care to be provided to members of the Coast Guard and their dependents, derived from amounts appropriated for the operations and support of the Coast Guard;

(2) in the case of treatment or care to be provided former members of the Coast Guard and their dependents, derived from amounts appropriated for retired pay;

(3) determined under procedures established by the Secretary of Defense;

(4) paid during the fiscal year in which treatment or care is provided; and

(5) subject to adjustment or reconciliation as the Secretaries determine appropriate during or promptly after such fiscal year in cases in which the prospective payment is determined excessive or insufficient based on the services actually provided.

(c) No Prospective Payment When Service in Navy.—No prospective payment shall be made under this section for any period during which the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy.

(d) Relationship to TRICARE.—This section shall not be construed to require a payment for, or the prospective payment of an amount that represents the value of, treatment or care provided under any TRICARE program.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §722(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2228, §520; renumbered §506, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8513(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4760.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 506, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 537, related to the issue of the national flag to be used for draping the coffin of any deceased member of the Coast Guard, prior to repeal by act July 15, 1954, ch. 507, §14(c)(5), 68 Stat. 481. For provisions relating to recovery, care, and disposition of the remains of deceased personnel of the uniformed services and deceased civilian personnel, see section 1481 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §8513(a)(1)(A), inserted "as established under chapter 56 of title 10" after "Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §8513(a)(1)(B), substituted "operations and support" for "operating expenses".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 520 of this title as this section.

§507. Appointment of judges

The Secretary may appoint civilian employees of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating as appellate military judges, available for assignment to the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals as provided for in section 866(a) of title 10.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §201(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2909, §153; renumbered §507, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 507 was renumbered section 2710 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 153 of this title as this section.

§508. Coast Guard health-care professionals; licensure portability

(a) In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding the licensure of health-care providers, a health-care professional described in subsection (b) may practice the health profession or professions of the health-care professional at any location in any State, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, regardless of where such health-care professional or the patient is located, if the practice is within the scope of the authorized Federal duties of such health-care professional.

(b) Described Individuals.—A health-care professional described in this subsection is an individual—

(1) who is—

(A) a member of the Coast Guard;

(B) a civilian employee of the Coast Guard;

(C) a member of the Public Health Service who is assigned to the Coast Guard; or

(D) any other health-care professional credentialed and privileged at a Federal health-care institution or location specially designated by the Secretary; and

(2) who—

(A) has a current license to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, or another health profession; and

(B) is performing authorized duties for the Coast Guard.

(c) Definitions.—In this section, the terms "license" and "health-care professional" have the meanings given those terms in section 1094(e) of title 10.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title III, §305(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4245.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 508 was renumbered section 2711 of this title.

§509. Space-available travel on Coast Guard aircraft

(a) Establishment.—

(1) In general.—The Commandant may establish a program to provide transportation on Coast Guard aircraft on a space-available basis to the categories of eligible individuals described in subsection (c) (in this section referred to as the "program").

(2) Policy development.—Not later than 1 year after the date on which the program is established, the Commandant shall develop a policy for the operation of the program.

(b) Operation of Program.—

(1) In general.—The Commandant shall operate the program in a budget-neutral manner.

(2) Limitations.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no additional funds may be used, or flight hours performed, for the purpose of providing transportation under the program.

(B) De minimis expenditures.—The Commandant may make de minimis expenditures of resources required for the administrative aspects of the program.

(3) Reimbursement not required.—Eligible individuals described in subsection (c) shall not be required to reimburse the Coast Guard for travel provided under this section.

(c) Categories of Eligible Individuals.—Subject to subsection (d), the categories of eligible individuals described in this subsection are the following:

(1) Members of the armed forces on active duty.

(2) Members of the Selected Reserve who hold a valid Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.

(3) Retired members of a regular or reserve component of the armed forces, including retired members of reserve components who, but for being under the eligibility age applicable under section 12731 of title 10, would be eligible for retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10.

(4) Subject to subsection (f), veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rated as total.

(5) Such categories of dependents of individuals described in paragraphs (1) through (3) as the Commandant shall specify in the policy under subsection (a)(2), under such conditions and circumstances as the Commandant shall specify in such policy.

(6) Such other categories of individuals as the Commandant considers appropriate.

(d) Requirements.—In operating the program, the Commandant shall—

(1) in the sole discretion of the Commandant, establish an order of priority for transportation for categories of eligible individuals that is based on considerations of military necessity, humanitarian concerns, and enhancement of morale;

(2) give priority in consideration of transportation to the demands of members of the armed forces in the regular components and in the reserve components on active duty and to the need to provide such members, and their dependents, a means of respite from such demands; and

(3) implement policies aimed at ensuring cost control (as required under subsection (b)) and the safety, security, and efficient processing of travelers, including limiting the benefit under the program to 1 or more categories of otherwise eligible individuals, as the Commandant considers necessary.

(e) Transportation.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1), in establishing space-available transportation priorities under the program, the Commandant shall provide transportation for an individual described in paragraph (2), and a single dependent of the individual if needed to accompany the individual, at a priority level in the same category as the priority level for an unaccompanied dependent over the age of 18 years traveling on environmental and morale leave.

(2) Individuals covered.—Subject to paragraph (3), paragraph (1) applies with respect to an individual described in subsection (c)(3) who—

(A) resides in or is located in a Commonwealth or possession of the United States; and

(B) is referred by a military or civilian primary care provider located in that Commonwealth or possession to a specialty care provider for services to be provided outside of such Commonwealth or possession.

(3) Application to certain retired individuals.—If an individual described in subsection (c)(3) is a retired member of a reserve component who is ineligible for retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10 by reason of being under the eligibility age applicable under section 12731 of title 10, paragraph (1) applies to the individual only if the individual is also enrolled in the TRICARE program for certain members of the Retired Reserve authorized under section 1076e of title 10.

(4) Priority.—The priority for space-available transportation required by this subsection applies with respect to—

(A) the travel from the Commonwealth or possession of the United States to receive the specialty care services; and

(B) the return travel.

(5) Primary care provider and specialty care provider defined.—In this subsection, the terms "primary care provider" and "specialty care provider" refer to a medical or dental professional who provides health care services under chapter 55 of title 10.

(f) Limitations on Travel.—

(1) In general.—Travel may not be provided under this section to a veteran eligible for travel pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection (c) in priority over any member eligible for travel under paragraph (1) of that subsection or any dependent of such a member eligible for travel under this section.

(2) Rule of construction.—Subsection (c)(4) may not be construed as—

(A) affecting or in any way imposing on the Coast Guard, any armed force, or any commercial entity with which the Coast Guard or an armed force contracts, an obligation or expectation that the Coast Guard or such armed force will retrofit or alter, in any way, military aircraft or commercial aircraft, or related equipment or facilities, used or leased by the Coast Guard or such armed force to accommodate passengers provided travel under such authority on account of disability; or

(B) preempting the authority of an aircraft commander to determine who boards the aircraft and any other matters in connection with safe operation of the aircraft.

(g) Application of Section.—The authority to provide transportation under the program is in addition to any other authority under law to provide transportation on Coast Guard aircraft on a space-available basis.

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11231(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4030.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 509 was renumbered section 2761 of this title.

§510. Conveyance of Coast Guard vessels for public purposes

(a) In General.—On request by the Commandant, the Administrator of the General Services Administration may transfer ownership of a Coast Guard vessel or aircraft to an eligible entity for educational, cultural, historical, charitable, recreational, or other public purposes if such transfer is authorized by law.

(b) Conditions of Conveyance.—The General Services Administration may not convey a vessel or aircraft to an eligible entity as authorized by law unless the eligible entity agrees—

(1) to provide the documentation needed by the General Services Administration to process a request for aircraft or vessels as if the request were being processed under section 102.37.225 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022;

(2) to comply with the special terms, conditions, and restrictions imposed on aircraft and vessels under section 102.37.460 of such title, as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022;

(3) to make the vessel available to the United States Government if it is needed for use by the Commandant in time of war or a national emergency; and

(4) to hold the United States Government harmless for any claims arising from exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls, that occurs after conveyance of the vessel, except for claims arising from use of the vessel by the United States Government under paragraph (3).

(c) Other Obligations Unaffected.—Nothing in this section amends or affects any obligation of the Coast Guard or any other person under the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) or any other law regarding use or disposal of hazardous materials including asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls.

(d) Eligible Entity Defined.—In this section, the term "eligible entity" means a State or local government, nonprofit corporation, educational agency, community development organization, or other entity that agrees to comply with the conditions established under this section.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11258(a), (c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4057.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), (2), is the date of enactment of div. K of Pub. L. 117–263, which was approved Dec. 23, 2022.

The Toxic Substances Control Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 94–469, Oct. 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 2003, which is classified generally to chapter 53 (§2601 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 15 and Tables.

Codification

Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, §914, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3018, formerly set out as a note under section 501 of this title, was redesignated as this section, transferred to appear after section 509 of this title, and amended so that the enumerator, section catchline, typeface, and typestyle conformed to those appearing in other sections of this title by Pub. L. 117–263, §11258(a).

Prior Provisions

A prior section 510 was renumbered section 2762 of this title.

For redesignation of prior sections 511 to 520, see Table Showing Redesignations Made by Title I of Pub. L. 115–282 preceding section 101 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–263, §11258(c)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Whenever the transfer of ownership of a Coast Guard vessel or aircraft to an eligible entity for use for educational, cultural, historical, charitable, recreational, or other public purposes is authorized by law or declared excess by the Commandant, the Coast Guard shall transfer the vessel or aircraft to the General Services Administration for conveyance to the eligible entity."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §11258(c)(2)(A), inserted "as if the request were being processed" after "vessels" and ", as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022" after "Code of Federal Regulations".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §11258(c)(2)(B), inserted ", as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022" after "such title".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 117–263, §11258(c)(2)(C), struck out "of the Coast Guard" after "Commandant".

SUBCHAPTER II—LIFE SAVING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(c)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4202, inserted subchapter II designation and heading.

§521. Saving life and property

(a) In order to render aid to distressed individuals, vessels, and aircraft on and under the high seas and on and under the waters over which the United States has jurisdiction and in order to render aid to individuals and property imperiled by flood, the Coast Guard may:

(1) perform any and all acts necessary to rescue and aid individuals and protect and save property;

(2) take charge of and protect all property saved from marine or aircraft disasters, or floods, at which the Coast Guard is present, until such property is claimed by individuals legally authorized to receive it or until otherwise disposed of in accordance with law or applicable regulations, and care for bodies of those who may have perished in such catastrophes;

(3) furnish clothing, food, lodging, medicines, and other necessary supplies and services to individuals succored by the Coast Guard; and

(4) destroy or tow into port sunken or floating dangers to navigation.

(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Coast Guard may render aid to individuals and protect and save property at any time and at any place at which Coast Guard facilities and personnel are available and can be effectively utilized.

(2) The Commandant shall make full use of all available and qualified resources, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary and individuals licensed by the Secretary pursuant to section 8904(b) of title 46, United States Code, in rendering aid under this subsection in nonemergency cases.

(c) An individual who knowingly and willfully communicates a false distress message to the Coast Guard or causes the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed is—

(1) guilty of a class D felony;

(2) subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000; and

(3) liable for all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual's action.

(d) The Secretary shall establish a helicopter rescue swimming program for the purpose of training selected Coast Guard personnel in rescue swimming skills, which may include rescue diver training.

(e) An individual who knowingly and willfully operates a device with the intention of interfering with the broadcast or reception of a radio, microwave, or other signal (including a signal from a global positioning system) transmitted, retransmitted, or augmented by the Coast Guard for the purpose of maritime safety is—

(1) guilty of a class E felony; and

(2) subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per day for each violation.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 501, §88; Pub. L. 91–278, §1(3), June 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 304; Pub. L. 100–448, §30(a), Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1849; Pub. L. 101–595, title IV, §401, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2989; Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §213(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3915; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §201, Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1543; Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §205(a)(4), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3025; renumbered §521, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(4), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Derived from title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§29, 53, 55, 60, 61, 62, 63, 104, and title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §471 (R.S. 1536, R.S. 2759; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §4, 20 Stat. 163; Apr. 19, 1906, ch. 1640, §§1–3, 34 Stat. 123; May 12, 1906, ch. 2454, 34 Stat. 190; June 24, 1914, ch. 124, 38 Stat. 387; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601; Aug. 6, 1947, ch. 502, 61 Stat. 786).

This section broadens existing law in that it authorizes the Coast Guard to engage in saving life and property in the broadest possible terms, without limitation as to place. This section reflects existing sentiment as to Coast Guard functions in relation to saving life and property. There is no intention to supersede or conflict with the present authority of the Civil Aeronautics Board to investigate certain aircraft wrecks. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "individuals" for "persons" wherever appearing.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 88 of this title as this section.

