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., § —.’ ”
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.”
Act Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, § 20, 63 Stat. 561, repealed the sections or parts of sections of the Revised Statutes or Statutes at Large covering provisions codified in this act, with a proviso that “any rights or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”.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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
CHAPTER 1— ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES
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.
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.
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’.”
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’.”
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’.”
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’.”
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’.”
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’.”
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’.”
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’.”
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.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, § 7002(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1661, provided that:
“In this division [div. G (§§ 7001–7701) of Pub. L. 119–60 , see Tables for classification], when Secretary [sic] or the Commandant are [sic] directed to provide or develop— “(1) a briefing, such briefing shall be accompanied by a narrative description, and at the option of any committee designated as a recipient, be delivered in person; “(2) a policy, such policy shall be detailed, in writing, and publicly available, but may contain a classified annex; “(3) a plan, such plan shall be detailed, and in writing; “(4) a report, such report shall be detailed and in writing; and “(5) a strategy, such strategy shall be detailed and in writing.”
[For definitions of “Commandant” and “Secretary” as used in section 7002(b) of Pub. L. 119–60, set out above, see section 7002(a) of Pub. L. 119–60, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.]
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’.”
In this section:
The term “non-homeland security missions” means the following missions of the Coast Guard:
Marine safety.
Search and rescue.
Aids to navigation.
Living marine resources (fisheries law enforcement).
Marine environmental protection.
Ice operations.
The term “homeland security missions” means the following missions of the Coast Guard:
Ports, waterways and coastal security.
Drug interdiction.
Migrant interdiction.
Defense readiness.
Other law enforcement.
The Coast Guard shall—
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;
engage in maritime air surveillance or interdiction to enforce or assist in the enforcement of the laws of the United States;
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;
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;
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;
engage in oceanographic research of the high seas and in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and
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.
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.
The Coast Guard shall be a service in the Department of Homeland Security, except when operating as a service in the Navy.
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.
Whenever the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy—
applicable appropriations of the Navy Department shall be available for the expense of the Coast Guard;
applicable appropriations of the Coast Guard shall be available for transfer to the Navy Department;
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;
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
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.
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.
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.
In this title, the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the respective department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
Act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, § 5, 64 Stat. 145, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective May 31, 1951.
In this title, the term “Commandant” means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, § 7002(a), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1661, provided that:
“In this division [div. G (§§ 7001–7701) of Pub. L. 119–60 , see Tables for classification]: “(1) Commandant .— The term ‘Commandant’ means the Commandant of the Coast Guard. “(2) Secretary .— Unless otherwise specified, the term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.”
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.”
When an amendment to a covered Coast Guard law adds a section or larger organizational unit to the covered Coast Guard law, repeals or transfers a section or larger organizational unit in the covered Coast Guard law, or amends the designation or heading of a section or larger organizational unit in the covered Coast Guard law, that amendment also shall have the effect of amending any analysis, table of contents, or similar tabular entries in the covered Coast Guard law to alter the table to conform to the changes made by the amendment.
Subsection (a) shall not apply to an amendment described in such subsection when—
the amendment or a clerical amendment enacted at the same time expressly amends a table of sections, table of contents, or similar tabular entries in the covered maritime law to alter the table to conform to the changes made by the amendment; or
the amendment otherwise expressly exempts itself from the operation of this section.
In this section, the term “covered Coast Guard law” means—
this title;
any Coast Guard authorization Act that authorizes funds to be appropriated for a fiscal year to the Coast Guard; and
any other law designated in the text thereof as a covered Coast Guard law for purposes of application of this section.
CHAPTER 3— COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION
SUBCHAPTER I— ORGANIZATION
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.
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.
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.
SUBCHAPTER II— POSITIONS
1The President may appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one Commandant for a period of four years, who shall act as Chief of the Coast Guard.
In time of war or during a national emergency declared by Congress, the Commandant may be reappointed for a term of not more than 4 years.
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.
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.
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 ].”
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.”
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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).
A Commandant or Vice Commandant who is retired for physical disability shall be placed on the retired list with the grade of admiral.
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.
Retirement under this section is subject to section 2501(a) of this title.
The President shall—
designate, within the Coast Guard, no more than five 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; and
shall perform such duties as the Commandant may prescribe, except that if the President designates five such positions, one position shall oversee personnel management, workforce, and dependent support, training, and related matters; and
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An officer who is appointed to a position designated under subsection (a) shall continue to hold the grade of vice admiral—
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;
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;
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
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.
An appointment of an officer under subsection (a) does not vacate the permanent grade held by the officer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
An officer serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral shall continue to hold that grade—
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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—
the program executive officer;
the program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program;
the deputy program manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition;
the project manager of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition; or
any other acquisition position of significant responsibility in which the primary duties are supervisory or management duties.
The Commandant shall periodically publish a list of the positions designated under paragraph (1).
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.
The functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer include—
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;
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;
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;
ensuring the use of detailed performance specifications in instances in which performance-based contracting is used;
managing the direction of acquisition policy for the Coast Guard, including implementation of the unique acquisition policies, regulations, and standards of the Coast Guard;
developing and maintaining an acquisition career management program in the Coast Guard to ensure that there is an adequate acquisition workforce;
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;
developing strategies and specific plans for hiring, training, and professional development;
reporting to the Commandant, through the chain of command, on the progress made in improving acquisition management capability; and
keeping the Commandant informed of the progress of major acquisition programs (as that term is defined in section 1171);
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—
significant cost growth or schedule slippage; and
requirements creep (as that term is defined in section 3104(c)(1) of title 10); and
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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—
have had at least 10 years of commissioned service;
are in a grade above captain; and
have been recommended by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
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.
The Director of the Coast Guard Reserve, while so serving, holds a grade above Captain, without vacating the officer’s permanent grade.
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.
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.
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.
There shall be a Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
The Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service shall report directly to and be under the general supervision of the Commandant, acting through the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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—
to be discharged from the Coast Guard; or
to revert to the grade and status he held at the time of his designation as 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.”
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.
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”)—
the primary duty of whom shall be to administer the Program; and
who shall not be subject to frequent or routine reassignment.
The individual selected to serve as the Program Manager shall not have conflicts of interest relating to entities regulated by the Coast Guard.
The Program Manager shall develop guidance for—
approval, drills, and testing relating to the Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria; and
gathering input concerning such planning criteria from Federal agencies, State and local governments, Tribes, and relevant industry and nongovernmental entities.
Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Program Manager shall—
assess whether such existing planning criteria adequately meet the needs of vessels operating in the geographic area; and
identify methods for advancing response capability so as to achieve, with respect to a vessel, compliance with national planning criteria.
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 Coast Guard Arctic District, the quantity and frequency of onsite verifications of the providers identified in vessel response plans.
The Commandant shall enhance the knowledge and proficiency of Coast Guard personnel with respect to the Program by—
developing formalized training on the Program that, at a minimum—
provides in-depth analysis of—
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);
alternative planning criteria;
Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria;
Captain of the Port and Federal On-Scene Coordinator authorities related to activation of a vessel response plan;
the responsibilities of vessel owners and operators in preparing a vessel response plan for submission; and
responsibilities of the Area Committee, including risk analysis, response capability, and development of alternative planning criteria;
explains the approval processes of vessel response plans that involve alternative planning criteria or Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria; and
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—
in any geographic area in the United States; and
specifically in the Coast Guard Arctic District; and
providing such training to all Coast Guard personnel involved in the Program.
In this section:
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.
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).
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)).
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)).
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.
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.
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.
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.
There shall be in the Coast Guard a Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate who is a judge advocate in a grade of O-6. The Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate shall be assigned to the staff of the Commandant in the first regularly scheduled O-6 officer assignment panel to convene following the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 and perform such duties relating to legal matters arising in the Coast Guard as such legal matters relate to the Commandant, as may be assigned.
In accordance with Federal trust responsibilities and treaty obligations, laws, and policies relevant to Indian Tribes and in support of the principles of self-determination, self-governance, and co-management with respect to Indian Tribes, and to support engagement with Native Hawaiians, there shall be in the Coast Guard a Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs (in this section referred to as the “Special Advisor”), who shall—
be selected by the Secretary and the Commandant through a competitive search process;
have expertise in Federal Indian law and policy, including government-to-government consultation;
to the maximum extent practicable, have expertise in legal and policy issues affecting Native Hawaiians; and
have an established record of distinguished service and achievement working with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
The position of Special Advisor shall be a career reserved position at the GS–15 level or greater.
The Special Advisor shall—
ensure the Federal government upholds the Federal trust responsibility and conducts consistent, meaningful, and timely government-to-government consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes, which shall meet or exceed the standards of the Federal Government and the Coast Guard;
ensure meaningful and timely engagement with—
Native Hawaiian organizations; and
Tribal organizations;
advise the Commandant on all policies of the Coast Guard that have Tribal implications in accordance with applicable law and policy, including Executive Orders;
work to ensure that the policies of the Federal Government regarding consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes and engagement with Native Hawaiian organizations and Tribal organizations are implemented in a meaningful manner, working through Coast Guard leadership and across the Coast Guard, together with—
liaisons located within Coast Guard districts;
the Director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs; and
other Coast Guard leadership and programs and other Federal partners; and
support Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations in all matters under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.
No officer or employee of the Coast Guard or the Department of Homeland Security may interfere with the ability of the Special Advisor to give direct and independent advice to the Secretary and the Commandant on matters related to this section.
In this section:
The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
The term “Native Hawaiian organization” has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
The term “Tribal organization” has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7201(h)(3)(C), (D), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1686, provided that:
“(C) Definitions .— In this subsection [enacting this note and provisions not set out in the Code]: “(i) Indian tribe .— The term ‘Indian Tribe’ has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). “(ii) Native hawaiian organization .— The term ‘Native Hawaiian organization’ has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. “(iii) Tribal organization .— The term ‘Tribal organization’ has the meaning given the such [sic] in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). “(D) Rule of construction .— Nothing in this subsection, or an amendment made by subsection (d)(6) [sic, there is no section 7201(d)(6) of Pub. L. 119–60 ; section 7201(e)(6) of Pub. L. 119–60 enacted sections 316, 317, and 318 of this title], shall be construed to impact— “(i) the right of any Indian Tribe; or “(ii) any government-to-government consultation.”
The Judge Advocate General in the Coast Guard shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from officers of the Coast Guard designated as judge advocates. The term of office is not more than 4 years.
The Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard shall be appointed from those officers who at the time of appointment are members of the bar of a Federal court or the highest court of a State, and who have had at least 8 years of experience in legal duties as commissioned officers.
The Judge Advocate General, in addition to other duties prescribed by law—
is the legal adviser of the Commandant of the Coast Guard and of all officers and agencies of the Coast Guard;
shall direct the officers of the Coast Guard designated as judge advocates in the performance of their duties; and
shall receive, revise, and have recorded the proceedings of courts of inquiry and military commissions.
The Deputy Judge Advocate General in the Coast Guard shall be appointed by the Commandant, from civilians in the Senior Executive Service (career reserved) who meet the qualifications set forth in subsection (b). The term of office of the Deputy Judge Advocate General is not more than four years with reappointment for an additional term of 4 years.
When there is a vacancy in the office of the Judge Advocate General, or during the absence or disability of the Judge Advocate General, the Deputy Judge Advocate General shall perform the duties of the Judge Advocate General until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases. Should a vacancy in the Deputy Judge Advocate General position overlap with a vacancy in the office of the Judge Advocate General, the Commandant shall establish an acting Judge Advocate General from officers of the Coast Guard designated as judge advocates with the qualifications in subsection (b).
When there is a vacancy of the position of Deputy Judge Advocate General, to include during the absence or disability of the Judge Advocate General, the Commandant shall establish an acting Deputy Judge Advocate from officers of the Coast Guard designated as judge advocates with the qualifications in subsection (b). Such officer shall perform the duties of the Deputy Judge Advocate General until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases. Should a vacancy in the Deputy Judge Advocate General position overlap with a vacancy in the office of the Judge Advocate General, the Commandant shall establish an acting Deputy Judge Advocate from civilians in the Senior Executive Service (career reserved), or GS-15s, who meet the qualifications in subsection (b).
The Commandant shall ensure compliance with this section not later than 30 days after enactment of this section.
No officer or employee of the Department of Homeland Security may interfere with—
the ability of the Judge Advocate General to give independent legal advice to the Commandant or Vice Commandant; or
the ability of judge advocates of the Coast Guard assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, military units to give independent legal advice to commanders.
SUBCHAPTER III— PROGRAMS
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”).
Any center established under subsection (a) shall—
promote, facilitate, and conduct—
education;
training; and
activities authorized under section 504(a)(4);
be a repository of information on operations, practices, and resources related to the mission for which the center was established; and
perform and support the mission for which the center was established.
The Commandant may enter into an agreement with an appropriate official of an institution of higher education to—
provide for joint operation of a center; and
provide necessary administrative services for a center, including administration and allocation of funds.
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.
The Commandant may not accept a donation under paragraph (1) if the acceptance of the donation would compromise or appear to compromise—
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
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.
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).
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; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII § 7201(i)(2), title LXXVII, § 7701(j), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1686, 1837, 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 331 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 Great Lakes District 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).”
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 [former] section 58 [now 331] of title 14, United States Code, a Blue Technology center of expertise. “(b) Missions .— In addition to the missions listed in [former] section 58(b) [now 331(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.”
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—
the duration and termination of assignments;
reimbursements; and
status, entitlements, benefits, and obligations of program participants; and
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.
The Commandant, and such other individuals and organizations as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training course on the workings of Congress.
The training course developed in subparagraph (A) shall be offered at least once each year.
The training developed under subparagraph (A) may be provided more than once a year to facilitate timely receipt by covered recipients.
At least once each year, any covered recipients shall receive the training developed under paragraph (1).
In this paragraph, the term “covered recipients” means—
flag officers serving in the Coast Guard;
members of the senior executive service (career reserved) serving in positions in the Coast Guard; and
political appointees—
serving in positions in the Coast Guard; or
at the Department of Homeland Security with Coast Guard in their portfolio, including any Senior Advisor to the Secretary for the Coast Guard.
The training course required by this subsection shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including—
the history and structure of Congress and the committee systems of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the functions and responsibilities of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
the documents produced by Congress, including bills, resolutions, committee reports, and conference reports, and the purposes and functions of such documents;
the legislative processes and rules of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including similarities and differences between the 2 processes and 2 sets of rules, including—
the congressional budget process;
the congressional authorization and appropriation processes;
the Senate advice and consent process for Presidential nominees; and
the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification;
all relevant notification and reporting requirements in statute, policy, or any other agreement to Congress;
the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process; and
the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight within the governance framework of separation of powers;
the roles of independent oversight entities, including the Offices of the Inspector Generals, the Government Accountability Office, and other independent entities, with respect 1 oversight of the Coast Guard;
the legal and ethical requirements of complying with oversight conducted by such independent oversight entities, including compliance with congressionally mandated oversight;
an overview of section 552a of title 5 (popularly known at the Privacy Act of 1974) with respect to working with Congress and independent oversight;
an overview of the right of all Coast Guard members and staff to engage with Congress as a constitutionally protected right; and
with respect to Coast Guard covered recipients, an overview of any law administered by the Coast Guard and any policy implemented by the Coast Guard the understanding of which is necessary to improve—
compliance with such law and policy;
ethics;
professionalism; and
timeliness of response to Congressional oversight requests, including requests from independent oversight entities.
The Commandant shall develop a training course on the workings of Congress, which shall be administered in person for to 2 any required participant.
In this subsection, the term “required participant” means—
any member of the Coast Guard Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs selected for a position as—
a fellow;
a liaison;
a counsel; or
administrative staff;
a Coast Guard district or area governmental affairs officer;
an individual who reviews, makes edits, or transmits formal or informal correspondence with respect to the Coast Guard to Congress, including relevant program level personnel;
an individual who serves in—
the Office of Coordination, Programs, and Accountability or successor office; or
the Force Design 2028 office; and
Coast Guard Office of General Law personnel, including such personnel detailed to the Coast Guard.
The training course required under this subsection shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including—
the items described in subparagraphs (C) through (K) of subsection (a)(2); 3
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;
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; and
with respect to Coast Guard required participants, an overview of any law administered by the Coast Guard and any policy implemented by the Coast Guard the understanding of which is necessary to improve—
compliance with such law and policy;
ethics;
professionalism; and
timeliness of response to Congressional oversight requests, including requests from independent oversight entities.
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 Coordination, Programs,4 Accountability to ensure adequate exposure to Coast Guard policy, oversight, and requests from Congress.
A detail under this paragraph is not required to be consecutive with the balance of the 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.
The Commandant shall ensure that not less than 60 percent of the lecturers, panelists, and other individuals providing education and instruction as part of the training courses required under this section are experts on Congress and the Federal legislative process who are not employed by the executive branch of the Federal Government.
In satisfying the requirement under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall seek, and may accept, educational and instructional services of lecturers, panelists, and other individuals and organizations provided to the Coast Guard on a pro bono basis.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7201(g), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1685, provided that:
“The training required by subsection (a) of section 333 of title 14 , United States Code (as amended by this Act), shall replace the training that was required by the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ].”
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.
The Secretary may expend funds appropriated to the Coast Guard on—
the design of a Museum;
engineering, construction, construction administration, and quality assurance services for a Museum, including construction, construction administration, and quality assurance services carried out by the Association; and
providing Federal financial assistance to the Association for the activities under subsection (d).
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—
estimated planning, engineering, design, construction, operation, and maintenance costs;
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;
an explanation of any environmental remediation issues related to the land associated with the Museum; and
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.
The Association may construct the Museum described in subsection (a).
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.
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—
license Federal land to the Association for the purpose of constructing the Museum described in subsection (a); and
at a nominal charge, lease the Museum from the Association for activities and operations related to the Museum; and
authorize the Association to generate revenue from the use of the Museum.
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—
the Association demonstrates, in a manner acceptable to the Commandant, that the Museum meets the design and construction requirements of subsection (d); and
all financial obligations of the Association incident to the National Coast Guard Museum have been satisfied.
With respect to the services related to the activities for which the Secretary can expend funds under subsection (b), or for maintenance or operation of the Museum, the Secretary may, with respect to any entity—
solicit and accept such services; and
enter into contracts or memoranda of agreement to acquire such services.
The Commandant may not establish a Museum except as set forth in this section.
In this section:
The term “Museum” means the National Coast Guard Museum.
The term “Association” means the National Coast Guard Museum Association.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7201(f), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1685, provided that:
“(1) In general .— Nothing in chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, or any other law, may be construed to require the Coast Guard to construct, own, or operate a Museum as a condition of providing financial support to the Association for the purposes for which assistance is authorized under such chapter. “(2) Definitions .— In paragraph (1), the terms ‘Association’ and ‘Museum’ have the meanings given such terms in chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code.”
For the purposes of this section—
“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);
“pollutant” has the same meaning it has in section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362).
The Secretary shall carry out a program of environmental compliance and restoration at current and former Coast Guard facilities.
Program goals include:
Identifying, investigating, and cleaning up contamination from hazardous substances and pollutants.
Correcting other environmental damage that poses an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare or to the environment.
Demolishing and removing unsafe buildings and structures, including buildings and structures at former Coast Guard facilities.
Preventing contamination from hazardous substances and pollutants at current Coast Guard facilities.
The Secretary shall respond to releases of hazardous substances and pollutants—
at each Coast Guard facility the United States owns, leases, or otherwise possesses;
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
on each vessel the Coast Guard owns or operates.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Commandant shall conduct a project to retrofit up to 4 existing Coast Guard small boats deployed at operational units with—
commercially available autonomous control and computer vision technology; and
such sensors and methods of communication as are necessary to control, and technology to assist in conducting, search and rescue, surveillance, and interdiction missions.
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.
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 in person or in writing on the project that includes an evaluation of the data collected from the project.
In this section, the term “unmanned system” means—
an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49);
an unmanned marine surface system; and
an unmanned marine subsurface system.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7332, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1772, provided that:
“(a) In General .— For the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ] and ending on the date that is 3 years after such date of enactment, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], or such other individual or organization as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training course on small uncrewed maritime systems and offer such training course at least once each year for Coast Guard personnel working with or regulating small uncrewed maritime systems. “(b) Course Subject Matter .— In developing the training course under subsection (a), the Commandant or other individual or organization shall— “(1) provide an overview and introduction to small uncrewed maritime systems, including examples of those used by the Federal Government, in academic settings, and in commercial sectors; “(2) address the benefits and disadvantages of use of small uncrewed maritime systems; “(3) address safe navigation of small uncrewed maritime systems, including measures to ensure collision avoidance; “(4) address the ability of small uncrewed maritime systems to communicate with and alert other vessels in the vicinity; “(5) address the ability of small uncrewed maritime systems to respond to system alarms and failures to ensure control commensurate with the risk posed by the systems; “(6) provide present and future capabilities of small uncrewed maritime systems; and “(7) provide an overview of the role of the International Maritime Organization in the governance of small uncrewed maritime systems. “(c) Definitions .— In this section: “(1) Small uncrewed maritime systems .— The term ‘small uncrewed maritime systems’ means unmanned maritime systems (as defined in section 2 of the CENOTE Act of 2018 ( 33 U.S.C. 4101 )), that— “(A) are not greater than 35 feet overall in length; “(B) are operated remotely or autonomously; and “(C) exclusively perform oceanographic surveys or scientific research. “(2) Uncrewed system .— The term ‘uncrewed system’— “(A) means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft system and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the uncrewed system) that are required for the operator to operate the system safely and efficiently; and “(B) includes an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49 , United States Code).”
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.”
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.
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—
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
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.
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.
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.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7268(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1745, provided that:
“(1) In general .— Beginning on December 31, 2026 , 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 20 such programs. “(2) Cost assessment .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall provide Congress with an estimate of the costs associated with implementing this subsection.”
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—
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
permanently transferring more than 10 percent of the personnel or equipment from a district office where such personnel or equipment is based.
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.
An officer, member, or civilian employee of the Coast Guard assigned as a—
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;
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;
marine safety engineer shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience in—
the construction and operation of commercial vessels;
judging the character, strength, stability, and safety qualities of such vessels and their equipment; or
the qualifications and training of vessel personnel;
waterways operations manager shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience with respect to maritime transportation system management; or
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.
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.
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:
Qualifications, assignment history, and tenure in assignments.
Promotion rates for military and civilian personnel.
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—
marine inspector, qualified to inspect vessels, vessel systems, and equipment commonly found in the sector; and
qualified marine casualty investigator, marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port and facility safety and security specialist.
Each individual signing a letter of qualification for marine safety personnel must hold a letter of qualification for the type being certified.
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.
CHAPTER 5— FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
SUBCHAPTER I— 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:
establish, change the limits of, consolidate, discontinue, and re-establish Coast Guard districts;
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;
construct, or cause to be constructed, Coast Guard shore establishments;
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;
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;
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;
exercise any of the powers vested by this title in the Commandant in any case in which the Secretary deems it appropriate; and
do any and all things necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.
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.
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.]
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
For the purpose of executing the duties and functions of the Coast Guard the Commandant may:
maintain water, land, and air patrols, and ice-breaking facilities;
establish and prescribe the purpose of, change the location of, consolidate, discontinue, re-establish, maintain, operate, and repair Coast Guard shore establishments;
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;
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;
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;
collect, publish, and distribute information concerning Coast Guard operations;
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;
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;
acquire, accept as gift, maintain, repair, and discontinue aids to navigation, appliances, equipment, and supplies;
equip, operate, maintain, supply, and repair Coast Guard districts and shore establishments;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
establish, install, abandon, reestablish, change the location of, operate, maintain, and repair radio transmitting and receiving stations;
provide medical and dental care for personnel entitled thereto by law or regulation, including care in private facilities;
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;
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—
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
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;
enter into cooperative agreements with other Government agencies and the National Academy of Sciences;
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;
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);
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;
after informing the Secretary, make such recommendations to the Congress relating to the Coast Guard as the Commandant considers appropriate;
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
develop data workflows and processes for the leveraging of mission-relevant data by the Coast Guard to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Notwithstanding subsection (a)(13), a lease described in paragraph (2) of this subsection may be for a term of up to 20 years.
A lease referred to in paragraph (1) is a lease—
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
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.
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—
the operation, regulation, inspection, identification, manning, and measurement of vessels, including plan approval and the application of load lines;
approval of materials, equipment, appliances, and associated equipment;
the reporting and investigation of marine casualties and accidents;
the licensing, certification, documentation, protection and relief of merchant mariners;
suspension and revocation of licenses and certificates;
enforcement of manning requirements, citizenship requirements, control of log books;
documentation and numbering of vessels;
State boating safety programs;
commercial instruments and maritime liens;
the administration of bridge safety;
administration of the navigation rules;
the prevention of pollution from vessels;
ports and waterways safety;
waterways management; including regulation for regattas and marine parades;
aids to navigation; and
other duties and powers of the Secretary related to marine safety and stewardship.
Nothing in subsection (c) affects—
the authority of Coast Guard officers and members to enforce marine safety regulations using authority under section 522 of this title; or
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.
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.
The Commandant may lease submerged lands and tidelands under paragraph (1) only if—
the lease is for cash exclusively;
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;
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
proceeds from the lease are deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under section 2946.
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.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXI, § 7115(c), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1669, provided that:
“(1) In general .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall maintain an operational, geographically dispersed rotary wing fleet of not less than— “(A) 140 aircraft for the purpose of meeting minimum operational capabilities until the Commandant submits the report required under this section; and “(B) 175 aircraft for the purpose of meeting minimum operational capabilities on any date after September 30, 2030 , until the Commandant submits a determination that the Coast Guard can meet its mission capabilities with fewer aircraft. “(2) Report .— In the event the operational rotary wing fleet of the Coast Guard falls below the requirements of this subsection, 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 notification not later than 5 business days after the inability of the Commandant to meet the requirement. This report shall be submitted to such committees every 120 days until the Coast Guard meets the requirement of 175 rotary wing aircraft.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7205, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1690, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a location-specific tsunami preparedness plan for each property concerned. “(b) Requirements .— In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that the plan— “(1) minimizes the loss of human life; “(2) maximizes the ability of the Coast Guard to meet the mission of the Coast Guard; “(3) is included in the emergency action plan for each Coast Guard unit or sector located within the applicable tsunami inundation zone; “(4) designates an evacuation route to an assembly area located outside the tsunami inundation zone; “(5) takes into consideration near-shore and distant tsunami inundation of the property concerned; “(6) includes— “(A) maps of all applicable tsunami inundation zones; “(B) evacuation routes and instructions for all individuals located on the property concerned; “(C) procedures to begin evacuations as expeditiously as possible upon detection of a seismic or other tsunamigenic event; “(D) evacuation plans for Coast Guard aviation and afloat assets; and “(E) (i) routes for evacuation on foot from any location within the property concerned; or “(ii) if an on-foot evacuation is not possible, an assessment of whether there is a need for vertical evacuation refuges that would allow evacuation on foot; “(7) in the case of a property concerned that is at risk for a near-shore tsunami, is able to be completely executed within 15 minutes of detection of a seismic event, or if complete execution is not possible within 15 minutes, within a timeframe the Commandant considers reasonable to minimize the loss of life; and “(8) not less frequently than annually, is— “(A) exercised by each Coast Guard unit and sector located in the applicable tsunami inundation zone; “(B) communicated through an annual in-person training to Coast Guard personnel and dependents located or living on the property concerned; and “(C) evaluated by the relevant District Commander for each Coast Guard unit and sector located within the applicable tsunami inundation zone. “(c) Consultation .— In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall consult relevant State, Tribal, and local government entities, including emergency management officials. “(d) Briefing .— Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on each plan developed under subsection (a), including the status of implementation and feasibility of each such plan. “(e) Definitions .— In this section: “(1) Property concerned .— The term ‘property concerned’ means any real property owned, operated, or leased by the Coast Guard within a tsunami inundation zone. “(2) Tsunamigenic event .— The term ‘tsunamigenic event’ means any event, such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, submarine landslide, coastal rockfall, or other event, with the magnitude to cause a tsunami. “(3) Vertical evacuation refuge .— The term ‘vertical evacuation refuge’ means a structure or earthen mound designated as a place of refuge in the event of a tsunami, with sufficient height to elevate evacuees above the tsunami inundation depth, designed and constructed to resist tsunami load effects.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7231(a), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1709, provided that:
“(1) Establishment.— “(A) In general .— Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2026 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in coordination with the Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and Work Life, shall establish and conduct a pilot program, to be known as the ‘Coast Guard Embedded Behavioral Health Technician Program’ (referred to in this section as the ‘Pilot Program’), to integrate behavioral health technicians serving at Coast Guard units for the purposes of— “(i) facilitating, at the clinic level, the provision of integrated behavioral health care for members of the Coast Guard; “(ii) providing, as a force extender under the supervision of a licensed behavioral health care provider, at the clinic level— “(I) psychological assessment and diagnostic services, as appropriate; “(II) behavioral health services, as appropriate; “(III) education and training related to promoting positive behavioral health and well-being; and “(IV) information and resources, including expedited referrals, to assist members of the Coast Guard in dealing with behavioral health concerns; “(iii) improving resilience and mental health care among members of the Coast Guard who respond to extraordinary calls of duty, with the ultimate goals of preventing crises and addressing mental health concerns before such concerns evolve into more complex issues that require care at a military treatment facility; “(iv) increasing— “(I) the number of such members served by behavioral health technicians; and “(II) the proportion of such members returning to duty after seeking behavioral health care; and “(v) positively impacting the Coast Guard in a cost-effective manner by extending behavioral health services to the workforce and improving access to care. “(B) Briefing .— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing regarding a plan to establish and conduct the Pilot Program. “(2) Selection of coast guard clinics .— The Commandant shall select, for participation in the Pilot Program, 3 or more Coast Guard clinics that support units that have significantly high operational tempos or other force resiliency risks, as determined by the Commandant. “(3) Placement of staff at coast guard clinics.— “(A) In general .— Under the Pilot Program, a Coast Guard health services technician with a grade of E–5 or higher, or an assigned civilian behavioral health specialist, shall be— “(i) assigned to each selected Coast Guard clinic; and “(ii) located at a unit with high operational tempo. “(B) Training.— “(i) Health services technicians .— Before commencing an assignment at a Coast Guard clinic under subparagraph (A), a Coast Guard health services technician shall complete behavioral health technician training and independent duty health services training. “(ii) Civilian behavioral health specialists .— To qualify for an assignment at a Coast Guard clinic under subparagraph (A), a civilian behavioral health specialist shall have at least the equivalent behavioral health training as the training required for a Coast Guard behavioral health technician under clause (i). “(4) Administration .— The Commandant, in coordination with the Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and Work Life, shall administer the Pilot Program through the Health, Safety, and Work-Life Service Center. “(5) Data collection.— “(A) In general .— The Commandant shall collect and analyze data concerning the Pilot Program for purposes of— “(i) developing and sharing best practices for improving access to behavioral health care; and “(ii) providing information to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives regarding the implementation of the Pilot Program and related policy issues. “(B) Plan .— Not later than 270 days 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 a plan for carrying out subparagraph (A). “(6) Annual report .— Not later than September 1 of each year until the date on which the Pilot Program terminates under paragraph (7), 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 Pilot Program that includes the following: “(A) An overview of the implementation of the Pilot Program at each applicable Coast Guard clinic, including— “(i) the number of members of the Coast Guard who received services on site by a behavioral health technician assigned to such clinic; “(ii) feedback from all members of the Coast Guard empaneled for their medical care under the Pilot Program; “(iii) an assessment of the deployability and overall readiness of members of the applicable operational unit; and “(iv) an estimate of potential costs and impacts on other Coast Guard health care services of supporting the Pilot Program at such units and clinics. “(B) The data and analysis required under paragraph (5)(A). “(C) A list and detailed description of lessons learned from the Pilot Program as of the date of on which the report is submitted. “(D) The feasibility, estimated cost, and impacts on other Coast Guard health care services of expanding the Pilot Program to all Coast Guard clinics, and a description of the personnel, fiscal, and administrative resources that would be needed for such an expansion. “(7) Termination .— The Pilot Program shall terminate on September 30, 2028 .”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7261, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1735, provided that:
“(a) Policy .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdoses, including the use of drugs or devices approved, cleared, or otherwise legally marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. “(b) Availability .— The updated policy required under subsection (a) shall require opioid overdose reversal medications be available— “(1) at each Coast Guard clinic; “(2) at each independently located Coast Guard unit; “(3) onboard each Coast Guard cutter; and “(4) for response to known or suspected opioid overdoses, such as fentanyl, at other appropriate Coast Guard installations and facilities and onboard other Coast Guard assets. “(c) Participation in Tracking System .— Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 [ Pub. L. 118–31 ] ( 10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Commandant shall ensure the participation of the Coast Guard in the such tracking system. “(d) Memorandum of Understanding .— Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 [ Pub. L. 118–31 ] ( 10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy and the Secretary of Defense shall finalize a memorandum of understanding to facilitate Coast Guard access such tracking system. “(e) Briefing.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide 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 use, by members and personnel of the Coast Guard at Coast Guard facilities, onboard Coast Guard assets, and during Coast Guard operations, of— “(A) opioid overdose reversal medications; and “(B) opioids, including fentanyl. “(2) Elements .— The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: “(A) A description of— “(i) the progress made in the implementation of the updated policy required under subsection (a); “(ii) the prevalence and incidence of the illegal use of fentanyl and other controlled substances in the Coast Guard during the 5-year period preceding the briefing; “(iii) processes of the Coast Guard to mitigate substance abuse in the Coast Guard, particularly with respect to fentanyl; and “(iv) the status of the memorandum of understanding required under subsection (d). “(B) For the 5-year period preceding the briefing, a review of instances in which naloxone or other similar medication was used to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses at a Coast Guard facility, onboard a Coast Guard asset, or during a Coast Guard operation. “(f) Privacy .— In carrying out the requirements of this section, the Commandant shall ensure compliance with all applicable privacy law, including section 552a of title 5 , United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Privacy Act’), and the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [ Pub. L. 104–191 ] ( 42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note). “(g) Rule of Construction .— For purposes of the availability requirement under subsection (b), with respect to a Coast Guard installation comprised of multiple Coast Guard facilities or units, opioid overdose reversal medications available at a single Coast Guard facility within the installation shall be considered to be available to all Coast Guard facilities or units on the installation if appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure access, at all times during operations, to the opioid overdose reversal medications contained within such single Coast Guard facility.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7275, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1749, provided that:
“Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall update Coast Guard policy with respect to the parental leave surge staffing program (or a successor program) to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, surge staffing is provided to backfill Public Health Service officers detailed to the Coast Guard who are on parental leave so as to ensure the continuation of healthcare, pharmacy, and related services for members of the Coast Guard.”
