Congress validates marine safety mission

Captains,

The U. S. Congress validated the Coast Guard's marine safety mission and performance plan (first published in 2008). The 2010 CG Reauthorization Bill includes provisions to ensure marine inspector, investigator, and safety engineer competencies and requires Coast Guard officers with regulatory decision authority to have a minimum threshold of experience. The bill also prompts the Coast Guard to improve safety standards for towing and fishing vessels.

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Congress Approves Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill

Bill reforms Coast Guard’s acquisition program, strengthens safety

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 By Mary Kerr, (202)225-6260

Legislation to reauthorize funding for the U.S. Coast Guard has been approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives. H.R. 3619, as amended, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, authorizes $10.2 billion in fiscal year 2011 to allow the Coast Guard to meet its critical missions of marine safety and maritime security.

H.R. 3619 was originally passed by the House on October 23, 2009, and the Senate approved its amendment to the legislation on May 7, 2010. The bipartisan legislation passed by both the House and the Senate reflects the reconciliation of the two versions of the bill.

In addition to establishing the necessary funding levels, the bill makes administrative changes to the Coast Guard, revises laws applying to shipping and navigation, improves the Coast Guard’s acquisition programs, enhances marine safety, reduces the risk of oil spills, improves port and cargo security, and aligns U.S. law with international standards related to anti-fouling systems.