2014—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–281 substituted "$10,000" for "$5,000".

2012—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–213 added subsec. (e).

1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–324 added subsec. (d).

1990—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–595 added subsec. (c).

1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–448 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Subject to paragraph (2), the Coast Guard" for "The Coast Guard", and added par. (2).

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–278 substituted "on and under the high seas and on and under the waters" for "on the high seas and on waters" in introductory text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Aqua Alert Notification System Pilot Program

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11207, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4010, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, establish a pilot program to improve the issuance of alerts to facilitate cooperation with the public to render aid to distressed individuals under section 521 of title 14, United States Code.

"(b) Pilot Program Contents.—In carrying out the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Commandant shall, to the maximum extent possible—

"(1) include a voluntary opt-in program under which members of the public, as appropriate, and the entities described in subsection (c), may receive notifications on cellular devices regarding Coast Guard activities to render aid to distressed individuals under section 521 of title 14, United States Code;

"(2) cover areas located within the area of responsibility of 3 different Coast Guard sectors in diverse geographic regions; and

"(3) provide that the dissemination of an alert shall be limited to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the rendering of aid to distressed individuals.

"(c) Consultation.—In developing the pilot program under subsection (a), the Commandant shall consult—

"(1) the head of any relevant Federal agency;

"(2) the government of any relevant State;

"(3) any Tribal Government;

"(4) the government of any relevant territory or possession of the United States; and

"(5) any relevant political subdivision of an entity described in paragraph (2), (3), or (4).

"(d) Report to Congress.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2026, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this section.

"(2) Public availability.—The Commandant shall make the report submitted under paragraph (1) available to the public."

[Nothing in amendment made by Pub. L. 117–263 to be construed to satisfy any requirement for government-to-government consultation with Tribal governments or to affect or modify any treaty or other right of any Tribal government, see section 11003 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 245 of Title 6, Domestic Security.]

Survival and Locating Equipment

Pub. L. 115–265, title II, §209, Oct. 11, 2018, 132 Stat. 3747, provided that: "Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 11, 2018], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, identify and procure equipment that will provide search-and-rescue units the ability to attach a radio or Automated Identification System strobe or beacon to an object that is not immediately retrievable."

Coast Guard Policies and Procedures for Towing and Salvage of Disabled Vessels for Minimization of Coast Guard Competition or Interference with Commercial Enterprise

Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §113, Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1585, as amended by Pub. L. 100–448, §30(b), Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1850, provided that: "The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall review Coast Guard policies and procedures for towing and salvage of disabled vessels in order to further minimize the possibility of Coast Guard competition or interference (other than by the Coast Guard Auxiliary) with private towing activities or other commercial enterprise."

§522. Law enforcement

(a) The Coast Guard may make inquiries, examinations, inspections, searches, seizures, and arrests upon the high seas and waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, for the prevention, detection, and suppression of violations of laws of the United States. For such purposes, commissioned, warrant, and petty officers may at any time go on board of any vessel subject to the jurisdiction, or to the operation of any law, of the United States, address inquiries to those on board, examine the ship's documents and papers, and examine, inspect, and search the vessel and use all necessary force to compel compliance. When from such inquiries, examination, inspection, or search it appears that a breach of the laws of the United States rendering an individual liable to arrest is being, or has been committed, by any individual, such individual shall be arrested or, if escaping to shore, shall be immediately pursued and arrested on shore, or other lawful and appropriate action shall be taken; or, if it shall appear that a breach of the laws of the United States has been committed so as to render such vessel, or the merchandise, or any part thereof, on board of, or brought into the United States by, such vessel, liable to forfeiture, or so as to render such vessel liable to a fine or penalty and if necessary to secure such fine or penalty, such vessel or such merchandise, or both, shall be seized.

(b) The officers of the Coast Guard insofar as they are engaged, pursuant to the authority contained in this section, in enforcing any law of the United States shall:

(1) be deemed to be acting as agents of the particular executive department or independent establishment charged with the administration of the particular law; and

(2) be subject to all the rules and regulations promulgated by such department or independent establishment with respect to the enforcement of that law.

(c) The provisions of this section are in addition to any powers conferred by law upon such officers, and not in limitation of any powers conferred by law upon such officers, or any other officers of the United States.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 502, §89; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §1, 64 Stat. 406; renumbered §522, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(5), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§45–47, 51, 52, 66, 67, 104, and on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §755 (R.S. 2747, 2758, 2760, 2762; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, §4, 20 Stat. 163; June 16, 1880, ch. 235, 21 Stat. 263; June 22, 1936, ch. 705, §§1–3, 49 Stat. 1820; July 11, 1941, ch. 290, §7, 55 Stat. 585).

The words "or such merchandise" are inserted in the last clause of subsection (a) in order to provide for situations where it may be desirable to seize merchandise without seizing the vessel.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "an individual" for "a person" and "individual" for "person" in two places.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 89 of this title as this section.

1950—Subsec. (a). Act Aug. 3, 1950, struck out "to" before "examine" in second sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Review of Drug Interdiction Equipment and Standards; Testing for Fentanyl During Interdiction Operations

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11268, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4063, provided that:

"(a) Review.—

"(1) In general.—The Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall—

"(A) conduct a review of—

"(i) the equipment, testing kits, and rescue medications used to conduct Coast Guard drug interdiction operations; and

"(ii) the safety and training standards, policies, and procedures with respect to such operations; and

"(B) determine whether the Coast Guard is using the latest equipment and technology and up-to-date training and standards for recognizing, handling, testing, and securing illegal drugs, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, and precursor chemicals during such operations.

"(2) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1).

"(3) Appropriate committees of congress defined.—In this subsection, the term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

"(b) Requirement.—If, as a result of the review required by subsection (a), the Commandant determines that the Coast Guard is not using the latest equipment and technology and up-to-date training and standards for recognizing, handling, testing, and securing illegal drugs, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, and precursor chemicals during drug interdiction operations, the Commandant shall ensure that the Coast Guard acquires and uses such equipment and technology, carries out such training, and implements such standards.

"(c) Testing for Fentanyl.—The Commandant shall ensure that Coast Guard drug interdiction operations include the testing of substances encountered during such operations for fentanyl, as appropriate."

Public Availability of Information on Monthly Migrant Interdictions

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11269, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4064, provided that: "Not later than the 15th day of each month, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall make available to the public on the website of the Coast Guard the number of migrant interdictions carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding month."

Currency Detection Canine Team Program

Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, §806, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4300, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Canine currency detection team.—The term 'canine currency detection team' means a canine and a canine handler that are trained to detect currency.

"(2) Secretary.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

"(b) Establishment.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 4, 2018], the Secretary shall establish a program to allow the use of canine currency detection teams for purposes of Coast Guard maritime law enforcement, including underway vessel boardings.

"(c) Operation.—The Secretary may cooperate with, or enter into an agreement with, the head of another Federal agency to meet the requirements under subsection (b)."

§523. Enforcement authority

Subject to guidelines approved by the Secretary, members of the Coast Guard, in the performance of official duties, may—

(1) carry a firearm; and

(2) while at a facility (as defined in section 70101 of title 46)—

(A) make an arrest without warrant for any offense against the United States committed in their presence; and

(B) seize property as otherwise provided by law.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §208(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2912, §99; renumbered §523, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 99 of this title as this section.

§524. Enforcement of coastwise trade laws

Officers and members of the Coast Guard are authorized to enforce chapter 551 of title 46. The Secretary shall establish a program for these officers and members to enforce that chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §216(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2917, §100; renumbered §524, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 100 of this title as this section.

§525. Special agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service law enforcement authority

(a)(1) A special agent of the Coast Guard Investigative Service designated under subsection (b) has the following authority:

(A) To carry firearms.

(B) To execute and serve any warrant or other process issued under the authority of the United States.

(C) To make arrests without warrant for—

(i) any offense against the United States committed in the agent's presence; or

(ii) any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if the agent has probable cause to believe that the individual to be arrested has committed or is committing the felony.

(2) The authorities provided in paragraph (1) shall be exercised only in the enforcement of statutes for which the Coast Guard has law enforcement authority, or in exigent circumstances.

(b) The Commandant may designate to have the authority provided under subsection (a) any special agent of the Coast Guard Investigative Service whose duties include conducting, supervising, or coordinating investigation of criminal activity in programs and operations of the United States Coast Guard.

(c) The authority provided under subsection (a) shall be exercised in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Commandant and approved by the Attorney General and any other applicable guidelines prescribed by the Secretary or the Attorney General.

(Added Pub. L. 100–448, §10(a), Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1842, §95; amended Pub. L. 105–383, title II, §205(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3415; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §217(2), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1557; renumbered §525, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(6), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "individual" for "person".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 95 of this title as this section.

2012—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–213 struck out "of Homeland Security" after "Secretary".

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1998—Pub. L. 105–383 substituted "Special agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service law enforcement authority" for "Civilian agents authorized to carry firearms" as section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary with the approval of the Attorney General, civilian special agents of the Coast Guard may carry firearms or other appropriate weapons while assigned to official investigative or law enforcement duties."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

§526. Stopping vessels; indemnity for firing at or into vessel

(a)(1) Whenever any vessel liable to seizure or examination does not stop on being ordered to do so or on being pursued by an authorized vessel or authorized aircraft which has displayed the ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for an authorized vessel or authorized aircraft, the individual in command or in charge of the authorized vessel or authorized aircraft may, subject to paragraph (2), fire at or into the vessel which does not stop.

(2) Before firing at or into a vessel as authorized in paragraph (1), the individual in command or in charge of the authorized vessel or authorized aircraft shall fire a gun as a warning signal, except that the prior firing of a gun as a warning signal is not required if that individual determines that the firing of a warning signal would unreasonably endanger individuals or property in the vicinity of the vessel to be stopped.

(b) The individual in command of an authorized vessel or authorized aircraft and all individuals acting under that individual's direction shall be indemnified from any penalties or actions for damages for firing at or into a vessel pursuant to subsection (a). If any individual is killed or wounded by the firing, and the individual in command of the authorized vessel or authorized aircraft or any individual acting pursuant to their orders is prosecuted or arrested therefor, they shall be forthwith admitted to bail.

(c) A vessel or aircraft is an authorized vessel or authorized aircraft for purposes of this section if—

(1) it is a Coast Guard vessel or aircraft;

(2) it is a surface naval vessel or military aircraft on which one or more members of the Coast Guard are assigned pursuant to section 379 of title 10; ¹ or

(3) it is any other vessel or aircraft on government noncommercial service when—

(A) the vessel or aircraft is under the tactical control of the Coast Guard; and

(B) at least one member of the Coast Guard is assigned and conducting a Coast Guard mission on the vessel or aircraft.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 546, §637; Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §7401(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4483; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1022, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 746; Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §205(a)–(c), (e)(1), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1032, 1033; Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §213(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2915; Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §209(9), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 41; renumbered §526, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(7), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §68 (R.S. 2765).

Aircraft are included within the protective terms of this section which permits aircraft to stop vessels but makes no provision for stopping aircraft.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 379 of title 10, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), was renumbered section 279 of title 10 by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XII, §1241(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2497.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §8505(a)(7)(A), (B), substituted "individual" for "person" wherever appearing, and substituted "individuals" for "persons" in par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §8505(a)(7), substituted "individual" for "person" wherever appearing, and substituted "individuals" for "persons" and "individual's" for "person's".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 637 of this title as this section.

2016—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 114–120 inserted "it is" before "any" in introductory provisions.

2010—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 111–281 added par. (3).

2004—Pub. L. 108–293, §205(e)(1), substituted "indemnity" for "immunity" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–293, §205(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "subject to paragraph (2)," for "after a gun has been fired by the authorized vessel or authorized aircraft as a warning signal,", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–293, §205(b), inserted "or" after the semicolon at end of par. (1), inserted "or military aircraft" after "surface naval vessel" and substituted a period for "; or" in par. (2), and struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "subject to subsection (d), it is a naval aircraft that has one or more members of the Coast Guard on board and is operating from a surface naval vessel described in paragraph (2)."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–293, §205(c), struck out subsec. (d) which related to inclusion of naval aircraft as authorized aircraft for purposes of this section.

1999—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 106–65, §1022(a), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–65, §1022(b), added subsec. (d).