Pub. L. 118–159, div. F, title LXIII, § 6306, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2475, provided that:
“The Commandant of the Coast Guard may use up to 1 percent of the amounts made available for the National Intelligence Program (as such term is defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3003 )) for each fiscal year for intelligence and counterintelligence activities of the Coast Guard relating to objects of a confidential, extraordinary, or emergency nature, which amounts may be accounted for solely on the certification of the Commandant and each such certification shall be considered to be a sufficient voucher for the amount contained in the certification.”
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.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, 11212(a)(4), as added by Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7215(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1697, provided that:
“(A) In general .— During the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall conduct a pilot program to determine the extent to which the Coast Guard Great Lakes icebreaking cutter fleet is capable of maintaining tier one and tier two waterways open 95 percent of the time during an ice season. “(B) Report .— Not later than 180 days after the end of each of the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, 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 that details— “(i) the results of the pilot program required under subparagraph (A); and “(ii) any relevant new performance measures implemented by the Coast Guard, including the measures described in pages 5 through 7 of the report of the Coast Guard titled ‘Domestic Icebreaking Operations’ and submitted to Congress on July 26, 2024 , as required by section 11212(a)(3) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) [ 136 Stat. 4014 ], and the results of the implementation of such measures.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11213, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4015, as amended by Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7215(c), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1697, 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 has submitted the report required by paragraph (3) of section 11212(a) [ 136 Stat. 4014 ], 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 proposed standards described in paragraph (2) of such section [ 136 Stat. 4014 ]. “(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.]
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.”
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).”
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.”
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 .”
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.”
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.”
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).”
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’.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7231(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1712, provided that:
“(1) In general .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall hire, train, and deploy not fewer than 5 additional behavioral health specialists, in addition to the personnel required under section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 [ Pub. L. 117–263 ] ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note) [set out below]. “(2) Requirement .— The Commandant shall ensure that not fewer than 35 percent of behavioral health specialists required to be deployed under paragraph (1) have experience in— “(A) behavioral health care related to military sexual trauma; and “(B) behavioral health care for the purpose of supporting members of the Coast Guard with needs for mental health care and counseling services for post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring disorders related to military sexual trauma. “(3) Accessibility .— The support provided by the behavioral health specialists hired pursuant to paragraph (1)— “(A) may include care delivered via telemedicine; and “(B) shall be made widely available to members of the Coast Guard. “(4) Notification.— “(A) In general .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives in writing if the Coast Guard has not completed hiring, training, and deploying— “(i) the personnel referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2); and “(ii) the personnel required under section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note). “(B) Contents .— The notification required under subparagraph (A) shall include— “(i) the date of publication of the hiring opportunity for all such personnel; “(ii) the General Schedule grade level advertised in the publication of the hiring opportunity for all such personnel; “(iii) the number of personnel to whom the Coast Guard extended an offer of employment in accordance with the requirements of this section [enacting this note and section 7231(a) of Pub. L. 119–60 , set out as a note above] and section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note), and the number of such personnel who accepted or declined such offer of employment; “(iv) a summary of the efforts by the Coast Guard to publicize, advertise, or otherwise recruit qualified candidates in accordance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of such Act; and “(v) any recommendations and a detailed plan to ensure full compliance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of such Act, which may include special payments discussed in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled ‘Federal Pay: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Strategic Use of Special Payments’, published on December 7, 2017 (GAO–18–91), which may be made available to help ensure full compliance with all such requirements in a timely manner.”
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.”
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’.”
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).”
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.”
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.”
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.].”
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.
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).”
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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—
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
for which a reimbursement would otherwise be made under section 1085.
The amount of the prospective payment under subsection (a) shall be—
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;
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;
determined under procedures established by the Secretary of Defense;
paid during the fiscal year in which treatment or care is provided; and
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.
No prospective payment shall be made under this section for any period during which the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy.
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.
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 .
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.
A health-care professional described in this subsection is an individual—
who is—
a member of the Coast Guard;
a civilian employee of the Coast Guard;
a member of the Public Health Service who is assigned to the Coast Guard; or
any other health-care professional credentialed and privileged at a Federal health-care institution or location specially designated by the Secretary; and
who—
has a current license to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, or another health profession; and
is performing authorized duties for the Coast Guard.
In this section, the terms “license” and “health-care professional” have the meanings given those terms in section 1094(e) of title 10.
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”).
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.
The Commandant shall operate the program in a budget-neutral manner.
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.
The Commandant may make de minimis expenditures of resources required for the administrative aspects of the program.
Eligible individuals described in subsection (c) shall not be required to reimburse the Coast Guard for travel provided under this section.
Subject to subsection (d), the categories of eligible individuals described in this subsection are the following:
Members of the armed forces on active duty.
Members of the Selected Reserve who hold a valid Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.
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.
Subject to subsection (f), veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rated as total.
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.
Such other categories of individuals as the Commandant considers appropriate.
In operating the program, the Commandant shall—
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;
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
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.
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.
Subject to paragraph (3), paragraph (1) applies with respect to an individual described in subsection (c)(3) who—
resides in or is located in a Commonwealth or possession of the United States; and
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.
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.
The priority for space-available transportation required by this subsection applies with respect to—
the travel from the Commonwealth or possession of the United States to receive the specialty care services; and
the return travel.
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.
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.
Subsection (c)(4) may not be construed as—
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
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.
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.
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.
The General Services Administration may not convey a vessel or aircraft to an eligible entity as authorized by law unless the eligible entity agrees—
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;
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;
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
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).
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.
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.
The Commandant shall designate as a record of the Coast Guard, and ensure the longest possible retention approved by the National Archives and Records Administration of, each message placed on Coast Guard message board on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act on a publicly available website to the maximum extent possible, in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and other applicable laws.
The Commandant shall designate as a temporary record of the Coast Guard, and ensure the retention for a period not less than 15 years of or the retention approved by the National Archives & Records Administration, each Commandant Instruction Manual and Coast Guard Academy Superintendent Instruction Manual, including all versions thereof, in effect on or after the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that—
identifies all current recurrent requirements for reports to Congress applicable to the Coast Guard;
estimates the total annual cost and staff hours required for compliance with such requirements; and
provides recommendations to Congress for sunset, consolidation, or automation of such requirements to improve efficiency, consistent applicable laws.
CST and T&I 1
The term “Coast Guard message board” means the Coast Guard official platform for disseminating time-sensitive or service-wide administrative information to Coast Guard personnel, including the publishing of official general messages including ALCOAST, ALCGPSC, ALCGENL, and similar formats that provide timely policy updates, operational guidance, or announcements to the field.
SUBCHAPTER II— LIFE SAVING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
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:
perform any and all acts necessary to rescue and aid individuals and protect and save property;
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;
furnish clothing, food, lodging, medicines, and other necessary supplies and services to individuals succored by the Coast Guard; and
destroy or tow into port sunken or floating dangers to navigation.
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.
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.
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—
guilty of a class D felony;
subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000; and
liable for all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual’s action.
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.
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—
guilty of a class E felony; and
subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per day for each violation.
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.
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.]
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.”
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.”
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.
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:
be deemed to be acting as agents of the particular executive department or independent establishment charged with the administration of the particular law; and
be subject to all the rules and regulations promulgated by such department or independent establishment with respect to the enforcement of that law.
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.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7262, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1737, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense, shall develop a policy, consistent with the Constitution of the United States, as well as domestic and international law, to address, disincentivize, and interdict illicit trafficking by sea of controlled substances (and precursors of controlled substances) being transported to produce illicit synthetic drugs. “(b) Elements .— In developing the policy required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall— “(1) include a requirement that, to the maximum extent practicable, a vessel unlawfully transporting a controlled substance or precursors of a controlled substance being transported to produce illicit synthetic drugs, be seized or appropriately disposed of consistent with domestic and international law, as well as any international agreements to which the United States is a party; and “(2) aim to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking on a global scale, including in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Indo-Pacific region, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. “(c) Briefing .— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on— “(1) the policy developed pursuant to subsection (a); and “(2) additional resources necessary to implement the policy required under subsection (a) and methods recommended under subparagraph (A).”
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.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11269, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4064, which directed the Commandant of the Coast Guard to make available to the public the monthly number of migrant interdictions, was redesignated as section 529 of this title and transferred to appear at the end of this subchapter by Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7202(a)(1)–(3)(A), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1687.
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).”
Subject to guidelines approved by the Secretary, members of the Coast Guard, in the performance of official duties, may—
carry a firearm; and
while at a facility (as defined in section 70101 of title 46)—
make an arrest without warrant for any offense against the United States committed in their presence; and
seize property as otherwise provided by law.
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.
A special agent of the Coast Guard Investigative Service designated under subsection (b) has the following authority:
To carry firearms.
To execute and serve any warrant or other process issued under the authority of the United States.
To make arrests without warrant for—
any offense against the United States committed in the agent’s presence; or
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A vessel or aircraft is an authorized vessel or authorized aircraft for purposes of this section if—
it is a Coast Guard vessel or aircraft;
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
it is any other vessel or aircraft on government noncommercial service when—
the vessel or aircraft is under the tactical control of the Coast Guard; and
at least one member of the Coast Guard is assigned and conducting a Coast Guard mission on the vessel or aircraft.
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.
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.
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).
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.
For purposes of this title, the term “vessel of the Armed Forces” means—
any vessel owned or operated by the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard, other than a time- or voyage-chartered vessel; and
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).
For the purposes of section 210G(k)(3)(C)(iv) 1 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the missions authorized to be performed by the United States Coast Guard shall be those related to—
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 facility, including a facility that is under the administrative control of the Commandant; and
a vessel (whether moored or underway) or an aircraft, including a vessel or aircraft—
that is operated by the Coast Guard, or that the Coast Guard is assisting or escorting; and
that is directly involved in a mission of the Coast Guard pertaining to—
assisting or escorting a vessel of the Department of Defense;
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;
section 527(a) of this title;
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);
protection of a National Special Security Event and Special Event Assessment Rating events;
air defense of the United States, including air sovereignty, ground-based air defense, and the National Capital Region integrated air defense system; or
a search and rescue operation; and
missions directed by the Secretary pursuant to 2 210G(k)(3)(C)(iii) 1 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Not later than the 15th day of each month, the Commandant shall make available to the public on the website of the Coast Guard the number of drug and person interdictions carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding month.
In making information about interdictions publicly available under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include a description of the following:
The number of incidents in which drugs were interdicted, the amount and type of drugs interdicted, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred.
The number of incidents in which persons were interdicted, the number of persons interdicted, the number of those persons who were unaccompanied minors, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred.
Nothing in this provision shall be construed to require the Coast Guard to collect the information described in subsection (b), and nothing in this provision shall be construed to require the Commandant to publicly release confidential, classified, law enforcement sensitive, or otherwise protected information.
SUBCHAPTER III— AIDS TO NAVIGATION
In order to aid navigation and to prevent disasters, collisions, and wrecks of vessels and aircraft, the Coast Guard may establish, maintain, and operate:
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.
aids to maritime navigation required to serve the needs of the armed forces or of the commerce of the United States;
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
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.
In the case of pierhead beacons, the Commandant may—
acquire, by donation or purchase in behalf of the United States, the right to use and occupy sites for pierhead beacons; and
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.
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.
Pub. L. 114–120, title II, § 210, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 41, which directed the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish a process for the discontinuance of an aid to navigation and to notify the public and congressional committees, was repealed by Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7264(d), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1742. See section 552 of this title.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary 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.
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; and
to safeguard against any discontinuation that may compromise the safety of mariners or the public or hinder maritime operational readiness, including with respect to food security and maritime transportation.
In establishing a process under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with and consider any recommendations of—
the Navigation Safety Advisory Council; and
with respect to aids to navigation established, maintained, or operated by the Coast Guard and located in the coastal or inland waterways of a State, the public of such State and relevant stakeholders, including—
State agencies;
State, local, and Tribal law enforcement, fire, and emergency response agencies;
Indian Tribes;
port;
pilots;
harbormasters;
commercial and recreational fishermen, including fishing associations;
ferry operators;
marina operators;
recreational boaters;
passenger vessel operators; and
coastal residents.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the process is established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of such process.
SUBCHAPTER IV— MISCELLANEOUS
The Secretary may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of—
the Polar Security Cutters approved as part of a major acquisition program as of November 1, 2019; and
3 additional Polar Security Cutters.
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.
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.
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.
The Commandant may not—
transfer, relinquish ownership of, dismantle, or recycle the Polar Sea or Polar Star;
change the current homeport of the Polar Sea or Polar Star; or
expend any funds—
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;
for any personnel expenses directly or indirectly associated with the decommissioning of the Polar Sea or Polar Star, including expenses for a decommissioning officer;
for any expenses associated with a decommissioning ceremony for the Polar Sea or Polar Star;
to appoint a decommissioning officer to be affiliated with the Polar Sea or Polar Star; or
to place the Polar Sea or Polar Star in inactive status.
This subsection shall cease to have effect on September 30, 2022.
The Secretary may not expend amounts appropriated for the Coast Guard for any of fiscal years 2015 through 2024, for—
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
long-lead-time materials, production, or postdelivery activities related to such a capability.
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).
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.
The Commandant may use funds made available pursuant to section 4902(1)(A), to carry out this subsection.
In this section:
The term “Polar Sea” means Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea (WAGB 11).
The term “Polar Star” means Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10).
The term “Healy” means Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20).
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.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11223, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4021, as amended by Pub. L. 119–4, div. A, title VII, § 1702, Mar. 15, 2025, 139 Stat. 28, 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 not 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.]
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—
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
have a senior staff member who—
meets the requirements of paragraph (1);
actively advises the individual adjudicating the appeal; and
concurs in writing on the decision on appeal.
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.
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—
the Governor of each State in which such waterway, or portion thereof, is located;
the public; and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
Each notification provided under subsection (a) to an entity specified in paragraph (3) of that subsection shall include—
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;
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
an estimate of the annual costs that the Coast Guard may incur in conducting operations on such waterway, or portion thereof.
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—
as soon as possible after the victim requests an examination; and
that is treated with the same level of urgency as emergency medical care.
The written operating procedure required by paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, account for—
the health, safety, and privacy of a victim of sexual assault;
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);
the availability of aeromedical evacuation;
the operational capabilities of the vessel concerned;
the qualifications of medical personnel onboard;
coordination with law enforcement and the preservation of evidence;
the means of accessing a sexual assault forensic examination and medical care with a restricted report of sexual assault;
the availability of nonprescription pregnancy prophylactics; and
other unique military considerations.
The Commandant shall submit to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the House of Representatives 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 Coast Guard vessel.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11272(c)(5), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4067, as amended by Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7269(a)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1745, formerly set out as a note under this section, was transferred to subsec. (b) of this section.
With respect to any unmanned aircraft system procured by the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall ensure that such system be used to support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 102.
CHAPTER 7— COOPERATION
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Secretary of the Navy, at the request of the Secretary may, with or without reimbursement for the cost thereof, as agreed:
build any vessel for the Coast Guard at such Navy yards as the Secretary of the Navy may designate;
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;
permit personnel of the Coast Guard and their dependents to occupy any public quarters maintained by the Navy and available for the purpose; and
detail personnel from the Chaplain Corps to provide services, pursuant to section 1789 of title 10, to the Coast Guard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this subsection, the term “dependents” has the same meaning as defined in section 1072(2) of title 10.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Assistance may be provided only to the extent it does not interfere with the performance of the Coast Guard mission.
Providing assistance may not cause an increase in amounts required for the operation of the Coast Guard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Commandant may use funds for—
the activities of traveling contact teams, including any transportation expense, translation services expense, or administrative expense that is related to such activities;
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;
seminars and conferences involving members of maritime authorities of foreign governments;
distribution of publications pertinent to engagement with maritime authorities of foreign governments; and
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).
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.
The amount of funds used under this subsection may not exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
The Commandant shall improve maritime domain awareness in the Arctic—
by promoting interagency cooperation and coordination;
by employing joint, interagency, and international capabilities; and
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).
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:
The Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Defense.
The Department of Transportation.
The Department of State.
The Department of the Interior.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Environmental Protection Agency.
The National Science Foundation.
The Arctic Research Commission.
Any Federal agency or commission or State the Commandant determines is appropriate.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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—
placement and maintenance of aids to navigation;
appropriate marine safety, tug, and salvage capabilities;
oil spill prevention and response capability;
maritime domain awareness, including long-range vessel tracking; and
search and rescue.
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.
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).
The Secretary shall promote safe maritime navigation by means of icebreaking where necessary, feasible, and effective to carry out the purposes of this section.
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).
In carrying out section 504(a)(4), the Commandant may—
enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements with—
Federal entities;
other public or private entities in the United States, including academic entities; and
foreign governments with the concurrence of the Secretary of State; and
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.
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).
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIV, § 7407, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1787, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall, in coordination with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, review and update the Canada-US Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan. “(b) Requirements .— In carrying out subsection (a), the Commandant shall— “(1) review each geographic annex within the contingency plan; “(2) for each geographic area covered by the plan— “(A) analyze the vessel traffic patterns, including the types of vessels transiting the area, and assess the risks of a pollution incident; “(B) assess the risks of a pollution incident; and “(C) update the plan based on such analysis and assessment; “(3) determine if any of the areas should be expanded or modified, and update the plan accordingly to include future risk projections; and “(4) evaluate the coverage and gaps of response assets on each side of the United States-Canada border and the manner in which such assets may be able to aid in implementing such plan. “(c) Exercises .— The Commandant, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall conduct a joint training exercise not less than once a year to determine emergency response capabilities and identify other types of support necessary to effectuate a successful oil spill response, in accordance with the Canada-US Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan, including any update to such Plan carried out pursuant to subsection (a).”
The Commandant may, on a reimbursable or a non-reimbursable basis, make a training available to emergency response providers whenever the Commandant determines that—
a member of the Coast Guard, who is scheduled to participate in such training, is unable or unavailable to participate in such training;
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
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.
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).
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.
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)).
The United States shall not be liable for actions taken by an individual in the course of training made available under this section.
The Commandant may enter into—
transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants) in carrying out basic, applied, and advanced research projects; and
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.
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.
In carrying out paragraph (1)(B), the Commandant may use funds made available to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts for—
operations and support;
research, development, test, and evaluation; and
procurement, construction, and improvement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Commandant shall—
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
establish minimum levels and requirements for continuous and experiential learning for such personnel, including levels and requirements for acquisition certification programs.
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.
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).
The information referred to in subparagraph (A) is the following:
A proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting documents.
A business plan submitted on a confidential basis.
Technical information submitted on a confidential basis.
The Commandant shall prescribe regulations, as necessary, to carry out this section.
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—
the amount of each transaction;
the entities or organizations involved;
the product or service received;
the research project for which the product or service was required; and
the extent of the cost sharing among Federal Government and non-Federal sources.
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.
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.
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.
Not later than 90 days after the National Transportation Safety Board submits to the Commandant a recommendation, and supporting justification for such recommendation, relating to transportation safety, the Commandant shall submit to the National Transportation Safety Board a written response to the recommendation, including whether the Commandant—
concurs with the recommendation;
partially concurs with the recommendation; or
does not concur with the recommendation.
The Commandant shall include in a response submitted under subsection (a)—
with respect to a recommendation with which the Commandant concurs or partially concurs, an explanation of the actions the Commandant intends to take to implement such recommendation or part of such recommendation; and
with respect to a recommendation with which the Commandant does not concur, the reasons the Commandant does not concur.
If the National Transportation Safety Board has not received the written response required under subsection (a) by the end of the time period described in such subsection, the National Transportation Safety Board shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that such response has not been received.
Subject to the availability of appropriations and for the purpose of mitigating the impacts of Coast Guard actions including expansion of bases, including direct or indirect impacts, to natural resources and cultural resources, the Commandant may provide Federal financial assistance, except for loans or loan guarantees, or make grants to an eligible entity.
Financial assistance or grants made under paragraph (1) may be used to—
limit any development or use of such natural resources and cultural resources as a result of such Coast Guard actions described in paragraph (1);
maintain and maintain access to, such natural resources and cultural resources, including—
Tribal treaty fisheries and shellfish harvest, and usual and accustomed fishing areas; and
subsistence fisheries, or any other fishery or shellfish harvest, of an Indian Tribe;
provide a means to replace, repair, or restore such natural resources and cultural resources of an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization if such property is damaged by Coast Guard actions described in paragraph (1), in consultation with the affected Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization; and
maintain and improve natural resources located outside a Coast Guard installation, if the purpose of the agreement is to relieve or eliminate current or anticipated challenges that could restrict, impede, or otherwise interfere with, directly or indirectly, current or anticipated Coast Guard actions described in paragraph (1).
Financial assistance or grants made under paragraph (1) may not be used for the purpose of the Coast Guard receiving any funds.
The Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate (and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate in the case of an eligible entity that is an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization or Native Hawaiian organization) and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives in writing not later than the date that is 3 full business days prior to any day on which the Commandant intends to enter into such an agreement or contract, or make a grant under subsection (a), and include in such notification the anticipated costs of carrying out the agreement, to the extent practicable.
A copy of such financial assistance or grant made under subsection (a) shall be provided to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives not later than 5 full business days after the date on which such request is submitted to the Commandant.
Nothing in this section may be construed to undermine the rights of any Indian Tribe to seek full and meaningful government-to-government consultation under this section or under any other law.
In this section:
The term “cultural resource” means any of the following:
A building, structure, site, district, or object eligible for or included in the National Register of Historic Places maintained under section 302101 of title 54.
Cultural items, as such term is defined in section 2(3) of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001(3)).
An archaeological resource, as such term is defined in section 3(1) of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470bb(1))).
An archaeological artifact collection and associated records covered by part 79 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations.
A sacred site, as such term is defined in section 1(b) of Executive Order No. 13007 (42 U.S.C. 1996 note; relating to Indian sacred sites).
Treaty or trust resources of an Indian Tribe, including the habitat associated with such resources.
Subsistence resources of an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization including the habitat associated with such resources.
The term “eligible entity” means the following:
A State, or a political subdivision of a State.
A local government.
An Indian Tribe.
Native Hawaiian organization.
A Tribal organization.
The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
The term “Native Hawaiian organization” has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
The term “natural resource” means land, fish, wildlife, biota, air, water, ground water, drinking water supplies, and other such resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by, appertaining to, or otherwise controlled by the United States (including the resources of the waters of the United States), any State or local government, any Indian Tribe, any member of an Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization, if such resources are subject to a trust restriction on alienation and have been categorized into 1 of the following groups:
Surface water resources.
Ground water resources.
Air resources.
Geologic resources.
Biological resources.
The term “State” includes each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories and possessions of the United States.
The term “Tribal organization” has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
CHAPTER 9— ADMINISTRATION
SUBCHAPTER I— REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
The Commandant 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 may dispose of, with or without charge, to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, including any incorporated unit thereof, to the sea-scout service of the Boy Scouts of America, and to any public body or private organization not organized for profit having an interest therein for historical or other special reasons, such obsolete or other material as may not be needed for the Coast Guard.
The Commandant may, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, sell apparatus or equipment manufactured by or in use in the Coast Guard, which is not readily procurable in the open market. The money received from such sale shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the current appropriation from which purchase of similar apparatus or equipment is authorized.
The Commandant may—
provide for the sale of recyclable materials that the Coast Guard holds;
provide for the operation of recycling programs at Coast Guard installations; and
designate Coast Guard installations that have qualified recycling programs for the purposes of subsection (d)(2).
Proceeds from the sale of recyclable materials at a Coast Guard installation shall be credited to funds available for operations and maintenance at that installation in amounts sufficient to cover operations, maintenance, recycling equipment, and overhead costs for processing recyclable materials at the installation.
If, after funds are credited, a balance remains available to a Coast Guard installation and the installation has a qualified recycling program, not more than 50 percent of that balance may be used at the installation for projects for pollution abatement, energy conservation, and occupational safety and health activities. The cost of the project may not be greater than 50 percent of the amount permissible for a minor construction project.
The remaining balance available to a Coast Guard installation may be transferred to the Coast Guard Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Program.
If the balance available to the Coast Guard installation under this section at the end of a fiscal year is in excess of $200,000, the amount of that excess shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting receipts of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating and ascribed to Coast Guard activities.
The Coast Guard may employ temporarily, at the seat of government, draftsmen and engineers for the preparation of plans and specifications for vessels, lighthouses, aids to navigation, and other projects for the Coast Guard that may be authorized or appropriated for by Congress, to be paid from the appropriations applicable to such projects.
Funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard for procurement, construction, and improvement of facilities and for research and development shall remain available until expended.
The Secretary may use any funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard for other construction purposes to restore, repair, or replace facilities that have been damaged or destroyed, including acquisition of sites.
The Secretary may use any funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard for other construction purposes to acquire, construct, convert, extend, and install at Coast Guard installations and facilities, needed permanent or temporary public works, including the preparation of sites and the furnishing of appurtenances, utilities, and equipment, but excluding the construction of family quarters, costing not more than $200,000 for any one project.
Subject to the reporting requirements set forth in paragraph (2), each fiscal year the Secretary may expend from amounts made available for the operations and support of the Coast Guard not more than $2,000,000 for minor construction and improvement projects at any location.
Not later than the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget under section 1105 of title 31 each year, the Secretary 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 describing each project carried out under paragraph (1), in the most recently concluded fiscal year, for which the amount expended under such paragraph for such project was more than $1,000,000. If no such project was carried out during a fiscal year, no report under this paragraph shall be required with respect to that fiscal year.
Notwithstanding any other law, each contract awarded by the Coast Guard for construction or services to be performed in whole or in part in a State that has an unemployment rate in excess of the national average rate of unemployment (as determined by the Secretary of Labor) shall include a provision requiring the contractor to employ, for the purpose of performing that portion of the contract in that State, individuals who are local residents and who, in the case of any craft or trade, possess or would be able to acquire promptly the necessary skills. The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may waive the requirements of this subsection in the interest of national security or economic efficiency.
As used in this section, “local resident” means a resident of, or an individual who commutes daily to, a State described in subsection (a).
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.
The Secretary is authorized—
to acquire, subject to the availability of appropriations sufficient to cover its full obligations, real property or interests therein by purchase, lease for a term not to exceed 5 years, or otherwise, for use as Coast Guard family housing units, including the acquisition of condominium units, which may include the obligation to pay maintenance, repair, and other condominium-related fees; and
to dispose of by sale, lease, or otherwise, any real property or interest therein used for Coast Guard family housing units for adequate consideration.
For the purposes of this section, a multiyear contract is a contract to lease Coast Guard family housing units for at least one, but not more than 5, fiscal years.
The Secretary may enter into multiyear contracts under subsection (a) of this section whenever the Coast Guard finds that—
the use of a contract will promote the efficiency of the Coast Guard family housing program and will result in reduced total costs under the contract; and
there are realistic estimates of both the cost of the contract and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a multiyear contract.
A multiyear contract authorized under subsection (a) of this section shall contain cancellation and termination provisions to the extent necessary to protect the best interests of the United States, and may include consideration of both recurring and nonrecurring costs. The contract may provide for a cancellation payment to be made. Amounts that were originally obligated for the cost of the contract may be used for cancellation or termination costs.
The Secretary may expend funds for the repair, improvement, restoration, or replacement of those federally or nonfederally owned support buildings, including appurtenances, which are on leased or permitted real property constituting Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, located on Massachusetts Military Reservation, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The Secretary is authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations, to enter into lease agreements to acquire real property or interests therein for a term not to exceed 20 years, inclusive of any automatic renewal clauses, for special purpose facilities, including, aids to navigation (hereafter in this section referred to as “ATON”) sites, vessel traffic service (hereafter in this section referred to as “VTS”) sensor sites, or National Distress System (hereafter in this section referred to as “NDS”) high level antenna sites. These lease agreements shall include cancellation and termination provisions to the extent necessary to protect the best interests of the United States. Cancellation payment provisions may include consideration of both recurring and nonrecurring costs associated with the real property interests under the contract. These lease agreements may provide for a cancellation payment to be made. Amounts that were originally obligated for the cost of the contract may be used for cancellation or termination costs.
For purposes of this section, the term “special purpose facilities” means any facilities used to carry out Coast Guard aviation, maritime, or navigation missions other than general purpose office and storage space facilities.
In the case of ATON, VTS, or NDS sites, the Secretary may enter into multiyear lease agreements under subsection (a) of this section whenever the Secretary finds that—
the use of such a lease agreement will promote the efficiency of the ATON, VTS, or NDS programs and will result in reduced total costs under the agreement;
the minimum need for the real property or interest therein to be leased is expected to remain substantially unchanged during the contemplated lease period; and
the estimates of both the cost of the lease and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a multiyear lease are realistic.
The Commandant may lease to non-Federal entities, including private individuals, lighthouse property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard for terms not to exceed 30 years. Consideration for the use and occupancy of lighthouse property leased under this section, and for the value of any utilities and services furnished to a lessee of such property by the Commandant, may consist, in whole or in part, of non-pecuniary remuneration including the improvement, alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, repair, and maintenance of the leased premises by the lessee. Section 1302 of title 40 shall not apply to leases issued by the Commandant under this section.
Amounts received from leases made under this section, less expenses incurred, shall be deposited in the fund established under section 2946.
The Secretary shall ensure that each Coast Guard small boat station (including a seasonally operated station) maintains, within the area of responsibility for the station, at least 1 vessel that is fully capable of performing offshore rescue operations, taking into consideration prevailing weather, marine conditions, and depositional geologic features such as sand bars.
Amendment by section 1704(a) of 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.
Amendment by section 1704(f)(1) of Pub. L. 107–296 effective 60 days after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 4 of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as an Effective Date note under section 101 of Title 6, Domestic Security.
The Secretary may not close a Coast Guard multimission small boat station or subunit unless the Secretary—
determines that—
remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain the safety of the maritime public in the area of the station or subunit;
regional or local prevailing weather and marine conditions, including water temperature or unusual tide and current conditions, do not require continued operation of the station or subunit; and
Coast Guard search and rescue standards related to search and rescue response times are met; and
provides an opportunity for public comment and for public meetings in the area of the station or subunit with regard to the decision to close the station or subunit.
The Secretary may implement any management efficiencies within the small boat station system, such as modifying the operational posture of units or reallocating resources as necessary to ensure the safety of the maritime public nationwide. No stations or subunits may be closed under this subsection except in accordance with subsection (a).
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.
The Secretary shall establish, implement, and maintain the minimum standards necessary for the safe operation of all Coast Guard search and rescue center facilities, including with respect to the following:
The lighting, acoustics, and temperature in the facilities.
The number of individuals on a shift in the facility assigned search and rescue responsibilities (including communications), which may be adjusted based on seasonal workload.
The length of time an individual may serve on watch to minimize fatigue, based on the best scientific information available.
The scheduling of individuals having search and rescue responsibilities to minimize fatigue of the individual when on duty in the facility.
The workload of each individual engaged in search and rescue responsibilities in the facility.
Stress management for the individuals assigned search and rescue responsibilities in the facilities.
The design of equipment and facilities to minimize fatigue and enhance search and rescue operations.
The acquisition and maintenance of interim search and rescue command center communications equipment.
Any other requirements that the Secretary believes will increase the safe operation of the search and rescue centers.
It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should establish, implement, and maintain minimum standards necessary to ensure that an individual on duty or watch in a Coast Guard search and rescue command center facility does not work more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period, except in an emergency or unforeseen circumstances.
For the purposes of this section, the term “search and rescue center facility” means a Coast Guard shore facility that maintains a search and rescue mission coordination and communications watch.
Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, § 405(b), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2116, provided that:
“The Secretary shall prescribe the standards required under section 675(a) [probably means section 676(a), now 911(a)] of title 14, United States Code, as enacted by subsection (a) of this section, before January 1, 2003 .”
Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Secretary may not close a Coast Guard air facility, except as specified by this section.
The Secretary may not propose closing or terminating operations at a Coast Guard air facility unless the Secretary determines that—
remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain the safety of the maritime public in the area of the air facility;
regional or local prevailing weather and marine conditions, including water temperatures or unusual tide and current conditions, do not require continued operation of the air facility; and
Coast Guard search and rescue standards related to search and response times are met.
Prior to closing an air facility, the Secretary shall provide opportunities for public comment, including the convening of public meetings in communities in the area of responsibility of the air facility with regard to the proposed closure or cessation of operations at the air facility.
Prior to convening a public meeting under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall notify each congressional office representing any portion of the area of responsibility of the air station that is the subject to such public meeting of the schedule and location of such public meeting.
Prior to closure, cessation of operations, or any significant reduction in personnel and use of a Coast Guard air facility that is in operation on or after December 31, 2017, the Secretary shall—
submit to the Congress a proposal for such closure, cessation, or reduction in operations along with the budget of the President submitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31 that includes—
a discussion of the determination made by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2); and
a report summarizing the public comments received by the Secretary under paragraph (3) 1
not later than 7 days after the date a proposal for an air facility is submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A), provide written notice of such proposal to each of the following:
Each member of the House of Representatives who represents a district in which the air facility is located.
Each member of the Senate who represents a State in which the air facility is located.
Each member of the House of Representatives who represents a district in which assets of the air facility conduct search and rescue operations.
Each member of the Senate who represents a State in which assets of the air facility conduct search and rescue operations.
The Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
The Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
The Secretary may not close, cease operations, or significantly reduce personnel and use of a Coast Guard air facility for which a written notice is provided under paragraph (4)(A) until a period of 18 months beginning on the date on which such notice is provided has elapsed.
The Secretary may implement any reasonable management efficiencies within the air station and air facility network, such as modifying the operational posture of units or reallocating resources as necessary to ensure the safety of the maritime public nationwide.