1988—Pub. L. 100–690 substituted "immunity for firing at or into vessel" for "immunity of Coast Guard officer" in section catchline, and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) Whenever any vessel liable to seizure or examination does not bring-to, on being ordered to do so or on being chased by any Coast Guard vessel or aircraft which has displayed the ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for vessels or aircraft of the Coast Guard, the person in command or in charge of such Coast Guard vessel or such Coast Guard aircraft may, after a gun has been fired by the Coast Guard vessel or aircraft as a warning signal, fire at or into such vessel which does not bring-to.

"(b) The person in command of such Coast Guard vessel or such Coast Guard aircraft and all persons acting by or under his direction shall be indemnified from any penalties or actions for damages for so doing. If any person is killed or wounded by such firing, and the person in command of the Coast Guard vessel or aircraft or any person acting pursuant to his orders is prosecuted or arrested therefor, he shall be forthwith admitted to bail."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§527. Safety of vessels of the Armed Forces

(a) The Secretary may control the anchorage and movement of any vessel in the navigable waters of the United States to ensure the safety or security of any vessel of the Armed Forces in those waters.

(b) If the Secretary does not exercise the authority in subsection (a) of this section and immediate action is required, the senior officer present in command may control the anchorage or movement of any vessel in the navigable waters of the United States to ensure the safety and security of any vessel of the Armed Forces under the officer's command.

(c) If a person violates, or a vessel is operated in violation of, this section or a regulation or order issued under this section, the person or vessel is subject to the enforcement provisions in section 13 ¹ of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1232).

(d) As used in this section "navigable waters of the United States" includes all waters of the territorial sea of the United States as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 of December 27, 1988.

(e) For purposes of this title, the term "vessel of the Armed Forces" means—

(1) any vessel owned or operated by the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard, other than a time- or voyage-chartered vessel; and

(2) any vessel owned and operated by the Department of Transportation that is designated by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating as a vessel equivalent to a vessel described in paragraph (1).

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 503, §91; Pub. L. 99–640, §10(a)(4), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3549; Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §201, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 519; renumbered §527 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), title III, §318(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200, 4251.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §48a (Nov. 15, 1941, ch. 471, §1, 55 Stat. 763).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 13 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, referred to in subsec. (c), was repealed by Pub. L. 115–282, title IV, §402(e), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4264. See Transitional and Savings Provisions note preceding section 101 of Title 46, Shipping, and section 70036 of Title 46.

Presidential Proclamation No. 5928, referred to in subsec. (d), is set out under section 1331 of Title 43, Public Lands.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §318(a)(1), substituted "vessels of the Armed Forces" for "naval vessels" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 115–282, §105(b), renumbered section 91 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §318(a)(2), substituted "vessel of the Armed Forces" for "United States naval vessel".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282, §318(a)(3), substituted "senior officer present in command" for "senior naval officer present in command" and "vessel of the Armed Forces" for "United States naval vessel".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–282, §318(a)(4), added subsec. (e).

2006—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–241 added subsec. (d).

1986—Pub. L. 99–640 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "The captain of the port, Coast Guard district commander, or other officer of the Coast Guard designated by the Commandant thereof, or the Governor of the Panama Canal in the case of the territory and waters of the Canal Zone, shall so control the anchorage and movement of any vessel, foreign or domestic, in the territorial waters of the United States, as to insure the safety or security of such United States naval vessels as may be present in his jurisdiction. In territorial waters of the United States where immediate action is required, or where representatives of the Coast Guard are not present, or not present in sufficient force to exercise effective control of shipping as provided herein, the senior naval officer present in command of any naval force may control the anchorage or movement of any vessel, foreign or domestic, to the extent deemed necessary to insure the safety and security of his command."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§528. Protecting against unmanned aircraft

For the purposes of section 210G(k)(3)(C)(iv) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the missions authorized to be performed by the United States Coast Guard shall be those related to—

(1) functions of the U.S. Coast Guard relating to security or protection of facilities and assets assessed to be high-risk and a potential target for unlawful unmanned aircraft activity, including the security and protection of—

(A) a facility, including a facility that is under the administrative control of the Commandant; and

(B) a vessel (whether moored or underway) or an aircraft, including a vessel or aircraft—

(i) that is operated by the Coast Guard, or that the Coast Guard is assisting or escorting; and

(ii) that is directly involved in a mission of the Coast Guard pertaining to—

(I) assisting or escorting a vessel of the Department of Defense;

(II) assisting or escorting a vessel of national security significance, a high interest vessel, a high capacity passenger vessel, or a high value unit, as those terms are defined by the Secretary;

(III) section 527(a) of this title;

(IV) assistance in protecting the President or the Vice President (or other officer next in order of succession to the Office of the President) pursuant to the Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976 (18 U.S.C. 3056 note);

(V) protection of a National Special Security Event and Special Event Assessment Rating events;

(VI) air defense of the United States, including air sovereignty, ground-based air defense, and the National Capital Region integrated air defense system; or

(VII) a search and rescue operation; and

(2) missions directed by the Secretary pursuant to 210G(k)(3)(C)(iii) ¹ of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. H, §1603(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3529, §104; renumbered §528 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§105(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 210G(k)(3)(C)(iii), (iv) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, referred to in text, is classified to section 124n(k)(3)(C)(iii), (iv) of Title 6, Domestic Security.

The Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976, referred to in par. (1)(B)(ii)(IV), is Pub. L. 94–524, Oct. 17, 1976, 90 Stat. 2475, which enacted and amended provisions set out as notes under section 3056 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 531 and 532 were redesignated sections 2901 and 2902 of this title, respectively.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §105(b), renumbered section 104 of this title as this section.

Par. (1)(B)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 527(a)" for "section 91(a)".

¹ So in original. Probably should be preceded by "section".

SUBCHAPTER III—AIDS TO NAVIGATION

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(c)(3), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4202, inserted subchapter III designation and heading.

§541. Aids to navigation authorized

(a) In order to aid navigation and to prevent disasters, collisions, and wrecks of vessels and aircraft, the Coast Guard may establish, maintain, and operate:

(1) aids to maritime navigation required to serve the needs of the armed forces or of the commerce of the United States;

(2) aids to air navigation required to serve the needs of the armed forces of the United States peculiar to warfare and primarily of military concern as determined by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of any department within the Department of Defense and as required by any of those officials; and

(3) electronic aids to navigation systems (a) required to serve the needs of the armed forces of the United States peculiar to warfare and primarily of military concern as determined by the Secretary of Defense or any department within the Department of Defense; or (b) required to serve the needs of the maritime commerce of the United States; or (c) required to serve the needs of the air commerce of the United States as requested by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

These aids to navigation other than electronic aids to navigation systems shall be established and operated only within the United States, the waters above the Continental Shelf, the territories and possessions of the United States, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the United States at places where naval or military bases of the United States are or may be located. The Coast Guard may establish, maintain, and operate aids to maritime navigation under paragraph (1) of this section by contract with any person, public body, or instrumentality.

(b) In the case of pierhead beacons, the Commandant may—

(1) acquire, by donation or purchase in behalf of the United States, the right to use and occupy sites for pierhead beacons; and

(2) properly mark all pierheads belonging to the United States situated on the northern and northwestern lakes, whenever the Commandant is duly notified by the department charged with the construction or repair of pierheads that the construction or repair of any such pierheads has been completed.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 500, §81; June 22, 1951, ch. 150, 65 Stat. 89; Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1263, §30, 68 Stat. 1237; Pub. L. 85–726, title XIV, §1404, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 89–662, §1, Oct. 14, 1966, 80 Stat. 912; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(3), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §105(a), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1582; renumbered §541, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8509(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4755.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed.; §§50m, 50o, and on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§720, 720a, 739, 740, 740a, 740b, 769 (R.S. 4668; June 23, 1874, ch. 455, §1, 18 Stat. 220; June 17, 1910, ch. 301, §7, 36 Stat. 538; Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 81, §5, 38 Stat. 927; Aug. 28, 1916, ch. 414, §3, 39 Stat. 538; May 22, 1926, ch. 371, §6, 44 Stat. 626; Feb. 25, 1925, ch. 313, §3, 45 Stat. 1262; Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 665, §3, 50 Stat. 667; June 26, 1948, ch. 672, §§1, 3, 62 Stat. 1050).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 541 was renumbered section 2903 of this title.

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 81 of this title as this section.

1982—Pub. L. 97–322 authorized the Coast Guard to contractually establish, maintain, and operate aids to maritime navigation.

1976—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted "Federal Aviation Administration" for "Federal Aviation Agency" in cl. (3)(c).

1966—Pub. L. 89–662 expanded authorization for establishment, maintenance, and operation of aids to air navigation and electronic aids to navigation systems required to serve the needs of the armed forces to include needs peculiar to warfare and primarily of military concern as determined by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of any department within the Department of Defense, substituted "electronic aids to navigation systems" for "Loran stations", and altered the list of locations where aids to navigation other than electronic aids to navigation could be located by adding the waters above the Continental Shelf and by striking out places where such aids to navigation had been established prior to June 26, 1948.

1958—Pub. L. 85–726 substituted "Administrator of the Federal Aviation Agency" for "Administrator of Civil Aeronautics".

1954—Act Sept. 3, 1954, substituted "Department of Defense" for "National Military Establishment".

1951—Act June 22, 1951, extended Coast Guard's authority to include the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Pub. L. 85–726, title XV, §1505(2), Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 810, provided that the amendment made by Pub. L. 85–726 is effective on 60th day following date on which Administrator of Federal Aviation Agency [Federal Aviation Administration] first appointed under Pub. L. 85–726 qualifies and takes office. Administrator appointed, qualified, and took office on Oct. 31, 1958.

Discontinuance of an Aid to Navigation

Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §210, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 41, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 8, 2016], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a process for the discontinuance of an aid to navigation (other than a seasonal or temporary aid) established, maintained, or operated by the Coast Guard.

"(b) Requirement.—The process established under subsection (a) shall include procedures to notify the public of any discontinuance of an aid to navigation described in that subsection.

"(c) Consultation.—In establishing a process under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with and consider any recommendations of the Navigation Safety Advisory Council.

"(d) Notification.—Not later than 30 days after establishing a process under subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of the process established."

Improved Safety Information for Vessels

Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §228, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3040, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2014], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a process that allows an operator of a marine exchange or other non-Federal vessel traffic information service to use the automatic identification system to transmit weather, ice, and other important navigation safety information to vessels."

Aids to Navigation Report

Pub. L. 105–383, title II, §208, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3416, provided that not later than 18 months after Nov. 13, 1998, the Commandant of the Coast Guard was to submit to Congress a report on the use of the Coast Guard's aids to navigation system, including an analysis of the respective use of the aids to navigation system by commercial interests, members of the general public for personal recreation, Federal and State government for public safety, defense, and other similar purposes.

Report to Congress; Contractual Authority; Increase in Ratio of Civilian to Military Employees

Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §105(b), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1582, provided that: "Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 15, 1982], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit a report to the Congress evaluating—

"(1) the exercise by contract of the authority of the Coast Guard under section 81 [now 541] of title 14, United States Code, to establish, maintain, and operate aids to navigation, including a discussion of any problems involved in exercising such authority by contract, the reasons for exercising or failing to exercise such authority by contract in particular areas, and the feasibility of expanding the exercise of such authority by contract; and

"(2) the advantages and disadvantages of increasing the ratio of civilian to military employees assigned to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of aids to navigation on the inland waterways of the United States."

Contractual Authority Dependent Upon Availability of Appropriated Funds

Pub. L. 97–322, title I, §105(c), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1582, provided that: "Any authority to enter into contracts provided in this section [amending this section and enacting provision set out as Report to Congress; Contractual Authority; Increase in Ratio of Civilian to Military Employees note under this section] shall be available only to the extent that appropriated funds are available for that purpose."

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Ex. Ord. No. 7521. Use of Vessels for Ice-Breaking Operations in Channels and Harbors

Ex. Ord. No. 7521, Dec. 21, 1936, 1 F.R. 2527, provided:

1. The Coast Guard, operating under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, is hereby directed to assist in keeping open to navigation by means of ice-breaking operations, in so far as practicable and as the exigencies may require, channels and harbors in accordance with the reasonable demands of commerce; and to use for that purpose such vessels subject to its control and jurisdiction or which may be made available to it under paragraph 2 hereof as are necessary and are reasonably suitable for such operations.

2. The Secretary of War [Army], the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce are hereby directed to cooperate with the Coast Guard in such ice-breaking operations, and to furnish the Coast Guard, upon the request of the Commandant thereof, for this service such vessels under their jurisdiction and control as in the opinion of the Commandant, with the concurrence of the head of the Department concerned, are available and are, or may readily be made, suitable for this service.

§542. Unauthorized aids to maritime navigation; penalty

No person, or public body, or instrumentality, excluding the armed services, shall establish, erect, or maintain any aid to maritime navigation in or adjacent to the waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or on the high seas if that person, or public body, or instrumentality is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, without first obtaining authority to do so from the Coast Guard in accordance with applicable regulations. Whoever violates the provisions of this section or any of the regulations issued by the Secretary in accordance herewith shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,500 for each offense. Each day during which such violation continues shall be considered as a new offense.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 500, §83; Pub. L. 93–283, §1(1), May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §205(a)(1), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3025; renumbered §542, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §759 (June 20, 1906, ch. 3447, §3, 34 Stat. 324; June 17, 1910, ch. 301, §6, 36 Stat. 538; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §1, 37 Stat. 736; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §2(a), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1432).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 542 was renumbered section 2904 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 83 of this title as this section.

2014—Pub. L. 113–281 substituted "$1,500" for "$100".

1974—Pub. L. 93–283 substituted "maritime navigation in or adjacent to the waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or on the high seas if that person, or public body, or instrumentality is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, without first obtaining authority" for "maritime navigation without first obtaining authority".

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

§543. Interference with aids to navigation; penalty

It shall be unlawful for any person, or public body, or instrumentality, excluding the armed forces, to remove, change the location of, obstruct, wilfully damage, make fast to, or interfere with any aid to navigation established, installed, operated, or maintained by the Coast Guard pursuant to section 541 of this title, or with any aid to navigation lawfully maintained under authority granted by the Coast Guard pursuant to section 542 of this title, or to anchor any vessel in any of the navigable waters of the United States so as to obstruct or interfere with range lights maintained therein. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,500 for each offense. Each day during which such violation shall continue shall be considered as a new offense.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 500, §84; Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §205(a)(2), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3025; renumbered §543 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§105(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200, 4240.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946, ed., §§761, 762 (May 14, 1908, ch. 168, §6, 35 Stat. 162; June 17, 1910, ch. 301, §6, 36 Stat. 538; Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 81, §8, 38 Stat. 928; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §2(a), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1432).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 543 was renumbered section 2905 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 541" for "section 81" and "section 542" for "section 83".

Pub. L. 115–282, §105(b), renumbered section 84 of this title as this section.

2014—Pub. L. 113–281 substituted "$1,500" for "$500".

§544. Aids to maritime navigation; penalty

The Secretary shall prescribe and enforce necessary and reasonable rules and regulations, for the protection of maritime navigation, relative to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of lights and other signals on fixed and floating structures in or over waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and in the high seas for structures owned or operated by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Any owner or operator of such a structure, excluding an agency of the United States, who violates any of the rules or regulations prescribed hereunder, commits a misdemeanor and shall be punished, upon conviction thereof, by a fine of not exceeding $1,500 for each day which such violation continues.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 501, §85; June 4, 1956, ch. 351, §1, 70 Stat. 226; Pub. L. 93–283, §1(2), May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §205(a)(3), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3025; renumbered §544, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §760 (May 14, 1908, ch. 168, §5, 35 Stat. 162).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 544 was renumbered section 2906 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 85 of this title as this section.

2014—Pub. L. 113–281 substituted "$1,500" for "$100".

1974—Pub. L. 93–283 struck out "on fixed structures" after "maritime navigation" in section catchline and in text substituted "fixed and floating structures in or over waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and in the high seas for structures owned or operated by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States" for "fixed structures in or over navigable waters of the United States".

1956—Act June 4, 1956, amended section generally, vesting in Secretary rule-making authority, for the protection of maritime navigation, relative to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of lights and other signals on fixed structures in or over navigable waters of the United States, and excluding agencies of United States from its provisions.

§545. Marking of obstructions

The Secretary may mark for the protection of navigation any sunken vessel or other obstruction existing on the navigable waters or waters above the continental shelf of the United States in such manner and for so long as, in his judgment, the needs of maritime navigation require. The owner of such an obstruction shall be liable to the United States for the cost of such marking until such time as the obstruction is removed or its abandonment legally established or until such earlier time as the Secretary may determine. All moneys received by the United States from the owners of obstructions, in accordance with this section, shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. This section shall not be construed so as to relieve the owner of any such obstruction from the duty and responsibility suitably to mark the same and remove it as required by law.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 501, §86; Pub. L. 89–191, Sept. 17, 1965, 79 Stat. 822; Pub. L. 93–283, §1(3), May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 139; renumbered §545, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §736 (R.S. 4676; June 17, 1910, ch. 301, §6, 36 Stat. 538; Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 665, §1, 50 Stat. 666; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §2(a), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1432).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 86 of this title as this section.

1974—Pub. L. 93–283 substituted "the navigable waters or waters above the continental shelf of the United States" for "any navigable waters of the United States".

1965—Pub. L. 89–191 vested sole responsibility for wreck marking in the Coast Guard by giving the Secretary discretionary authority to mark wrecks or other similar obstructions for as long as in his judgment the needs of maritime navigation may require, by removing reference to responsibility of the Department of the Army to mark wrecks, after abandonment and before removal, and by giving the Secretary the authority to terminate an owner's liability to pay the cost of marking a wreck.

§546. Deposit of damage payments

Whenever an aid to navigation or other property belonging to the Coast Guard is damaged or destroyed by a private person, and such private person or his agent shall pay to the satisfaction of the proper official of the Coast Guard for the cost of repair or replacement of such property, the Commandant may accept and deposit such payments, through proper officers of the Fiscal Service, Treasury Department, in special deposit accounts in the Treasury, for payment therefrom to the person or persons repairing or replacing the damaged property and refundment of amounts collected in excess of the cost of the repairs or replacements concerned. In the event that repair or replacement of the damaged property is effected by the Coast Guard, the appropriations bearing the cost thereof and current at the time collection is made shall be reimbursed from the special deposit account.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 547, §642; renumbered §546, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §721a (Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 665, §2, 50 Stat. 667).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 642 of this title as this section.

§547. Rewards for apprehension of persons interfering with aids to navigation

The Coast Guard may offer and pay rewards for the apprehension and conviction, or for information helpful therein, of persons found interfering in violation of law with aids to navigation maintained by the Coast Guard; or for information leading to the discovery of missing Coast Guard property or to recovery thereof.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 547, §643; renumbered §547, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §50c (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 756, §32, 60 Stat. 857).

Section is enlarged to provide for payment of rewards for information leading to the discovery or recovery of missing Coast Guard property. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 643 of this title as this section.

§548.¹ Prohibition against officers and employees being interested in contracts for materials

No officer, enlisted member, or civilian member of the Coast Guard in any manner connected with the construction, operation, or maintenance of lighthouses, shall be interested, either directly or indirectly, in any contract for labor, materials, or supplies for the construction, operation, or maintenance of lighthouses, or in any patent, plan, or mode of construction or illumination, or in any article of supply for the construction, operation, or maintenance of lighthouses.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8509(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4756.)

¹ Another section 548 is set out after section 550 of this title.

§549. Lighthouse and other sites; necessity and sufficiency of cession by State of jurisdiction

(a) No lighthouse, beacon, public pier, or landmark, shall be built or erected on any site until cession of jurisdiction over the same has been made to the United States.

(b) For the purposes of subsection (a), a cession by a State of jurisdiction over a place selected as the site of a lighthouse, or other structure or work referred to in subsection (a), shall be deemed sufficient if the cession contains a reservation that process issued under authority of such State may continue to be served within such place.

(c) If no reservation of service described in subsection (b) is contained in a cession, all process may be served and executed within the place ceded, in the same manner as if no cession had been made.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8509(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4756.)

§550. Marking pierheads in certain lakes

The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall properly mark all pierheads belonging to the United States situated on the northern and northwestern lakes, whenever he is duly notified by the department charged with the construction or repair of pierheads that the construction or repair of any such pierhead has been completed.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8509(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4756.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 551 to 555 were renumbered sections 2921 to 2925 of this title, respectively.

§548.¹ Marking anchorage grounds by Commandant of the Coast Guard

The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall provide, establish, and maintain, out of the annual appropriations for the Coast Guard, buoys or other suitable marks for marking anchorage grounds for vessels in waters of the United States, when such anchorage grounds have been defined and established by proper authority in accordance with the laws of the United States.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXVIII, §11808(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4166.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

The text of section 472 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, which was transferred to appear at the end of this subchapter, redesignated as section 548 of this title, and amended by Pub. L. 117–263, §11808(c), was based on act Sept. 15, 1922, ch. 313, 42 Stat. 844.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "The Commandant of the Coast Guard" for "That hereafter the Commissioner of Lighthouses" and "for the Coast Guard" for "for the Lighthouse Service".

¹ Another section 548 is set out after section 547 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER IV—MISCELLANEOUS

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(c)(4), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4202, inserted subchapter IV designation and heading.

§561. Icebreaking in polar regions

(a) Procurement Authority.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of—

(A) the Polar Security Cutters approved as part of a major acquisition program as of November 1, 2019; and

(B) 3 additional Polar Security Cutters.

(2) Condition for out-year contract payments.—A contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract during a fiscal year after fiscal year 2019 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.

(b) Planning.—The Secretary shall facilitate planning for the design, procurement, maintenance, deployment, and operation of icebreakers as needed to support the statutory missions of the Coast Guard in the polar regions by allocating all funds to support icebreaking operations in such regions, except for recurring incremental costs associated with specific projects, to the Coast Guard.

(c) Reimbursement.—Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from seeking reimbursement for operation and maintenance costs of the Polar Star, Healy, or any other Polar Security Cutter from other Federal agencies and entities, including foreign countries, that benefit from the use of those vessels.

(d) Restriction.—

(1) In general.—The Commandant may not—

(A) transfer, relinquish ownership of, dismantle, or recycle the Polar Sea or Polar Star;

(B) change the current homeport of the Polar Sea or Polar Star; or

(C) expend any funds—

(i) for any expenses directly or indirectly associated with the decommissioning of the Polar Sea or Polar Star, including expenses for dock use or other goods and services;

(ii) for any personnel expenses directly or indirectly associated with the decommissioning of the Polar Sea or Polar Star, including expenses for a decommissioning officer;

(iii) for any expenses associated with a decommissioning ceremony for the Polar Sea or Polar Star;

(iv) to appoint a decommissioning officer to be affiliated with the Polar Sea or Polar Star; or

(v) to place the Polar Sea or Polar Star in inactive status.

(2) Sunset.—This subsection shall cease to have effect on September 30, 2022.

(e) Limitation.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary may not expend amounts appropriated for the Coast Guard for any of fiscal years 2015 through 2024, for—

(A) design activities related to a capability of a Polar Security Cutter that is based solely on an operational requirement of a Federal department or agency other than the Coast Guard, except for amounts appropriated for design activities for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2016; or

(B) long-lead-time materials, production, or postdelivery activities related to such a capability.

(2) Other amounts.—Amounts made available to the Secretary under an agreement with a Federal department or agency other than the Coast Guard and expended on a capability of a Polar Security Cutter that is based solely on an operational requirement of such Federal department or agency shall not be treated as amounts expended by the Secretary for purposes of the limitation under paragraph (1).

(f) Enhanced Maintenance Program for the Polar Star.—

(1) In general.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commandant shall conduct an enhanced maintenance program on the Polar Star ¹ to extend the service life of such vessel until at least December 31, 2025.

(2) Authorization of appropriations.—The Commandant may use funds made available pursuant to section 4902(1)(A), to carry out this subsection.

(g) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Polar sea.—The term "Polar Sea" means Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea (WAGB 11).

(2) Polar star.—The term "Polar Star" means Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10).

(3) Healy.—The term "Healy" means Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20).

(Added Pub. L. 113–281, title V, §506(a), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3060, §87; renumbered §561, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXI [LXXXI], §8111(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4637.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 561 was renumbered section 1101 of this title.

Another prior section 561, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 538, related to limitations on punishment by commanding officer, prior to repeal by act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §§5, 14(v), 64 Stat. 145, 148, effective May 31, 1951.

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The President shall facilitate planning for the design, procurement, maintenance, deployment, and operation of icebreakers as needed to support the statutory missions of the Coast Guard in the polar regions by allocating all funds to support icebreaking operations in such regions, except for recurring incremental costs associated with specific projects, to the Coast Guard."

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 87 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Establishment of Medium Icebreaker Program Office

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11218, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4018, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the heads of the other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report to establish a fleet mix analysis with respect to polar icebreakers and icebreaking tugs.