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 114–120, see section 3503(e) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 2182 of this title.
The Secretary may use one-step turnkey selection procedures for the purpose of entering into contracts for construction projects.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
The term “one-step turnkey selection procedures” means procedures used for the selection of a contractor on the basis of price and other evaluation criteria to perform, in accordance with the provisions of a firm fixed-price contract, both the design and construction of a facility using performance specifications supplied by the Secretary.
The term “construction” includes the construction, procurement, development, conversion, or extension of any facility.
The term “facility” means a building, structure, or other improvement to real property.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commandant may dismantle or dispose of any real or personal property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard and used for the LORAN–C system.
No action described in subsection (a) may be taken unless and until—
the Commandant notifies the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense in writing of the proposed dismantling or disposal of a LORAN–C system; and
a period of 90 calendar days expires following the day on which the notice has been submitted.
If, not later than 90 calendar days of receipt of the written notification under subsection (b), the Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary of Defense notifies the Commandant, in writing, of a determination under section 312(d) of title 49 that the property is required to provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system to provide redundant capability in the event the Global Positioning System signals are disrupted, the Commandant shall transfer the property to the Department of Transportation without any consideration.
If, at the end of the 90 calendar day period no notification under subsection (b) has been received, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate that the period in subsection (b)(2) has expired, and may proceed with the dismantling and disposal of the personal property, and disposing of the real property in accordance with section 2945 of this title.
The prohibition on actions in subsection (b) does not apply to actions necessary for the safety of human life.
SUBCHAPTER II— MISCELLANEOUS
The members of a retiring board, selection board, examining board, and any other board authorized to be assembled pursuant to this title shall be sworn to discharge their duties honestly and impartially, the oath to be administered to the members by the President or other presiding officer of the board, and to him by the junior member or recorder.
Such commissioned and warrant officers of the Coast Guard as may be designated by the Commandant may, pursuant to rules prescribed by the Commandant, exercise the general powers of a notary public in the administration of oaths for the following purposes:
execution, acknowledgment, and attestation of instruments and papers, oaths of allegiance in connection with recruiting, oaths in connection with courts and boards, and all other notarial acts in connection with the proper execution of Coast Guard functions;
execution, acknowledgment, and attestation of instruments and papers, and all other notarial acts in time of war or national emergency; and
execution, acknowledgment, and attestation of instruments and papers, and all other notarial acts in Alaska and places beyond the continental limits of the United States where the Coast Guard is serving.
No fee of any character shall be charged by any commissioned or warrant officer for performing notarial acts. The signature and indication of grade of any commissioned or warrant officer performing any notarial act shall be prima facie evidence of his authority.
Vessels and aircraft authorized by the Secretary shall be distinguished from other vessels and aircraft by an ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia of such design as prescribed by the Secretary. Such ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia shall be displayed in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
No vessel or aircraft without authority shall carry, hoist, or display any ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for, or intended to resemble, any ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for Coast Guard vessels or aircraft. An individual violating this subsection shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.
No individual, association, partnership, or corporation shall, without authority of the Commandant, use the combination of letters “USCG” or “USCGR”, the words “Coast Guard,” “United States Coast Guard,” “Coast Guard Reserve,” “United States Coast Guard Reserve,” “Coast Guard Auxiliary,” “United States Coast Guard Auxiliary,” “Lighthouse Service,” “Life Saving Service,” or any combination or variation of such letters or words alone or with other letters or words, as the name under which he or it shall do business, for the purpose of trade, or by way of advertisement to induce the effect of leading the public to believe that any such individual, association, partnership, or corporation has any connection with the Coast Guard. No individual, association, partnership, or corporation shall falsely advertise, or otherwise represent falsely by any device whatsoever, that any project or business in which he or it is engaged, or product which he or it manufactures, deals in, or sells, has been in any way endorsed, authorized, or approved by the Coast Guard. Every person violating this section shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
Pub. L. 105–383, title IV, § 409, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3431, as amended by Pub. L. 114–120, title II, § 206, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 37, provided that:
“The Commandant of the Coast Guard may recognize the community of Grand Haven, Michigan, as ‘Coast Guard City, USA’. If the Commandant desires to recognize any other community in the same manner or any other community requests such recognition from the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 30 days prior to approving such recognition.”
The Coast Guard band may produce recordings for commercial sale.
Amounts received as proceeds from the sale of any such recordings may be credited to applicable appropriations of the Coast Guard for expenses of the Coast Guard band.
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the accounting of such proceeds.
In this section—
“medical quality assurance program” means any activity carried out by or for the Coast Guard to assess the quality of medical care, including activities conducted by individuals, military medical or dental treatment facility committees, or other review bodies responsible for quality assurance, credentials, infection control, patient care assessment (including treatment procedures, blood, drugs, and therapeutics) medical records, health resources management review and identification and prevention of medical or dental incidents and risks.
“medical quality assurance record” means the proceedings, records, minutes, and reports that emanate from quality assurance program activities described in paragraph (1) and are produced or compiled by the Coast Guard as part of a medical quality assurance program.
“health care provider” means any military or civilian health care professional who, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, is granted clinical practice privileges to provide health care services in a military medical or dental treatment facility or who is licensed or certified to perform health care services by a governmental board or agency or professional health care society or organization.
Medical quality assurance records created by or for the Coast Guard as part of a medical quality assurance program are confidential and privileged. The records may not be disclosed to any person or entity except as provided in subsection (d).
Medical quality assurance records are not subject to discovery and may not be admitted into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding, except as provided in subsection (d).
Except as provided in this section, an individual who reviews or creates medical quality assurance records for the Coast Guard or who participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates the records may not testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to the records or with respect to any finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, or action taken by that person in connection with the records.
Subject to paragraph (2), a medical quality assurance record may be disclosed, and an individual referred to in subsection (c) may testify in connection with a record only as follows:
To a Federal executive agency or private organization, if necessary to license, accredit, or monitor Coast Guard health care facilities.
To an administrative or judicial proceeding commenced by a present or former Coast Guard or Coast Guard assigned Public Health Service health care provider concerning the termination, suspension, or limitation of clinical privileges of the health care provider.
To a governmental board or agency or to a professional health care society or organization, if necessary to perform licensing, or privileging, or to monitor professional standards for a health care provider who is or was a member or an employee of the Coast Guard or the Public Health Service assigned to the Coast Guard.
To a hospital, medical center, or other institution that provides health care services, if necessary to assess the professional qualifications of any health care provider who is or was a member or employee of the Coast Guard or the Public Health Service assigned to the Coast Guard and who has applied for or been granted authority or employment to provide health care services in or on behalf of the institution.
To an officer, member, employee, or contractor of the Coast Guard or the Public Health Service assigned to the Coast Guard if for official purposes.
To a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality charged under applicable law with the protection of the public health or safety, if a qualified representative of the agency or instrumentality makes a written request that the record or testimony be provided for a purpose authorized by law.
In an administrative or judicial proceeding commenced by a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality referred to in subparagraph (F), but only with respect to the subject of the proceeding.
Except in a quality assurance action, the identity of any individual receiving health care services from the Coast Guard or the identity of any other individual associated with the agency for the purposes of a medical quality assurance program that is disclosed in a medical quality assurance record shall be deleted from that record or document before any disclosure of the record is made outside the Coast Guard. This requirement does not apply to the release of information under section 552a of title 5.
Except as provided in this section, a person having possession of or access to a record or testimony described by this section may not disclose the contents of the record or testimony.
Medical quality assurance records may not be made available to any person under section 552 of title 5.
An individual who participates in or provides information to an individual that reviews or creates medical quality assurance records is not civilly liable for participating or providing the information if the participation or provision of information was in good faith based on prevailing professional standards at the time the medical quality assurance program activity took place.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as—
authority to withhold from any person aggregate statistical information regarding the results of Coast Guard medical quality assurance programs;
authority to withhold any medical quality assurance record from a committee of either House of Congress, any joint committee of Congress, or the Government Accountability Office if the record pertains to any matter within their respective jurisdictions;
limiting access to the information in a record created and maintained outside a medical quality assurance program, including a patient’s medical records, on the grounds that the information was presented during meetings of a review body that are part of a medical quality assurance program.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual who willfully discloses a medical quality assurance record knowing that the record is a medical quality assurance record, is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $3,000 in the case of a first offense and not more than $20,000 in the case of a subsequent offense.
The Secretary may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, or settle, and pay in an amount not more than $425,000, an admiralty claim against the United States for—
damage caused by a vessel in the Coast Guard service or by other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating;
compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a vessel in the Coast Guard service or to other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; or
damage caused by a maritime tort committed by an agent or employee of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating or by property under the jurisdiction of that Department.
Upon acceptance of payment by the claimant, the settlement or compromise of a claim under this section is final and conclusive notwithstanding any other law.
If a claim under this section is settled or compromised for more than $100,000, the Secretary shall certify it to Congress.
The Secretary may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, or settle claims for damage cognizable in admiralty in a district court of the United States and all claims for damage caused by a vessel or floating object, to property of the United States under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard or property for which the Coast Guard may have assumed, by contract or otherwise, any obligation to respond for damage thereto. The Secretary is further authorized to receive in payment of any such claim the amount due the United States pursuant to determination, compromise, or settlement as herein authorized and, upon acceptance of such payment but not until then, such determination, settlement, or compromise of such claim shall be final and conclusive for all purposes, any law to the contrary notwithstanding. All such payments shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. The Secretary is further authorized to execute on behalf of the United States and to deliver in exchange for such payment a full release of such claim. This section, as respects the determination, compromise, settlement, and payment of claims, shall be supplementary to, and not in lieu of, all other provisions of law authorizing the determination, compromise, or settlement of claims for damage to property hereinabove described. No settlement or compromise where there is involved a payment in the net amount of over $425,000 is authorized by this section.
Pub. L. 98–557, § 17(b)(3)(B), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2868, provided that:
“The amendment made by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph [amending this section] shall apply to all claims considered, ascertained, adjusted, determined, compromised or settled on or after the date of enactment of this Act [ Oct. 30, 1984 ].”
The Secretary may prescribe regulations governing accounting for industrial work, including charges for overhead for civilian labor and for maintenance of industrial plant and equipment, performed at the Coast Guard Yard or such similar Coast Guard industrial establishments as he may designate. Any orders placed for such industrial work shall be covered by a transfer or advance of funds to cover the estimated cost thereof, and shall be credited to such accounts as may be necessary and established by the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this section. Accounts so established shall be available for materials, supplies, or equipment, and civilian labor, including overhead and maintenance, required in performing the work ordered. Upon completion of an order an adjustment will be made to make the amount transferred or advanced equal to the actual cost as computed in accordance with the accounting regulations prescribed by the Secretary or in accordance with subsection (b).
The parties to an order for industrial work to be performed by the Coast Guard Yard or a Coast Guard industrial establishment designated under subsection (a) may enter into an order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee order in accordance with this subsection.
If such parties enter into such an order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee order, an agreed-upon amount of any adjustment described in subsection (a) may be distributed as an incentive to the wage-grade industrial employees who complete the order.
Before entering into such an order or cost-plus-incentive-fee order such parties must agree that the wage-grade employees of the Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard industrial establishment will take action to improve the delivery schedule or technical performance agreed to in the order for industrial work to which such parties initially agreed.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the industrial workforce of the Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard industrial establishment satisfies the performance target established in such an order or cost-plus-incentive-fee order—
the adjustment to be made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be reduced by an agreed-upon amount and distributed to such wage-grade industrial employees; and
the remainder of the adjustment shall be credited to the appropriation for such order current at that time.
Supplies and equipment for special work of the Coast Guard may be furnished from general stock and the applicable appropriation reimbursed therefor from the respective appropriations for such special work.
A Coast Guard Supply Fund is authorized. The Secretary may prescribe regulations for designating the classification of materials to be stocked. In these regulations, whenever the fund is extended to include items not previously stocked, or spare parts obtained as part of a procurement under a different account of major items such as vessels or aircraft, whether or not such parts were previously stocked, the Secretary may authorize an increase in the existing capital of the fund by the value of such usable materials transferred thereto from Coast Guard inventories carried in other accounts. Except for the materials so transferred, the fund shall be charged with the cost of materials purchased or otherwise acquired. The fund shall be credited with the value of materials consumed, issued for use, sold, or otherwise disposed of, such values to be determined on a basis that will approximately cover the cost thereof.
Obligations may, without regard to fiscal year limitations, be incurred against anticipated reimbursement to the Coast Guard Supply Fund in such amount and for such period, as the Secretary, with approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, may determine to be necessary to maintain stock levels consistently with planned operations for the next year.
The Secretary under such regulations as he may prescribe, may sell to public and commercial vessels and other watercraft, such fuel, supplies and furnish such services as may be required to meet the necessities of the vessel or watercraft if such vessel or watercraft is unable—
Sales under this section shall be at such prices as the Secretary considers reasonable. Payment will be made on a cash basis or on such other basis as will reasonably assure prompt payment. Amounts received from such a sale shall, unless otherwise directed by another provision of law, be credited to the current appropriation concerned and are available for the same purposes as that appropriation.
to procure the fuel, supplies, or services from other sources at its present location; and
to proceed to the nearest port where they may be obtained without endangering the safety of the ship, the health and comfort of its personnel, or the safe condition of the property carried aboard.
No tax on the sale or transfer of firearms, pistols, revolvers, shells, or cartridges may be imposed on such articles when bought with funds appropriated for the Coast Guard.
Not more than $250,000 each fiscal year appropriated for the operations and support of the Coast Guard shall be available for investigative expenses of a confidential character, to be expended on the approval or authority of the Commandant and payment to be made on the Commandant’s certificate of necessity for confidential purposes, and the Commandant’s determination shall be final and conclusive upon the accounting officers of the Government.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when the Secretary determines that it is appropriate, and that it will not interfere with Coast Guard missions, the Secretary may conduct operations with Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, facilities, or personnel, in such a way as to give assistance to film producers. As used in this section, “film producers” includes commercial or noncommercial producers of material for cinema, television, or videotape.
The Secretary shall keep account of costs incurred as a result of providing assistance to film producers, not including costs which would otherwise be incurred in Coast Guard operations or training, or shall estimate such costs in advance, and such costs shall be paid to the Secretary by the film producers who request such assistance, on terms determined by the Secretary. The Secretary may waive costs not exceeding $200 for one production, and may waive other costs related to noncommercial productions which the Secretary determines to be in the public interest. The Secretary shall reimburse the amounts collected under this section to the Coast Guard appropriation account under which the costs were incurred.
A fee or charge for a service or thing of value provided by the Coast Guard shall be prescribed as provided in section 9701 of title 31.
Amounts collected by the Secretary for a service or thing of value provided by the Coast Guard shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as proprietary receipts of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and ascribed to Coast Guard activities.
In addition to the collection of fees and charges established under this section, the Secretary may recover from the person liable for the fee or charge the costs of collecting delinquent payments of the fee or charge, and enforcement costs associated with delinquent payments of the fees and charges.
The Secretary may employ any Federal, State, or local agency or instrumentality, or any private enterprise or business, to collect a fee or charge established under this section.
A private enterprise or business employed by the Secretary to collect fees or charges—
shall be subject to reasonable terms and conditions agreed to by the Secretary and the enterprise or business;
shall provide appropriate accounting to the Secretary; and
may not institute litigation as part of that collection.
In addition to the collection of fees and charges established under this section, in the provision of a service or thing of value by the Coast Guard the Secretary may accept in-kind transportation, travel, and subsistence.
The value of in-kind transportation, travel, and subsistence accepted under this paragraph may not exceed applicable per diem rates set forth in regulations prescribed under section 464 of title 37.
The Secretary shall account for the agency’s costs of collecting a fee or charge as a reimbursable expense, subject to the availability of appropriations, and the costs shall be credited to the account from which expended.
Before January 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate that includes—
a verification of each activity for which a fee or charge is collected under any law stating—
the amount collected in the prior fiscal year; and
that the amount spent on that activity in that fiscal year is not less than the amount collected; and
the amount expected to be collected under any law in the current fiscal year for each activity for which a fee or charge is expected to be collected.
In this section the term “costs of collecting a fee or charge” includes the reasonable administrative, accounting, personnel, contract, equipment, supply, training, and travel expenses of calculating, assessing, collecting, enforcing, reviewing, adjusting, and reporting on a fee or charge.
Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, § 815, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4305, provided that:
“(a) Review .— The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— “(1) review and compare the costs to the Government of— “(A) towing vessel inspections performed by the Coast Guard; and “(B) such inspections performed by a third party; and “(2) based on such review and comparison, determine whether the costs to the Government of such inspections performed by a third party are different than the costs to the Government of such inspections performed by the Coast Guard. “(b) Revision of Fees .— If the Commandant determines under subsection (a) that the costs to the Government of such inspections performed by a third party are different than the costs to the Government of such inspections performed by the Coast Guard, then the Commandant shall revise the fee assessed by the Coast Guard for such inspections as necessary to conform to the requirements under section 9701 of title 31 , United States Code, that such fee be based on the cost to the Government of such inspections and accurately reflect such costs.”
Pub. L. 113–281, title III, § 311(c), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3048, provided that:
“The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not accept in-kind transportation, travel, or subsistence under section 664(e) [now 946(e)] of title 14, United States Code, or section 2110(d)(4) of title 46 , United States Code, as amended by this section, until the Commandant of the Coast Guard— “(1) amends the Standards of Ethical Conduct for members and employees of the Coast Guard to include regulations governing the acceptance of in-kind reimbursements; and “(2) notifies the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of the amendments made under paragraph (1).”
The Secretary or the Commandant may require bid, payment, performance, payment and performance, or completion bonds or other financial instruments from contractors for construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance of Coast Guard vessels if—
the bond is required by law; or
the Secretary or Commandant determines after investigation that the amount of the bond in excess of 20 percent of the value of the base contract quantity excluding options, would not prevent a responsible bidder or offeror from competing for award of the contract.
The Secretary may contract for the delivery of health care to which covered beneficiaries are entitled under chapter 55 of title 10. The Secretary may enter into a contract under this section with any of the following:
Health maintenance organizations.
Preferred provider organizations.
Individual providers, individual medical facilities, or insurers.
Consortiums of these providers, facilities, or insurers.
A contract entered into under this section may provide for the delivery of—
selected health care services;
total health care services for selected covered beneficiaries; or
total health care services for all covered beneficiaries who reside in a geographic area designated by the Secretary.
The Secretary may prescribe a premium, deductible, copayment, or other change for health care provided under this section.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, amounts appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security are available to install, repair, and maintain telephone wiring in residences owned or leased by the United States Government and, if necessary for national defense purposes in other private residences.
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.
Subject to paragraph (3), a disbursing official of the Coast Guard may designate a deputy disbursing official—
to make payments as the agent of the disbursing official;
to sign checks drawn on disbursing accounts of the Secretary of the Treasury; and
to carry out other duties required under law.
The penalties for misconduct that apply to a disbursing official apply to a deputy disbursing official designated under this subsection.
A disbursing official may make a designation under paragraph (1) only with the approval of the Secretary.
If a disbursing official of the Coast Guard dies, becomes disabled, or is separated from office, a deputy disbursing official may continue the accounts and payments in the name of the former disbursing official until the last day of the second month after the month in which the death, disability, or separation occurs. The accounts and payments shall be allowed, audited, and settled as provided by law. The Secretary of the Treasury shall honor checks signed in the name of the former disbursing official in the same way as if the former disbursing official had continued in office.
The deputy disbursing official, and not the former disbursing official or the estate of the former disbursing official, is liable for the actions of the deputy disbursing official under this subsection.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section does not apply to the Coast Guard when section 2773 of title 10 applies to the Coast Guard by reason of the operation of the Coast Guard as a service in the Navy.
A designation of a deputy disbursing official under subsection (a) that is made while the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy continues in effect for purposes of section 2773 of title 10 while the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy unless and until the designation is terminated by the disbursing official who made the designation or an official authorized to approve such a designation under subsection (a)(3) of such section.
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.
Whenever the Commandant conducts an accident investigation of an accident involving an aircraft under the jurisdiction of the Commandant, the records and report of the investigation shall be treated in accordance with this section.
Subject to paragraph (2), the Commandant, upon request, shall publicly disclose unclassified tapes, scientific reports, and other factual information pertinent to an aircraft accident investigation.
The Commandant shall only disclose information requested pursuant to paragraph (1) if the Commandant determines—
that such tapes, reports, or other information would be included within and releasable with the final accident investigation report; and
that release of such tapes, reports, or other information—
would not undermine the ability of accident or safety investigators to continue to conduct the investigation; and
would not compromise national security.
A disclosure under paragraph (1) may not be made by or through officials with responsibility for, or who are conducting, a safety investigation with respect to the accident.
Following an aircraft accident referred to in subsection (a)—
if the evidence surrounding the accident is sufficient for the investigators who conduct the accident investigation to come to an opinion as to the cause or causes of the accident, the final report of the accident investigation shall set forth the opinion of the investigators as to the cause or causes of the accident; and
if the evidence surrounding the accident is not sufficient for the investigators to come to an opinion as to the cause or causes of the accident, the final report of the accident investigation shall include a description of those factors, if any, that, in the opinion of the investigators, substantially contributed to or caused the accident.
For purposes of any civil or criminal proceeding arising from an aircraft accident referred to in subsection (a), any opinion of the accident investigators as to the cause of, or the factors contributing to, the accident set forth in the accident investigation report may not be considered as evidence in such proceeding, nor may such report be considered an admission of liability by the United States or by any person referred to in such report.
For purposes of this section—
the term “accident investigation” means any form of investigation by Coast Guard personnel of an aircraft accident referred to in subsection (a), other than a safety investigation; and
the term “safety investigation” means an investigation by Coast Guard personnel of an aircraft accident referred to in subsection (a) that is conducted solely to determine the cause of the accident and to obtain information that may prevent the occurrence of similar accidents.
The assignment of Coast Guard vessel conversion, alteration, and repair projects shall be based on economic and military considerations and may not be restricted by a requirement that certain parts of Coast Guard shipwork be assigned to a particular type of shipyard or geographical area or by a similar requirement.
The Commandant may enter contract and cooperative agreements with 1 or more qualified organizations for the purpose of supporting the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, a cooperative agreement under this section may be used to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Coast Guard Academy.
Before entering into a contract or cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall ensure that the contract or agreement includes appropriate financial controls to account for the resources of the Coast Guard Academy and the qualified organization concerned in accordance with accepted accounting principles.
Any such contract or cooperative agreement shall contain a provision that allows the Commandant to review, as the Commandant considers necessary, the financial accounts of the qualified organization to determine whether the operations of the qualified organization—
are consistent with the terms of the contract or cooperative agreement; and
would compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Department of Homeland Security.
For the purpose of supporting the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy, the Commandant may, consistent with section 504(a)(13), rent or lease real property located at the Coast Guard Academy to a qualified organization, except that proceeds from such a lease shall be retained and expended in accordance with subsection (f).
To the extent required by a contract or cooperative agreement under subsection (a), the Commandant may provide support services to a qualified organization while the qualified organization conducts support activities at the Coast Guard Academy only if the Commandant determines that the provision of such services is essential for the support of the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
Support services may only be provided without any liability of the United States to a qualified organization.
In this subsection, the term “support services” includes utilities, office furnishings and equipment, communications services, records staging and archiving, audio and video support, and security systems, in conjunction with the leasing or licensing of property.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commandant may, subject to the acceptance of the qualified organization concerned, transfer to the qualified organization all title to and ownership of the assets and liabilities of the Coast Guard nonappropriated fund instrumentality, the function of which includes providing support for the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy, including bank accounts and financial reserves in the accounts of such fund instrumentality, equipment, supplies, and other personal property.
The Commandant may not transfer under paragraph (1) any interest in real property.
Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the Commandant may accept from a qualified organization funds, supplies, and services for the support of the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
For purposes of this section, employees or personnel of the qualified organization may not be considered to be employees of the United States.
The Commandant may accept funds from the National Collegiate Athletic Association to support the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
The Commandant shall ensure that contributions under this subsection and expenditure of funds pursuant to subsection (f) do not—
reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast Guard, any employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces (as such term is defined in section 101(a) of title 10) to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or
compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in such a program.
An agreement under subsection (a) may, consistent with section 2260 of title 10 (other than subsection (d) of such section), authorize a qualified organization to enter into licensing, marketing, and sponsorship agreements relating to trademarks and service marks identifying the Coast Guard Academy, subject to the approval of the Commandant.
A licensing, marketing, or sponsorship agreement may not be entered into under paragraph (1) if—
such agreement would reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast Guard, any employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or
the Commandant determines that the use of the trademark or service mark would compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard or any individual involved in such a program.
Funds received by the Commandant under this section may be retained for use to support the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy and shall remain available until expended.
The authority provided in this section with respect to a qualified organization is available only so long as the qualified organization continues—
to operate in accordance with this section, the law of the State of Connecticut, and the constitution and bylaws of the qualified organization; and
to operate exclusively to support the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
In this section, the term “qualified organization” means an organization—
that operates as an organization under subsection (c)(3) of section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under subsection (a) of that section;
established by the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association solely for the purpose of supporting Coast Guard athletics.
In the case of a Coast Guard Academy mixed-funded athletic or recreational extracurricular program, the Commandant may designate funds appropriated to the Coast Guard and available for that program to be treated as nonappropriated funds and expended for that program in accordance with laws applicable to the expenditure of nonappropriated funds. Appropriated funds so designated shall be considered to be nonappropriated funds for all purposes and shall remain available until expended.
In this section, the term “Coast Guard Academy mixed-funded athletic or recreational extracurricular program” means an athletic or recreational extracurricular program of the Coast Guard Academy to which each of the following applies:
The program is not considered a morale, welfare, or recreation program.
The program is supported through appropriated funds.
The program is supported by a nonappropriated fund instrumentality.
The program is not a private organization and is not operated by a private organization.
CHAPTER 11— ACQUISITIONS
SUBCHAPTER I— GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Commandant shall establish an acquisition directorate to provide guidance and oversight for the implementation and management of all Coast Guard acquisition processes, programs, and projects.
The mission of the acquisition directorate is—
to acquire and deliver assets and systems that increase operational readiness, enhance mission performance, and create a safe working environment;
to assist in the development of a workforce that is trained and qualified to further the Coast Guard’s missions and deliver the best-value products and services to the Nation; and
to meet the needs of customers of major acquisition programs in the most cost-effective manner practicable.
Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, § 899(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2335, provided that:
“(1) Requirement .— The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall conduct a review of— “(A) the authorities provided to the Commandant in [former] chapter 15 of title 14, United States Code [see, now, chapter 11, 14 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], and other relevant statutes and regulations related to Coast Guard acquisitions, including developing recommendations to ensure that the Commandant plays an appropriate role in the development of requirements, acquisition processes, and the associated budget practices; “(B) implementation of the strategy prepared in accordance with section 562(b)(2) [now 1102(b)(2)] of title 14, United States Code, as in effect before the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 [ Pub. L. 114–328 , see Tables for classification]; and “(C) acquisition policies, directives, and regulations of the Coast Guard to ensure such policies, directives, and regulations establish a customer-oriented acquisition system. “(2) Report .— Not later than March 1, 2017 , 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 containing, at a minimum, the following: “(A) The recommendations developed by the Commandant under paragraph (1) and other results of the review conducted under such paragraph. “(B) The actions the Commandant is taking, if any, within the Commandant’s existing authority to implement such recommendations. “(3) Modification of policies, directives, and regulations .— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2016 ], the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall modify the acquisition policies, directives, and regulations of the Coast Guard as necessary to ensure the development and implementation of a customer-oriented acquisition system, pursuant to the review under paragraph (1)(C).”
An individual may not be assigned as the project or program manager for a Level 1 acquisition unless the individual holds a Level III acquisition certification as a program manager.
An individual may not be assigned as the project or program manager for a Level 2 acquisition unless the individual holds a Level II acquisition certification as a program manager.
The Commandant shall designate a sufficient number of positions to be in the Coast Guard’s acquisition workforce to perform acquisition-related functions at Coast Guard headquarters and field activities.
In designating positions under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include, at a minimum, positions encompassing the following competencies and functions:
Program management.
Systems planning, research, development, engineering, and testing.
Procurement, including contracting.
Industrial and contract property management.
Life-cycle logistics.
Quality control and assurance.
Manufacturing and production.
Business, cost estimating, financial management, and auditing.
Acquisition education, training, and career development.
Construction and facilities engineering.
Testing and evaluation.
The Commandant shall also designate as positions in the acquisition workforce under paragraph (1) those acquisition-related positions located at Coast Guard headquarters units.
The Commandant shall ensure that each individual assigned to a position in the acquisition workforce has the appropriate expertise to carry out the responsibilities of that position.
The Commandant shall establish a management information system capability to improve acquisition workforce management and reporting.
Information maintained with such capability shall include the following standardized information on individuals assigned to positions in the workforce:
Qualifications, assignment history, and tenure of those individuals assigned to positions in the acquisition workforce or holding acquisition-related certifications.
Promotion rates for officers and members of the Coast Guard in the acquisition workforce.
The Commandant shall ensure that no requirement or preference for officers or members of the Coast Guard is used in the consideration of individuals for positions in the acquisition workforce.
To establish acquisition management as a core competency of the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall—
ensure that career paths for officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard who wish to pursue careers in acquisition are identified in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression of those officers, members, and employees to the most senior positions in the acquisition workforce; and
publish information on such career paths.
The Commandant shall ensure that promotion parity is established for officers and members of the Coast Guard who have been assigned to the acquisition workforce relative to officers and members who have not been assigned to the acquisition workforce.
Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(4) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.
Pub. L. 111–281, title IV, § 404, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2950, as amended by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, § 218, Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1558; Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, § 804, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4300, which authorized the Commandant of the Coast Guard to recruit and appoint persons directly to certain acqusition positions in the Coast Guard, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8219(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4656.
The Vice Commandant—
shall represent the customer of a major acquisition program with regard to trade-offs made among cost, schedule, technical feasibility, and performance with respect to such program; and
shall advise the Commandant in decisions regarding the balancing of resources against priorities, and associated trade-offs referred to in paragraph (1), on behalf of the customer of a major acquisition program.
The Commandant shall maintain a program to recognize excellent performance by individuals and teams comprised of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard that contributed to the long-term success of a Coast Guard acquisition project or program.
The program shall include—
specific award categories, criteria, and eligibility and manners of recognition;
procedures for the nomination by personnel of the Coast Guard of individuals and teams comprised of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard for recognition under the program; and
procedures for the evaluation of nominations for recognition under the program by one or more panels of individuals from the Government, academia, and the private sector who have such expertise and are appointed in such manner as the Commandant shall establish for the purposes of this program.
As part of the program required by subsection (a), the Commandant, subject to the availability of appropriations, may award to any civilian employee recognized pursuant to the program a cash bonus to the extent that the performance of such individual so recognized warrants the award of such bonus.
Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(4) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.
The Commandant may not use a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator.
The Commandant shall use full and open competition for any acquisition contract unless otherwise excepted in accordance with Federal acquisition laws and regulations promulgated under those laws, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to supersede or otherwise affect the authorities provided by and under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).
Neither an entity performing lead systems integrator functions for a Coast Guard acquisition nor a Tier 1 subcontractor for any acquisition may have a financial interest in a subcontractor below the Tier 1 subcontractor level unless—
the subcontractor was selected by the prime contractor through full and open competition for such procurement;
the procurement was awarded by an entity performing lead systems integrator functions or a subcontractor through full and open competition;
the procurement was awarded by a subcontractor through a process over which the entity performing lead systems integrator functions or a Tier 1 subcontractor exercised no control; or
the Commandant has determined that the procurement was awarded in a manner consistent with Federal acquisition laws and regulations promulgated under those laws, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
In this section, the term “lead systems integrator” has the meaning given such term in section 805(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163).
Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(4) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.
The Commandant shall ensure that a contract awarded or a delivery order or task order issued for an acquisition of a capability or an asset with an expected service life of 10 or more years and with a total acquisition cost that is equal to or exceeds $10,000,000—
provides that all certifications for an end-state capability or asset under such contract, delivery order, or task order, respectively, will be conducted by the Commandant or an independent third party, and that self-certification by a contractor or subcontractor is not allowed;
provides that the Commandant shall maintain the authority to establish, approve, and maintain technical requirements;
requires that any measurement of contractor and subcontractor performance be based on the status of all work performed, including the extent to which the work performed met all performance, cost, and schedule requirements;
specifies that, for the acquisition or upgrade of air, surface, or shore capabilities and assets for which compliance with TEMPEST certification is a requirement, the standard for determining such compliance will be the air, surface, or shore standard then used by the Department of the Navy for that type of capability or asset; and
for any contract awarded to acquire an Offshore Patrol Cutter, includes provisions specifying the service life, fatigue life, and days underway in general Atlantic and North Pacific Sea conditions, maximum range, and maximum speed the cutter will be built to achieve.
The Commandant shall ensure that any contract awarded or delivery order or task order issued by the Coast Guard does not include any provision allowing for equitable adjustment that is not consistent with the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
A contract, contract modification, or award term extending a contract with a lead systems integrator—
may not include any minimum requirements for the purchase of a given or determinable number of specific capabilities or assets; and
shall be reviewed by an independent third party with expertise in acquisition management, and the results of that review shall be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees at least 60 days prior to the award of the contract, contract modification, or award term.
Integrated product teams, and all teams that oversee integrated product teams, shall be chaired by officers, members, or employees of the Coast Guard.
The Commandant shall maintain or designate the technical authority to establish, approve, and maintain technical requirements. Any such designation shall be made in writing and may not be delegated to the authority of the Chief Acquisition Officer established by section 308 of this title.
Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(4) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.
Notwithstanding section 1105(a)(2) of this title and section 2304 1 of title 10, and subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary may acquire additional units procured under a Coast Guard major acquisition program contract, by extension of such contract without competition, if the Director of the Cost Analysis Division of the Department of Homeland Security determines that the costs that would be saved through award of a new contract in accordance with such sections would not exceed the costs of such an award.
The number of additional units acquired under a contract extension under this section may not exceed the number of additional units for which such determination is made.