"(b) Contents.—The report required under subsection (a) shall include—

"(1) a full fleet mix of heavy and medium icebreaker and 140-foot icebreaking tug replacements, including cost and timelines for the acquisition of such vessels;

"(2) a revised time table showing the construction, commissioning, and acceptance of planned Polar Security Cutters 1 through 3, as of the date of [the] report;

"(3) a comparison and alternatives analysis of the costs and timeline of constructing 2 Polar Security Cutters beyond the construction of 3 such vessels rather than constructing 3 Arctic Security Cutters, including the cost of planning, design, and engineering of a new class of ships, which shall include the increased costs resulting from the delays in building a new class of cutters rather than building 2 additional cutters from an ongoing production line;

"(4) the operational benefits, limitations, and risks of a common hull design for polar icebreaking cutters for operation in the polar regions;

"(5) the operational benefits, limitations, and risks of a common hull design for icebreaking tugs for operation in the Northeastern United States; and

"(6) the cost and timetable for replacing the Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) as—

"(A) a Polar Security Cutter;

"(B) an Arctic Security Cutter; or

"(C) other platform as determined by the Commandant.

"(c) Quarterly Briefings.—As part of quarterly acquisition briefings provided by the Commandant to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Commandant shall include an update on the status of—

"(1) all acquisition activities related to the Polar Security Cutter;

"(2) the performance of the entity which the Coast Guard has contracted with for detailed design and construction of the Polar Security Cutter; and

"(3) the requirements for the planning, detailed design, engineering, and construction of the—

"(A) Arctic Security Cutter; and

"(B) Great Lakes Icebreaker.

"(d) Limitation.—The report required to be submitted under subsection (a) shall not include an analysis of the Great Lakes Icebreaker authorized under section 11104 [of Pub. L. 117–263, 136 Stat. 4004, which is not classified to the Code].

"(e) Establishment of the Arctic Security Cutter Program Office.—

"(1) Determination.—Not later than 90 days after the submission of the report under subsection (a), the Commandant shall determine if constructing additional Polar Security Cutters is more cost effective and efficient than constructing 3 Arctic Security Cutters.

"(2) Establishment.—If the Commandant determines under paragraph (1) that it is more cost effective to build 3 Arctic Security Cutters than to build additional Polar Security Cutters or if the Commandant fails to make a determination under paragraph (1) by June 1, 2024, the Commandant shall establish a program office for the acquisition of the Arctic Security Cutter not later than January 1, 2025.

"(3) Requirements and design phase.—Not later than 270 days after the date on which the Commandant establishes a program office under paragraph (2), the Commandant shall complete the evaluation of requirements for the Arctic Security Cutter and initiate the design phase of the Arctic Security Cutter vessel class.

"(f) Quarterly Briefings.—Not less frequently than quarterly until the date on which a contract for acquisition of the Arctic Security Cutter is awarded under chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of requirements evaluations, design of the vessel, and schedule of the program."

Acquisition of Icebreaker

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11223, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4021, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Commandant may acquire or procure 1 United States built available icebreaker.

"(b) Exemptions From Requirements.—

"(1) In general.—Sections 1131, 1132(a)(2), 1132(c), 1133, and 1171 of title 14, United States Code, shall not apply to an acquisition or procurement under subsection (a).

"(2) Additional exceptions.—Paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a) and subsections (b), (d), and (e) of section 1132 of title 14, United States Code, shall apply to an acquisition or procurement under subsection (a) until the first phase of the initial acquisition or procurement is complete and initial operating capacity is achieved.

"(c) Science Mission Requirements.—For any available icebreaker acquired or procured under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure scientific research capacity comparable to the Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20), for the purposes of hydrographic, bathymetric, oceanographic, weather, atmospheric, climate, fisheries, marine mammals, genetic and other data related to the Arctic, and other research as the Under Secretary determines appropriate.

"(d) Operations and Agreements.—

"(1) Coast guard.—With respect to any available icebreaker acquired or procured under subsection (a), the Secretary shall be responsible for any acquisition, retrofitting, operation, and maintenance costs necessary to achieve full operational capability, including testing, installation, and acquisition, including for the suite of hull-mounted, ship-provided scientific instrumentation and equipment for data collection.

"(2) National oceanic and atmospheric administration.—The Under Secretary shall not be responsible for the costs of retrofitting any available icebreaker acquired or procured under subsection (a), including costs relating to—

"(A) vessel maintenance, construction, operations, and crewing other than the science party; and

"(B) making such icebreaker capable of conducting the research described in subsection (c), including design, procurement of laboratory space and equipment, and modification of living quarters.

"(3) Responsibility of under secretary.—The Under Secretary shall be responsible for costs related to—

"(A) the science party;

"(B) the scientific mission; and

"(C) other scientific assets and equipment that augment such icebreaker beyond full operational capacity as determined by the Under Secretary and Commandant.

"(4) Memorandum of agreement.—The Commandant and the Under Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of agreement to facilitate science activities, data collection, and other procedures necessary to meet the requirements of this section.

"(e) Restriction and Briefing.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Commandant shall brief the appropriate congressional committees with respect to available icebreaker acquired or procured under subsection (a) on—

"(1) a proposed concept of operations of such icebreaker;

"(2) a detailed cost estimate for such icebreaker, including estimated costs for acquisition, modification, shoreside infrastructure, crewing, and maintaining such an icebreaker by year for the estimated service life of such icebreaker; and

"(3) the expected capabilities of such icebreaker as compared to the capabilities of a fully operational Coast Guard built Polar Security Cutter for each year in which such an icebreaker is anticipated to serve in lieu of such a cutter and the projected annual costs to achieve such anticipated capabilities.

"(f) Interim Report.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and not later than every 90 days thereafter until any available icebreaker acquired or procured under subsection (a) has reached full operational capability, the Commandant shall provide to the appropriate Committees of Congress an interim report of the status and progress of all elements under subsection (d).

"(g) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall effect acquisitions of vessels by the Under Secretary.

"(h) Savings Clause.—

"(1) In general.—Any operations necessary for the saving of life or property at sea, response to environmental pollution, national security, defense readiness, or other missions as determined by the Commandant shall take priority over any scientific or economic missions under subsection (c).

"(2) Augmentation.—Any available icebreaker acquired or procured under subsection (a) shall augment the Coast Guard mission in the Arctic, including by conducting operations and missions that are in addition to missions conducted by the Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) in the region.

"(i) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

"(2) Arctic.—The term 'Arctic' has the meaning given such term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).

"(3) Available icebreaker.—The term 'available icebreaker' means a vessel that—

"(A) is capable of—

"(i) supplementing United States Coast Guard polar icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic region of the United States;

"(ii) projecting United States sovereignty;

"(iii) ensuring a continuous operational capability in the Arctic region of the United States;

"(iv) carrying out the primary duty of the Coast Guard described in section 103(7) of title 14, United States Code; and

"(v) collecting hydrographic, environmental, and climate data; and

"(B) is documented with a coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code.

"(4) Under secretary.—The term 'Under Secretary' means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

"(j) Sunset.—The authority under subsections (a) through (c) shall expire on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act."

[For definitions of "Commandant" and "Secretary" as used in section 11223 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out above, see section 11002 of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.]

¹ So in original. "Polar Star" probably should be italicized.

§562. Appeals and waivers

Except for the Commandant, any individual adjudicating an appeal or waiver of a decision regarding marine safety, including inspection or manning and threats to the environment, shall—

(1) be a qualified specialist with the training, experience, and qualifications in marine safety to effectively judge the facts and circumstances involved in the appeal and make a judgment regarding the merits of the appeal; or

(2) have a senior staff member who—

(A) meets the requirements of paragraph (1);

(B) actively advises the individual adjudicating the appeal; and

(C) concurs in writing on the decision on appeal.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title V, §524(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2958, §102; renumbered §101, Pub. L. 111–330, §1(6)(A), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3531(c)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2320; renumbered §562, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 562 was renumbered section 1102 of this title.

Another prior section 562, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 539; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §27, 64 Stat. 407, related to deck courts, prior to repeal by act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §§5, 14(v), 64 Stat. 145, 148, effective May 31, 1951.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 101 of this title as this section.

Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "Commandant" for "Commandant of the Coast Guard" in introductory provisions.

2010—Pub. L. 111–330 renumbered section 102 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–330, §1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(6)(A) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.

§563. Notification of certain determinations

(a) In General.—At least 90 days prior to making a final determination that a waterway, or a portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall provide notification regarding the proposed determination to—

(1) the Governor of each State in which such waterway, or portion thereof, is located;

(2) the public; and

(3) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

(b) Content Requirement.—Each notification provided under subsection (a) to an entity specified in paragraph (3) of that subsection shall include—

(1) an analysis of whether vessels operating on the waterway, or portion thereof, subject to the proposed determination are subject to inspection or similar regulation by State or local officials;

(2) an analysis of whether operators of commercial vessels on such waterway, or portion thereof, are subject to licensing or similar regulation by State or local officials; and

(3) an estimate of the annual costs that the Coast Guard may incur in conducting operations on such waterway, or portion thereof.

(Added Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §210(a), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3027, §103; renumbered §563, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §105(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4200.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

For redesignation of prior sections 563 to 688 not listed below as having been previously repealed or renumbered, see Table Showing Redesignations Made by Title I of Pub. L. 115–282 preceding section 101 of this title.

Prior sections 563 to 567 were repealed by act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §§5, 14(v), 64 Stat. 145, 148, effective May 31, 1951.

Section 563, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 539; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §28, 64 Stat. 407, related to summary courts-martial.

Section 564, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 540; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §29, 64 Stat. 407, related to general courts-martial.

Section 565, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 540, related to Public Health Service officers as court members.

Section 566, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 541, related to reviewing authorities.

Section 567, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 541, related to jurisdiction of offenses.

A prior section 568, added Pub. L. 111–281, title IV, §402(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2940; amended Pub. L. 111–330, §1(4), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, related to guidance on excessive pass-through charges, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3535, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2322.

Another prior section 568, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 542, related to time limitations between offense and prosecution, prior to repeal by act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §§5, 14(v), 64 Stat. 145, 148, effective May 31, 1951.

A prior section 569, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 542, related to trial by civil authorities for offenses against United States, prior to repeal by act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §§5, 14(v), 64 Stat. 145, 148, effective May 31, 1951.

A prior section 569a was renumbered section 2903 of this title and subsequently renumbered section 5103 of this title.

Prior sections 570 to 576 were repealed by act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §§5, 14(v), 64 Stat. 145, 148, effective May 31, 1951.

Section 570, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 542, related to designation of any Federal prison for execution of sentence.

Section 571, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 542, related to Treasury and Navy Department jurisdiction.

Section 572, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 543, related to courts of inquiry.

Section 573, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 543, related to contempt of court.

Section 574, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 543, related to issuance of and penalties for failure to comply with subpoenas.

Section 575, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 543, related to arrest of deserters.

Section 576, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 544, related to allowances to and transportation of prisoners.

Section 634, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 545; Pub. L. 86–70, §11, June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 143; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(18), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302, related to officers designated as captain of the port or ports or adjacent high seas or waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, or appointed as United States Deputy Marshals in Alaska, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(c)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4199.

A prior section 640, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 546; June 15, 1955, ch. 142, 69 Stat. 134, related to interchange of supplies between armed forces, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36A, C(1), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1569, 1571. See section 2571 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

A prior section 645, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, §1, 63 Stat. 547; Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1263, §34, 68 Stat. 1239; Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–738, §§4, 5, 72 Stat. 833, provided for settlement of claims incident to activities of Coast Guard, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 90–525, §2, Sept. 26, 1968, 82 Stat. 877, effective two years after Sept. 26, 1968. See section 2733 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

A prior section 651, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 550; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(36), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2522; Pub. L. 99–509, title V, §5102(a)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1926, related to annual report on operations and expenditures of the Coast Guard during the preceding fiscal year, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §221(a)(2), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3037.

A prior section 657 was renumbered section 544 of this title and subsequently renumbered section 2906 of this title.

A prior section 659, added Pub. L. 95–61, §4(1), July 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 259; amended Pub. L. 97–258, §3(d), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1064, directed the merger of obligated balances with current appropriations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–295, §2(19)(A), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1302.

Prior sections 661, 662, 662a, 663, and 674 were renumbered sections 2703, 2701, 2901, 2902, and 675 of this title, respectively, and subsequently renumbered sections 4903, 4901, 5101, 5102, and 910 of this title, respectively.

Prior sections 682 to 684 were repealed by Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §221(a)(3), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2919.

Section 682, added Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §208(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3910; amended Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §207(b), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1034, related to direct loans and loan guarantees.

Section 683, added Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §208(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3910, related to leasing of housing to be constructed.

Section 684, added Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §208(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3911; amended Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §207(c), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1034, related to limited partnerships with eligible entities.