The Director of the Cost Analysis Division of the Department of Homeland Security shall, at the request of the Secretary, determine for purposes of this section—
the costs that would be saved through award of a new major acquisition program contract in accordance with section 1105(a)(2) for the acquisition of a number of additional units specified by the Secretary; and
the costs of such award, including the costs that would be incurred due to acquisition schedule delays and asset design changes associated with such award.
A contract may be extended under this section more than once.
The Commandant shall make arrangements as appropriate with the Secretary of Defense for support in contracting and management of Coast Guard acquisition programs. The Commandant shall also seek opportunities to make use of Department of Defense contracts, and contracts of other appropriate agencies, to obtain the best possible price for assets acquired for the Coast Guard.
The Commandant shall seek to maintain a memorandum of understanding or a memorandum of agreement with the Secretary of the Navy to obtain the assistance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, including the Navy Systems Command, with the oversight of Coast Guard major acquisition programs. The memorandum of understanding or memorandum of agreement shall, at a minimum, provide for—
the exchange of technical assistance and support that the Assistant Commandants for Acquisition, Human Resources, Engineering, and Information technology may identify;
the use, as appropriate, of Navy technical expertise; and
the temporary assignment or exchange of personnel between the Coast Guard and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, including Naval Systems Command, to facilitate the development of organic capabilities in the Coast Guard.
The Chief Acquisition Officer shall adopt, to the extent practicable, procedures modeled after those used by the Navy Senior Acquisition Official to approve all technical requirements.
Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(4) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.
The Coast Guard may not enter into an undefinitized contractual action unless such action is directly approved by the Head of Contracting Activity of the Coast Guard.
Any request to the Head of Contracting Activity for approval of an undefinitized contractual action shall include a description of the anticipated effect on requirements of the Coast Guard if a delay is incurred for the purposes of determining contractual terms, specifications, and price before performance is begun under the contractual action.
A contracting officer of the Coast Guard may not enter into an undefinitized contractual action unless the contractual action provides for agreement upon contractual terms, specification, and price by the earlier of—
the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the contractor submits a qualifying proposal to definitize the contractual terms, specifications, and price; or
the date on which the amount of funds obligated under the contractual action is equal to more than 50 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price for the contractual action.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the contracting officer for an undefinitized contractual action may not obligate under such contractual action an amount that exceeds 50 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price until the contractual terms, specifications, and price are definitized for such contractual action.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if a contractor submits a qualifying proposal to definitize an undefinitized contractual action before an amount that exceeds 50 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price is obligated on such action, the contracting officer for such action may not obligate with respect to such contractual action an amount that exceeds 75 percent of the negotiated overall ceiling price until the contractual terms, specifications, and price are definitized for such contractual action.
The Commandant may waive the application of this subsection with respect to a contract if the Commandant determines that the waiver is necessary to support—
a contingency operation (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(13) of title 10);
operations to prevent or respond to a transportation security incident (as defined in section 70101(6) 1 of title 46);
an operation in response to an emergency that poses an unacceptable threat to human health or safety or to the marine environment; or
an operation in response to a natural disaster or major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
This subsection does not apply to an undefinitized contractual action for the purchase of initial spares.
Requirements for spare parts and support equipment that are not needed on an urgent basis may not be included in an undefinitized contractual action by the Coast Guard for spare parts and support equipment that are needed on an urgent basis unless the Commandant approves such inclusion as being—
good business practice; and
in the best interests of the United States.
The scope of an undefinitized contractual action under which performance has begun may not be modified unless the Commandant approves such modification as being—
good business practice; and
in the best interests of the United States.
The Commandant shall ensure that the profit allowed on an undefinitized contractual action for which the final price is negotiated after a substantial portion of the performance required is completed reflects—
the possible reduced cost risk of the contractor with respect to costs incurred during performance of the contract before the final price is negotiated; and
the reduced cost risk of the contractor with respect to costs incurred during performance of the remaining portion of the contract.
In this section:
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term “undefinitized contractual action” means a new procurement action entered into by the Coast Guard for which the contractual terms, specifications, or price are not agreed upon before performance is begun under the action.
The term “undefinitized contractual action” does not include contractual actions with respect to—
foreign military sales;
purchases in an amount not in excess of the amount of the simplified acquisition threshold; or
special access programs.
The term “qualifying proposal” means a proposal that contains sufficient information to enable complete and meaningful audits of the information contained in the proposal as determined by the contracting officer.
If, after 90 days following the elevation to the Chief Acquisition Officer of any design or other dispute regarding level 1 or level 2 acquisition, the dispute remains unresolved, the Commandant shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a detailed description of the issue and the rationale underlying the decision taken by the Chief Acquisition Officer to resolve the issue.
For the purposes of section 3304 of title 5, the Commandant may—
designate any category of acquisition positions within the Coast Guard as shortage category positions; and
use the authorities in such section to recruit and appoint highly qualified persons directly to positions so designated.
The Commandant shall include in reports under section 1102 information described in such section regarding positions designated under this subsection.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), if an annuitant receiving an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund becomes employed in any category of acquisition positions designated by the Commandant under subsection (a), the annuity of the annuitant so employed shall continue. The annuitant so reemployed shall not be considered an employee for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5.
An annuitant retired under section 8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, receiving an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, who becomes employed in any category of acquisition positions designated by the Commandant under subsection (a) after the date of the enactment of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020, may elect to be subject to section 8344 or 8468 of such title (as the case may be).
An election for coverage under this subsection shall be filed not later than 90 days after the Commandant takes reasonable actions to notify an employee who may file an election.
If an employee files an election under this subsection, coverage shall be effective beginning on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of the filing of the election.
Paragraph (1) shall apply to an individual who is eligible to file an election under subparagraph (A) and does not file a timely election under clause (i) of such subparagraph.
SUBCHAPTER II— IMPROVED ACQUISITION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES
The Commandant shall develop and implement mechanisms to support the establishment of mature and stable operational requirements for all acquisitions.
The Commandant may not initiate a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program until the Commandant—
completes a mission analysis that—
identifies the specific capability gaps to be addressed by the project or program; and
develops a clear mission need to be addressed by the project or program; and
prepares a preliminary affordability assessment for the project or program.
The mechanisms required by subsection (a) shall ensure the implementation of a formal process for the development of a mission-needs statement, concept-of-operations document, capability development plan, and resource proposal for the initial project or program funding, and shall ensure the project or program is included in the Coast Guard Capital Investment Plan.
In conducting an affordability assessment under subsection (a)(2)(B), the Commandant shall develop and implement mechanisms to ensure that trade-offs among cost, schedule, and performance are considered in the establishment of preliminary operational requirements for development and production of new assets and capabilities for Level 1 and Level 2 acquisitions projects and programs.
The Commandant shall develop staffing predictions, define human capital performance initiatives, and identify preliminary training needs required to implement each Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition project and program.
The Commandant may not establish a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program until the Commandant—
clearly defines the operational requirements for the project or program;
establishes the feasibility of alternatives;
develops an acquisition project or program baseline;
produces a life-cycle cost estimate; and
assesses the relative merits of alternatives to determine a preferred solution in accordance with the requirements of this section.
Any Coast Guard Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program may not begin to obtain any capability or asset or proceed beyond that phase of its development that entails approving the supporting acquisition until the Commandant submits to the appropriate congressional committees the following:
The key performance parameters, the key system attributes, and the operational performance attributes of the capability or asset to be acquired under the proposed acquisition project or program.
A detailed list of the systems or other capabilities with which the capability or asset to be acquired is intended to be interoperable, including an explanation of the attributes of interoperability.
The anticipated acquisition project or program baseline and acquisition unit cost for the capability or asset to be acquired under the project or program.
A detailed schedule for the acquisition process showing when all capability and asset acquisitions are to be completed and when all acquired capabilities and assets are to be initially and fully deployed.
The Coast Guard may not acquire an experimental or technically immature capability or asset or implement a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program, unless it has prepared an analysis of alternatives for the capability or asset to be acquired in the concept and technology development phase of the acquisition process for the capability or asset.
The analysis of alternatives shall be prepared by a federally funded research and development center, a qualified entity of the Department of Defense, or a similar independent third-party entity that has appropriate acquisition expertise and has no financial interest in any part of the acquisition project or program that is the subject of the analysis. At a minimum, the analysis of alternatives shall include—
an assessment of the technical maturity of the capability or asset, and technical and other risks;
an examination of capability, interoperability, and other advantages and disadvantages;
an evaluation of whether different combinations or quantities of specific assets or capabilities could meet the Coast Guard’s overall performance needs;
a discussion of key assumptions and variables, and sensitivity to change in such assumptions and variables;
when an alternative is an existing capability, asset, or prototype, an evaluation of relevant safety and performance records and costs;
a calculation of life-cycle costs including—
an examination of likely research and development costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs;
an examination of likely production and deployment costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs;
an examination of likely operating and support costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs;
if they are likely to be significant, an examination of likely disposal costs and the levels of uncertainty associated with such estimated costs; and
such additional measures as the Commandant or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines to be necessary for appropriate evaluation of the capability or asset; and
the business case for each viable alternative.
For any Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program the Chief Acquisition Officer must approve a test and evaluation master plan specific to the acquisition project or program for the capability, asset, or subsystems of the capability or asset and intended to minimize technical, cost, and schedule risk as early as practicable in the development of the project or program.
The master plan shall—
set forth an integrated test and evaluation strategy that will verify that capability-level or asset-level and subsystem-level design and development, including performance and supportability, have been sufficiently proven before the capability, asset, or subsystem of the capability or asset is approved for production; and
require that adequate developmental tests and evaluations and operational tests and evaluations established under subparagraph (A) are performed to inform production decisions.
At a minimum, the master plan shall identify—
the key performance parameters to be resolved through the integrated test and evaluation strategy;
the performance data to be used to determine whether the key performance parameters have been resolved;
critical operational issues to be assessed in addition to the key performance parameters;
the results during test and evaluation that will be required to demonstrate that a capability, asset, or subsystem meets performance requirements;
specific development test and evaluation phases and the scope of each phase;
modeling and simulation activities to be performed, if any, and the scope of such activities;
early operational assessments to be performed, if any, and the scope of such assessments;
operational test and evaluation phases;
an estimate of the resources, including funds, that will be required for all test, evaluation, assessment, modeling, and simulation activities; and
the Government entity or independent entity that will perform the test, evaluation, assessment, modeling, and simulation activities.
The Chief Acquisition Officer must approve an updated master plan whenever there is a revision to project or program test and evaluation strategy, scope, or phasing.
The Coast Guard may not—
proceed beyond that phase of the acquisition process that entails approving the supporting acquisition of a capability or asset before the master plan is approved by the Chief Acquisition Officer; or
award any production contract for a capability, asset, or subsystem for which a master plan is required under this subsection before the master plan is approved by the Chief Acquisition Officer.
The Commandant shall implement mechanisms to ensure the development and regular updating of life-cycle cost estimates for each acquisition with a total acquisition cost that equals or exceeds $10,000,000 and an expected service life of 10 or more years, and to ensure that these estimates are considered in decisions to develop or produce new or enhanced capabilities and assets.
For each Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program, in addition to life-cycle cost estimates developed under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall require that—
life-cycle cost estimates developed under paragraph (1) be updated before—
each milestone decision is concluded; and
the project or program enters a new acquisition phase; and
an independent cost estimate or independent cost assessment, as appropriate, be developed to validate life-cycle cost estimates developed under paragraph (1).
The Commandant shall ensure that developmental test and evaluation, operational test and evaluation, life-cycle cost estimates, and the development and demonstration requirements applied by this chapter to acquisition projects and programs are met to confirm that the projects or programs meet the requirements identified in the mission-analysis and affordability assessment prepared under section 1131(a)(2), the operational requirements developed under section 1132(a)(1) and the following development and demonstration objectives:
To demonstrate that the design, manufacturing, and production solution is based upon a stable, producible, and cost-effective product design.
To ensure that the product capabilities meet contract specifications, acceptable operational performance requirements, and system security requirements.
To ensure that the product design is mature enough to commit to full production and deployment.
The Commandant shall ensure that the Coast Guard conducts developmental tests and evaluations and operational tests and evaluations of a capability or asset and the subsystems of the capability or asset in accordance with the master plan prepared for the capability or asset under section 1132(d)(1).1
The Commandant shall ensure that the Coast Guard uses independent third parties with expertise in testing and evaluating the capabilities or assets and the subsystems of the capabilities or assets being acquired to conduct developmental tests and evaluations and operational tests and evaluations whenever the Coast Guard lacks the capability to conduct the tests and evaluations required by a master plan.
The Commandant shall ensure that independent third parties and Government employees that identify safety concerns during developmental or operational tests and evaluations or through independent or Government-conducted design assessments of capabilities or assets and subsystems of capabilities or assets to be acquired by the Coast Guard communicate such concerns as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after the completion of the test or assessment event or activity that identified the safety concern, to the program manager for the capability or asset and the subsystems concerned and to the Chief Acquisition Officer.
The Commandant shall ensure that any safety concerns that have been communicated under paragraph (3) for an acquisition program or project are reported to the appropriate congressional committees at least 90 days before the award of any contract or issuance of any delivery order or task order for low, initial, or full-rate production of the capability or asset concerned if they will remain uncorrected or unmitigated at the time such a contract is awarded or delivery order or task order is issued. The report shall include a justification for the approval of that level of production of the capability or asset before the safety concerns are corrected or mitigated. The report shall also include an explanation of the actions that will be taken to correct or mitigate the safety concerns, the date by which those actions will be taken, and the adequacy of current funding to correct or mitigate the safety concerns.
The Commandant shall ensure that if an independent third party or a Government employee identifies a safety concern with a capability or asset or any subsystems of a capability or asset not previously identified during operational test and evaluation of a capability or asset already in low, initial, or full-rate production—
the Commandant, through the Assistant Commandant for Capability, shall notify the program manager and the Chief Acquisition Officer of the safety concern as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after the completion of the test and evaluation event or activity that identified the safety concern; and
the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support shall notify the Commandant and the Deputy Commandant for Operations of the safety concern within 50 days after the notification required under subparagraph (A), and include in such notification—
an explanation of the actions that will be taken to correct or mitigate the safety concern in all capabilities or assets and subsystems of the capabilities or assets yet to be produced, and the date by which those actions will be taken;
an explanation of the actions that will be taken to correct or mitigate the safety concern in previously produced capabilities or assets and subsystems of the capabilities or assets, and the date by which those actions will be taken; and
an assessment of the adequacy of current funding to correct or mitigate the safety concern in capabilities or assets and subsystems of the capabilities or assets and in previously produced capabilities or assets and subsystems.
The Commandant shall ensure that any Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program is certified by the technical authority of the Coast Guard after review by an independent third party with capabilities in the mission area, asset, or particular asset component.
The Commandant shall—
cause all electronics on all aircraft, surface, and shore capabilities and assets that require TEMPEST certification to be tested in accordance with TEMPEST standards and communications security (comsec) standards by an independent third party that is authorized by the Federal Government to perform such testing; and
certify that the assets meet all applicable TEMPEST requirements.
The Commandant shall cause each cutter, other than a National Security Cutter, acquired by the Coast Guard and delivered after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 to be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping before final acceptance.
Repealed. Pub. L. 112–213, title II, § 210(c)(2)(B), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1551.]
The Commandant shall cause the design and construction of each National Security Cutter, other than National Security Cutters 1, 2, and 3, to be assessed by an independent third party with expertise in vessel design and construction certification.
The Commandant shall cause all aircraft and aircraft engines acquired by the Coast Guard to be assessed for airworthiness by an independent third party with expertise in aircraft and aircraft engine certification before final acceptance.
Pub. L. 115–282, title III, § 311(f), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4249, provided that:
“The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating is authorized to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of a tenth, eleventh, and twelfth National Security Cutter and associated government-furnished equipment.”
Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, § 818(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4307, provided that:
“The Commandant of the Coast Guard may not certify an eighth National Security Cutter as Ready for Operations before the date on which the Commandant provides to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate— “(1) a notification of a new standard method for tracking operational employment of Coast Guard major cutters that does not include time during which such a cutter is away from its homeport for maintenance or repair; and “(2) a report analyzing cost and performance for different approaches to achieving varied levels of operational employment using the standard method required by paragraph (1) that, at a minimum— “(A) compares over a 30-year period the average annualized baseline cost and performances for a certified National Security Cutter that operated for 185 days away from homeport or an equivalent alternative measure of operational tempo— “(i) against the cost of a 15 percent increase in days away from homeport or an equivalent alternative measure of operational tempo for a National Security Cutter; and “(ii) against the cost of the acquisition and operation of an additional National Security Cutter; and “(B) examines the optimal level of operational employment of National Security Cutters to balance National Security Cutter cost and mission performance.”
The Commandant shall—
ensure there is a stable and efficient production and support capability to develop an asset or capability for the Coast Guard;
conduct follow-on testing to confirm and monitor performance and correct deficiencies; and
conduct acceptance tests and trials prior to the delivery of each asset or system to ensure the delivered asset or system achieves full operational capability.
The Commandant shall—
execute production contracts;
ensure that delivered assets and capabilities meet operational cost and schedules requirements established in the acquisition program baseline;
validate manpower and training requirements to meet system needs to operate, maintain, support, and instruct the assets or capabilities; and
prepare an acquisition project or program transition plan to enter into programmatic sustainment, operations, and support.
The Commandant shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days, after the Chief Acquisition Officer of the Coast Guard becomes aware of the breach of an acquisition program baseline for any Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program, by—
a likely cost overrun greater than 15 percent of the acquisition program baseline for that individual capability or asset or a class of capabilities or assets;
a likely delay of more than 180 days in the delivery schedule for any individual capability or asset or class of capabilities or assets; or
an anticipated failure for any individual capability or asset or class of capabilities or assets to satisfy any key performance threshold or parameter under the acquisition program baseline.
The report submitted under subsection (a) shall include—
a detailed description of the breach and an explanation of its cause;
the projected impact to performance, cost, and schedule;
an updated acquisition program baseline and the complete history of changes to the original acquisition program baseline;
the updated acquisition schedule and the complete history of changes to the original schedule;
a full life-cycle cost analysis for the capability or asset or class of capabilities or assets;
a remediation plan identifying corrective actions and any resulting issues or risks; and
a description of how progress in the remediation plan will be measured and monitored.
If a likely cost overrun is greater than 20 percent or a likely delay is greater than 12 months from the costs and schedule described in the acquisition program baseline for any Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program of the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall include in the report a written determination, with a supporting explanation, of whether—
the capability or asset or capability or asset class to be acquired under the project or program is essential to the accomplishment of Coast Guard missions;
there are no alternatives to such capability or asset or capability or asset class that will provide equal or greater capability in both a more cost-effective and timely manner;
the new acquisition schedule and estimates for total acquisition cost are reasonable; and
the management structure for the acquisition program is adequate to manage and control performance, cost, and schedule.
Not later than 48 hours after the Commandant becomes aware that a major acquisition contract cannot be carried out under the terms specified in the contract, the Commandant shall provide a written notification to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that includes—
a description of the terms of the contract that cannot be met; and
an assessment of whether the applicable contract officer has issued a cease and desist order to the contractor based on the breach of such terms of the contract.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as altering or diminishing in any way the statutory authority and responsibility of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or the Secretary’s designee, to—
manage and administer department procurements, including procurements by department components, as required by section 701 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 341); or
manage department acquisition activities and act as the Acquisition Decision Authority with regard to the review or approval of a Coast Guard Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program, as required by section 16 1 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 414) and related implementing regulations and directives.
In carrying out authorities provided to the Secretary to design, construct, accept, or otherwise acquire assets and systems under section 501(d), the Secretary, acting through the Commandant or the head of an integrated program office established for a major acquisition program, may enter into contracts for a major acquisition program and 3 Polar Security Cutters in addition to those approved as part of a major acquisition program on November 1, 2019.
Contracts entered into under subsection (a)—
may be block buy contracts;
may be incrementally funded;
may include combined purchases, also known as economic order quantity purchases, of—
materials and components; and
long lead time materials; and
as provided in section 3501 of title 10, may be multiyear contracts.
Any contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract is subject to the availability of amounts specifically provided in advance for that purpose in subsequent appropriations Acts.
Pub. L. 115–282, title III, § 311(e), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4249, provided that:
“Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 4, 2018 ], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish the internal regulations and policies necessary to exercise the authorities provided under this section [enacting this section, amending section 501 of this title , enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1133 of this title , amending provisions formerly set out as a note under former section 573 of this title , and repealing provisions set out as notes under former sections 87 and 577 of this title], including the amendments made in this section.”
In this section, the term “service life extension program” means a capital investment that is solely intended to extend the service life and address obsolescence of components or systems of a particular capability or asset.
In carrying out the acquisition and procurement of vessels and aircraft, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, shall consider the life-cycle cost estimates of vessels and aircraft, as applicable, during the design and evaluation processes to the maximum extent practicable.
In carrying out a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under this subchapter, the Commandant may publicly announce all construction, design, and engineering requirements and negotiate contracts for construction, design, and engineering services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of professional services required and at fair and reasonable prices.
The following procedures may apply to the procurement of Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under this subchapter:
The Commandant shall require prospective contractors to submit a statement of qualifications and performance data.
For each proposed project, the Commandant shall—
evaluate statements of qualifications and performance submitted by firms regarding the proposed project; and
conduct discussions with firms to consider anticipated concepts and compare alternative methods for furnishing services.
From the firms with which discussions have been conducted under paragraph (2)(B), the Commandant shall select, in order of preference, that the Commandant considers most highly qualified to provide the services required, based on criteria established and published by the Commandant.
The Commandant shall negotiate 1 or more contracts for construction, design, and engineering services under this section at compensation which the Commandant determines is fair and reasonable to the Federal Government.
In determining fair and reasonable compensation, the Commandant shall consider the scope, complexity, professional nature, and estimated value of the services to be rendered.
The Commandant shall attempt to negotiate a contract or contracts with the most highly qualified firm or firms selected under subsection (b).
If the Commandant is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract or contracts with the firm or firms under paragraph (3), the Commandant shall formally terminate negotiations with such firm or firms and undertake negotiations with the next most qualified of the selected firms, continuing the process until an agreement is reached.
If the Commandant is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract or contracts with any of the selected firms, the Commandant shall select additional firms in order of competence and qualification and continue negotiations in accordance with this section until 1 or more agreements are reached.
SUBCHAPTER III— PROCUREMENT
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11267, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4063, provided that:
“(a) In General .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] may not award any major acquisition contract until the Commandant receives a certification from the party that it has not, during the 10-year period preceding the planned date of award, directly or indirectly held an economic interest in an entity that is— “(1) owned or controlled by the People’s Republic of China; and “(2) part of the defense industry of the Chinese Communist Party. “(b) Inapplicability to Taiwan .— Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to an economic interest in an entity owned or controlled by Taiwan.”
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Commandant may not lease, charter, or otherwise procure a vessel which contains a major component of the hull or superstructure constructed in a foreign shipyard.
The President may authorize exceptions to the prohibition in subsection (a) when the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States to do so.
The President shall transmit notice to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of any such determination made by the President under paragraph (1), and no contract may be awarded pursuant to the exception authorized until the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date the notice of such determination is received by such committees of Congress.
The notice required under paragraph (2) shall include a written explanation of the national security interest and a detailed summary of market research demonstrating the lack of availability of United States shipyards to meet the Coast Guard requirements consistent with national security interest.
With respect to any Coast Guard vessel for which amounts are appropriated and any amounts otherwise made available for vessels for the Coast Guard in any fiscal year, the Commandant may enter into a contract or place an order, in advance of a contract or order for construction of a vessel, for—
materials, parts, components, and labor for the vessel;
the advance construction of parts or components for the vessel;
protection and storage of materials, parts, or components for the vessel; and
production planning, design, and other related support services that reduce the overall procurement lead time of the vessel.
In entering into contracts and placing orders under subsection (a), the Commandant may give priority to persons that manufacture materials, parts, and components in the United States.
Pub. L. 113–6, div. D, title V, § 557, Mar. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 377, provided that:
“(a) Notwithstanding Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11, funds made available in fiscal year 2013, or any fiscal year thereafter, under Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, ‘Acquisition, Construction, and Improvements’ for— “(1) long lead time materials, components, and designs of a vessel of the Coast Guard shall be immediately available and allotted to make a contract award notwithstanding the availability of funds for production, outfitting, post-delivery activities, and spare or repair parts; and “(2) production of a vessel of the Coast Guard shall be immediately available and allotted to make a contract award notwithstanding the availability of funds for outfitting, post-delivery activities, and spare or repair parts. “(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop fiscal policy that prescribes Coast Guard budgetary policies, procedures and technical direction necessary to comply with subsection (a) of this section and consistent with the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (Volume 2A, Chapter 1 C. Procedures for Full Funding) to include the costs associated with outfitting and post-delivery activities; spare and repair parts; and long lead time materials. The requirement set forth in this section shall not preclude the immediate availability or allotment of funds for fiscal year 2013, pursuant to subsection (a). “(c) In this section— “(1) the term ‘long lead time items’ means components, parts, material, or effort which must be procured in advance of the production award in order to maintain the production schedule; “(2) the term ‘outfitting’ means procurement or installation of onboard repair parts, other secondary items, equipage, and recreation items; precommissioning crew support; general use consumables furnished to the shipbuilder; the fitting out activity to fill a vessel’s initial allowances; and contractor-furnished spares; and “(3) the term ‘post-delivery activities’ means design, planning, Government-furnished material, and related labor for non-production and non-long lead time items contract activities and other work, including certifications, full operational capability activities and other equipment installation; spares, logistics, technical analysis, and support; correction of Government-responsible defects and deficiencies identified during builders trials, acceptance trials, and testing during the post-delivery period; costs of all work required to correct defects or deficiencies identified during the post-delivery period; and costs of all work required to correct trial card deficiencies on a vessel of a particular class, as well as on subsequent vessels of that class (whether or not delivered) until the corrective action for that cutter class is completed.”
A Coast Guard vessel the home port of which is in the United States or Guam may not be overhauled, repaired, or maintained in a shipyard outside the United States or Guam, other than in the case of voyage repairs.
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Coast Guard may not procure buoy chain—
that is not manufactured in the United States; or
substantially all of the components of which are not produced or manufactured in the United States.
The Coast Guard may procure buoy chain that is not manufactured in the United States if the Secretary determines that—
the price of buoy chain manufactured in the United States is unreasonable; or
emergency circumstances exist.
Before terminating a procurement or acquisition contract with a total value of more than $1,000,000, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall notify each vendor under such contract and require the vendor to maintain all work product related to the contract until the earlier of—
not less than 1 year after the date of the notification; or
the date the Commandant notifies the vendor that maintenance of such work product is no longer required.
In this section the term “work product”—
means tangible and intangible items and information produced or possessed as a result of a contract referred to in subsection (a); and
includes—
any completed end items;
any uncompleted end items; and
any property in the contractor’s possession in which the United States Government has an interest.
A vendor that fails to maintain work product as required under subsection (a) is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day on which such work product is unavailable.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), not later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal year the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 report detailing—
all Coast Guard contracts with a total value of more than $1,000,000 that were terminated in the fiscal year;
all vendors who were notified under subsection (a)(1) in the fiscal year, and the date of such notification;
all criminal, administrative, and other investigations regarding any contract with a total value of more than $1,000,000 that were initiated by the Coast Guard in the fiscal year;
all criminal, administrative, and other investigations regarding contracts with a total value of more than $1,000,000 that were completed by the Coast Guard in the fiscal year; and
an estimate of costs incurred by the Coast Guard, including contract line items and termination costs, as a result of the requirements of this section.
The Commandant is not required to provide a report under paragraph (1) for any fiscal year for which there is no responsive information as described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1).
During any fiscal year for which funds are appropriated for the design or construction of an Offshore Patrol Cutter, the Commandant—
may not award a contract for design of an unmanned aircraft system for use by the Coast Guard; and
may lease, acquire, or acquire the services of an unmanned aircraft system only if such system—
has been part of a program of record of, procured by, or used by a Federal entity (or funds for research, development, test, and evaluation have been received from a Federal entity with regard to such system) before the date on which the Commandant leases, acquires, or acquires the services of the system; and
is leased, acquired, or utilized by the Commandant through an agreement with a Federal entity, unless such an agreement is not practicable or would be less cost-effective than an independent contract action by the Coast Guard.
Subsection (a)(2) does not apply to small unmanned aircraft.
In this section, the terms “small unmanned aircraft” and “unmanned aircraft system” have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49.
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], § 8414, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4725, as amended by Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11255, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4055, provided that:
“(a) Prohibition on Agency Operation or Procurement .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] may not operate or enter into or renew a contract for the procurement of— “(1) an unmanned aircraft system that— “(A) is manufactured in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; “(B) uses flight controllers, radios, data transmission devices, cameras, or gimbals manufactured in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; “(C) uses a ground control system or operating software developed in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or “(D) uses network connectivity or data storage located in or administered by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or “(2) a system manufactured in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country for the detection or identification of unmanned aircraft systems. “(b) Exemption .— The Commandant is exempt from the restriction under subsection (a) if the operation or procurement is for the purposes of— “(1) counter-UAS system surrogate testing and training; or “(2) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations, testing, analysis, and training. “(c) Waiver .— The Commandant may waive the restriction under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by certifying in writing not later than 15 days after exercising such waiver to the Department of Homeland Security, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that the operation or procurement of a covered unmanned aircraft system is required in the national interest of the United States. “(d) Definitions .— In this section: “(1) Covered foreign country .— The term ‘covered foreign country’ means any of the following: “(A) The People’s Republic of China. “(B) The Russian Federation. “(C) The Islamic Republic of Iran. “(D) The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “(2) Covered unmanned aircraft system .— The term ‘covered unmanned aircraft system’ means an unmanned aircraft system described in paragraph (1) of subsection (a). “(3) Counter-UAS system .— The term ‘counter-UAS system’ has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49 , United States Code. “(4) Unmanned aircraft system .— The term ‘unmanned aircraft system’ has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49 , United States Code, and any related services and equipment. “(e) Replacement .— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], the Commandant shall replace covered unmanned aircraft systems of the Coast Guard with unmanned aircraft systems manufactured in the United States or an allied country (as that term is defined in section 2350f(d)(1) of title 10 , United States Code).”
With respect to any prime contracting entity receiving extraordinary relief pursuant to the Act entitled “An Act to authorize the making, amendment, and modification of contracts to facilitate the national defense”, approved August 28, 1958 (Public Law 85–804; 50 U.S.C. 1432 et seq.) for a major acquisition, the Secretary shall not consider any further request by the prime contracting entity for extraordinary relief under such Act for such major acquisition.
The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply to subcontractors of a prime contracting entity.
Not less frequently than quarterly during each fiscal year in which extraordinary relief is approved or provided to an entity under the Act referred to in subsection (a) for the acquisition of Offshore Patrol Cutters, 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 report that describes in detail such relief and the compliance of the entity with the oversight measures required as a condition of receiving such relief.
Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Commandant may enter into transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants) to operate, test, and acquire cost-effective technology for the purpose of meeting the mission needs of the Coast Guard.
Operation, testing, and acquisition of technologies under subsection (a) shall be—
carried out in accordance with Coast Guard policies and guidance; and
consistent with the operational requirements of the Coast Guard.
The Commandant may not enter into a transaction under subsection (a) with respect to a technology that—
does not comply with the cybersecurity standards of the Coast Guard; or
is sourced from an entity domiciled in the People’s Republic of China, unless the Commandant determines that the prototype or procurement of such a technology is for the purpose of—
counter-UAS or surrogate testing; or
intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare, testing, and analysis.
The Commandant shall ensure that management, technical, and contracting personnel of the Coast Guard involved in the award or administration of transactions under this section are provided adequate education and training with respect to the authority under this section.
The Commandant shall prescribe regulations as necessary to carry out this section.
In this section, the term “counter-UAS” has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49.
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Commandant, using funds appropriated pursuant to section 1181, may not acquire, procure, or construct a floating dry dock for the Coast Guard Yard.
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section and section 1105(a), the Commandant may—
provide for an entity other than the Coast Guard to contract for the acquisition, procurement, or construction of a floating drydock by contract, purchase, or other agreement;
construct a floating drydock at the Coast Guard Yard; or
acquire or procure a commercially available floating drydock.
To the extent practicable, a floating drydock acquired, procured, or constructed under this section shall reflect commercial design standards and commercial construction practices that are consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government.
Any floating drydock acquired, procured, or constructed under subsection (b) shall be berthed at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland, when lifting or maintaining vessels.
In this section, the term “floating drydock” means equipment that is—
constructed in the United States; and
capable of meeting the lifting and maintenance requirements of an Offshore Patrol Cutter or a National Security Cutter.
SUBCHAPTER IV— DEFINITIONS
In this chapter:
The term “appropriate congressional committees” means the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
The term “Chief Acquisition Officer” means the officer appointed under section 308 of this title.
The term “customer of a major acquisition program” means the operating field unit of the Coast Guard that will field the system or systems acquired under a major acquisition program.
The term “Level 1 acquisition” means—
an acquisition by the Coast Guard—
the estimated life-cycle costs of which exceed $1,000,000,000; or
the estimated total acquisition costs of which exceed $300,000,000; or
any acquisition that the Chief Acquisition Officer of the Coast Guard determines to have a special interest—
due to—
the experimental or technically immature nature of the asset;
the technological complexity of the asset;
the commitment of resources; or
the nature of the capability or set of capabilities to be achieved; or
because such acquisition is a joint acquisition.
The term “Level 2 acquisition” means an acquisition by the Coast Guard—
the estimated life-cycle costs of which are equal to or less than $1,000,000,000, but greater than $300,000,000; or
the estimated total acquisition costs of which are equal to or less than $300,000,000, but greater than $100,000,000.
The term “life-cycle cost” means all costs for development, procurement, construction, and operations and support for a particular capability or asset, without regard to funding source or management control.
The term “major acquisition program” means an ongoing acquisition undertaken by the Coast Guard with a life-cycle cost estimate greater than or equal to $300,000,000.
The term “project or program manager” means an individual designated—
to develop, produce, and deploy a new asset to meet identified operational requirements; and
to manage cost, schedule, and performance of the acquisition, project, or program.