A prior section 686, added Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §208(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3912; amended Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(g)(3)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-293, related to assignment of members of the armed forces to housing units, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §221(a)(5), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2919.

A prior section 687a, added Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §207(e), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1035, related to differential lease payments, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §221(a)(7), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2920.

A prior section 689, added Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §208(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3913; amended Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §402(d), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2114, provided that the authority to enter into a transaction under former chapter 18 of this title expired Oct. 1, 2007, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §221(a)(9), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2920.

Prior sections 690 to 693 were repealed by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §104(c)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4199.

Section 690, added Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §222(a), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1917, defined terms for purposes of former sections 690 to 693 of this title.

Section 691, added Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §222(a), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1917; amended Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §209(11), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 41, related to a program of environmental compliance and restoration at current and former Coast Guard facilities.

Section 692, added Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §222(a), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1918, related to the Coast Guard Environmental Compliance and Restoration Account.

Section 693, added Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §222(a), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1918; amended Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §213(b), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1553; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3531(c)(3), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2320, required the Commandant to submit a prioritized list of projects eligible for environmental compliance and restoration funding for each fiscal year.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 103 of this title as this section.

§564. Administration of sexual assault forensic examination kits

(a) Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Procedure.—

(1) In general.—Before embarking on any prescheduled voyage, a Coast Guard vessel shall have in place a written operating procedure that ensures that an embarked victim of sexual assault shall have access to a sexual assault forensic examination—

(A) as soon as possible after the victim requests an examination; and

(B) that is treated with the same level of urgency as emergency medical care.

(2) Requirements.—The written operating procedure required by paragraph (1),¹ shall, at a minimum, account for—

(A) the health, safety, and privacy of a victim of sexual assault;

(B) the proximity of ashore or afloat medical facilities, including coordination as necessary with the Department of Defense, including other military departments (as defined in section 101 of title 10);

(C) the availability of aeromedical evacuation;

(D) the operational capabilities of the vessel concerned;

(E) the qualifications of medical personnel onboard;

(F) coordination with law enforcement and the preservation of evidence;

(G) the means of accessing a sexual assault forensic examination and medical care with a restricted report of sexual assault;

(H) the availability of nonprescription pregnancy prophylactics; and

(I) other unique military considerations.

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11272(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4066.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Annual Report

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, §11272(c)(5), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4067, provided that: "The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall submit to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the House and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee of the Senate a report containing the number of sexual assault forensic examinations that were requested by, but not administered within 3 days to, alleged victims of sexual assault when such victims were onboard a vessel."

¹ So in original. The comma probably should not appear.

CHAPTER 7—COOPERATION

        

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior analysis for part II of this title "COAST GUARD RESERVE AND AUXILIARY" preceded prior section 701 and consisted of items for chapter 21 "Coast Guard Reserve" beginning with section 701, chapter 23 "Coast Guard Auxiliary" beginning with section 821, and chapter 25 "General Provisions for Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary" beginning with section 891, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §111, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4215.

A prior analysis for chapter 7 "COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES" consisted of items 141 "Cooperation with other agencies, States, territories, and political subdivisions", 142 "State Department", 143 "Treasury Department", 144 "Department of the Army and Department of the Air Force", 145 "Navy Department", 146 "United States Postal Service", 147 "Department of Commerce", 147a "Department of Health and Human Services", 148 "Maritime instruction", 149 "Assistance to foreign governments and maritime authorities", 150 "Coast Guard officers as attachés to missions", 151 "Contracts with Government-owned establishments for work and material", 152 "Nonappropriated fund instrumentalities: contracts with other agencies and instrumentalities to provide or obtain goods and services", 153 "Appointment of judges", and 154 "Arctic maritime domain awareness", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4202.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXV, §11501(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4127, added item 721.

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8218(b), title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4655, 4746, added items 719 and 720.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(a), title III, §306(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4202, 4247, inserted chapter 7 designation and heading and added items 701 to 718.

¹ So in original. Does not conform to section catchline.

§701. Cooperation with other agencies, States, territories, and political subdivisions

(a) The Coast Guard may, when so requested by proper authority, utilize its personnel and facilities (including members of the Auxiliary and facilities governed under chapter 39) to assist any Federal agency, State, Territory, possession, or political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, to perform any activity for which such personnel and facilities are especially qualified. The Commandant may prescribe conditions, including reimbursement, under which personnel and facilities may be provided under this subsection.

(b) The Coast Guard, with the consent of the head of the agency concerned, may avail itself of such officers and employees, advice, information, and facilities of any Federal agency, State, Territory, possession, or political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia as may be helpful in the performance of its duties. In connection with the utilization of personal services of employees of state or local governments, the Coast Guard may make payments for necessary traveling and per diem expenses as prescribed for Federal employees by the standardized Government travel regulations.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 505, §141; Pub. L. 104–324, title IV, §405(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3924; renumbered §701 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§106(b), 123(c)(6), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203, 4241.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section is based in part on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §756 (Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 81, §6, 38 Stat. 928), and authorizes the Coast Guard to use its personnel and facilities to assist other Government agencies when requested and, correlatively, authorizes the Coast Guard to utilize the personnel and facilities of other agencies. It is believed desirable to have this authority spelled out by statute because in times of emergency, for example floods, it sometimes becomes most advantageous to cooperate in this manner. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 701 was renumbered section 3701 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §106(b), renumbered section 141 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(c)(6), substituted "chapter 39" for "chapter 23".

1996—Pub. L. 104–324, §405(a)(1), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Cooperation with other agencies, States, territories, and political subdivisions" for "General".

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–324, §405(a)(2), (3), inserted "(including members of the Auxiliary and facilities governed under chapter 23)" after "personnel and facilities" and "The Commandant may prescribe conditions, including reimbursement, under which personnel and facilities may be provided under this subsection." at end.

§702. State Department

The Coast Guard, through the Secretary, may exchange information, through the Secretary of State, with foreign governments and suggest to the Secretary of State international collaboration and conferences on all matters dealing with the safety of life and property at sea, other than radio communication.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 505, §142; renumbered §702, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Because of the numerous situations in which it is necessary for the Coast Guard to deal with foreign governments, particularly in the field of safety of life and property at sea, the Coast Guard and the State Department agree that a provision such as this is desirable.

The international character of many Coast Guard functions makes it more and more necessary for the Service to be an initiating or participating agency in international collaboration. Examples of international meetings concerned with matters affecting the Coast Guard include those which dealt with the International Rules of the Road, international load lines, the International Code of Signals, safety at sea, and international telecommunications. It is highly desirable that there be a clear-cut legislative expression of Coast Guard cooperation with the State Department on proposed international conferences dealing with various phases of Coast Guard activities, such as aids to navigation, life-saving equipment, navigation and communication equipment other than radio communication, regulation of dangerous cargoes, international rules of the road, safety requirements and equipment of transoceanic aircraft and vessels, and safe manning standards and efficiency of personnel employed on transoceanic aircraft and vessels. Provisions for similar relationship between the Civil Aeronautical Board and the State Department appear in the act of June 23, 1938, as amended, 52 Stat. 984 (title 49, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§425(c), 602). 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 702 was renumbered section 3702 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 142 of this title as this section.

§703. Treasury Department

Commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Coast Guard are deemed to be officers of the customs and when so acting shall, insofar as performance of the duties relating to customs laws are concerned, be subject to regulations issued by the Secretary of the Treasury governing officers of the customs.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 506, §143; renumbered §703, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 19, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§1401(l), 1709(b) (Aug. 5, 1935, ch. 435, title II, §201, 49 Stat. 521; Aug. 5, 1935, ch. 438, title IV, §401, 49 Stat. 529).

This section will not repeal the sections cited above, but makes further provision that Coast Guard personnel when acting as officers of the customs shall, insofar as enforcing customs laws are concerned, be subject to regulations governing regular officers of the customs. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 703 was renumbered section 3703 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered sction 143 of this title as this section.

§704. Department of the Army and Department of the Air Force

(a) The Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force at the request of the Secretary may, with or without reimbursement for the cost thereof, as agreed, receive members of the Coast Guard for instruction in any school, including any aviation school, maintained by the Army or the Air Force, and such members shall be subject to the regulations governing such schools.

(b) Officers and enlisted members of the Coast Guard shall be permitted to purchase quartermaster supplies from the Army at the same price as is charged the officers and enlisted members of the Army.

(c) Articles of ordnance property may be sold by the Secretary of the Army to officers of the Coast Guard for their use in the public service in the same manner as these articles are sold to officers of the Army.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 506, §144; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(10), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(D), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3533(c)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2321; renumbered §704, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Subsection (a) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §28 (Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601). Section has been enlarged to include the Air Force as well as the Army, and to include all schools maintained by the Army or Air Force, rather than aviation schools only. Reimbursement is made optional depending upon agreement of the Secretaries.

Subsection (b) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §31 (Mar. 6, 1920, ch. 94, §1, 41 Stat. 506).

Subsection (c) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §31a (Mar. 3, 1909, ch. 252, 35 Stat. 751; Apr. 15, 1937, ch. 101, 50 Stat. 65).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 704 was renumbered section 3704 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 144 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "enlisted members" for "enlisted men" in two places.

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–557 substituted "members" for "officers and enlisted men" in two places.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–546, §1(10)(a), substituted "at the request of the Secretary" for "at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–546, §1(10)(b), substituted "Secretary of the Army" for "Chief of Ordnance".

§705. Navy Department

(a) The Secretary of the Navy, at the request of the Secretary may, with or without reimbursement for the cost thereof, as agreed:

(1) build any vessel for the Coast Guard at such Navy yards as the Secretary of the Navy may designate;

(2) receive members of the Coast Guard for instruction in any school, including any aviation school maintained by the Navy, and such members shall be subject to the regulations governing such schools;

(3) permit personnel of the Coast Guard and their dependents to occupy any public quarters maintained by the Navy and available for the purpose; and

(4) detail personnel from the Chaplain Corps to provide services, pursuant to section 1789 of title 10, to the Coast Guard.

(b) Officers and enlisted members of the Coast Guard shall be permitted to purchase quartermaster supplies from the Navy and the Marine Corps at the same price as is charged the officers and enlisted members of the Navy and Marine Corps.

(c) When the Coast Guard is operating in the Department of Homeland Security, the Secretary shall provide for such peacetime training and planning of reserve strength and facilities as is necessary to insure an organized, manned, and equipped Coast Guard when it is required for wartime operation in the Navy. To this end, the Secretary of the Navy for the Navy, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, for the Coast Guard, may from time to time exchange such information, make available to each other such personnel, vessels, facilities, and equipment, and agree to undertake such assignments and functions for each other as they may agree are necessary and advisable.

(d)(1) As part of the services provided by the Secretary of the Navy pursuant to subsection (a)(4), the Secretary may provide support services to chaplain-led programs to assist members of the Coast Guard on active duty and their dependents, and members of the reserve component in an active status and their dependents, in building and maintaining a strong family structure.

(2) In this subsection, the term "support services" include transportation, food, lodging, child care, supplies, fees, and training materials for members of the Coast Guard on active duty and their dependents, and members of the reserve component in an active status and their dependents, while participating in programs referred to in paragraph (1), including participation at retreats and conferences.

(3) In this subsection, the term "dependents" has the same meaning as defined in section 1072(2) of title 10.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 506, §145; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §3, 64 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(11), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(D), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §223, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2921; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3533(c)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2321; renumbered §705, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Subsection (a) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§28, 42, 57 (Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417, 39 Stat. 601; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, §11, 44 Stat. 817.) Subsection is enlarged to make reimbursement for the building of ships or the training of personnel dependent on agreement of the Secretaries, and to include all schools operated by the Navy, rather than aviation schools only.

Subsection (b) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §31 (Mar. 6, 1920, ch. 94, §1, 41 Stat. 506).

Subsection (c) is new. This subsection enacts what has been the practice of the Navy and Coast Guard in keeping the Coast Guard trained to "come on board with some muscle" in time of emergency.

Section 3 of this title deals with the relationship of the Coast Guard to the Navy Department. This section deals with cooperation with the Navy. Whereas the status of the Coast Guard in time of war was treated in chapter 1 of this title, this section has application in time of peace when the Coast Guard is not under the Navy Department.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 705 was renumbered section 3705 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 145 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "enlisted members" for "enlisted men" in two places.

2010—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 111–281, §223(1), added par. (4).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–281, §223(2), added subsec. (d).

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation" in two places.

1984—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–557 substituted "members" for "officers and enlisted men" in two places.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–546, §1(11)(a), substituted "at the request of the Secretary" for "at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–546, §1(11)(b), substituted in first sentence "Department of Transportation" for "Treasury Department" and in second sentence "Secretary of Transportation" for "Secretary of the Treasury".

1950—Subsec. (a)(3). Act Aug. 3, 1950, added par. (3).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

§706. United States Postal Service

Coast Guard facilities and personnel may be utilized for the transportation and delivery of mail matter during emergency conditions or at isolated locations under such arrangements as may be satisfactory to the Secretary and the United States Postal Service.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 506, §146; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(12), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 99–640, §10(a)(5), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3549; renumbered §706, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section provides generally for what has been the practice between the Coast Guard and the Post Office Department in Alaska for years. The authorization is limited to emergency conditions or isolated locations. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 706 was renumbered section 3706 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 146 of this title as this section.

1986—Pub. L. 99–640 substituted "United States Postal Service" for "Postmaster General".

1976—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted "United States Postal Service" for "Post Office Department" in section catchline.

§707. Department of Commerce

In order to promote the safety of life and property on and over the high seas and waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, and to facilitate the preparation and dissemination by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the weather reports, forecasts, and warnings essential to the safe and efficient conduct of domestic and international commerce on and over such seas and waters, the Commandant may cooperate with the Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by procuring, maintaining, and making available, facilities and assistance for observing, investigating, and communicating weather phenomena and for disseminating weather data, forecasts and warnings, the mutually satisfactory terms of such cooperation in weather service to be agreed upon and arranged between the Commandant and the Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 507, §147; Pub. L. 94–546, §1(13), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2520; Pub. L. 97–295, §2(5), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301; renumbered §707, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

This section outlines the sphere of cooperation between the Weather Bureau and the Coast Guard. It would not permit any cooperation that has not been carried on in the past.

Although the Coast Guard has always cooperated closely with the Weather Bureau, positive recognition of this has never appeared in the statutes. In its patrol, its aiding navigation, and its life saving activities, the Coast Guard finds it important to make, receive and transmit weather observations and measurements. Furthermore, with the advent of war, weather reporting, particularly mid-Atlantic weather patrol work, assumed increasing importance, and this extensive weather station manning in cooperation with the Weather Bureau must be provided for in the postwar period. This section providing for such close cooperation with the Weather Bureau in weather reporting would crystallize the cooperative practices of the two agencies as they have operated for years. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 707 was renumbered section 3707 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 147 of this title as this section.

1982—Pub. L. 97–295 substituted "Administration" for "Admministration" after "Atmospheric".

1976—Pub. L. 94–546 substituted references to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and to the Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for references to the Weather Bureau and to the Chief of the Weather Bureau.

§708. Department of Health and Human Services

(a) The Commandant may assist the Secretary of Health and Human Services in providing medical emergency helicopter transportation services to civilians. The Commandant may prescribe conditions, including reimbursement, under which resources may be provided under this section. The following specific limitations apply to assistance provided under this section:

(1) Assistance may be provided only in areas where Coast Guard units able to provide the assistance are regularly assigned. Coast Guard units may not be transferred from one area to another to provide the assistance.

(2) Assistance may be provided only to the extent it does not interfere with the performance of the Coast Guard mission.

(3) Providing assistance may not cause an increase in amounts required for the operation of the Coast Guard.

(b) An individual (or the estate of that individual) who is authorized by the Coast Guard to provide a service under a program established under subsection (a) and who is acting within the scope of that individual's duties is not liable for injury to, or loss of, property or personal injury or death that may be caused incident to providing the service.

(Added Pub. L. 97–295, §2(6)(A), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301, §147a; renumbered §708, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
147a	14:141 (note).	July 1, 1977, Pub. L. 95–61, §8, 91 Stat. 260.

In subsection (a), the words "Secretary of Health and Human Services" are substituted for "Department of Health, Education, and Welfare" because of 20:3508(b) and because the responsibility is in the head of the Department. The word "may" is substituted for "is authorized to" for clarity. The word "conditions" is substituted for "terms and conditions" because it is inclusive. The words "deems appropriate" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "The following . . . limitations apply" are substituted for "shall be subject to the following . . . limitations" for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 708 was renumbered section 3708 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 147a of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Similar Provisions

Similar provisions were contained in section 8 of Pub. L. 95–61 which was formerly set out as a note under section 141 (now 701) of this title.

§709. Maritime instruction

The Coast Guard may, when so requested by proper authority, detail members for duty in connection with maritime instruction and training by the several States, Territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and when requested by the Maritime Administrator, detail individuals in the Coast Guard for duty in connection with maritime instruction and training by the United States. The service rendered by any individual so detailed shall be considered Coast Guard duty.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 507, §148; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(4), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 154; Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(D), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865; renumbered §709, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203; Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8505(a)(8), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4748.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §49 (Aug. 4, 1939, ch. 416, 53 Stat. 1181).

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 709 was renumbered section 3709 of this title.

A prior section 709a was renumbered section 3710 of this title.

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "individuals" for "persons" and "individual" for "person".

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 148 of this title as this section.

1984—Pub. L. 98–557 substituted reference to members for reference to officers and enlisted men.

1981—Pub. L. 97–31 substituted "Maritime Administrator" for "United States Maritime Commission".

§710. Assistance to foreign governments and maritime authorities

(a) Detail of Members to Assist Foreign Governments.—The President may upon application from the foreign governments concerned, and whenever in his discretion the public interests render such a course advisable, detail members of the Coast Guard to assist foreign governments in matters concerning which the Coast Guard may be of assistance.

(b) Technical Assistance to Foreign Maritime Authorities.—The Commandant, in coordination with the Secretary of State, may provide, in conjunction with regular Coast Guard operations, technical assistance (including law enforcement and maritime safety and security training) to foreign navies, coast guards, and other maritime authorities.

(c) Grants to International Maritime Organizations.—After consultation with the Secretary of State, the Commandant may make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, international maritime organizations for the purpose of acquiring information or data about merchant vessel inspections, security, safety, environmental protection, classification, and port state or flag state law enforcement or oversight.

(d) Authorized Activities.—

(1) The Commandant may use funds for—

(A) the activities of traveling contact teams, including any transportation expense, translation services expense, or administrative expense that is related to such activities;

(B) the activities of maritime authority liaison teams of foreign governments making reciprocal visits to Coast Guard units, including any transportation expense, translation services expense, or administrative expense that is related to such activities;

(C) seminars and conferences involving members of maritime authorities of foreign governments;

(D) distribution of publications pertinent to engagement with maritime authorities of foreign governments; and

(E) personnel expenses for Coast Guard civilian and military personnel to the extent that those expenses relate to participation in an activity described in subparagraph (C) or (D).

(2) An activity may not be conducted under this subsection with a foreign country unless the Secretary of State approves the conduct of such activity in that foreign country.

(3) The amount of funds used under this subsection may not exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 507, §149; Pub. L. 98–557, §15(a)(3)(D), (E), (4)(A)(i), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2865; Pub. L. 109–241, title II, §202(a), July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 520; Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §§206, 220, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2911, 2918; Pub. L. 112–213, title II, §§203, 216(d), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1543, 1555; renumbered §710, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Derived from title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §441a (May 19, 1926, ch. 334, 44 Stat. 565; May 14, 1935, ch. 109, 49 Stat. 218; Oct. 1, 1942, ch. 571, 56 Stat. 763; 1946 Proc. No. 2695, July 4, 1946, 11 F.R. 7517, 60 Stat. 1352).

Experience has indicated that it will be advantageous for the Government to include the Coast Guard along with the other armed forces for the purpose of detailing personnel for service with foreign governments.

It seems probable that the increased collaboration with foreign governments after the war and the vital nature of the Coast Guard's activities in relation to such collaboration will result in requests from time to time by foreign governments for assistance which the Coast Guard is in the best position to render. This section, which confers broad authority in the President to detail Coast Guard officers and enlisted men to assist foreign governments, is patterned after the act of October 1, 1942, 56 Stat. 763 (title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §441–a), which authorizes the President to detail Army, Navy, and Marine Corps officers and men to certain foreign governments and, in times of war or national emergency, to any foreign government in the interests of national defense. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 710 was renumbered section 3711 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 149 of this title as this section.

2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–213, §216(d), struck out at end "Members so detailed may accept, from the government to which detailed, offices and such compensation and emoluments thereunder appertaining as may be first approved by the Secretary. While so detailed such members shall receive, in addition to the compensation and emoluments allowed them by such governments, the pay and allowances to which they are entitled in the Coast Guard and shall be allowed the same credit for longevity, retirement, and for all other purposes that they would receive if they were serving with the Coast Guard."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 112–213, §203, added par. (3).

2010—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–281, §206, added subsec. (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–281, §220, added subsec. (d).

2006—Pub. L. 109–241 substituted "Assistance to foreign governments and maritime authorities" for "Detail of members to assist foreign governments" in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

1984—Pub. L. 98–557 substituted reference to members for reference to officers and enlisted men in three places in text, and in catchline substituted "members" for "officers and men".

Executive Documents

Delegation of Authority

Authority of President under this section as invoked by section 2 of Ex. Ord. No. 13223, Sept. 14, 2001, 66 F.R. 48201, as amended, delegated to Secretary of Homeland Security by section 5 of Ex. Ord. No. 13223, set out as a note under section 12302 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

§711. Coast Guard officers as attachés to missions

Commissioned officers may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, be regularly and officially attached to the diplomatic missions of the United States in those nations with which the United States is extensively engaged in maritime commerce. Expenses for the maintenance of such Coast Guard attachés abroad, including office rental and pay of employees and allowances for living quarters, including heat, fuel, and light, may be defrayed by the Coast Guard.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 507, §150; renumbered §711, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Experience since the war has indicated the necessity for making provision for the assignment of Coast Guard officers to diplomatic missions in those foreign countries which are extensively engaged in maritime commerce with the United States. This is largely the result of duties in connection with inspection of merchant vessels.

This section authorizes the designation, with the consent of the State Department, of Coast Guard officers to be officially attached to diplomatic missions of the United States. Although Coast Guard advice on Coast Guard matters is always available to our diplomatic missions, in those locations where such advice and information are frequently sought, it is felt that the most effective utilization of Coast Guard services would be achieved by having Coast Guard officers attached to such missions. Provision for customs officers to be attached to diplomatic missions is contained in the act of March 4, 1923, as amended, 42 Stat. 1453 (title 19, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §6). Before the transfer in 1939 of the Foreign Agriculture Service to the State Department, representatives of the Bureau of Agricultural Economics of the Department of Agriculture stationed abroad were agricultural attachés. Act of June 5, 1930, 46 Stat. 498 (title 7, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §542(a)). 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 711 was renumbered section 3712 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 150 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Official Representation Items in Support of the Coast Guard Attaché Program

Pub. L. 113–126, title III, §312, July 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1399, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other limitation on the amount of funds that may be used for official representation items, the Secretary of Homeland Security may use funds made available to the Secretary through the National Intelligence Program for necessary expenses for intelligence analysis and operations coordination activities for official representation items in support of the Coast Guard Attaché Program."

§712. Contracts with Government-owned establishments for work and material

(a) In General.—All orders or contracts for work or material, under authorization of law, placed with Government-owned establishments by the Coast Guard, shall be considered as obligations in the same manner as provided for similar orders or contracts placed with private contractors, and appropriations for such work or material shall remain available for payment therefor as in the case of orders or contracts placed with private contractors.

(b) Orders and Agreements for Industrial Activities.—Under this section, the Coast Guard industrial activities may accept orders from and enter into reimbursable agreements with establishments, agencies, and departments of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 507, §151; Pub. L. 111–281, title II, §202, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2909; renumbered §712, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §31c (June 6, 1942, ch. 384, 56 Stat. 328). 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 712 was renumbered section 3713 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 151 of this title as this section.

2010—Pub. L. 111–281 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

§713. Nonappropriated fund instrumentalities: contracts with other agencies and instrumentalities to provide or obtain goods and services

The Coast Guard Exchange System, or a morale, welfare, and recreation system of the Coast Guard, may enter into a contract or other agreement with any element or instrumentality of the Coast Guard or with another Federal department, agency, or instrumentality to provide or obtain goods and services beneficial to the efficient management and operation of the Coast Guard Exchange System or that morale, welfare, and recreation system.

(Added Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §202(a), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1031, §152; renumbered §713, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 713 was renumbered section 3714 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 152 of this title as this section.

§714. Arctic maritime domain awareness

(a) In General.—The Commandant shall improve maritime domain awareness in the Arctic—

(1) by promoting interagency cooperation and coordination;

(2) by employing joint, interagency, and international capabilities; and

(3) by facilitating the sharing of information, intelligence, and data related to the Arctic maritime domain between the Coast Guard and departments and agencies listed in subsection (b).