The term “safety concern” means any hazard associated with a capability or asset or a subsystem of a capability or asset that is likely to cause serious bodily injury or death to a typical Coast Guard user in testing, maintaining, repairing, or operating the capability, asset, or subsystem or any hazard associated with the capability, asset, or subsystem that is likely to cause major damage to the capability, asset, or subsystem during the course of its normal operation by a typical Coast Guard user.
The term “developmental test and evaluation” means—
the testing of a capability or asset and the subsystems of the capability or asset to determine whether they meet all contractual performance requirements, including technical performance requirements, supportability requirements, and interoperability requirements and related specifications; and
the evaluation of the results of such testing.
The term “operational test and evaluation” means—
the testing of a capability or asset and the subsystems of the capability or asset, under conditions similar to those in which the capability or asset and subsystems will actually be deployed, for the purpose of determining the effectiveness and suitability of the capability or asset and subsystems for use by typical Coast Guard users to conduct those missions for which the capability or asset and subsystems are intended to be used; and
the evaluation of the results of such testing.
SUBCHAPTER V— COAST GUARD MISSION READINESS
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2025, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $24,593,500,000, to remain available until September 30, 2029, notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1105(a) and sections 1131, 1132, 1133, and 1156, to use expedited processes to procure or acquire new operational assets and systems, to maintain existing assets and systems, to design, construct, plan, engineer, and improve necessary shore infrastructure, and to enhance operational resilience for monitoring, search and rescue, interdiction, hardening of maritime approaches, and navigational safety, of which—
$1,142,500,000 is provided for procurement and acquisition of fixed-wing aircraft, equipment related to such aircraft and training simulators and program management for such aircraft, to provide for security of the maritime border;
$2,283,000,000 is provided for procurement and acquisition of rotary-wing aircraft, equipment related to such aircraft and training simulators and program management for such aircraft, to provide for security of the maritime border;
$266,000,000 is provided for procurement and acquisition of long-range unmanned aircraft and base stations, equipment related to such aircraft and base stations, and program management for such aircraft and base stations, to provide for security of the maritime border;
$4,300,000,000 is provided for procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters, equipment related to such cutters, and program management for such cutters, to provide operational presence and security of the maritime border and for interdiction of persons and controlled substances;
$1,000,000,000 is provided for procurement of Fast Response Cutters, equipment related to such cutters, and program management for such cutters, to provide operational presence and security of the maritime border and for interdiction of persons and controlled substances;
$4,300,000,000 is provided for procurement of Polar Security Cutters, equipment related to such cutters, and program management for such cutters, to ensure timely presence of the Coast Guard in the Arctic and Antarctic regions;
$3,500,000,000 is provided for procurement of Arctic Security Cutters, equipment related to such cutters, and program management for such cutters, to ensure timely presence of the Coast Guard in the Arctic and Antarctic regions;
$816,000,000 is provided for procurement of light and medium icebreaking cutters, and equipment relating to such cutters, from shipyards that have demonstrated success in the cost-effective application of design standards and in delivering, on schedule and within budget, vessels of a size and tonnage that are not less than the size and tonnage of the cutters described in this paragraph, and for program management for such cutters, to expand domestic icebreaking capacity;
$162,000,000 is provided for procurement of Waterways Commerce Cutters, equipment related to such cutters, and program management for such cutters, to support aids to navigation, waterways and coastal security, and search and rescue in inland waterways;
$4,379,000,000 is provided for design, planning, engineering, recapitalization, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of, and program management for, shore facilities, of which—
$425,000,000 is provided for design, planning, engineering, construction of, and program management for—
the enlisted boot camp barracks and multi-use training center; and
other related facilities at the enlisted boot camp;
$500,000,000 is provided for—
construction, improvement, and dredging at the Coast Guard Yard; and
acquisition of a floating drydock for the Coast Guard Yard;
not more than $2,729,500,000 is provided for homeports and hangars for cutters and aircraft for which funds are appropriated under paragraph (1) through (9); and
$300,000,000 is provided for homeporting of the existing polar icebreaker commissioned into service in 2025;
$2,200,000,000 is provided for aviation, cutter, and shore facility depot maintenance and maintenance of command, control, communication, computer, and cyber assets;
$170,000,000 is provided for improving maritime domain awareness on the maritime border, at United States ports, at land-based facilities and in the cyber domain; and
$75,000,000 is provided to contract the services of, acquire, or procure autonomous maritime systems.
SUBTITLE II— PERSONNEL
CHAPTER 19— COAST GUARD ACADEMY
SUBCHAPTER I— ADMINISTRATION
The immediate government and military command of the Coast Guard Academy shall be in the Superintendent of the Academy, subject to the direction of the Commandant under the general supervision of the Secretary. The Commandant may select a superintendent from the active list of the Coast Guard who shall serve in the pleasure of the Commandant.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7251, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1733, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall install or construct at the Coast Guard Academy not fewer than 2 rooms to be used for the purpose of supporting cadet and officer candidate behavioral health and other medical or other health-related services. “(b) Standards of Rooms .— Each room installed or constructed under this section shall— “(1) be equipped— “(A) in a manner that ensures the protection of the privacy of cadets and officer candidates, consistent with law and policy; “(B) with a telephone and computer to allow for the provision of behavioral health and wellness support or other services; and “(C) with an accessible and private wireless internet connection for the use of personal communications devices at the discretion of the cadet or officer candidate concerned; and “(2) to the extent practicable and consistent with good order and discipline, be accessible to cadets and officer candidates at all times; and “(3) contain the written information described in section 7250 [of Pub. L. 119–60 , 14 U.S.C. 1902 note], which shall be posted in a visible location.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXVI, § 7608, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1830, provided that:
“(a) GAO Report.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], 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 safety and security infrastructure at the Coast Guard Academy. “(2) Elements .— The report required under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of each of the following: “(A) Existing security infrastructure for the grounds, buildings, athletic facilities, and any other facility of the Coast Guard Academy, including access points, locks, surveillance, and other security methods, as appropriate. “(B) Coast Guard policies with respect to the management, data storage and access, and operational capacity of the security infrastructure and methods evaluated under subparagraph (A). “(C) Special security needs relating to events at the Coast Guard Academy, such as large athletic events and other widely attended events. “(D) Coast Guard policies and procedures with respect to access to Coast Guard Academy grounds by— “(i) current or former members of the Coast Guard; “(ii) current or former civilian employees of the Coast Guard; “(iii) Coast Guard personnel that reside at the Academy and families of cadets; and “(iv) members of the public. “(E) Existing processes by which the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, or a designated individual may prohibit or restrict access to Coast Guard Academy grounds by any current or former member or civilian employee of the Coast Guard who— “(i) has been subject to court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice [ 10 U.S.C. 801 et seq.] for sexual misconduct; or “(ii) has been administratively disciplined for sexual misconduct. “(F) Enforcement processes regarding access to Coast Guard Academy grounds for individuals (including current and former cadets, members, and civilian employees of the Coast Guard) who are or have been subject to a no-contact order relating to— “(i) a cadet or member of the faculty of the Academy; or “(ii) any other individual with access to Academy grounds. “(G) Recommendations to improve— “(i) the security of the Coast Guard Academy; and “(ii) the safety of— “(I) cadets at the Coast Guard Academy; and “(II) members of the Coast Guard stationed at, and civilian employees of, the Coast Guard Academy. “(b) Actions by Commandant.— “(1) Report .— Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report required under subsection (a), the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 that includes— “(A) a detailed plan to improve the security of, and the safety of cadets at, the Coast Guard Academy; and “(B) a detailed timeline for implementation of— “(i) the recommendations made by the Comptroller General in such report; and “(ii) any other safety improvement the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] considers appropriate. “(2) Policy .— Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report required under subsection (a), the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in a manner that maintains good order and discipline, shall update Coast Guard policy relating to access to the Coast Guard Academy grounds to include procedures by which individuals may be prohibited from accessing the Coast Guard Academy— “(A) as the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] considers appropriate; and “(B) consistent with the recommendations made by the Comptroller General in such report.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, § 11403, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4109, provided that:
“(a) Regulations Required .— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall prescribe regulations for the Coast Guard Academy consistent with regulations required to be promulgated by section 559(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ) [probably means section 559A(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Pub. L. 117–81 ), set out as a note under section 7431 of Title 10 , Armed Forces]. “(b) Briefing .— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 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 development of the regulations required by subsection (a).”
[For definition of “Secretary” as used in section 11403 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.]
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8272, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4681, provided that:
“(a) In General .— The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the [sic] this Act [ Jan. 1, 2021 ] under which the National Academy of Public Administration shall— “(1) conduct an assessment of the cultural competence of the Coast Guard Academy as an organization and of individuals at the Coast Guard Academy to carry out effectively the primary duties of the United States Coast Guard listed in section 102 of title 14 , United States Code, when interacting with individuals of different races, ethnicities, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, or from different geographic origins; and “(2) issue recommendations based upon the findings in such assessment. “(b) Assessment of Cultural Competence.— “(1) Cultural competence of the coast guard academy .— The arrangement described in subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Public Administration to, not later than 1 year after entering into an arrangement with the Secretary under subsection (a), submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the assessment described under subsection (a)(1). “(2) Assessment scope .— The assessment described under subsection (a)(1) shall— “(A) describe the level of cultural competence described in subsection (a)(1) based on the National Academy of Public Administration’s assessment of the Coast Guard Academy’s relevant practices, policies, and structures, including an overview of discussions with faculty, staff, students, and relevant Coast Guard Academy affiliated organizations; “(B) examine potential changes which could be used to further enhance such cultural competence by— “(i) modifying institutional practices, policies, and structures; and “(ii) any other changes deemed appropriate by the National Academy of Public Administration; and “(C) make recommendations to enhance the cultural competence of the Coast Guard Academy described in subparagraph (A), including any specific plans, policies, milestones, performance measures, or other information necessary to implement such recommendations. “(c) Final Action Memorandum .— Not later than 6 months after submission of the assessment under subsection (b)(1), the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 final action memorandum in response to all recommendations contained in the assessment. The final action memorandum shall include the rationale for accepting, accepting in part, or rejecting each recommendation, and shall specify, where applicable, actions to be taken to implement such recommendations, including an explanation of how each action enhances the ability of the Coast Guard to carry out the primary duties of the United States Coast Guard listed in section 102 of title 14 , United States Code. “(d) Plan.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 6 months after the date of the submission of the final action memorandum required under subsection (c), the Commandant, in coordination with the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, shall submit a plan to carry out the recommendations or the parts of the recommendations accepted in the final action memorandum to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. “(2) Strategy with milestones .— If any recommendation or parts of recommendations accepted in the final action memorandum address any of the following actions, then the plan required in paragraph (1) shall include a strategy with appropriate milestones to carry out such recommendations or parts of recommendations: “(A) Improve outreach and recruitment of a more diverse Coast Guard Academy cadet candidate pool based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and geographic origin. “(B) Modify institutional structures, practices, and policies to foster a more diverse cadet corps body, faculty, and staff workforce based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and geographic origin. “(C) Modify existing or establish new policies and safeguards to foster the retention of cadets, faculty, and staff of different races, ethnicities, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographic origins at the Coast Guard Academy. “(D) Restructure the admissions office of the Coast Guard Academy to be headed by a civilian with significant relevant higher education recruitment experience. “(3) Implementation .— Unless otherwise directed by an Act of Congress, the Commandant shall begin implementation of the plan developed under this subsection not later than 180 days after the submission of such plan to Congress. “(4) Update .— The Commandant shall include in the first annual report required under chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this division, submitted after the date of enactment of this section [ Jan. 1, 2021 ], the strategy with milestones required in paragraph (2) and shall report annually thereafter on actions taken and progress made in the implementation of such plan.”
The Commandant shall direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to prescribe a policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence applicable to the cadets and other personnel of the Academy.
The policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence under this section shall include specification of the following:
Programs to promote awareness of the incidence of rape, acquaintance rape, and other sexual offenses of a criminal nature that involve cadets or other Academy personnel.
Information about how the Coast Guard and the Academy will protect the confidentiality of victims of sexual harassment or sexual violence, including how any records, statistics, or reports intended for public release will be formatted such that the confidentiality of victims is not jeopardized.
Procedures that cadets and other Academy personnel should follow in the case of an occurrence of sexual harassment or sexual violence, including—
if the victim chooses to report an occurrence of sexual harassment or sexual violence, a specification of the individual or individuals to whom the alleged offense should be reported and options for confidential reporting, including written information to be given to victims that explains how the Coast Guard and the Academy will protect the confidentiality of victims;
a specification of any other individual whom the victim should contact; and
procedures on the preservation of evidence potentially necessary for proof of criminal sexual assault.
Procedures for disciplinary action in cases of criminal sexual assault involving a cadet or other Academy personnel.
Sanctions authorized to be imposed in a substantiated case of sexual harassment or sexual violence involving a cadet or other Academy personnel, including with respect to rape, acquaintance rape, or other criminal sexual offense, whether forcible or nonforcible.
Required training on the policy for all cadets and other Academy personnel who process allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence involving a cadet or other Academy personnel.
The Commandant shall direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to conduct at the Coast Guard Academy during each Academy program year an assessment to determine the effectiveness of the policies of the Academy with respect to covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy.
For the assessment at the Academy under paragraph (1) with respect to an Academy program year that begins in an odd-numbered calendar year, the Superintendent shall conduct a survey of cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy—
to measure the incidence, during such program year—
of covered misconduct events, on or off the Academy campus, that have been reported to an official of the Academy;
of covered misconduct events, on or off the Academy campus, that have not been reported to an official of the Academy; and
of retaliation related to a report of a covered misconduct event, on or off the Academy campus; and
to assess the perceptions of the cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy with respect to—
the Academy’s policies, training, and procedures on covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy;
the enforcement of such policies;
the incidence of covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy; and
any other issues relating to covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy.
Not earlier than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, and each March 1 thereafter through March 1, 2031, the Commandant shall direct the Superintendent to submit to the Commandant a report on incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military and civilian personnel of the Academy.
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
Information and data on all incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in paragraph (1) reported to the Superintendent or any other official of the Academy during the preceding Academy program year (referred to in this subsection as a “reported incident”),
The number of reported incidents committed against a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy.
The number of reported incidents committed by a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy.
Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable.
The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system, including the number of such incidents that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match.
The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a “substantiated reported incident”).
A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes—
a brief description of the nature of the incident;
whether the accused cadet or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy had previously been convicted of sexual assault; and
whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement.
The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as—
conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted;
acquittal of all charges at court-martial;
as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice);
as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed;
dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and
whether the accused cadet or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the military member upon separation or resignation.
With respect to any incident of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military and civilian personnel of the Academy reported to the Superintendent or any other official of the Academy during the preceding Academy program year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident—
a narrative description of the retaliation claim;
the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and
the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation.
With respect to any investigation of a reported incident—
whether the investigation is in open or completed status;
an identification of the investigating entity;
whether a referral has been made to outside law enforcement entities;
in the case of an investigation that is complete, a description of the results of such an investigation and information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; and
whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
With respect to the information and data required under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses.
Subject to subsection (f), beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, each report required under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of trends in incidents described in paragraph (1), as applicable, since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–213).
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include, for the preceding Academy program year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in paragraph (1) involving a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy.
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the Academy program year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy.
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response carried out by the Academy during the preceding Academy program year.
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include, for incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy—
an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents;
an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such Academy program year; and
recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors.
Each report under paragraph (1) for an Academy program year that begins in an odd-numbered calendar year shall include the results of the survey conducted under subsection (c)(2) in such Academy program year.
For each Academy program year with respect to which the Superintendent is not required to conduct a survey at the Academy under subsection (c)(2), the Commandant shall require focus groups to be conducted at the Academy for the purpose of ascertaining information relating to covered misconduct issues at the Academy.
Not later than 270 days after the date on which the Commandant receives a report from the Superintendent under paragraph (1), 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, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112 1—
the report of the Superintendent;
the comments of the Commandant with respect to the report; and
relevant information gathered during a focus group under subparagraph (A) 2 during the Academy program year covered by the report, as applicable.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Commandant submits a report under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall provide a briefing on the report submitted under subparagraph (A) to—
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
the Secretary of Homeland Security.
To the extent that information collected or reported under the authority of this section, such information shall be provided in a form that is consistent with applicable privacy protections under Federal law and does not jeopardize the confidentiality of victims.
In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall ensure the continuity of data collection and reporting such that the ability to analyze trends is not compromised.
The Commandant shall provide for timely consideration of and action on a request submitted by a cadet appointed to the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of an alleged sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920, 920c, or 930 of title 10 (article 120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) for transfer to another military service academy or to enroll in a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education.
The Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall establish policies to carry out this subsection that—
provide that the Superintendent shall ensure that any cadet who has been appointed to the Coast Guard Academy is informed of the right to request a transfer pursuant to this subsection, and that any formal request submitted by a cadet who alleges an offense referred to in paragraph (1) is processed as expeditiously as practicable through the chain of command for review and action by the Superintendent;
direct the Superintendent, in coordination with the Superintendent of the military service academy to which the cadet requests to transfer—
to take action on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 5 calendar days after receiving the formal request from the cadet;
to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request;
upon approval of such request for transfer, to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the transfer of the cadet to the military service academy concerned as expeditiously as possible, subject to the considerations described in clause (iv); and
in determining the transfer date of the cadet to the military service academy concerned, to take into account—
the preferences of the cadet, including any preference to delay transfer until the completion of any academic course in which the cadet is enrolled at the time of the request for transfer; and
the well-being of the cadet; and
direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, in coordination with the Secretary of the military department that sponsors the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at the institution of higher education to which the cadet requests to transfer—
to take action on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 5 calendar days after receiving the formal request from the cadet;
subject to the cadet’s acceptance for admission to the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer, to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request;
to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the cadet’s enrollment in the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer and to process the cadet for participation in the relevant Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program as expeditiously as possible, subject to the considerations described in clause (iv); and
in determining the transfer date of the cadet to the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer, to take into account—
the preferences of the cadet, including any preference to delay transfer until the completion of any academic course in which the cadet is enrolled at the time of the request for transfer; and
the well-being of the cadet.
If the Superintendent denies a request for transfer under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the denial by the Secretary, who shall take action on such request for review not later than 5 calendar days after receipt of such request.
The Secretary shall ensure that all records of any request, determination, transfer, or other action under this subsection remain confidential, consistent with applicable law and regulation.
A cadet who transfers under this subsection may retain the cadet’s appointment to the Coast Guard Academy or may be appointed to the military service academy to which the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations and requirements set forth in sections 7442, 8454, and 9442 of title 10.
Upon graduation, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy who transferred to that academy under this subsection is entitled to be accepted for appointment as a permanent commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard in the same manner as graduates of the Coast Guard Academy, as set forth in section 2101 of this title.
A cadet who transfers under this subsection to the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy and indicates a preference pursuant to clause (ii) may be appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated.
A cadet seeking appointment as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated under clause (i) shall, before graduating from that academy, indicate to the Commandant that the cadet has a preference for appointment to that armed force.
The Commandant shall consider a preference of a cadet indicated pursuant to clause (ii), but may require the cadet to serve as a permanent commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard instead of being appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated.
With respect to a service agreement entered into under section 1925 of this title by a cadet who transfers under this subsection to the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy and is appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with that academy, the service obligation undertaken under such agreement shall be considered to be satisfied upon the completion of 5 years of active duty service in the service of such armed force.
A cadet who transfers under this subsection to a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education is entitled upon graduation from the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training program to commission into the Coast Guard, as set forth in section 3738a of this title.
Coast Guard Academy cadets may request room reassignment if experiencing discomfort due to Coast Guard Academy rooming assignments, consistent with policy.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7248, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1731, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the ‘Superintendent’), shall— “(1) install an electronic locking mechanism for each room at the Coast Guard Academy within which 1 or more Coast Guard Academy cadets reside overnight; “(2) test each such mechanism not less than once every 6 months for proper function and maintained [sic] in proper working order; and “(3) use a system that electronically records the date, time, and identity of each individual who accesses a cadet room using an electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means, which shall be maintained in accordance with the general schedule for records retention, or a period of five years, whichever is later. “(b) Electronic Locking Mechanisms.— “(1) In general .— Each electronic locking mechanism described in subsection (a) shall be coded in a manner that provides access to a room described in such subsection only to— “(A) the 1 or more cadets assigned to the room; and “(B) such Coast Guard Academy officers, administrators, staff, or security personnel, including personnel of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, as are necessary to access the room in the event of an emergency. “(2) Existing mechanisms .— Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall ensure that electronic locking mechanisms installed in academic buildings of the Coast Guard Academy, Chase Hall common spaces, and in any other location at the Coast Guard Academy are maintained in proper working order. “(c) Access Policy Instruction .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall promulgate a policy regarding cadet room security policies and procedures, which shall include, at a minimum— “(1) a prohibition on sharing with any other cadet, employee, or other individual electronic access tokens, codes, cards, or other electronic means of accessing a cadet room; “(2) procedures for resetting electronic locking mechanisms in the event of a lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means of accessing a cadet room; “(3) procedures to maintain the identity of each individual who accesses a cadet room using an electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means, while ensuring the security of personally identifiable information and protecting the privacy of any such individual, as appropriate; “(4) procedures by which cadets may report to the chain of command the malfunction of an electronic locking mechanism; and “(5) a schedule of testing to ensure the proper functioning of electronic locking mechanisms. “(d) Minimum Training Requirements .— The Superintendent shall ensure that each Coast Guard Academy cadet receives, not later than 1 day after the date of the initial arrival of the cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, an initial training session, and any other training the Superintendent considers necessary, on— “(1) the use of electronic locking mechanisms installed under this section; and “(2) the policy promulgated under subsection (c).”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7250, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1733, provided that:
“The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall ensure that, in each building at the Coast Guard Academy that contains a dormitory or other overnight accommodations for cadets or officer candidates, written information is posted in a visible location with respect to— “(1) the methods and means by which a cadet or officer candidate may report a crime, including harassment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and any other offense; “(2) the contact information for the Coast Guard Investigative Service; “(3) external resources for— “(A) wellness support; “(B) work-life; “(C) medical services; and “(D) support relating to behavioral health, civil rights, sexual assault, and sexual harassment; and “(4) cadet and officer candidate rights with respect to reporting incidents to the Coast Guard Investigative Service, civilian authorities, the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and any other applicable entity.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7252, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1734, provided that:
“(a) In General .— The Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the ‘Superintendent’) shall— “(1) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], commence a review of the Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence established in accordance with section 1902 of title 14 , United States Code, that includes an evaluation as to whether any long-standing Coast Guard Academy tradition, system, process, or internal policy impedes the implementation of necessary evidence-informed best practices followed by other military service academies in prevention, response, and recovery relating to sexual harassment and sexual violence; and “(2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act— “(A) complete such review; and “(B) modify such policy in accordance with subsection (b). “(b) Modifications to Policy .— In modifying the Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence referred to in subsection (a), the Superintendent shall ensure that such policy includes the following: “(1) Each matter required to be specified by section 1902(b) of title 14 , United States Code. “(2) Updates to achieve compliance with chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (Uniform Code of Military Justice). “(3) A description of the roles and responsibilities of staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program, including— “(A) the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator; “(B) the Victim Advocate Program Specialist; “(C) the Volunteer Victim Advocate; and “(D) the Primary Prevention Specialist, as established under subsection (c). “(4) A description of the role of the Coast Guard Investigative Service with respect to sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery at the Coast Guard Academy. “(5) A description of the role of support staff at the Coast Guard Academy, including chaplains, with respect to sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery. “(6) Measures to promote awareness of dating violence. “(7) A delineation of the relationship between— “(A) cadet advocacy groups organized for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual harassment and sexual violence, including Cadets Against Sexual Assault; and “(B) the staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program. “(8) A provision that requires cadets and Coast Guard Academy personnel to participate in not fewer than one in-person training each academic year on the prevention of, responses to, and resources relating to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence, to be provided by the staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program. “(9) The establishment, revision, or expansion, as necessary, of an anti-retaliation Superintendent’s Instruction for cadets who— “(A) report incidents of sexual harassment or sexual violence; “(B) participate in cadet advocacy groups that advocate for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual harassment and sexual violence; or “(C) seek assistance from a company officer, company senior enlisted leader, athletic coach, or other Coast Guard Academy staff member with respect to a mental health or other medical emergency. “(10) A provision that explains the purpose of and process for issuance of a no-contact order at the Coast Guard Academy, including a description of the manner in which such an order shall be enforced. “(11) A provision that explains the purpose of and process for issuance of a military protective order at the Coast Guard Academy, including a description of— “(A) the manner in which such an order shall be enforced; and “(B) the associated requirement to notify the National Criminal Information Center of the issuance of such an order. “(c) Primary Prevention Specialist .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall hire a Primary Prevention Specialist, to be located and serve at the Coast Guard Academy. “(d) Temporary Leave of Absence to Receive Medical Services and Mental Health and Related Support Services .— The Superintendent shall ensure that the Academy’s policy regarding a cadet who has made a restricted or unrestricted report of sexual harassment to request a leave of absence from the Coast Guard Academy is consistent with other military service academies.”
Secretary of Defense to consult with Secretaries of the military departments and Superintendent of each military service academy and prescribe in regulations a policy that allows a cadet or midshipman of a military service academy who is the alleged victim or alleged perpetrator of a sexual assault to complete their course of study at the academy with minimal disruption and does not preclude the academy from taking other administrative or disciplinary action, see section 539 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note under section 7461 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8282, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4688, provided that:
“Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 1, 2021 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall establish a policy to allow the transfer of a member of the Coast Guard whose dependent is the victim of sexual assault perpetrated by a member of the Armed Forces who is not related to the victim.”
Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, § 552(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3377, provided that:
“The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall ensure that the provisions of title XVII of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 ( Public Law 113–66 ; 127 Stat. 950 ) [see Tables for classification], including amendments made by that title, and the provisions of subtitle D [§ § 531–547 of title V of div. A of Pub. L. 113–291 ; see Tables for classification], including amendments made by such subtitle, apply to the Coast Guard Academy.”
A Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy is established to review and make recommendations on the operation of the Academy.
The membership of the Board shall consist of the following:
The chairperson of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson.
The chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson.
3 Senators appointed by the Vice President.
4 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
2 Senators appointed by the Vice President, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
2 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
6 individuals designated by the President.
If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(C) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations of the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.
If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(D) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.
If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(E) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.
If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(F) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.
On a biennial basis and subject to paragraph (4), the Board shall select from among the members of the Board a Member of Congress to serve as the Chair of the Board.
A Member of the House of Representatives and a Member of the Senate shall alternately be selected as the Chair of the Board.
An individual may not serve as Chairperson of the Board for consecutive terms.
A Member of Congress designated as a member of the Board under paragraph (1) shall be designated as a member in the first session of the applicable Congress and shall serve for the duration of such Congress.
Each individual designated by the President under paragraph (1)(G) shall serve as a member of the Board for 3 years, except that any such member whose term of office has expired shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the President.
If a member of the Board dies or resigns, a successor shall be designated for any unexpired portion of the term of the member by the official who designated the member.
The Commandant shall invite each member of the Board, and any staff designated under subsection (e)(2)(A), to visit the Coast Guard Academy at least once annually to review the operation of the Academy.
With the approval of the Secretary, the Board or any members of the Board in connection with the duties of the Board may—
make visits to the Academy in addition to the visits described in paragraph (1); or
consult with—
the Superintendent of the Academy; or
the faculty, staff, or cadets of the Academy.
The Commandant shall ensure that the Board or any members of the Board who visits the Academy under this paragraph is provided reasonable access to the grounds, facilities, cadets, faculty, staff, and other personnel of the Academy for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Board.
The Board shall review, with respect to the Academy—
the state of morale and discipline, including with respect to prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual assault and sexual harassment;
recruitment and retention, including diversity, inclusion, and issues regarding women specifically;
the curriculum;
instruction;
physical equipment, including infrastructure, living quarters, and deferred maintenance;
fiscal affairs; and
other matters relating to the Academy that the Board determines appropriate.
Not less frequently than annually, the Board shall meet at a location chosen by the Commandant, in consultation with the Board, to conduct the review required by subsection (d).
The Federal officer designated under subsection (g)(1)(B) shall organize a meeting of the Board for the purposes of—
selecting a Chairperson of the Board under subsection (b)(3);
adopting an official charter for the Board, which shall establish the schedule of meetings of the Board; and
any other matter such designated Federal officer or the Board considers appropriate.
In scheduling a meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall coordinate, to the greatest extent practicable, with the members of the Board to determine the date and time of the meeting.
Not less than 30 days before each scheduled meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall notify each member of the Board of the time, date, and location of the meeting.
The chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives may each designate 1 staff member of each such Committees.
Staff designated under subparagraph (A)—
may attend and participate in visits and carry out consultations described under subsection (c)(1) and attend and participate in meetings described under paragraph (1); and
may not otherwise carry out duties or take actions reserved to members of the Board under this section.
If approved by the Secretary, the Board may consult with advisors in carrying out the duties of the Board under this section.
Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Board conducts a meeting of the Board under paragraph (1), the Commandant, in consultation with the Board, shall submit a report on the actions of the Board during the meeting and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to the Academy to—
the Secretary;
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
Each report submitted under this paragraph shall be published on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard.
The Commandant and the Superintendent of the Academy shall ensure candid and complete disclosure to the Board, consistent with applicable laws relating to disclosure of information, with respect to—
each issue described in subsection (d); and
any other issue the Board or the Commandant considers appropriate.
The Commandant shall—
provide support to the Board, as Board considers necessary for the performance of the duties of the Board;
designate a Federal officer to support the performance of the duties of the Board; and
in cooperation with the Superintendent of the Academy, advise the Board of any institutional issues, consistent with applicable laws concerning the disclosure of information.
Each member of the Board and each advisor consulted by the Board under subsection (e)(3) shall be reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard for actual expenses incurred while engaged in duties as a member or advisor.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the Commandant shall provide to the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the President notification of the requirements of this section.
The Superintendent of the Academy shall establish at the Coast Guard Academy an advisory board to be known as the Advisory Board on Women at the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the “Advisory Board”).
The Advisory Board shall be composed of not fewer than 12 current cadets of the Coast Guard Academy, including not fewer than 3 cadets from each current class.
Cadets shall serve on the Advisory Board pursuant to appointment by the Superintendent of the Academy. Appointments shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of the swearing in of a new class of cadets at the Academy. The term of membership of a cadet on the Advisory Board shall be 1 academic year.
The Superintendent of the Academy may reappoint not more than 6 cadets from the previous term to serve on the Advisory Board for an additional academic year if the Superintendent of the Academy determines such reappointment to be in the best interests of the Coast Guard Academy.
The Advisory Board shall meet with the Commandant at least once each academic year on the activities of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board shall meet in person with the Superintendent of the Academy not less than twice each academic year on the duties of the Advisory Board.
The Advisory Board shall identify opportunities and challenges facing cadets at the Academy who are women, including an assessment of culture, leadership development, and access to health care of cadets at the Academy who are women.
The Advisory Board may establish one or more working groups to assist the Advisory Board in carrying out its duties, including working groups composed in part of cadets at the Academy who are not current members of the Advisory Board.
The Advisory Board shall regularly provide the Commandant and the Superintendent reports and briefings on the results of its duties, including recommendations for actions to be taken in light of such results. Such reports and briefings may be provided in writing, in person, or both.
There is established within the Coast Guard Academy a minority outreach team program (in this section referred to as the “Program”) under which officers, including minority officers and officers from territories and other possessions of the United States, who are Academy graduates may volunteer their time to recruit minority students and strengthen cadet retention through mentorship of cadets.
Not later than January 1, 2021, the Commandant, in consultation with Program volunteers and Academy alumni that participated in prior programs at the Academy similar to the Program, shall appoint a permanent civilian position at the Academy to administer the Program by, among other things—
overseeing administration of the Program;
serving as a resource to volunteers and outside stakeholders;
advising Academy leadership on recruitment and retention efforts based on recommendations from volunteers and outside stakeholders;
establishing strategic goals and performance metrics for the Program with input from active volunteers and Academy leadership; and
reporting annually to the Commandant on academic year and performance outcomes of the goals for the Program before the end of each academic year.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States Coast Guard Academy may compete for and accept Federal, State, or other educational research grants, subject to the following limitations:
No award may be accepted for the acquisition or construction of facilities.
No award may be accepted for the routine functions of the Academy.
The Commandant may—
enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, lease, or licensing agreement with a qualified organization;
allow a qualified organization to use, at no cost, personal property of the Coast Guard; and
notwithstanding section 504, accept funds, supplies, and services from a qualified organization.
The Commandant shall ensure that contributions under this subsection do not—
reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast Guard, any of its employees, or any member of the armed forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or
compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in such a program.
For purposes of this subsection, employees or personnel of a qualified organization shall not be employees of the United States.
In this subsection the term “qualified organization” means an organization—
described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; and
established by the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association solely for the purpose of supporting academic research and applying for and administering Federal, State, or other educational research grants on behalf of the Coast Guard Academy.
The Commandant shall establish within the Coast Guard Academy an advisory board to be known as the “Coast Guard Academy Cadet Advisory Board” (in this section referred to as the “Advisory Board”).
The Advisory Board shall be composed of not fewer than 12 cadets of the Coast Guard Academy who are enrolled at the Coast Guard Academy at the time of appointment, including not fewer than 3 cadets from each class.
Cadets shall be appointed to the Advisory Board by the Provost, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy.
Cadets who are eligible for appointment to the Advisory Board shall submit an application for appointment to the Provost of the Coast Guard Academy, or a designee of the Provost, for consideration.
The Provost shall select eligible applicants who—
are best suited to fulfill the duties described in subsection (g); and
best represent the student body makeup at the Coast Guard Academy.
Appointments shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of the swearing in of a new class of cadets at the Coast Guard Academy.
The term of membership of a cadet on the Advisory Board shall be 1 academic year.
The Advisory Board shall meet in person with the Superintendent not less frequently than twice each academic year to discuss the activities of the Advisory Board.
The Advisory Board shall—
identify challenges facing Coast Guard Academy cadets relating to—
health and wellbeing;
cadet perspectives and information with respect to sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery at the Coast Guard Academy; and
any other matter the Advisory Board considers important;
discuss and propose possible solutions to such challenges, including improvements to leadership development at the Coast Guard Academy; and
periodically review the efficacy of Coast Guard Academy academic, wellness, and other relevant programs and provide recommendations to the Commandant for improvement of such programs.
The Advisory Board shall establish a working group composed, at least in part, of Coast Guard Academy cadets who are not current members of the Advisory Board and members of the Cadets Against Sexual Assault, or any similar successor organization, to assist the Advisory Board in carrying out the duties described in subsection (g)(1)(B).
The Advisory Board may establish such other working groups (which may be composed, at least in part, of Coast Guard Academy cadets who are not current members of the Advisory Board) as the Advisory Board finds to be necessary to carry out duties of the Board, other than the duties described in subparagraph (A) or (C) of subsection (g)(1).
Not less frequently than once per academic semester, the Advisory Board shall submit a report or provide a briefing to the Commandant and the Superintendent on the results of the activities carried out in furtherance of the duties of the Advisory Board described in subsection (g), including recommendations for actions to be taken based on such results.
The Advisory Board shall transmit to the Commandant, through the Provost and the Superintendent, an annual report at the conclusion of each academic year, containing the information and materials presented to the Commandant, Superintendent, or both, during each brief provided during such academic year.
Not later than 30 days after the receipt by the Commandant of a report under this subsection, 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 any report or other materials provided to the Commandant and Superintendent under paragraph (1) and any other information related to the Advisory Board requested by the Committees.
Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, may authorize a covered foundation to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis as determined by the Secretary, facilities or equipment of the Coast Guard Academy.
The Secretary may not authorize any use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use may jeopardize the health, safety, or well-being of any member of the Coast Guard or cadet of the Coast Guard Academy.
The Secretary may only authorize the use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use—
is without any liability of the United States to the covered foundation;
does not—
affect the ability of any official or employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces, to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner;
compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in any such program; or
include the participation of any cadet of the Coast Guard Academy at an event of the covered foundation, other than participation of such a cadet in an honor guard;
complies with any applicable ethics regulation; and
has been reviewed and approved by an attorney of the Coast Guard.
The Secretary shall issue Coast Guard policies to carry out this section.
For any fiscal year in which the Secretary exercises the authority under subsection (a), not later than the last day of such fiscal year, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the number of events or activities of a covered foundation supported by such exercise of authority during the fiscal year.
In this section, the term “covered foundation” means an organization that—
is a charitable, educational, or civic nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
the Secretary determines operates exclusively to support—
recruiting activities with respect to the Coast Guard Academy;
parent or alumni development in support of the Coast Guard Academy;
academic, leadership, or character development of Coast Guard Academy cadets;
institutional development of the Coast Guard Academy; or
athletics in support of the Coast Guard Academy.
Subject to the approval of the Commandant, the Superintendent of the Academy shall issue and make available to the public written policies—
subject to subsection (d), defining hazing;
designed to prevent hazing; and
prescribing dismissal, suspension, or other adequate punishment for violations.
If a cadet who is charged with violating a policy issued under subsection (a), the penalty for which is or may be dismissal from the Academy, requests in writing a trial by a general court-martial, the cadet may not be dismissed for that offense except under sentence of such a court.
A cadet dismissed from the Academy for hazing or bullying may not be reappointed to the Corps of Cadets, and is ineligible for appointment as commissioned 1 officer in a regular component of the Coast Guard, until the date that is 2 years after the date of the graduation of the class of the cadet.
In developing the policies under subsection (a)(1), the Superintendent shall, to the maximum extent practicable, define the term “hazing” as the unauthorized assumption of authority by a cadet whereby another cadet suffers or is exposed to any cruelty, indignity, humiliation, hardship, or oppression, or the deprivation or abridgement of any right.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may establish concurrent jurisdiction between the Federal Government and the State of Connecticut over the lands constituting the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, as necessary to facilitate the ability of the State of Connecticut and City of New London to investigate and prosecute any crimes cognizable under Connecticut law that are committed on such Coast Guard Academy property.
SUBCHAPTER II— CADETS
The number of cadets appointed annually to the Academy shall be as determined by the Secretary but the number appointed in any one year shall not exceed six hundred.
Appointments to cadetships shall be made under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, who shall determine age limits, methods of selection of applicants, term of service as a cadet before graduation, and all other matters affecting such appointments. In the administration of this section, the Secretary shall take such action as may be necessary and appropriate to insure 1 1 So in original. Probably should be “ensure”. that female individuals shall be eligible for appointment and admission to the Coast Guard Academy, and that the relevant standards required for appointment, admission, training, graduation, and commissioning of female individuals shall be the same as those required for male individuals, except for those minimum essential adjustments in such standards required because of physiological differences between male and female individuals.
A foreign national may not receive instruction at the Academy except as authorized by this section.
The President may designate not more than 36 foreign nationals whom the Secretary may permit to receive instruction at the Academy.
A foreign national receiving instruction under this section is entitled to the same pay, allowances, and emoluments, to be paid from the same appropriations, as a cadet appointed pursuant to section 1922 of this title. A foreign national may receive instruction under this section only if his country agrees in advance to reimburse the United States, at a rate determined by the Secretary, for the cost of providing such instruction, including pay, allowances, and emoluments, unless a waiver therefrom has been granted to that country by the Secretary. Funds received by the Secretary for this purpose shall be credited to the appropriations bearing the cost thereof, and may be apportioned between fiscal years.
A foreign national receiving instruction under this section is—
not entitled to any appointment in the Coast Guard by reason of his graduation from the Academy; and
subject to those regulations applicable to the Academy governing admission, attendance, discipline, resignation, discharge, dismissal, and graduation, except as may otherwise be prescribed by the Secretary.
The Secretary may summarily dismiss from the Coast Guard any cadet who, during his cadetship, is found unsatisfactory in either studies or conduct, or may be deemed not adapted for a career in the Coast Guard. Cadets shall be subject to rules governing discipline prescribed by the Commandant.
Each cadet shall sign an agreement with respect to the cadet’s length of service in the Coast Guard. The agreement shall provide that the cadet agrees to the following:
That the cadet will complete the course of instruction at the Coast Guard Academy.
That upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy the cadet—
will accept an appointment, if tendered, as a commissioned officer of the Coast Guard; and
will serve on active duty for at least five years immediately after such appointment.
That if an appointment described in paragraph (2) is not tendered or if the cadet is permitted to resign as a regular officer before the completion of the commissioned service obligation of the cadet, the cadet—
will accept an appointment as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard Reserve; and
will remain in that reserve component until completion of the commissioned service obligation of the cadet.
The Secretary may transfer to the Coast Guard Reserve, and may order to active duty for such period of time as the Secretary prescribes (but not to exceed four years), a cadet who breaches an agreement under subsection (a). The period of time for which a cadet is ordered to active duty under this paragraph may be determined without regard to section 651(a) of title 10.
A cadet who is transferred to the Coast Guard Reserve under paragraph (1) shall be transferred in an appropriate enlisted grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary.
For the purposes of paragraph (1), a cadet shall be considered to have breached an agreement under subsection (a) if the cadet is separated from the Coast Guard Academy under circumstances which the Secretary determines constitute a breach by the cadet of the cadet’s agreement to complete the course of instruction at the Coast Guard Academy and accept an appointment as a commissioned officer upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy.
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Those regulations shall include—
standards for determining what constitutes, for the purpose of subsection (b), a breach of an agreement under subsection (a);
procedures for determining whether such a breach has occurred; and
standards for determining the period of time for which a person may be ordered to serve on active duty under subsection (b).
In this section, “commissioned service obligation”, with respect to an officer who is a graduate of the Academy, means the period beginning on the date of the officer’s appointment as a commissioned officer and ending on the sixth anniversary of such appointment or, at the discretion of the Secretary, any later date up to the eighth anniversary of such appointment.
This section does not apply to a cadet who is not a citizen or national of the United States.
In the case of a cadet who is a minor and who has parents or a guardian, the cadet may sign the agreement required by subsection (a) only with the consent of the parent or guardian.
A cadet or former cadet who does not fulfill the terms of the obligation to serve as specified under section (a), or the alternative obligation imposed under subsection (b), shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of title 37.
The Secretary is authorized to expend appropriated funds for selective preappointment travel to the Academy for orientation visits of cadet applicants.
The Secretary may prescribe a sum which shall be credited to each new cadet upon first admission to the Academy, to cover the cost of an initial clothing and equipment issue, which sum shall be deducted subsequently from the pay of such cadet. Each cadet discharged prior to graduation who is indebted to the United States on account of advances of pay to purchase required clothing and equipment shall be required to turn in to the Academy all clothing and equipment of a distinctively military nature to the extent required to discharge such indebtedness; and, if the value of such clothing and equipment so turned in does not cover the indebtedness incurred, then such indebtedness shall be canceled.
The Superintendent of the Academy may, under such rules and regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, confer the degree of bachelor of science upon all graduates of the Academy and may, in addition, confer the degree of bachelor of science upon such other living graduates of the Academy as shall have met the requirements of the Academy for such degree.
The President may, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint as ensigns in the Coast Guard all cadets who shall graduate from the Academy. Ensigns so commissioned on the same date shall take rank according to their proficiency as shown by the order of their merit at date of graduation.
Except as provided in subsection (b), no charge or fee for tuition, room, or board for attendance at the Academy may be imposed unless the charge or fee is specifically authorized by a law enacted after October 5, 1994.
The prohibition specified in subsection (a) does not apply with respect to any item or service provided to cadets for which a charge or fee is imposed as of October 5, 1994. The Secretary shall notify Congress of any change made by the Academy in the amount of a charge or fee authorized under this subsection.
SUBCHAPTER III— FACULTY
The Secretary may appoint in the Coast Guard such number of civilian faculty members at the Academy as the needs of the Service may require. They shall have such titles and perform duties as prescribed by the Secretary. Leaves of absence and hours of work for civilian faculty members shall be governed by regulations promulgated by the Secretary, without regard to the provisions of title 5.
The compensation of individuals employed under this section is as prescribed by the Secretary.
The permanent commissioned teaching staff at the Academy shall consist of professors, associate professors, assistant professors and instructors, in such numbers as the needs of the Service require. They shall perform duties as prescribed by the Commandant, and exercise command only in the academic department of the Academy.
The President may appoint in the Coast Guard, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and instructors who are to serve on the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Academy. An original appointment to the permanent commissioned teaching staff, unless the appointee has served as a civilian member of the teaching staff, regular commissioned officer, temporary commissioned officer, or reserve commissioned officer in the Coast Guard, shall be a temporary appointment until the appointee has satisfactorily completed a probationary term of four years of service; thereafter he may be regularly appointed and his rank shall date from the date of his temporary appointment in the grade in which permanently appointed.
Professors shall be commissioned officers with grade not above captain, associate and assistant professors with grade not above commander, and instructors with grade not above lieutenant commander. All officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff shall receive the pay and allowances of other commissioned officers of the same grade and length of service. When any such professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or instructor is appointed or commissioned with grade less than the highest grade permitted, he shall be promoted under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
Professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and instructors in the Coast Guard shall be subject to retirement or discharge from active service for any cause on the same basis as other commissioned officers of the Coast Guard, except that they shall not be required to retire from active service under the provisions of section 2149 of this title , nor shall they be subject to the provisions of section 2150 of this title , nor shall they be required to retire at age sixty-two but may be permitted to serve until age sixty-four at which time unless earlier retired or separated they shall be retired. The Secretary may retire any member of the permanent commissioned teaching staff who has completed thirty years’ active service. Service as a civilian member of the teaching staff at the Academy in addition to creditable service authorized by any other law in any of the military services rendered prior to an appointment as a professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or instructor shall be credited in computing length of service for retirement purposes. The provisions of law relating to retirement for disability in line of duty shall not apply in the case of a professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or instructor serving under a temporary appointment.
Service as a member of the civilian teaching staff at the Academy in addition to creditable services authorized by any other law in any of the military services rendered prior to an appointment as professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or instructor shall be credited in computing length of service as a professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or instructor for purposes of pay and allowances.
The Commandant may assign any member to appropriate instruction duty at the Academy.
The Commandant shall ensure that professional courses of study in marine safety are provided at the Coast Guard Academy, and during other officer accession programs, to give Coast Guard cadets and other officer candidates a background and understanding of the marine safety program. These courses may include such topics as program history, vessel design and construction, vessel inspection, casualty investigation, and administrative law and regulations.
Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(7)(A) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.
CHAPTER 21— PERSONNEL; OFFICERS
SUBCHAPTER I— APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTION
Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, § 803, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4299, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 4, 2018 ], the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall reduce lieutenant junior grade evaluation reports to the same length as an ensign or place lieutenant junior grade evaluations on an annual schedule. “(b) Surveys .— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall conduct surveys of— “(1) outgoing promotion board members and assignment officers to determine, at a minimum— “(A) which sections of the officer evaluation report were most useful; “(B) which sections of the officer evaluation report were least useful; “(C) how to better reflect high performers; and “(D) any recommendations for improving the officer evaluation report; and “(2) at least 10 percent of the officers from each grade of officers from O1 to O6 to determine how much time each member of the rating chain spends on that member’s portion of the officer evaluation report. “(c) Revisions.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 4 years after the date of the completion of the surveys required by subsection (b), the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall revise the officer evaluation report, and provide corresponding directions, taking into account the requirements under paragraph (2). “(2) Requirements .— In revising the officer evaluation report under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall— “(A) consider the findings of the surveys under subsection (b); “(B) improve administrative efficiency; “(C) reduce and streamline performance dimensions and narrative text; “(D) eliminate redundancy with the officer specialty management system and any other record information systems that are used during the officer assignment or promotion process; “(E) provide for fairness and equity for Coast Guard officers with regard to promotion boards, selection panels, and the assignment process; and “(F) ensure officer evaluation responsibilities can be accomplished within normal working hours— “(i) to minimize any impact to officer duties; and “(ii) to eliminate any need for an officer to take liberty or leave for administrative purposes. “(d) Report.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 545 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 4, 2018 ], the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 findings of the surveys under subsection (b). “(2) Format .— The report under paragraph (1) shall be formatted by each rank, type of board, and position, as applicable.”
The President may appoint permanent commissioned officers in the Regular Coast Guard in grades appropriate to their qualification, experience, and length of service, as the needs of the Coast Guard may require, from among the following categories:
Graduates of the Coast Guard Academy.
Commissioned warrant officers, warrant officers, and enlisted members of the Regular Coast Guard.
Members of the Coast Guard Reserve who have served at least 2 years as such.
Licensed officers of the United States merchant marine who have served 2 or more years aboard a vessel of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer.
Original appointments under this section in the grades of lieutenant commander and above shall be made by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Original appointments under this section in the grades of ensign through lieutenant shall be made by the President alone.
No individual shall be appointed a commissioned officer under this section until his mental, moral, physical, and professional fitness to perform the duties of a commissioned officer has been established under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe.
Appointees under this section shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their commissions as commissioned officers in such grade. Appointees whose dates of commission are the same shall take precedence with each other as the Secretary shall determine.
For the purposes of this section, the term “original”, with respect to the appointment of a member of the Coast Guard, refers to that member’s most recent appointment in the Coast Guard that is neither a promotion nor a demotion.
Pub. L. 88–130, § 5, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 193, as amended by Pub. L. 89–444, § 3, June 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 198, provided that:
“(a) Officers in each grade who have been recommended as qualified for temporary promotion under laws and regulations in effect the day before the effective date of this Act [ Sept. 24, 1963 ] but not promoted to the grade for which they were recommended shall be placed on a list of selectees in order of their precedence, and they shall be promoted as if they had been selected for promotion in the approved report of a selection board convened under this Act [enacting sections 41a, 211 to 214, 251 to 262, 271 to 277, 281 to 294, 321 to 327, 331 to 335, of this title amending sections 42, 44, 46, 47, 190, 433, 759a, and 791 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 262, 285, and 289 of this title, and repealing sections 221 to 248, 301 to 313a, 435 to 437, 439, and 440 of this title, and act Sept. 21, 1961 , 75 Stat. 538 , set out as a note under section 435 of this title ]. “(b) Officers who have been recommended for promotion to the grade of rear admiral under laws and regulations in effect the day before the effective date of this Act but have not been promoted to that grade shall be promoted as if they had been so recommended in the approved report of a selection board convened under this Act. “(c) The enactment of this Act does not terminate the appointment of any officer. “(d) An officer of the Regular Coast Guard who on the day before the effective date of this Act had been promoted to and was serving on active duty in a temporary grade higher than his permanent grade shall be considered to have been promoted to that grade under section 271 [now 2121] of title 14, United States Code. “(e) An officer of the Regular Coast Guard who was appointed as a temporary commissioned officer under any provision of law in effect prior to the effective date of this Act and who is serving on active duty shall be considered to have been appointed under section 214 [now 2104] of title 14, United States Code, and subject to the provisions thereof. An officer of the Regular Coast Guard who was appointed as a permanent commissioned officer under any provision of law in effect prior to the effective date of this Act [ Sept. 24, 1963 ], and who is serving on active duty shall be considered to have been appointed under section 211 [now 2101] of title 14, United States Code, and subject to the provisions thereof. “(f) Each officer who would have been required to retire on June 30, 1962 , under the provisions of section 288 [now 2149] of title 14, United States Code, had that section been in effect on that date, shall be retired on the last day of the sixth month following the month in which this Act becomes effective. If, under section 288 [now 2149] of title 14, United States Code, the retirement of any other officer would be required after June 30, 1962 , but less than six months following the effective date of this Act, his retirement shall be deferred until the last day of the twelfth month following the month in which this Act becomes effective, or June 30, 1964 , whichever is earlier. “(g) The enactment of this Act does not increase or decrease the retired pay of any person retired on or prior to the effective date of this Act. “(h) Notwithstanding section 1431 of title 10 , United States Code, an original election, change, or revocation of an election, made under that section by an officer who is retired under the provisions of section 282, 283, 284, 285, or 288 [now 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, or 2149] of title 14, United States Code, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following the month in which this Act is enacted [September 1963].”
The Secretary shall maintain a single active duty promotion list of officers of the Coast Guard on active duty in the grades of ensign and above. Reserve officers on active duty, other than pursuant to an active duty agreement executed under section 12311 of title 10, retired officers, officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy, and officers designated by the Secretary pursuant this section shall not be included on the active duty promotion list.
Officers shall be carried on the active duty promotion list in the order of seniority of the grades in which they are serving. Officers serving in the same grade shall be carried in the order of their seniority in that grade. The Secretary may correct any erroneous position on the active duty promotion list that was caused by administrative error.
An individual appointed in the grade of ensign or above in the Regular Coast Guard shall be placed on the active duty promotion list in the order of his date of rank and seniority.
A Reserve officer, other than one excluded by subsection (a), shall, when he enters on active duty, be placed on the active duty promotion list in accordance with his grade and seniority. The position of such a Reserve officer among other officers of the Coast Guard on active duty who have the same date of rank shall be determined by the Secretary.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
The total number of Coast Guard commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, excluding warrant officers, shall not exceed—
7,100 in fiscal year 2022;
7,200 in fiscal year 2023;
7,300 in fiscal year 2024; and
7,400 in fiscal year 2025 and each subsequent fiscal year.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commandant may temporarily increase the total number of commissioned officers permitted under such paragraph by up to 4 percent for not more than 60 days after the date of the commissioning of a Coast Guard Academy class.
Not later than 30 days after exceeding the total number of commissioned officers permitted under paragraphs (1) and (2), and each 30 days thereafter until the total number of commissioned officers no longer exceeds the number of such officers permitted under paragraphs (1) and (2), 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 of the number of officers on the active duty promotion list on the last day of the preceding 30-day period.
The total number of commissioned officers authorized by this section shall be distributed in grade in the following percentages: 0.375 percent for rear admiral; 0.375 percent for rear admiral (lower half); 6.0 percent for captain; 15.0 percent for commander; and 22.0 percent for lieutenant commander.
The Secretary shall prescribe the percentages applicable to the grades of lieutenant, lieutenant (junior grade), and ensign.
The Secretary—
may reduce, as the needs of the Coast Guard require, any of the percentages set forth in paragraph (1); and
shall apply that total percentage reduction to any other lower grade or combination of lower grades.
The Secretary shall compute, at least once each year, the total number of commissioned officers authorized to serve in each grade by applying the grade distribution percentages established by or under this section to the total number of commissioned officers listed on the current active duty promotion list.
Subject to subsection (a), in making the computations under paragraph (1), any fraction shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
The number of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list below the rank of vice admiral serving with other Federal departments or agencies on a reimbursable basis or excluded under section 324(d) of title 49 shall not be counted against the total number of commissioned officers authorized to serve in each grade.
The numbers resulting from computations under subsection (c) shall be, for all purposes, the authorized number in each grade; except that the authorized number for a grade is temporarily increased during the period between one computation and the next by the number of officers originally appointed in that grade during that period and the number of officers of that grade for whom vacancies exist in the next higher grade but whose promotion has been delayed for any reason.
The Secretary shall prescribe the number of officers authorized to be serving on active duty in each grade of—
the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy;
the officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section; and
the officers of the Reserve serving in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components.
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.
The president may appoint temporary commissioned officers—
in the Regular Coast Guard in a grade, not above lieutenant, appropriate to their qualifications, experience, and length of service, as the needs of the Coast Guard may require, from among the commissioned warrant officers, warrant officers, and enlisted members of the Coast Guard, and from holders of licenses issued under chapter 71 of title 46; and
in the Coast Guard Reserve in a grade, not above lieutenant, appropriate to their qualifications, experience, and length of service, as the needs of the Coast Guard may require, from among the commissioned warrant officers of the Coast Guard Reserve.
Temporary appointments under this section do not change the permanent, probationary, or acting status of individuals so appointed, prejudice them in regard to promotion or appointment, or abridge their rights or benefits. An individual who is appointed under this section may not suffer any reduction in the rate of pay and allowances to which he would have been entitled had he remained in his former grade and continued to receive the increases in pay and allowances authorized for that grade.
An appointment under this section, or a subsequent promotion appointment of a temporary officer, may be vacated by the appointing officer at any time. Each officer whose appointment is so vacated shall revert to his permanent status.
Appointees under this section shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their appointments as officers in such grade. Appointees whose dates of appointment are the same shall take precedence with each other as the Secretary shall determine.
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.
Pub. L. 93–283, § 2, May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 141, provided that:
“Paragraphs (5) and (8) of section 1 of this Act [amending this section and section 288 of this title ] are effective as of the original date of enactment [ Sept. 24, 1963 ] of the sections thereby amended.”
Savings provisions in section 5(e) of Pub. L. 88–130 considering officers appointed with temporary commissions prior to Sept. 24, 1963, as appointed under this section, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Authority of President under subsec. (a) of this section to make temporary appointments not above lieutenant in the Regular Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve delegated to Secretary of Homeland Security by Ex. Ord. No. 14106, § 1(e), Aug. 14, 2023, 88 F.R. 55905, set out in a note under section 2101 of this title.
Among warrant officer grades, warrant officers of a higher numerical designation are senior to warrant officer grades of a lower numerical designation.
Warrant officers shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their commissions as commissioned officers in the Coast Guard in such grade. Precedence among warrant officers of the same grade who have the same date of commission shall be determined by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
Section 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 an Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note under section 571 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
At least once a year and at such other times as the needs of the service require, the Secretary shall convene selection boards to recommend for promotion to the next higher grade officers on the active duty promotion list in each grade from lieutenant (junior grade) through captain, with separate boards for each grade. However, the Secretary is not required to convene a board to recommend officers for promotion to a grade when no vacancies exist in the grade concerned, and he estimates that none will occur in the next twelve months.
A board convened under section 2106 of this title shall consist of five or more officers on the active duty promotion list who are serving in or above the grade to which the board may recommend officers for promotion. No officer may be a member of two successive boards convened to consider officers of the same grade for promotion.
Before a board is convened under section 2106 of this title, notice of the convening date, the promotion zone to be considered, and the officers eligible for consideration shall be given to the service at large.
Each officer eligible for consideration by a selection board convened under section 2106 of this title may send a communication through official channels to the board, to arrive not later than the date the board convenes, inviting attention to any matter of record in the armed forces concerning such officer. A communication sent under this section may not criticize any officer or reflect upon the character, conduct, or motive of any officer.
Each member of a selection board shall swear—
that the member will, without prejudice or partiality, and having in view both the special fitness of officers and the efficiency of the Coast Guard, perform the duties imposed upon the member; and
an oath in accordance with section 931.
Before convening a board under section 2106 of this title to recommend officers for promotion to any grade, the Secretary shall determine the total number of officers to be selected for promotion to that grade. This number shall be equal to the number of vacancies existing in the grade, plus the number of additional vacancies estimated for the next twelve months, less the number of officers on the selection list for the grade.
Before convening a selection board to recommend officers for promotion to any grade above lieutenant (junior grade) and below rear admiral (lower half), the Secretary shall establish a promotion zone for the grade to be considered. The promotion zone for each grade shall consist of the most senior officers of that grade on the active duty promotion list who are eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade and who have not previously been placed in a promotion zone for selection for promotion to the next higher grade. The number of officers in each zone shall be determined after considering—
However, such number of officers shall not exceed the number to be selected for promotion divided by one-half.
the needs of the service;
the estimated numbers of vacancies available in future years to provide comparable opportunity for promotion of officers in successive year groups; and
the extent to which current terms of service in that grade conform to a desirable career promotion pattern.
Promotion zones from which officers will be selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half) shall be established by the Secretary as the needs of the service require.
For the purposes of this chapter, “promotion year” means the period which commences on July 1 of each year and ends on June 30 of the following year.
An officer on the active duty promotion list becomes eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade at the beginning of the promotion year in which he completes the following amount of service computed from his date of rank in the grade in which he is serving:
two years in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade);
three years in the grade of lieutenant;
four years in the grade of lieutenant commander;
four years in the grade of commander; and
three years in the grade of captain.
For the purpose of this section, service in a grade includes all qualifying service in that grade or a higher grade, under either a temporary or permanent appointment. However, service in a grade under a temporary service appointment under section 2125 of this title is considered as service only in the grade that the officer concerned would have held had he not been so appointed.
No officer may become eligible for consideration for promotion until all officers of his grade senior to him are so eligible.
Except when his name is on a list of selectees, each officer who becomes eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade remains eligible so long as he—
continues on active duty; and
is not promoted to that grade.
An officer whose involuntary retirement or separation is deferred under section 2156 of this title is not eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade during the period of that deferment.
The Secretary may waive subsection (a) to the extent necessary to allow officers described therein to have at least two opportunities for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade as officers below the promotion zone.
Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Commandant may provide that an officer may, upon the officer’s request and with the approval of the Commandant, be excluded from consideration by a selection board convened under section 2106.
The Commandant shall approve a request under paragraph (1) only if—
the basis for the request is to allow the officer to complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another assignment of significant value to the Coast Guard, a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment or education, or a qualifying personal or professional circumstance, as determined by the Commandant;
the Commandant determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the Coast Guard; and
the officer has not previously failed of selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration.
Commissioned officers may be appointed as United States Deputy Marshals in Alaska.
The Secretary shall furnish the appropriate selection board convened under section 2106 of this title with—
the number of officers that the board may recommend for promotion to the next higher grade;
the names and records of all officers who are eligible for consideration for promotion to the grade to which the board will recommend officers for promotion; and
in the case of an eligible officer considered for promotion to a rank above lieutenant, any credible information of an adverse nature, including any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion from an officially documented investigation or inquiry and any information placed in the personnel service record of the officer under section 1745(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), shall be furnished to the selection board in accordance with standards and procedures set out in the regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
In addition to the information provided pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary may furnish the selection board—
specific direction relating to the needs of the Coast Guard for officers having particular skills, including direction relating to the need for a minimum number of officers with particular skills within a specialty; and
any other guidance that the Secretary believes may be necessary to enable the board to properly perform its functions.
Selections made based on the direction and guidance provided under this subsection shall not exceed the maximum percentage of officers who may be selected from below the announced promotion zone at any given selection board convened under section 2106 of this title.
A selection board convened to recommend officers for promotion shall recommend those eligible officers whom the board, giving due consideration to the needs of the Coast Guard for officers with particular skills so noted in specific direction furnished to the board by the Secretary under section 2115 of this title, considers best qualified of the officers under consideration for promotion. No officer may be recommended for promotion unless he receives the recommendation of at least a majority of the members of a board composed of five members, or at least two-thirds of the members of a board composed of more than five members.
The number of officers that a board convened under section 2106 of this title may recommend for promotion to a grade below rear admiral (lower half) from among eligible officers junior in rank to the junior officer in the appropriate promotion zone may not exceed—
unless such percentage is a number less than one, in which case the board may recommend one such officer for promotion.
5 percent of the total number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion to the grade of lieutenant or lieutenant commander;
7½ percent of the total number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion to the grade of commander; and
10 percent of the total number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion to the grade of captain;
In selecting the officers to be recommended for promotion, a selection board may recommend officers of particular merit, from among those officers chosen for promotion, to be placed at the top of the list of selectees promulgated by the Secretary under section 2121(a) of this title. The number of officers that a board may recommend to be placed at the top of the list of selectees may not exceed three times the percentages set forth in subsection (b) unless such a percentage is a number less than one, in which case the board may recommend one officer for such placement. No officer may be recommended to be placed at the top of the list of selectees unless he or she receives the recommendation of at least a majority of the members of a board composed of five members, or at least two-thirds of the members of a board composed of more than five members.
The Secretary shall conduct a survey of the Coast Guard officer corps to determine if implementation of this subsection will improve Coast Guard officer retention. A selection board may not make any recommendation under this subsection before the date on which the Secretary publishes a finding, based upon the results of the survey, that implementation of this subsection will improve Coast Guard officer retention.
The Secretary shall submit any finding made by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
Each board convened under section 2106 of this title shall submit a report in writing, signed by all the members thereof, containing the names of the officers recommended for promotion and the names of those officers recommended to be advanced to the top of the list of selectees established by the Secretary under section 2121(a) of this title.
A board convened under section 2106 of this title shall certify that, in the opinion of at least a majority of the members if the board has five members, or in the opinion of at least two-thirds of the members if the board has more than five members, the officers recommended for promotion are the best qualified for promotion to meet the needs of the service (as noted in specific direction furnished the board by the Secretary under section 2115 of this title) of those officers whose names have been furnished to the board.
A board convened under section 2106 of this title shall submit its report to the Secretary. If the board has acted contrary to law or regulation, the Secretary may return the report for proceedings in revision and resubmission to the Secretary. After his final review, the Secretary shall submit the report of the board to the President for his approval, modification, or disapproval.
If any officer recommended for promotion is not acceptable to the President, the President may remove the name of that officer from the report of the board.
Upon approval by the President the names of officers selected for promotion by a board convened under section 2106 of this title shall be promptly disseminated to the service at large.
Except as required by this section, the proceedings of a selection board, including a special selection board convened under section 2120, shall not be disclosed to any individual who is not a member of the board.
If the Secretary makes a recommendation under this section that the name of an officer be removed from a report of a selection board and the recommendation is accompanied by information that was not presented to that selection board, that information shall be made available to that officer. The officer shall then be afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit comments on that information to the officials making the recommendation and the officials reviewing the recommendation. If an eligible officer cannot be given access to such information because of its classification status, the officer shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be provided with an appropriate summary of the information.
Pub. L. 112–213, title II, § 208(e)(1), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1549, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [enacting section 263 of this title and amending this section and section 262 of this title ] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 20, 2012 ] and the Secretary may convene a special selection board on or after that date under section 263 [now 2120] of title 14, United States Code, with respect to any error or other action for which such a board may be convened if that error or other action occurred on or after the date that is 1 year before the date of enactment of this Act.”
Authority of President under subsecs. (a) and (b) of this section to approve, modify, or disapprove the report of a selection board, and to remove a name of an officer from a selection board report, respectively, delegated to Secretary of Homeland Security by Ex. Ord. No. 14106, § 1(a), (b), Aug. 14, 2023, 88 F.R. 55905, set out in a note under section 2101 of this title.
An officer, other than an officer serving in the grade of captain, who is, or is senior to, the junior officer in the promotion zone established for his grade under section 2111 of this title , fails of selection if he is not selected for promotion by the selection board which considered him, or if having been recommended for promotion by the board, his name is thereafter removed from the report of the board by the President.
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–213 effective Dec. 20, 2012, with provision for convening a special selection board for certain errors occurring on or after the date that is 1 year before Dec. 20, 2012, see section 208(e)(1) of Pub. L. 112–213, set out as a note under section 2118 of this title.
Pub. L. 88–130, § 2(a), (b), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 190, provided that:
“(a) Officers who have been placed permanently out of line of promotion under laws and regulations of the Secretary in effect the day before the effective date of this Act [ Sept. 24, 1963 ] shall be considered as having failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade for the second time on the day before the effective date of this Act, and shall be subject to the provisions of sections 282 through 285 [now 2142 through 2145] of title 14, United States Code, as appropriate. No officer shall be separated from the service under the above provisions prior to the last day of the sixth calendar month following the effective date of this Act. “(b) Officers who have been placed temporarily out of line of promotion for appointment for temporary service under laws and regulations of the Secretary in effect the day before the effective date of this Act [ Sept. 24, 1963 ] shall be considered as having once failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade.”
If the Secretary determines that as the result of an administrative error—
the Secretary shall convene a special selection board to determine whether such officer or former officer should be recommended for promotion and such officer or former officer shall not be considered to have failed of selection for promotion prior to the consideration of the special selection board.
an officer or former officer was not considered for selection for promotion by a selection board convened under section 2106; or
the name of an officer or former officer was not placed on an all-fully-qualified-officers list;
If a special selection board convened under paragraph (1) does not recommend for promotion an officer or former officer, whose grade is below the grade of captain and whose name was referred to that board for consideration, the officer or former officer shall be considered to have failed of selection for promotion.
In the case of an officer or former officer who was eligible for promotion, was considered for selection for promotion by a selection board convened under section 2106, and was not selected for promotion by that board, the Secretary may convene a special selection board to determine whether the officer or former officer should be recommended for promotion, if the Secretary determines that—
an action of the selection board that considered the officer or former officer—
was contrary to law in a matter material to the decision of the board; or
involved material error of fact or material administrative error; or
the selection board that considered the officer or former officer did not have before it for consideration material information.