(b) Coordination.—The Commandant shall seek to coordinate the collection, sharing, and use of information, intelligence, and data related to the Arctic maritime domain between the Coast Guard and the following:

(1) The Department of Homeland Security.

(2) The Department of Defense.

(3) The Department of Transportation.

(4) The Department of State.

(5) The Department of the Interior.

(6) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

(7) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(8) The Environmental Protection Agency.

(9) The National Science Foundation.

(10) The Arctic Research Commission.

(11) Any Federal agency or commission or State the Commandant determines is appropriate.

(c) Cooperation.—The Commandant and the head of a department or agency listed in subsection (b) may by agreement, on a reimbursable basis or otherwise, share personnel, services, equipment, and facilities to carry out the requirements of this section.

(d) 5-year Strategic Plan.—Not later than January 1, 2016 and every 5 years thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a 5-year strategic plan to guide interagency and international intergovernmental cooperation and coordination for the purpose of improving maritime domain awareness in the Arctic.

(e) Definitions.—In this section the term "Arctic" has the meaning given that term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).

(Added Pub. L. 113–281, title V, §502(a), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3057, §154; renumbered §714, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 154 of this title as this section.

§715. Oceanographic research

The Coast Guard shall conduct such oceanographic research, use such equipment or instruments, and collect and analyze such oceanographic data, in cooperation with other agencies of the Government, or not, as may be in the national interest.

(Added Pub. L. 87–396, §1, Oct. 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 827, §94; renumbered §715, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 94 of this title as this section.

§716. Arctic maritime transportation

(a) Purpose.—The purpose of this section is to ensure safe and secure maritime shipping in the Arctic including the availability of aids to navigation, vessel escorts, spill response capability, and maritime search and rescue in the Arctic.

(b) International Maritime Organization Agreements.—To carry out the purpose of this section, the Secretary is encouraged to enter into negotiations through the International Maritime Organization to conclude and execute agreements to promote coordinated action among the United States, Russia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark and other seafaring and Arctic nations to ensure, in the Arctic—

(1) placement and maintenance of aids to navigation;

(2) appropriate marine safety, tug, and salvage capabilities;

(3) oil spill prevention and response capability;

(4) maritime domain awareness, including long-range vessel tracking; and

(5) search and rescue.

(c) Coordination by Committee on the Maritime Transportation System.—The Committee on the Maritime Transportation System established under section 55501 ¹ of title 46, United States Code, shall coordinate the establishment of domestic transportation policies in the Arctic necessary to carry out the purpose of this section.

(d) Agreements and Contracts.—The Secretary may, subject to the availability of appropriations, enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, or make grants to, individuals and governments to carry out the purpose of this section or any agreements established under subsection (b).

(e) Icebreaking.—The Secretary shall promote safe maritime navigation by means of icebreaking where necessary, feasible, and effective to carry out the purposes of this section.

(f) Arctic Definition.—In this section, the term "Arctic" has the meaning given such term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).

(Added Pub. L. 113–281, title V, §501(a), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3056, §90; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3533(d), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2321; renumbered §716, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 55501 of title 46, United States Code, referred to in subsec. (c), was redesignated section 50401 of title 46 by Pub. L. 117–81, div. C, title XXXV, §3512(a)(3), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2239.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 90 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–232 struck out question mark after "the term 'Arctic' ".

¹ See References in Text note below.

§717. Agreements

(a) In General.—In carrying out section 504(a)(4), the Commandant may—

(1) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements with—

(A) Federal entities;

(B) other public or private entities in the United States, including academic entities; and

(C) foreign governments with the concurrence of the Secretary of State; and

(2) impose on and collect from an entity subject to an agreement or contract under paragraph (1) a fee to assist with expenses incurred in carrying out such section.

(b) Deposit and Use of Fees.—Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting receipts. The fees may be used, to the extent provided in advance in an appropriation law, only to carry out activities under section 504(a)(4).

(Added Pub. L. 113–281, title II, §206(b), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3025, §102; renumbered §717 and amended Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§106(b), 123(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203, 4240.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, §106(b), renumbered section 102 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 504(a)(4)" for "section 93(a)(4)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282, §123(b)(2), substituted "section 504(a)(4)" for "section 93(a)(4)".

§718. Training; emergency response providers

(a) In General.—The Commandant may, on a reimbursable or a non-reimbursable basis, make a training available to emergency response providers whenever the Commandant determines that—

(1) a member of the Coast Guard, who is scheduled to participate in such training, is unable or unavailable to participate in such training;

(2) no other member of the Coast Guard, who is assigned to the unit to which the member of the Coast Guard who is unable or unavailable to participate in such training is assigned, is able or available to participate in such training; and

(3) such training, if made available to such emergency response providers, would further the goal of interoperability among Federal agencies, non-Federal governmental agencies, or both.

(b) Emergency Response Providers Defined.—In this section, the term "emergency response providers" has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101).

(c) Treatment of Reimbursement.—Any reimbursements for a training that the Coast Guard receives under this section shall be credited to the appropriation used to pay the costs for such training.

(d) Status; Limitation on Liability.—

(1) Status.—Any individual to whom, as an emergency response provider, training is made available under this section, who is not otherwise a Federal employee, shall not, because of that training, be considered a Federal employee for any purpose (including the purposes of chapter 81 of title 5 (relating to compensation for injury) and sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28 (relating to tort claims)).

(2) Limitation on liability.—The United States shall not be liable for actions taken by an individual in the course of training made available under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title III, §306(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4247.)

§719. Research projects; transactions other than contracts and grants

(a) Additional Forms of Transactions Authorized.—

(1) In general.—The Commandant may enter into—

(A) transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants) in carrying out basic, applied, and advanced research projects; and

(B) agreements with the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Secretary of a military department, or any other official designated by the Secretary of Defense under section 2371b ¹ of title 10 to participate in prototype projects and follow-on production contracts or transactions that are being carried out by such official and are directly relevant to the Coast Guard's cyber capability and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and intelligence initiatives.

(2) Additional authority.—The authority under this subsection is in addition to the authority provided in section 717 to use contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants in carrying out such projects.

(3) Funding.—In carrying out paragraph (1)(B), the Commandant may use funds made available to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts for—

(A) operations and support;

(B) research, development, test, and evaluation; and

(C) procurement, construction, and improvement.

(b) Recovery of Funds.—

(1) In general.—Subject to subsection (d), a cooperative agreement for performance of basic, applied, or advanced research authorized by section 717, and a transaction authorized by subsection (a), may include a clause that requires a person or other entity to make payments to the Coast Guard or any other department or agency of the Federal Government as a condition for receiving support under the agreement or transaction, respectively.

(2) Availability of funds.—The amount of any payment received by the Federal Government pursuant to a requirement imposed under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. Amounts so deposited shall be available for the purposes of carrying out this section, to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts.

(c) Conditions.—

(1) In general.—The Commandant shall ensure that to the extent that the Commandant determines practicable, no cooperative agreement containing a clause described in subsection (c)(1),² and no transaction entered into under subsection (a), provides for research that duplicates research being conducted under existing programs carried out by the Coast Guard.

(2) Other agreements not feasible.—A cooperative agreement containing a clause described in subsection (c)(1),² or under a transaction authorized by subsection (a), may be used for a research project only if the use of a standard contract, grant, or cooperative agreement for such project is not feasible or appropriate.

(d) Education and Training.—The Commandant shall—

(1) ensure that management, technical, and contracting personnel of the Coast Guard involved in the award or administration of transactions under this section or other innovative forms of contracting are afforded opportunities for adequate education and training; and

(2) establish minimum levels and requirements for continuous and experiential learning for such personnel, including levels and requirements for acquisition certification programs.

(e) Protection of Certain Information From Disclosure.—

(1) In general.—Disclosure of information described in paragraph (2) is not required, and may not be compelled, under section 552 of title 5 for 5 years after the date on which the information is received by the Coast Guard.

(2) Limitation.—

(A) In general.—Paragraph (1) applies to information described in subparagraph (B) that is in the records of the Coast Guard only if the information was submitted to the Coast Guard in a competitive or noncompetitive process having the potential for resulting in an award, to the party submitting the information, of a cooperative agreement for performance of basic, applied, or advanced research authorized by section 717 or another transaction authorized by subsection (a).

(B) Information described.—The information referred to in subparagraph (A) is the following:

(i) A proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting documents.

(ii) A business plan submitted on a confidential basis.

(iii) Technical information submitted on a confidential basis.

(f) Regulations.—The Commandant shall prescribe regulations, as necessary, to carry out this section.

(g) Annual Report.—On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing each use of the authority provided under this section during the most recently completed fiscal year, including details of each use consisting of—

(1) the amount of each transaction;

(2) the entities or organizations involved;

(3) the product or service received;

(4) the research project for which the product or service was required; and

(5) the extent of the cost sharing among Federal Government and non-Federal sources.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], §8218(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4653.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2371b of title 10, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), was renumbered section 4022 of title 10 by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1841(b)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4243, as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, §1701(u)(2)(B), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2151.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be "subsection (b)(1)".

§720. VHF communications services

(a) The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may authorize a person providing commercial VHF communications services to place commercial VHF communications equipment on real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard (including towers) subject to any terms agreed to by the parties. The Secretary and that commercial VHF communications service provider also may enter into an agreement providing for VHF communications services to the Coast Guard (including digital selective calling and radio direction finding services) at a discounted rate or price based on providing such access to real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard.

(b) Commercial VHF communication equipment placed on real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard under this section shall not interfere in any manner with any current or future Coast Guard communication equipment.

(c) Nothing in this section shall affect the rights or obligations of the United States under section 704(c) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. 332 note) with respect to the availability of property or under section 359(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 357(d)) with respect to charges for transmission of distress messages.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8501(a)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4745.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 704(c) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (c), is section 704(c) of Pub. L. 104–104, which is set out as a note under section 332 of Title 47, Telecommunications.

Codification

Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §406, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2116, formerly set out as a note under section 501 of this title, was redesignated as this section, transferred to appear after section 719 of this title, and amended so that the enumerator, section catchline, typeface, and typestyle conformed to those appearing in other sections of this title by Pub. L. 116–283, §8501(a)(2).

Prior Provisions

A prior section 720 was renumbered section 3731 of this title.

For redesignation of prior sections 721 to 894 not listed below as having been previously repealed or omitted, see Table Showing Redesignations Made by Title I of Pub. L. 115–282 preceding section 101 of this title.

A prior section 751, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 551; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §31, 64 Stat. 408, related to the purpose and administration of the Reserve, prior to repeal by act July 9, 1952, ch. 608, part VIII, §§802, 803, 66 Stat. 505, effective on the first day of the sixth month following July 1952.

A prior section 751a, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §15(a), 70A Stat. 624, provided for the organization of the Coast Guard Reserve and was omitted in the general revision of former chapter 21 of this title by Pub. L. 96–322, §1, Aug. 4, 1980, 94 Stat. 1002.

A prior section 752, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 551, related to eligibility, prior to repeal by act July 9, 1952, ch. 608, part VIII, §§802, 803, 66 Stat. 505, effective on the first day of the sixth month following July 1952.

A prior section 752a, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §15(a), 70A Stat. 625, related to the authorized strength of the Coast Guard Reserve and was omitted in the general revision of former chapter 21 of this title by Pub. L. 96–322, §1, Aug. 4, 1980, 94 Stat. 1002.

A prior section 753, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 551, related to term of appointment, duty, and training, prior to repeal by act July 9, 1952, ch. 608, part VIII, §§802, 803, 66 Stat. 505, effective on the first day of the sixth month following July 1952.

Prior sections 753a to 757 were omitted in the general revision of former chapter 21 of this title by Pub. L. 96–322, §1, Aug. 4, 1980, 94 Stat. 1002.

Section 753a, added act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §15(a), 70A Stat. 625, related to the Coast Guard Reserve Policy Board.

Section 754, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 551, related to grades and ratings and military authority.

Section 755, acts Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 551; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, §32, 64 Stat. 408; Aug. 16, 1957, Pub. L. 85–149, 71 Stat. 369; Sept. 7, 1962, Pub. L. 87–649, §7(a), 76 Stat. 495; Sept. 25, 1965, Pub. L. 89–200, 79 Stat. 834; June 9, 1966, Pub. L. 89–444, §1(23), 80 Stat. 197; Dec. 5, 1973, Pub. L. 93–174, §2(1), 87 Stat. 692, related to benefits.

Section 756, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 552, related to temporary membership.

Section 757, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 552, related to exemption from military training and the draft.

A prior section 758, act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 552, related to discipline, prior to repeal by act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §14(u), 64 Stat