If a special selection board convened under paragraph (1) does not recommend for promotion an officer or former officer, whose grade is that of commander or below and whose name was referred to that board for consideration, the officer or former officer shall be considered—
to have failed of selection for promotion with respect to the board that considered the officer or former officer prior to the consideration of the special selection board; and
to incur no additional failure of selection for promotion as a result of the action of the special selection board.
Each special selection board convened under this section shall—
be composed in accordance with section 2107 and the members of the board shall be required to swear the oaths described in section 2109;
consider the record of an applicable officer or former officer as that record, if corrected, would have appeared to the selection board that should have considered or did consider the officer or former officer prior to the consideration of the special selection board and that record shall be compared with a sampling of the records of—
those officers of the same grade who were recommended for promotion by such prior selection board; and
those officers of the same grade who were not recommended for promotion by such prior selection board; and
An officer or former officer whose name is placed on a promotion list as a result of the recommendation of a special selection board convened under this section shall be appointed, as soon as practicable, to the next higher grade in accordance with the law and policies that would have been applicable to the officer or former officer had the officer or former officer been recommended for promotion by the selection board that should have considered or did consider the officer or former officer prior to the consideration of the special selection board.
An officer or former officer who is promoted to the next higher grade as a result of the recommendation of a special selection board convened under this section shall have, upon such promotion, the same date of rank, the same effective date for the pay and allowances of that grade, and the same position on the active duty promotion list as the officer or former officer would have had if the officer or former officer had been recommended for promotion to that grade by the selection board that should have considered or did consider the officer or former officer prior to the consideration of the special selection board.
If the report of a special selection board convened under this section, as approved by the President, recommends for promotion to the next higher grade an officer not eligible for promotion or a former officer whose name was referred to the board for consideration, the Secretary may act under section 1552 of title 10 to correct the military record of the officer or former officer to correct an error or remove an injustice resulting from the officer or former officer not being selected for promotion by the selection board that should have considered or did consider the officer or former officer prior to the consideration of the special selection board.
The Secretary shall issue regulations regarding the process by which an officer or former officer may apply to have a matter considered by a special selection board convened under this section, including time limits related to such applications.
No official or court of the United States shall have authority or jurisdiction over any claim based in any way on the failure of an officer or former officer to be selected for promotion by a selection board convened under section 2106, until—
the claim has been referred to a special selection board convened under this section and acted upon by that board; or
the claim has been rejected by the Secretary without consideration by a special selection board convened under this section.
A court of the United States may review—
a decision of the Secretary not to convene a special selection board under this section to determine if the court finds that the decision of the Secretary was arbitrary or capricious, not based on substantial evidence, or otherwise contrary to law; and
an action of a special selection board under this section to determine if the court finds that the action of the special selection board was contrary to law or involved material error of fact or material administrative error.
If, with respect to a review under paragraph (1), a court makes a finding described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of that paragraph, the court shall remand the case to the Secretary and the Secretary shall provide the applicable officer or former officer consideration by a new special selection board convened under this section.
The Secretary may designate a selection board convened under section 2106 as a special selection board convened under this section. A selection board so designated may function in the capacity of a selection board convened under section 2106 and a special selection board convened under this section.
Section effective Dec. 20, 2012, with provision for convening a special selection board for certain errors occurring on or after the date that is 1 year before Dec. 20, 2012, see section 208(e)(1) of Pub. L. 112–213, set out as an Effective Date of 2012 Amendment note under section 2118 of this title.
If the Secretary determines that a person recommended by a promotion board for promotion to a grade at or below the grade of rear admiral is the subject of credible information of an adverse nature, including any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion described in section 2115(a)(3) of this title that was not furnished to the promotion board during its consideration of the person for promotion as otherwise required by such section, the Secretary shall convene a special selection review board under this section to review the person and recommend whether the recommendation for promotion of the person should be sustained.
If a person and the recommendation for promotion of the person is subject to review under this section by a special selection review board convened under this section, the name of the person—
shall not be disseminated or publicly released on the list of officers recommended for promotion by the promotion board recommending the promotion of the person; and
shall not be forwarded to the President or the Senate, as applicable, or included on a promotion list under section 2121 of this title.
Any special selection review board convened under this section shall be convened in accordance with the provisions of section 2120(c) of this title.
Any special selection review board convened under this section may review such number of persons, and recommendations for promotion of such persons, as the Secretary shall specify in convening such special selection review board.
In reviewing a person and recommending whether the recommendation for promotion of the person should be sustained under this section, a special selection review board convened under this section shall be furnished and consider the following:
The record and information concerning the person furnished in accordance with section 2115 of this title to the promotion board that recommended the person for promotion.
Any credible information of an adverse nature on the person, including any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion from an officially documented investigation or inquiry described in section 2115(a)(3) of this title.
The furnishing of information to a special selection review board under paragraph (1)(B) shall be governed by the standards and procedures referred to in section 2115 of this title.
Before information on a person described in paragraph (1)(B) is furnished to a special selection review board for purposes of this section, the Secretary shall ensure that—
such information is made available to the person; and
subject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), the person is afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit comments on such information to the special selection review board before its review of the person and the recommendation for promotion of the person under this section.
If information on a person described in paragraph (1)(B) is not made available to the person as otherwise required by subparagraph (A)(i) due to the classification status of such information, the person shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be furnished a summary of such information appropriate to the person’s authorization for access to classified information.
An opportunity to submit comments on information is not required for a person under subparagraph (A)(ii) if—
such information was made available to the person in connection with the furnishing of such information under section 2115(a) of this title to the promotion board that recommended the promotion of the person subject to review under this section; and
the person submitted comments on such information to that promotion board.
The comments on information of a person described in clause (i)(II) shall be furnished to the special selection review board.
A person may waive either or both of the following:
The right to submit comments to a special selection review board under subparagraph (A)(ii).
The furnishing of comments to a special selection review board under subparagraph (C)(ii).
In considering the record and information on a person under this section, the special selection review board shall compare such record and information with an appropriate sampling of the records of those officers who were recommended for promotion by the promotion board that recommended the person for promotion, and an appropriate sampling of the records of those officers who were considered by and not recommended for promotion by that promotion board.
Records and information shall be presented to a special selection review board for purposes of paragraph (1) in a manner that does not indicate or disclose the person or persons for whom the special selection review board was convened.
In considering whether the recommendation for promotion of a person should be sustained under this section, a special selection review board shall, to the greatest extent practicable, apply standards used by the promotion board that recommended the person for promotion.
The recommendation for promotion of a person may be sustained under this section only if the special selection review board determines that the person—
ranks on an order of merit created by the special selection review board as better qualified for promotion than the sample officer highest on the order of merit list who was considered by and not recommended for promotion by the promotion board concerned; and
is comparable in qualification for promotion to those sample officers who were recommended for promotion by that promotion board.
A recommendation for promotion of a person may be sustained under this section only by a vote of a majority of the members of the special selection review board.
If a special selection review board does not sustain a recommendation for promotion of a person under this section, the person shall be considered to have failed of selection for promotion.
Each special selection review board convened under this section shall submit to the Secretary a written report, signed by each member of the board, containing the name of each person whose recommendation for promotion it recommends for sustainment and certifying that the board has carefully considered the record and information of each person whose name was referred to it.
If the report of a special selection review board convened under this section recommends the sustainment of the recommendation for promotion to the next higher grade of a person whose name was referred to it for review under this section, and the President approves the report, the person shall, as soon as practicable, be appointed to that grade in accordance with section 2121 of this title.
A person who is appointed to the next higher grade as described in paragraph (1) shall, upon that appointment, have the same date of rank, the same effective date for the pay and allowances of that grade, and the same position on the active-duty list as the person would have had pursuant to the original recommendation for promotion of the promotion board concerned.
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
In this section, the term “promotion board” means a selection board convened by the Secretary under section 2106 of this title.
When the report of a board convened to recommend officers for promotion has been approved by the President, the Secretary shall place the names of all officers selected and approved on a list of selectees in the order of their seniority on the active duty promotion list. The names of all officers approved by the President and recommended by the board to be placed at the top of the list of selectees shall be placed at the top of the list of selectees in the order of seniority on the active duty promotion list.
Officers on the list of selectees may be promoted by appointment in the next higher grade to fill vacancies in the authorized active duty strength of the grade as determined under section 2103 of this title after officers on any previous list of selectees for that grade have been promoted. Officers shall be promoted in the order that their names appear on the list of selectees. The date of rank of an officer promoted under this subsection shall be the date of his appointment in that grade.
An officer serving on active duty in the grade of ensign may, if found fully qualified for promotion in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, be promoted to the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) by appointment after he has completed twelve months’ active service in grade. The date of rank of an officer promoted under this subsection shall be the date of his appointment in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) as specified by the Secretary.
When a vacancy in the grade of rear admiral occurs, the senior rear admiral (lower half) serving on the active duty promotion list shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to fill the vacancy. The appointment shall be effective on the date the vacancy occurred.
Appointments of regular officers under this section shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate except that advice and consent is not required for appointments under this section in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant. Appointments of Reserve officers shall be made as prescribed in section 12203 of title 10.
The promotion of an officer may be delayed without prejudice if any of the following applies:
The officer is under investigation or proceedings of a court-martial or a board of officers are pending against the officer.
A criminal proceeding in a Federal or State court is pending against the officer.
The Secretary determines that credible information of an adverse nature, including a substantiated adverse finding or conclusion described in section 2115(a)(3), with respect to the officer will result in the convening of a special selection review board under section 2120a of this title to review the officer and recommend whether the recommendation for promotion of the officer should be sustained.
Subject to subparagraph (B), a promotion may be delayed under this subsection until, as applicable—
the completion of the investigation or proceedings described in subparagraph (A);
a final decision in the proceeding described in subparagraph (B) is issued; or
the special selection review board convened under section 2120a of this title issues recommendations with respect to the officer.
Unless the Secretary determines that a further delay is necessary in the public interest, a promotion may not be delayed under this subsection for more than one year after the date the officer would otherwise have been promoted.
An officer whose promotion is delayed under this subsection and who is subsequently promoted shall be given the date of rank and position on the active duty promotion list in the grade to which promoted that he would have held had his promotion not been so delayed.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Pub. L. 112–213, title II, § 208(e)(2), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1549, provided that:
“Sections 271, 272, and 273 [now 2121, 2122, and 2123] of title 14, United States Code, apply to the activities of— “(A) a selection board convened under section 251 [now 2106] of such title; and “(B) a special selection board convened under section 263 [now 2120] of such title.”
Pub. L. 97–417, § 4, Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2087, provided that:
“(a) An officer of the Coast Guard who on the day before the effective date of this Act [ Jan. 4, 1983 ]— “(1) was serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral and was receiving the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half; or “(2) was serving on active duty in the grade of admiral or vice admiral, shall after that date hold the permanent grade of rear admiral. “(b) An officer who on the day before the effective date of this Act [ Jan. 4, 1983 ] was serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral and was receiving the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half shall after that date hold the permanent grade of commodore, but shall retain the title of rear admiral. “(c) An officer who on the day before the effective date of this Act [ Jan. 4, 1983 ] was on an approved list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of rear admiral shall, upon promotion, hold the grade of commodore with the title of rear admiral. “(d) An officer who on the day before the effective date of this Act [ Jan. 4, 1983 ]— “(1) was serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral and was entitled to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half; or “(2) was on an approved list of officers recommended for promotion to the grade of rear admiral, shall, on and after the effective date of this Act, or in the case of an officer on such a list, upon promotion to the grade of commodore, be entitled to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral. “(e) An officer of the Coast Guard who on the day before the effective date of this Act [ Jan. 4, 1983 ] held the grade of rear admiral on the retired list retains the grade of rear admiral and is entitled after that date to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral. Such an officer, when ordered to active duty— “(1) holds the grade and has the right to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral; and “(2) ranks among commissioned officers of the Armed Forces as and is entitled to the basic pay of— “(A) a commodore, if his retired pay was based on the basic pay of a rear admiral of the lower half on the day before the effective date of this Act; or “(B) a rear admiral, if his retired pay was based on the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half on the day before the effective date of this Act. “(f) Unless entitled to a higher grade under another provision of law, an officer who on the day before the effective date of this Act [ Jan. 4, 1983 ]— “(1) was serving on active duty, and “(2) held the grade of rear admiral; and who retires on or after the effective date of this Act, retires in the grade of rear admiral and is entitled to wear the uniform and insignia of a rear admiral. If such an officer is ordered to active duty after his retirement, he is considered, for the purposes of determining his pay, uniform, insignia, and rank among other commissioned officers, as having held the grade of rear admiral on the retired list on the day before the effective date of this Act.”
Savings provisions in section 5(a), (b), and (d) of Pub. L. 88–130, protecting officers recommended for promotion or serving in temporary grade higher than permanent grade, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Authority of President under subsec. (e) of this section to appoint officers in the grades of lieutenant (junior grade) and lieutenant delegated to Secretary of Homeland Security by Ex. Ord. No. 14106, § 1(d), Aug. 14, 2023, 88 F.R. 55905, set out in a note under section 2101 of this title.
The President may remove the name of any officer from a list of selectees established under section 2121 of this title.
If the Senate does not consent to the appointment of an officer whose name is on a list of selectees established under section 2121 of this title, that officer’s name shall be removed from this list.
An officer whose name is removed from a list under subsection (a) or (b) continues to be eligible for consideration for promotion. If he is selected for promotion by the next selection board and promoted, he shall be given the date of rank and position on the active duty promotion list in the grade to which promoted that he would have held if his name had not been removed. However, if the officer is not selected by the next selection board or if his name is again removed from the list of selectees, he shall be considered for all purposes as having twice failed of selection for promotion.
An officer who receives an appointment under section 2121 of this title is considered to have accepted his appointment on its effective date, unless he expressly declines the appointment.
An officer who has served continuously since he subscribed to the oath of office prescribed in section 3331 of title 5 is not required to take a new oath upon his appointment in a higher grade.
An officer who is promoted under section 2121 of this title shall be entitled to the pay and allowances of the grade to which promoted from his date of rank in such grade.
In time of war, or of national emergency declared by the President or Congress, the President may suspend any section of this chapter relating to the selection, promotion, or involuntary separation of officers. Such a suspension may not continue beyond six months after the termination of the war or national emergency.
When the preceding sections of this chapter relating to selection and promotion of officers are suspended in accordance with subsection (a), and the needs of the service require, the President may, under regulations prescribed by him, promote to a higher grade any officer serving on active duty in the grade of ensign or above in the Coast Guard.
In time of war, or of national emergency declared by the President or Congress, the President may, under regulations to be prescribed by him, promote to the next higher warrant officer grade any warrant officer serving on active duty in a grade below chief warrant officer, W–4.
Repealed. Pub. L. 97–417, § 2(6), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2085.]
A promotion under this section to a grade above lieutenant may be made only upon the recommendation of a board of officers convened for that purpose.
A promotion under this section shall be made by an appointment for temporary service. Original appointments under this section in the grades of lieutenant commander and above shall be made by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Original appointments under this section in the grades of ensign through lieutenant shall be made by the President alone. Any other appointments under this section shall be made by the President alone.
An appointment under this section, unless expressly declined, is regarded as accepted on the date specified by the Secretary as the date of the appointment, and the officer so promoted is entitled to pay and allowances of the grade to which appointed from that date.
An appointment under this section does not terminate any appointments held by an officer concerned under any other provisions of this title. The President may terminate temporary appointments made under this section at any time. An appointment under this section is effective for such period as the President determines. However, an appointment may not be effective later than six months after the end of the war or national emergency. When his temporary appointment under this section is terminated or expires, the officer shall revert to his former grade.
Not later than six months after the end of the war or national emergency the President shall, under such regulations as he may prescribe, reestablish the active duty promotion list with adjustments and additions appropriate to the conditions of original appointment and wartime service of all officers to be included thereon. The President may, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint officers on the reestablished active duty promotion list to fill vacancies in the authorized active duty strength of each grade. Such appointments shall be considered to have been made under section 2121 of this title.
Officers who are not included on the active duty promotion list may be promoted under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary. These regulations shall, as to officers serving in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components and as to officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section, provide as nearly as practicable, that such officers will be selected and promoted in the same manner and will be afforded equal opportunity for promotion as officers of the corresponding grade on the active duty promotion list.
In time of war or national emergency, the Secretary may order any regular officer on the retired list to active duty.
Any regular officer on the retired list may, with that officer’s consent, be assigned to such duties as that officer may be able to perform.
The number of retired officers on active duty in the grade of lieutenant commander, commander, or captain shall not exceed 2 percent of the authorized number of officers on active duty in each such grade. However, this limitation does not apply to retired officers of these grades recalled to serve as members of courts, boards, panels, surveys, or special projects for periods not to exceed one year.
Aviation cadets who complete their training at approximately the same time are considered for all purposes to have begun their commissioned service on the same date, and the decision of the Secretary in this regard is conclusive.
An officer in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade), lieutenant, lieutenant commander, or commander who is described in subsection (b) may be temporarily promoted to the grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Appointments under this section shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
An officer described in this subsection is any officer in a grade specified in subsection (a) who—
has a skill in which the Coast Guard has a critical shortage of personnel (as determined by the Secretary); and
is serving in a position (as determined by the Secretary) that—
is designated to be held by a lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain; and
requires that an officer serving in such position have the skill possessed by such officer.
The temporary positions authorized under this section shall not be counted among or included in the list of positions on the active duty promotion list.
An appointment under this section does not change the position on the active duty list or the permanent, probationary, or acting status of the officer so appointed, prejudice the officer in regard to other promotions or appointments, or abridge the rights or benefits of the officer.
A temporary promotion under this section may be made only upon the recommendation of a board of officers convened by the Secretary for the purpose of recommending officers for such promotions.
Each appointment under this section, unless expressly declined, is, without formal acceptance, regarded as accepted on the date such appointment is made, and a member so appointed is entitled to the pay and allowances of the grade of the temporary promotion under this section beginning on the date the appointment is made.
Unless sooner terminated, an appointment under this section terminates—
on the date the officer who received the appointment is promoted to the permanent grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain;
on the date the officer is detached from a position described in subsection (b)(2), unless the officer is on a promotion list to the permanent grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain, in which case the appointment terminates on the date the officer is promoted to that grade;
when the appointment officer determines that the officer who received the appointment has engaged in misconduct or has displayed substandard performance; or
when otherwise determined by the Commandant to be in the best interests of the Coast Guard.
An appointment under this section may only be made for service in a position designated by the Secretary for the purposes of this section. The number of positions so designated may not exceed the following percentages of the respective grades:
As lieutenant, 0.5 percent.
As lieutenant commander, 3.0 percent.
As commander, 2.6 percent.
As captain, 2.6 percent.
There is authorized within the Coast Guard a college student pre-commissioning initiative program (in this section referred to as the “Program” ) for eligible undergraduate students to enlist and receive a guaranteed commission as an officer in the Coast Guard.
To be eligible for the Program a student must meet the following requirements upon submitting an application:
A student must be not less than 19 years old and not more than 27 years old as of September 30 of the fiscal year in which the Program selection panel selecting such student convenes.
All applicants must be of outstanding moral character and meet other character requirements as set forth by the Commandant.
An applicant serving in the Coast Guard may not be commissioned if in the 36 months prior to the first Officer Candidate School class convening date in the selection cycle, such applicant was convicted by a court-martial or awarded nonjudicial punishment, or did not meet performance or character requirements set forth by the Commandant.
A student must be a United States citizen.
A student must be eligible for a secret clearance.
A student may not have more than 2 dependents.
A student who is single may not have sole or primary custody of dependents.
A student must be an undergraduate sophomore or junior—
an undergraduate sophomore or junior enrolled at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that, at the time of application of the sophomore or junior, has had for 3 consecutive years an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students (as defined in section 312(e) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1058(e))) that is a total of at least 50 percent Black American, Hispanic, Asian American (as defined in section 371(c) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1067q(c))), Native American Pacific Islander (as defined in such section), or Native American (as defined in such section), among other criteria, as determined by the Commandant.
The institution at which such student is an undergraduate must be within 100 miles of a Coast guard 1 unit or Coast Guard Recruiting Office unless otherwise approved by the Commandant.
A student must meet credit and grade point average requirements set forth by the Commandant.
A student must meet other medical and administrative requirements as set forth by the Commandant.
Individuals selected and accept to participate in the Program shall enlist in the Coast Guard in pay grade E–3 with a 4-year duty obligation and 4-year inactive Reserve obligation.
Individuals enrolled in the Program shall participate in military activities each month, as required by the Commandant, prior to attending Officer Candidate School.
Each graduate of the Program shall attend the first enrollment of Officer Candidate School that commences after the date of such graduate’s graduation.
Upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, Program graduates shall be discharged from enlisted status and commissioned as an O–1 with an initial 3-year duty obligation.
Not later than August 15 of each year, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the Program.
The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall describe—
outreach and recruitment efforts over the previous year; and
demographic information of enrollees including—
race;
ethnicity;
gender;
geographic origin; and
educational institution.
The Secretary may designate a limited number of officers of the Coast Guard as having particular expertise in—
military justice; or
healthcare.
An individual designated under this section—
shall not be included on the active duty promotion list;
shall be promoted under section 2126; and
may not be promoted to a grade higher than captain.
SUBCHAPTER II— DISCHARGES; RETIREMENTS; REVOCATION OF COMMISSIONS; SEPARATION FOR CAUSE
The Secretary, under such regulations as he may prescribe, may revoke the commission of any regular officer on active duty who, at the date of such revocation, has had less than five years of continuous service as a commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard.
Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 2101 of this title who is serving in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) and who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of lieutenant for the second time, shall:
be honorably discharged on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs; or
if he so requests, be honorably discharged at an earlier date without loss of benefits that would accrue if he were discharged on that date under clause (1); or
if, on the date specified for his discharge in this section, he is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired on that date.
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 2101 of this title who is serving in the grade of lieutenant and who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of lieutenant commander for the second time shall:
be honorably discharged on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs; or
if he so requests, be honorably discharged at an earlier date without loss of benefits that would accrue if he were discharged on that date under clause (1); or
if, on the date specified for his discharge in this section, he has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired on that date; or
if, on the date specified for his discharge in clause (1), he has completed at least eighteen years of active service, be retained on active duty and retired on the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service, unless earlier removed under another provision of law.
When the needs of the service require, the Secretary may direct a selection board, which has been convened under section 2106 of this title, to recommend for continuation on active duty for terms of not less than two nor more than four years a designated number of officers of the grade of lieutenant who would otherwise be discharged or retired under this section. When so directed, the board shall recommend for continuation on active duty those officers under consideration who are, in the opinion of the board, best qualified for continuation. Each officer so recommended may, with the approval of the Secretary, and notwithstanding subsection (a), be continued on active duty for the term recommended.
Upon the completion of a term under paragraph (1), an officer shall, unless selected for further continuation—
except as provided in subparagraph (B), be honorably discharged with separation pay computed under section 2146 of this title;
in the case of an officer who has completed at least 18 years of active service on the date of discharge under subparagraph (A), be retained on active duty and retired on the last day of the month in which the officer completes 20 years of active service, unless earlier removed under another provision of law; or
if, on the date specified for the officer’s discharge under this section, the officer has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired on that date.
Each officer who has been continued on active duty under subsection (b) shall, unless earlier removed from active duty, be retired on the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service.
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–295 effective 4 years after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 416(c) of Pub. L. 107–295, set out as a note under section 2146 of this title.
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard appointed under section 2104 of this title who is serving in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant and who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of lieutenant or lieutenant commander, respectively, for the second time shall:
be honorably discharged on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs; or
if he so requests, be honorably discharged at an earlier date without loss of benefits that would accrue if he were discharged on that date under clause (1); or
if on the date specified for his discharge in this section he is eligible for retirement under any law, be retired under that law on that date.
Each officer subject to discharge or retirement under subsection (a) may elect to revert to his permanent grade.
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard serving in the grade of lieutenant commander or commander, who has failed of selection for promotion to the grade of commander or captain, respectively, for the second time shall:
if he has completed at least 20 years of active service or is eligible for retirement under any law on June 30 of the promotion year in which his second failure of selection occurs, be retired on that date; or
if ineligible for retirement on the date specified in clause (1) be retained on active duty and retired on the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service, unless earlier removed under another provision of law.
A lieutenant commander or commander of the Regular Coast Guard subject to discharge or retirement under subsection (a) may be continued on active duty when the Secretary directs a selection board convened under section 2106 of this title to continue up to a specified number of lieutenant commanders or commanders on active duty. When so directed, the selection board shall recommend those officers who in the opinion of the board are best qualified to advance the needs and efficiency of the Coast Guard. When the recommendations of the board are approved by the Secretary, the officers recommended for continuation shall be notified that they have been recommended for continuation and offered an additional term of service that fulfills the needs of the Coast Guard.
An officer who holds the grade of lieutenant commander of the Regular Coast Guard may not be continued on active duty under subsection (b) for a period that extends beyond 24 years of active commissioned service unless promoted to the grade of commander of the Regular Coast Guard. An officer who holds the grade of commander of the Regular Coast Guard may not be continued on active duty under subsection (b) for a period that extends beyond 26 years of active commissioned service unless promoted to the grade of captain of the Regular Coast Guard.
Unless retired or discharged under another provision of law, each officer who is continued on active duty under subsection (b) but is not subsequently promoted or continued on active duty, and is not on a list of officers recommended for continuation or for promotion to the next higher grade, shall, if eligible for retirement under any provision of law, be retired under that law on the first day of the first month following the month in which the period of continued service is completed.
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Savings provisions in section 5(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that notwithstanding section 1431 of Title 10, Armed Forces, an election, change or revocation thereof affecting an annuity, by an officer retired under this section, is effective if made prior to the first day of the third month following September 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Each officer who is retained on active duty under section 2143(a)(4), 2143(b), or 2145 of this title may, if he so requests, with the approval of the Secretary, be honorably discharged at any time prior to the date otherwise specified for his retirement or discharge.
An officer of the Regular Coast Guard who is discharged under this section or section 2142, 2143, or 2144 of this title and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge or release is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of section 1174 of title 10.
An officer of the Regular Coast Guard who is discharged under section 2164 of this title and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge or release is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2) of section 1174 of title 10 as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), an officer discharged under this chapter for twice failing of selection for promotion to the next higher grade is not entitled to separation pay under this section if the officer requested in writing or otherwise sought not to be selected for promotion, or requested removal from the list of selectees.
Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, § 416(c), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2122, provided that:
“The amendments made by paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a) [amending this section and sections 283, 286a, and 327 of this title] shall take effect 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act [ Nov. 25, 2002 ], except that subsection (d) of section 286 [now 2146] of title 14, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this section, shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to conduct on or after that date. The amendments made to the table of sections of [former] chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, by paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (b) of this section shall take effect 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act.”
A regular warrant officer of the Coast Guard who is discharged under section 580 of title 10, and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) of section 1174 of title 10.
A regular warrant officer of the Coast Guard who is discharged under section 1165 or 1166 of title 10, and has completed 6 or more, but less than 20, continuous years of active service immediately before that discharge is entitled to separation pay computed under subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2) of section 1174 of title 10, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
In determining a member’s years of active service for the purpose of computing separation pay under this section, each full month of service that is in addition to the number of full years of service creditable to the member is counted as one-twelfth of a year and any remaining fractional part of a month is disregarded.
The acceptance of separation pay under this section does not deprive an individual of any retirement benefits from the United States. However, there shall be deducted from each of his retirement payments so much thereof as is based on the service for which he has received separation pay under this section, until the total deductions equal the amount of such separation pay.
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–295 effective 4 years after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 416(c) of Pub. L. 107–295, set out as a note under section 2146 of this title.
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.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 521 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Section effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
For provisions to prevent extinction or premature termination of rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed or were begun prior to the effective date of Pub. L. 96–513, and otherwise to allow for an orderly transition to the system of officer personnel management put in place under Pub. L. 96–513, see section 601 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 611 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
If, under section 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, 2150, or 2151 of this title, the discharge or retirement of any officer would be required less than six months following approval of the report of the board which considered but did not select him for promotion or continuation, the discharge or retirement of such officer shall be deferred until the last day of the sixth calendar month after such approval.
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.
Each officer of the Regular Coast Guard serving in the grade of captain whose name is not carried on an approved list of officers selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half) shall, unless retired under some other provision of law, be retired on June 30 of the promotion year in which he, or any captain junior to him on the active duty promotion list who has not lost numbers or precedence, completes thirty years of active commissioned service in the Coast Guard. An officer advanced in precedence on the active duty promotion list because of his promotion resulting from selection for promotion from below the zone, or from being placed at the top of the list of selectees promulgated by the Secretary under section 2121(a) of this title, is not subject to involuntary retirement under this section earlier than if he had not been selected from below the zone or placed at the top of the list of selectees, as applicable.
Retired pay computed under section 2504(a) of this title of an officer retired under this section shall not be less than 50 percent of the basic pay upon which the computation of his retired pay is based.
Amendment by Pub. L. 93–283 effective Sept. 24, 1963, see section 2 of Pub. L. 93–283, set out as a note under section 2104 of this title.
Savings provisions in section 5(f)–(h) of Pub. L. 88–130 relating to retirement, retirement pay, and election, change or revocation of election of an annuity, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
The Secretary may, whenever the needs of the service require, but not more often than annually, convene a board consisting of not less than six officers of the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or rear admiral to recommend for continuation on active duty officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of captain, who during the promotion year in which the board meets will complete at least three years’ service in that grade and who have not been selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Officers who are subject to retirement under section 2149 of this title during the promotion year in which the board meets shall not be considered by this board.
Whenever he convenes a board under this section, the Secretary shall establish a continuation zone. The zone shall consist of the most senior captains eligible for consideration for continuation on active duty who have not previously been placed in a continuation zone under this section. The Secretary shall, based upon the needs of the service, prescribe the number of captains to be included in the zone.
Based on the needs of the service the Secretary shall furnish the board with the number of officers that may be recommended for continuation on active duty. This number shall be no less than 50 percent of the number considered. The board shall select from the designated continuation zone, in the number directed by the Secretary, those officers who are, in the opinion of the board, best qualified for continuation on active duty.
The provisions of sections 2108, 2109, 2115, and 2117 of this title relating to selection for promotion shall, to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, apply to boards convened under this section.
The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the detailed procedures whereby officers in a continuation zone will be selected for continuation on active duty.
A board convened under this section shall submit its report to the Secretary. If the board has acted contrary to law or regulation, the Secretary may return the report for proceedings in revision and resubmission to the Secretary. After his final review the Secretary shall submit the report of the board to the President for his approval. Except as required by the procedures of this section, the proceedings of the board shall not be disclosed to any individual who is not a member of the board.
Each officer who is considered but not recommended for continuation on active duty under the provisions of this section shall, unless retired under some other provision of law, be retired on June 30 of the promotion year in which the report of the continuation board convened under this section is approved, or the last day of the month in which he completes twenty years of active service, whichever is later.
Notwithstanding subsection (g) and section 2149 of this title, the Commandant may by annual action retain on active duty from promotion year to promotion year any officer who would otherwise be retired under subsection (g) or section 2149 of this title. An officer so retained, unless retired under some other provision of law, shall be retired on June 30 of that promotion year in which no action is taken to further retain the officer under this subsection.
Pub. L. 88–130, § 6, Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 193, provided that:
“Section 289 [now 2150] of title 14, United States Code, as enacted by section 1(10)(C) of this Act [see section 5(a) of Pub. L. 88–130 , set out as a note under section 2101 of this title ], becomes effective three years after the effective date of this Act [ Sept. 24, 1963 ], or on July 1, 1966 , whichever is later.”
Pub. L. 88–130, § 2(c), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 191, provided that:
“Officers who, prior to the effective date of this Act [ Sept. 24, 1963 ], were considered but not selected for retention on active duty under the provisions of [former] section 248, title 14, United States Code, shall remain subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of that section.”
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Authority of President under subsec. (f) of this section to approve the report of a board convened to recommend for continuation on active duty officers serving in the grade of captain delegated to Secretary of Homeland Security by Ex. Ord. No. 14106, § 1(f), Aug. 14, 2023, 88 F.R. 55905, set out in a note under section 2101 of this title.
The Secretary shall from time to time convene boards to recommend for continuation on active duty the most senior officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or rear admiral who have not previously been considered for continuation in that grade. Officers serving for the time being or who have served in or above the grade of vice admiral are not subject to consideration for continuation under this subsection, and as to all other provisions of this section shall be considered as having been continued at the grade of rear admiral. A board shall consist of at least 5 officers (other than the Commandant) serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral or as rear admirals previously continued. Boards shall be convened frequently enough to assure that each officer serving in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or rear admiral is subject to consideration for continuation during a promotion year in which that officer completes not less than four or more than five years combined service in the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral.
The Secretary shall, based upon the needs of the service, furnish each board convened under this section with the number of officers to be considered for continuation on active duty. The number that may be recommended for continuation shall be not less than 50 per centum or more than 75 per centum of the number of officers being considered for continuation.
The provisions of sections 2108, 2109, 2115, and 2117 of this title relating to selection and continuation boards shall to the extent they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, apply to boards convened under this section.
A board convened under this section shall submit its report to the Secretary. If the board has acted contrary to law or regulation, the Secretary may return the report for proceedings in revision and resubmission to the Secretary. After final review the Secretary shall submit the report of the board to the President for approval.
Each officer who is considered but not continued on active duty under the provisions of this section shall, unless retired under some other provision of law, be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which the report of the continuation board convened under this section is approved.
Unless retired under another provision of law, each officer who is continued on active duty under this section shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which that officer completes seven years of combined service in the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral, unless that officer is selected for or serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral or the position of Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy.
The Commandant, with the approval of the Secretary, may by annual action retain on active duty from promotion year to promotion year any officer who would otherwise be retired under paragraph (1). Unless selected for or serving in the grade of admiral or vice admiral or the position of Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, or retired under another provision of law, an officer so retained shall be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which no action is taken to further retain that officer under this paragraph.
Unless retired under another provision of law, an officer subject to this section shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which that officer completes a total of thirty-six years of active commissioned service unless selected for or serving in the grade of admiral.
The Commandant, with the approval of the Secretary, may by annual action retain on active duty from promotion year to promotion year any officer who would otherwise be retired under paragraph (1). Unless selected for or serving in the grade of admiral or retired under another provision of law, an officer so retained shall be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which no action is taken to further retain that officer under this paragraph.
Pub. L. 92–451, § 3, Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 757, provided that:
“This Act [enacting sections 50 and 51 of this title, and amending this section, sections 41, 42, 44, 47, and 287 of this title, and section 202 of Title 37 , Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] is effective upon enactment [ Oct. 2, 1972 ] except that continuation boards, pursuant to subsection (a) of section 290 [now 2151] of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act [subsec. (a) of this section], may not be held until one year following enactment hereof [ Oct. 2, 1972 ]. During the period of one year following enactment hereof the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall convene a board consisting of not less than three Coast Guard officers serving in the grade of vice admiral to recommend for continuation on active duty Coast Guard officers on the active duty promotion list serving in the grade of rear admiral, who during the fiscal year in which the board meets will complete not less than five years’ service in that grade. Subsections (b) through (g) of section 290 [now 2151] and other sections of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act [sections 41, 42, 44, 47, 50, 51, and 287 of this title], apply to continuation board action taken pursuant to this section. No officer who is entitled to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half may have his basic pay reduced because of the reduction which results from this Act in the number of officers entitled to the basic pay of a rear admiral of the upper half.”
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Any regular commissioned officer who has completed twenty years’ active service in the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or the Reserve components thereof, including active duty for training, at least ten years of which shall have been active commissioned service, may, upon his own application, in the discretion of the President, be retired from active service.
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Any regular commissioned officer who has completed thirty years’ service may, upon his own application, in the discretion of the Secretary, be retired from active service. 1 1 See 1986 Amendment note below.
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130, providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Any regular commissioned officer, except a commissioned warrant officer, serving in a grade below rear admiral (lower half) shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 62 years of age.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), any regular commissioned officer serving in a grade of rear admiral (lower half) or above shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 64 years of age.
The retirement of an officer under paragraph (1) may be deferred—
by the President, but such a deferment may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 68 years of age; or
by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, but such a deferment may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 66 years of age.
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation under subsection (a) of a health professions officer if, during the period of the deferment, the health professions officer will be performing duties that consist primarily of providing patient care or performing other clinical duties.
A deferment under this subsection may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the health professions officer concerned becomes 68 years of age.
The Secretary may designate as health professions officers a category of members of the Coast Guard whose duties consist primarily of—
providing health care;
performing other clinical care, including radiology, specialty care, behavioral health care, pharmacy care, medical laboratory, or testing; or
performing health care-related administrative duties.
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit or modify the application of any provision relating to mandatory separation or disciplinary action.
In this subsection, the term “health professions officer” means an officer or enlisted member of the Coast Guard in good standing who is—
a physician, surgeon, medical specialist, nurse or nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, health service technician, therapist, fully licensed clinical psychotherapist, counselor, social worker, medical assistant, radiology assistant, pharmacist, pharmacy assistant, nutritionist, dietitian, any administrative personnel associated with a Coast Guard medical program (including a clinic), personnel who works in a medical laboratory, physical therapist, physical therapist aide, occupational therapist, or occupational therapist aide;
a dentist, dental assistant, oral surgeon, or any other dental-related personnel; or
a member of a category designated by the Secretary under paragraph (3).
An officer whose name appears on an approved list of officers selected for promotion to the next higher grade and who is retired for physical disability under the provisions of chapter 61 of title 10 prior to being promoted shall be retired in the grade to which he was selected for promotion.
Savings provisions in section 5(g) of Pub. L. 88–130 providing that Pub. L. 88–130 does not affect the retired pay of anyone retired on or prior to Sept. 24, 1963, are set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.
Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation of a commissioned officer, other than a commissioned warrant officer, if the evaluation of the physical condition of the officer and determination of the officer’s entitlement to retirement or separation for physical disability require hospitalization, medical observation, or other physical disability processing that cannot be completed before the date on which the officer would otherwise be retired or separated.
A deferment under subsection (a)—
may only be made with the consent of the officer involved; and
if the Secretary receives written notice from the officer withdrawing that consent, shall end not later than the end of the sixty-day period beginning on the date the Secretary receives that notice.
During any period in which the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, section 1216(d) of title 10 does not apply with respect to flag officers of the Coast Guard.
The Secretary shall prescribe, by regulation, procedures to review the record of any officer of the Regular Coast Guard to determine whether he shall be required to show cause for his retention on active duty—
because his performance of duty has fallen below the standards prescribed by the Secretary, or
because of moral dereliction, professional dereliction, or because his retention is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security.
Boards of inquiry shall be convened at such places as the Secretary may prescribe to receive evidence and make findings and recommendations whether an officer who is required to show cause for retention under section 2158 of this title should be retained on active duty.
A fair and impartial hearing before a board of inquiry shall be given to each officer so required to show cause for retention.
If a board of inquiry determines that the officer has failed to establish that he should be retained, it shall recommend to the Secretary that the officer not be retained on active duty.
If a board of inquiry determines that the officer has established that he should be retained, his case is closed. However, at any time after one year from the date of the determination in a case arising under clause (1) of section 2158 of this title, and at any time after the date of the determination in a case arising under clause (2) of that section, an officer may again be required to show cause for retention.
[Repealed]
Each officer under consideration for removal under section 2159 of this title shall be—
notified in writing at least thirty days before the hearing of the case by a board of inquiry of the reasons for which the officer is being required to show cause for retention;
allowed reasonable time, as determined by the board of inquiry under regulations of the Secretary, to prepare his defense;
allowed to appear in person and by counsel at proceedings before a board of inquiry; and
allowed full access to, and furnished copies of, records relevant to the case at all stages of the proceeding, except that a board shall withhold any records that the Secretary determines should be withheld in the interests of national security. In any case where any records are withheld under this clause, the officer whose case is under consideration shall, to the extent that the national security permits, be furnished a summary of the records so withheld.
The Secretary may remove an officer from active duty if his removal is recommended by a board of inquiry under section 2159 of this title . The Secretary’s action in such as case is final and conclusive.
At any time during proceedings under section 2159 of this title, and before the removal of an officer, the Secretary may grant a request—
for voluntary retirement, if the officer is otherwise qualified therefor; or
for discharge with separation benefits under section 2146(c) of this title.
Each officer removed from active duty under section 2163 of this title shall—
if on the date of removal the officer is eligible for voluntary retirement under any law, be retired in the grade for which he would be eligible if retired at his request; or
if on that date the officer is ineligible for voluntary retirement under any law, be honorably discharged with separation benefits under section 2146(c) of this title, unless under regulations promulgated by the Secretary the condition under which the officer is discharged does not warrant an honorable discharge.
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–295 effective 4 years after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 416(c) of Pub. L. 107–295, set out as a note under section 2146 of this title.
Any regular officer on the retired list recalled to active duty who during such active duty is advanced to a higher grade under an appointment shall, upon relief from active duty, if his performance of duty under such appointment has been satisfactory, be advanced on the retired list to the highest grade held while on such active duty.
The Commandant may authorize an officer in a grade above grade O–2 to remain on active duty after the date otherwise provided for the retirement of such officer in section 2154 of this title, if the officer possesses a critical skill, or specialty, or is in a career field designated pursuant to subsection (b).
The Commandant shall designate any critical skill, specialty, or career field eligible for continuation on active duty as provided in subsection (a).
An officer continued on active duty pursuant to this section shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the month in which the officer completes 40 years of active service.
The Commandant shall carry out this section by prescribing policy which shall specify the criteria to be used in designating any critical skill, specialty, or career field for purposes of subsection (b).
SUBCHAPTER III— GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations under which the physical fitness of officers to perform their duties shall be periodically determined.
Commencing not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016, the Commandant shall develop and implement a plan to conduct every two years a multirater assessment for each of the following:
Each flag officer of the Coast Guard.
Each member of the Senior Executive Service of the Coast Guard.
Each officer of the Coast Guard nominated for promotion to the grade of flag officer.
Each officer of the Coast Guard shall undergo a multirater assessment before promotion to—
the grade of O–4;
the grade of O–5; and
the grade of O–6.
Each enlisted member of the Coast Guard shall undergo a multirater assessment before advancement to—
the grade of E–7;
the grade of E–8;
the grade of E–9; and
the grade of E–10.
An individual assessed shall not be permitted to select the peers and subordinates who provide opinions for the multirater assessment of such individual.
Following an assessment of an individual pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3), the individual shall be provided appropriate post-assessment counseling and leadership coaching.
The supervisor of the individual assessed shall be provided with the results of the multirater assessment.
In this section, the term “multirater assessment” means a review that seeks opinion from members senior to the reviewee and the peers and subordinates of the reviewee.
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 315, 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 ].”
CHAPTER 23— PERSONNEL; ENLISTED
The Secretary shall initiate and carry forward an intensified voluntary enlistment campaign to obtain the required personnel strengths.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11246, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4046, provided that:
“(a) Establishment .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall establish a program for the purpose of increasing the number of individuals in the enlisted ranks of the Coast Guard who are— “(1) underrepresented minorities; or “(2) from rural areas. “(b) Partnerships .— In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Commandant shall— “(1) seek to enter into 1 or more partnerships with eligible institutions— “(A) to increase the visibility of Coast Guard careers; “(B) to promote curriculum development— “(i) to enable acceptance into the Coast Guard; and “(ii) to improve success on relevant exams, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery; and “(C) to provide mentoring for students entering and beginning Coast Guard careers; and “(2) enter into a partnership with an existing Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for the purpose of promoting Coast Guard careers. “(c) Definitions .— In this section: “(1) Eligible institution .— The term ‘eligible institution’ means an institution— “(A) that is— “(i) an institution of higher education (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )); or “(ii) a junior or community college (as such term is defined in section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1058 )[)]; and “(B) that is— “(i) a part B institution (as such term is defined in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1061 )); “(ii) a Tribal College or University (as such term is defined in section 316(b) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1059c(b) )); “(iii) a Hispanic-serving institution (as such term is defined in section 502 of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1101a )); “(iv) an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as such term is defined in section 317(b) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1059d(b) )); “(v) a Predominantly Black institution (as such term is defined in section 371(c) of that Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(c) )); “(vi) an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (as defined in section 320(b) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1059g(b) )); or “(vii) a Native American-serving nontribal institution (as defined in section 319(b) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1059f(b) ). “(2) Rural area .— The term ‘rural area’ means an area that is outside of an urbanized area, as determined by the Bureau of the Census.”
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Commandant may enlist persons for the duration of their minority or a period of at least two years but not more than six years.
The Secretary shall prescribe the grades or ratings for persons enlisting in the Regular Coast Guard.
Enlisted members shall be advanced in rating by the Commandant under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
Any enlisted member who has reached the age of sixty-two shall be retired from active service.
Any enlisted member who has completed thirty years’ service may, upon his own application, in the discretion of the Commandant, be retired from active service.
Any enlisted member who has completed twenty years’ service may, upon his own application, in the discretion of the Commandant, be retired from active service.
An enlisted member voluntarily or involuntarily retired after twenty years of service who was cited for extraordinary heroism in the line of duty shall be entitled to an increase in retired pay. The retired pay shall be increased by 10 percent of—
the active-duty pay and permanent additions thereto of the grade or rating with which retired when the member’s retired pay is computed under section 2504(a) of this title; or
Pub. L. 88–114, § 2, Sept. 6, 1963, 77 Stat. 144, provided that:
“The amendment made by subsection (1) of section 1 of this Act [amending this section] does not apply to any enlisted man in service on the effective date of this Act [ Sept. 6, 1963 ].”
Act June 3, 1948, ch. 394, 62 Stat. 302, provided for special service credit for enlisted men of the Coast Guard who, in 1940 and 1941, were discharged to accept employment as policemen and guards at the Ivigtut Cryolite Mine, Greenland, and who reenlisted in the Coast Guard within three months after the termination of their service at the mine.
In times of war or national emergency, the Commandant may order any enlisted member on the retired list to active duty.
Any enlisted member on the retired list may, with his consent, be assigned to such duties as he may be able to perform, except that no enlisted member on the retired list who has reached the age of sixty-two years shall be recalled in time of peace.
Any enlisted member on the retired list recalled to active duty who during such active duty is advanced to a higher grade or rating under a permanent or temporary appointment or promotion shall, upon relief from active duty be advanced on the retired list to the highest grade or rating held while on active duty. In case the appointment or promotion was temporary the advancement on the retired list shall be made only to such grade or rating in which the member served satisfactorily on active duty.
Any enlisted member who is retired under any provision of section 2304, 2305, 2306, or 2307 of this title shall be retired from active service with the highest grade or rating held by him while on active duty in which, as determined by the Secretary, his performance of duty was satisfactory, but not lower than his permanent grade or rating.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the term of enlistment of any enlisted member may, by voluntary written agreement, be extended and re-extended for a period not exceeding six full years from the date of expiration of the then-existing term of enlistment, and subsequent to such date an enlisted member who so extends his term of enlistment shall receive the same pay and allowances in all respects as though regularly discharged and reenlisted immediately upon expiration of his term of enlistment. However, the total of all such extensions of an enlistment may not exceed six years. No such extension shall operate to deprive the enlisted member concerned, upon discharge at the termination thereof, of any right, privilege, or benefit to which he would have been entitled if his term of enlistment had not been so extended.
Any enlisted member of the Coast Guard in the active service whose term of enlistment expires while he is suffering disease or injury incident to service and not due to misconduct, and who is in need of medical care or hospitalization, may, with his consent, be retained in such service beyond the expiration of his term of enlistment. Any such enlisted member shall be entitled to receive at Government expense medical care or hospitalization and his pay and allowances, including credit for longevity, until he shall have recovered to such extent as would enable him to meet the physical requirements for reenlistment, or until it shall have been ascertained by competent authority of the Coast Guard that the disease or injury is of a character that recovery to such an extent would be impossible. Any enlisted member whose enlistment is so extended shall be subject to forfeitures in the same manner and to the same extent as if his term of enlistment had not expired. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent any enlisted member from being held in the service without his consent under section 2314 of this title .
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, an enlisted member may be detained in the Coast Guard beyond the term of his enlistment:
Any member detained in the Coast Guard as provided in this section shall be entitled to receive pay and allowances and benefits under the same conditions as though his enlistment period had not expired, and shall be subject in all respects to the laws and regulations for the government of the Coast Guard until his discharge therefrom. Enlisted members detained under the provisions of clause (1) shall be entitled to the pay and allowances provided for enlisted personnel of the Navy detained under similar circumstances.
until the first arrival of the vessel on which he is serving at its permanent station, or at a port in a State of the United States or in the District of Columbia; or
if attached to a shore station beyond the continental limits of the United States or in Alaska, until his first arrival at a port in any State of the United States or in the District of Columbia where his reenlistment or discharge may be effected, or until he can be discharged or reenlisted at his station beyond the continental limits of the United States or in Alaska, whichever is earlier, but in no event to exceed three months; or
during a period of war or national emergency as proclaimed by the President, and, in the interest of national defense, for a period not to exceed six months after the end of the war or the termination of the emergency; or
for a period of not exceeding thirty days in other cases whether or not specifically covered by this section, when essential to the public interests, and the determination that such detention is essential to the public interests, made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall be final and conclusive.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any enlisted member may be discharged at any time within three months before the expiration of his term of enlistment or extended enlistment without prejudice to any right, privilege, or benefit that he would have received, except pay and allowances for the unexpired period not served, or to which he would thereafter become entitled, had he served his full term of enlistment or extended enlistment.
The grade of aviation cadet is established as a special enlisted grade in the Coast Guard. Under such regulations as the Secretary prescribes, citizens in civil life may be enlisted as, and enlisted members of the Coast Guard with their consent may be designated as, aviation cadets.
Except in time of war or national emergency declared by Congress, not less than 20 percent of the aviation cadets procured in each fiscal year shall be procured from qualified enlisted members of the Coast Guard.
No individuals may be enlisted or designated as an aviation cadet unless—
the individual agrees in writing that, upon successful completion of the course of training as an aviation cadet, the individual will accept a commission as an ensign in the Coast Guard Reserve and will serve on active duty as such for at least three years, unless sooner released; and
if under twenty-one years of age, the individual has the consent of the individual’s parent or guardian to the agreement.
Under such regulations as the Secretary prescribes, an aviation cadet may be transferred to another enlisted grade or rating in the Coast Guard, released from active duty, or discharged.
Except as provided in section 402(c) of title 37 , aviation cadets or their beneficiaries are entitled to the same allowances, pensions, gratuities, and other benefits as are provided for enlisted members in pay grade E–4. While on active duty, an aviation cadet is entitled to uniforms, clothing, and equipment at the expense of the United States.
The Secretary may provide a bonus, not to exceed $20,000, to an enlisted member who completes training in a skill designated as critical, if at least four years of obligated active service remain on the member’s enlistment at the time the training is completed. A bonus under this section may be paid in a single lump sum or in periodic installments.
If an enlisted member voluntarily or because of misconduct does not complete the member’s term of obligated active service, the Secretary may require the member to repay the United States, on a pro rata basis, all sums paid under this section. The Secretary may charge interest on the amount repaid at a rate, to be determined quarterly, equal to 150 percent of the average of the yields on the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned during the calendar quarter preceding the date on which the amount to be repaid is determined.
CHAPTER 25— PERSONNEL; GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER I— GENERAL PROVISIONS
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7234, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1715, provided that:
“(a) Identification of Remote Locations .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall identify locations to be considered remote locations for purposes of this section, which shall include, at a minimum, each Coast Guard fire station located in an area in which members of the Coast Guard and the dependents of such members are eligible for the TRICARE Prime Remote program. “(b) Incentive Program.— “(1) In general .— To ensure uninterrupted operations by civilian firefighters employed by the Coast Guard in remote locations, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall establish an incentive program for such firefighters consisting of— “(A) recruitment and relocation bonuses consistent with section 5753 of title 5 , United States Code; and “(B) retention bonuses consistent with section 5754 of title 5 , United States Code. “(2) Eligibility criteria .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel and Management, shall establish eligibility criteria for the incentive program established under paragraph (1), which shall include a requirement that a firefighter described in paragraph (1) may only be eligible for the incentive program under this section if, with respect to the applicable remote location, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] has made a determination that incentives are appropriate to address an identified recruitment, retention, or relocation need. “(c) Annual Report .— Not less frequently than annually for the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 of the House of Representatives a report that— “(1) details the use and effectiveness of the incentive program established under this section; and “(2) includes— “(A) the number of participants in the incentive program; “(B) a description of the distribution of incentives under such program; and “(C) a description of the impact of such program on civilian firefighter recruitment and retention by the Coast Guard in remote locations.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11243, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4040, provided that:
“(a) Study.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], the Comptroller General of the United States shall complete a study on the Coast Guard Physical Disability Evaluation System and medical retirement procedures. “(2) Elements .— In completing the study required under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall review, and provide recommendations to address, the following: “(A) Coast Guard compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies relating to the Physical Disability Evaluation System and the Medical Evaluation Board. “(B) Coast Guard compliance with timelines set forth in— “(i) the instruction of the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] entitled ‘Physical Disability Evaluation System’ issued on May 19, 2006 (COMDTNST M1850.2D); and “(ii) the Physical Disability Evaluation System Transparency Initiative (ALCGPSC 030/20). “(C) An evaluation of Coast Guard processes in place to ensure the availability, consistency, and effectiveness of counsel appointed by the Coast Guard Office of the Judge Advocate General to represent members of the Coast Guard undergoing an evaluation under the Physical Disability Evaluation System. “(D) The extent to which the Coast Guard has and uses processes to ensure that such counsel may perform the functions of such counsel in a manner that is impartial, including being able to perform such functions without undue pressure or interference by the command of the affected member of the Coast Guard, the Personnel Service Center, and the Coast Guard Office of the Judge Advocate General. “(E) The frequency, including the frequency aggregated by member pay grade, with which members of the Coast Guard seek private counsel in lieu of counsel appointed by the Coast Guard Office of the Judge Advocate General. “(F) The timeliness of determinations, guidance, and access to medical evaluations necessary for retirement or rating determinations and overall well-being of the affected member of the Coast Guard. “(G) The guidance, formal or otherwise, provided by the Personnel Service Center and the Coast Guard Office of the Judge Advocate General, other than the counsel directly representing affected members of the Coast Guard, in communication with medical personnel examining members. “(H) The guidance, formal or otherwise, provided by the medical professionals reviewing cases within the Physical Disability Evaluation System to affected members of the Coast Guard, and the extent to which such guidance is disclosed to the commanders, commanding officers, or other members of the Coast Guard in the chain of command of such affected members. “(I) The feasibility of establishing a program to allow members of the Coast Guard to select an expedited review to ensure completion of the Medical Evaluation Board report not later than 180 days after the date on which such review was initiated. “(b) Report .— The Comptroller General 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 findings of the study conducted under subsection (a) and recommendations for improving the Physical Disability Evaluation System process. “(c) Updated Policy Guidance.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 180 days after the date on which the report under subsection (b) is submitted, the Commandant shall issue updated policy guidance in response to the findings and recommendations contained in the report. “(2) Elements .— The updated policy guidance required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: “(A) A requirement that a member of the Coast Guard, or the counsel of such a member, shall be informed of the contents of, and afforded the option to be present for, any communication between the member’s command and the Personnel Service Center, or other Coast Guard entity, with respect to the duty status of the member. “(B) An exception to the requirement described in subparagraph (A) that such a member, or the counsel of the member, is not required to be informed of the contents of such a communication if it is demonstrated that there is a legitimate health or safety need for the member to be excluded from such communications, supported by a medical opinion that such exclusion is necessary for the health or safety of the member, command, or any other individual. “(C) An option to allow a member of the Coast Guard to initiate an evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board if a Coast Guard healthcare provider, or other military healthcare provider, has raised a concern about the ability of the member to continue serving in the Coast Guard, in accordance with existing medical and physical disability policy. “(D) An updated policy to remove the command endorsement requirement for retirement or separation unless absolutely necessary for the benefit of the United States.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11273, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4068, which related to policy on requests for permanent changes of station or unit transfers by persons who report being the victim of sexual assault, was transferred and is set out as a note preceding section 2531 of this title.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11274, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4068, which related to sex offenses and personnel records, was transferred and is set out as a note preceding section 2531 of this title.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, § 11411, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4117, provided that:
“(a) Temporary Policy .— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall develop a temporary policy that— “(1) improves timeliness, communication, and outcomes for members of the Coast Guard undergoing the Physical Disability Evaluation System, or a related formal or informal process; “(2) affords maximum career transition benefits to members of the Coast Guard determined by a Medical Evaluation Board to be unfit for retention in the Coast Guard; and “(3) maximizes the potential separation and career transition benefits for members of the Coast Guard undergoing the Physical Disability Evaluation System, or a related formal or informal process. “(b) Elements .— The policy required under subsection (a) shall include the following: “(1) A requirement that any member of the Coast Guard who is undergoing the Physical Disability Evaluation System, or a related formal or informal process, shall be placed in a duty status that allows the member the opportunity to attend necessary medical appointments and other activities relating to the Physical Disability Evaluation System, including completion of any application of the Department of Veterans Affairs and career transition planning. “(2) In the case of a Medical Evaluation Board report that is not completed not later than 120 days after the date on which an evaluation by the Medical Evaluation Board was initiated, the option for such a member to enter permissive duty status. “(3) A requirement that the date of initiation of an evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board shall include the date on which any verbal or written affirmation is made to the member, command, or medical staff that the evaluation by the Medical Evaluation Board has been initiated. “(4) An option for such member to seek an internship under the SkillBridge program established under section 1143(e) of title 10 , United States Code, and outside employment aimed at improving the transition of the member to civilian life, only if such an internship or employment does not interfere with necessary medical appointments required for the member’s physical disability evaluation. “(5) A requirement that not less than 21 days notice shall be provided to such a member for any such medical appointment, to the maximum extent practicable, to ensure that the appointment timeline is in the best interests of the immediate health of the member. “(6) A requirement that the Coast Guard shall provide such a member with a written separation date upon the completion of a Medical Evaluation Board report that finds the member unfit to continue active duty. “(7) To provide certainty to such a member with respect to a separation date, a policy that ensures— “(A) that accountability measures are in place with respect to Coast Guard delays throughout the Physical Disability Evaluation System, including— “(i) placement of the member in an excess leave status after 270 days have elapsed since the date of initiation of an evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board by any competent authority; and “(ii) a calculation of the costs to retain the member on active duty, including the pay, allowances, and other associated benefits of the member, for the period beginning on the date that is 90 days after the date of initiation of an evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board by any competent authority and ending on the date on which the member is separated from the Coast Guard; and “(B) the availability of administrative solutions to any such delay. “(8) With respect to a member of the Coast Guard on temporary limited duty status, an option to remain in the member’s current billet, to the maximum extent practicable, or to be transferred to a different active-duty billet, so as to minimize any negative impact on the member’s career trajectory. “(9) A requirement that each respective command shall report to the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center any delay of more than 21 days between each stage of the Physical Disability Evaluation System for any such member, including between stages of the processes, the Medical Evaluation Board, the Informal Physical Evaluation Board, and the Formal Physical Evaluation Board. “(10) A requirement that, not later than 7 days after receipt of a report of a delay described in paragraph (9), the Personnel Service Center shall take corrective action, which shall ensure that the Coast Guard exercises maximum discretion to continue the Physical Disability Evaluation System of such a member in a timely manner, unless such delay is caused by the member. “(11) A requirement that— “(A) a member of the Coast Guard shall be allowed to make a request for a reasonable delay in the Physical Disability Evaluation System to obtain additional input and consultation from a medical or legal professional; and “(B) any such request for delay shall be approved by the Commandant based on a showing of good cause by the member. “(c) Report on Temporary Policy .— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], 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 copy of the policy developed under subsection (a). “(d) Permanent Policy .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall publish a Commandant Instruction making the policy developed under subsection (a) a permanent policy of the Coast Guard. “(e) Briefing .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, 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, and a copy of, the permanent policy. “(f) Annual Report on Costs.— “(1) In general .— Not less frequently than annually, 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 that, for the preceding fiscal year— “(A) details the total aggregate service-wide costs described in subsection (b)(7)(A)(ii) for members of the Coast Guard whose Physical Disability Evaluation System process has exceeded 90 days; and “(B) includes for each such member— “(i) an accounting of such costs; and “(ii) the number of days that elapsed between the initiation and completion of the Physical Disability Evaluation System process. “(2) Personally identifiable information .— A report under paragraph (1) shall not include the personally identifiable information of any member of the Coast Guard.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, § 11419, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4125, as amended by Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7276, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1749, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not more than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2026 [probably should be “Coast Authorization Act of 2025”, which was approved Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall develop a detailed written strategy to improve the quality of life for members of the Coast Guard and their dependents who are stationed in remote units. “(b) Elements .— The strategy developed under subsection (a) shall address the following: “(1) Methods to improve the availability or affordability of housing options for such members and their dependents through— “(A) Coast Guard-owned housing; or “(B) Coast Guard-facilitated housing. “(2) A review of whether current methods for determining the amount of basic housing allowances received by such members of the Coast Guard accurately reflect the costs of privately owned or privately rented housing in such areas. “(3) Methods to improve access by such members and their dependents to— “(A) medical, dental, and pediatric care; and “(B) behavioral health care that is covered under the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of title 10 , United States Code). “(4) Methods to increase access to child care services in such areas, including recommendations for increasing child care capacity and opportunities for care within the Coast Guard and in the private sector. “(5) Methods to improve non-Coast Guard network internet access at remote units— “(A) to improve communications between members of the Coast Guard on active duty who are assigned or attached to a remote unit and the family members of such members who are not located in the same location as such member; and “(B) for other purposes such as education and training. “(6) Methods to support spouses and other dependents of members serving in such areas who face challenges specific to remote locations. “(7) A detailed written action plan and timeline for implementing improvements to the quality of life for members of the Coast Guard at remote units. “(8) Any other matter the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] considers appropriate. “(c) Public Availability .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall make the strategy developed under subsection (a) available to the public on an internet website of the Coast Guard. “(d) Implementation .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall oversee the implementation of the strategy developed under subsection (a), including the action plan described in paragraph (7) of that subsection [probably should be “paragraph (7) of subsection (b)”]. “(e) Briefing .— Not later than 30 days after the strategy developed under subsection (a) is completed, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing, in person and in writing, on— “(1) the elements of the strategy; “(2) the status of the implementation of the action plan described in subsection (a)(7) [probably should be “subsection (b)(7)”]; “(3) the timeline for implementation of each of the elements of such action plan; and “(4) any barriers to the implementation of such action plan. “(f) Remote Unit Defined .— In this section, the term ‘remote unit’ means a unit located in an area in which members of the Coast Guard and their dependents are eligible for TRICARE Prime Remote.”
A commissioned officer who is retired under any provision of this title, shall be retired from active service with the highest grade held by the commissioned officer for not less than six months while on active duty in which, as determined by the Secretary, the commissioned officer’s performance of duty was satisfactory.
When a commissioned officer is under investigation for alleged misconduct at the time of retirement—
the Secretary may conditionally determine the highest grade of satisfactory service of the commissioned officer pending completion of the investigation; and
the grade under subparagraph (A) is subject to resolution under subsection (c)(2).
Any warrant officer who is retired under any provision of section 580, 1263, 1293, or 1305 of title 10, shall be retired from active service with the highest commissioned grade above chief warrant officer, W–4, held by the warrant officer for not less than six months on active duty in which, as determined by the Secretary, the warrant officer’s performance of duty was satisfactory.
In the case of a commissioned officer whom the Secretary determines committed misconduct in a lower grade, the Secretary may determine the commissioned officer has not served satisfactorily in any grade equal to or higher than that lower grade.
A determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer shall be resolved following a conditional determination under subsection (a)(2) if the investigation of or personnel action against the commissioned officer results in adverse findings.
If the retired grade of a commissioned officer is reduced pursuant to this subsection, the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall be recalculated under chapter 71 of title 10, and any modification of the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall go into effect on the effective date of the reduction in retired grade.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer under this section is administratively final on the day the commissioned officer is retired, and may not be reopened.
A determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer may be reopened if—
the retirement or retired grade of the commissioned officer was procured by fraud;
substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that could have led to a lower retired grade under this section and such evidence was not known by a competent authority at the time of retirement;
substantial evidence comes to light that, during the commissioned service of the officer, the officer failed to carry out applicable laws, with an intent to deceive or defraud;
substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that the commissioned officer knew of and failed to report through proper channels, in accordance with existing law at the time of the alleged incident, any known instances of sexual assault by a member of the Coast Guard under the command of the officer during the officer’s service;
a mistake of law or calculation was made in the determination of the retired grade;
in the case of a retired grade following a conditional determination under subsection (a)(2), the investigation of or personnel action against the commissioned officer results in adverse findings; or
the Secretary determines, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that good cause exists to reopen the determination.
If a determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer is reopened under paragraph (2), the Secretary—
shall notify the commissioned officer of the reopening; and
may not make an adverse determination on the retired grade of the commissioned officer until the commissioned officer has had a reasonable opportunity to respond regarding the basis of the reopening.
If the retired grade of a commissioned officer is reduced through the reopening of the commissioned officer’s retired grade under paragraph (2), the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall be recalculated under chapter 71 of title 10, and any modification of the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall go into effect on the effective date of the reduction in retired grade.
This section, including subsection (b), shall not apply to commissioned warrant officers.
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.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 521 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7224(b)–(d), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1703, provided that:
“(b) Issuance and Revision of Regulations Relating to Good Cause to Reopen Retired Grade Determinations .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue or revise, as applicable, and at the discretion of the Secretary consistent with this section, regulations of the Coast Guard to do the following: “(1) Define what constitutes good cause to reopen a retired grade determination referred to in subparagraph (H) of section 2501(d)(2) of title 14 , United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (a), to ensure that the following shall be considered good cause for such a reopening: “(A) Circumstances that constitute a failure to carry out applicable laws regarding a report of sexual assault with an intent to deceive by a commissioned officer, that relate to a response made to a report of sexual assault, during the commissioned service of the officer. “(B) Substantial evidence of sexual assault by the commissioned officer concerned, at any time during the commissioned service of such officer, or such evidence that was not considered by the Coast Guard in a manner consistent with law. “(2) Identify the standard for making, and the evidentiary showing required to support, an adverse determination on the retired grade of a commissioned officer. “(c) Revision of Limitations on Reopening Retired Grade Determinations .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall revise applicable guidance in section K.10 of chapter 3 of Commandant Instruction 1000.4A to remove any restriction that limits the ability to reopen the retired grade of a commissioned officer based on— “(1) whether new evidence is discovered contemporaneously with or within a short time period after the date of retirement of the officer concerned; and “(2) whether the misconduct concerned was not discoverable through due diligence. “(d) Savings Clause .— No provision of this section [amending this section and enacting this note] or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to permit a review of conduct that was not in violation of law or policy at the time of the alleged conduct.”
Every commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member who is retired under any provisions of this title shall be retired with the permanent grade or rate held at the time of retirement, unless entitled to retire with a higher grade or rate under any provision of this title or any other law.
Where an officer is entitled, under any provision of law, to retire with one grade higher than the grade in which serving at the time of retirement, the next higher grade in the case of captain shall be rear admiral (lower half), and the next higher grade in the case of commissioned warrant officer shall be lieutenant (junior grade).
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11241, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4039, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], and annually thereafter, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 that evaluates resignation and retirement processing timelines. “(b) Elements .— The report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year— “(1) statistics on the number of resignations, retirements, and other separations that occurred; “(2) the processing time for each action described in paragraph (1); “(3) the percentage of requests for such actions that had a command endorsement; “(4) the percentage of requests for such actions that did not have a command endorsement; and “(5) for each denial of a request for a command endorsement and each failure to take action on such a request, a detailed description of the rationale for such denial or failure to take such action.”
All retired personnel when recalled to active duty shall serve in the grade or rate in which they were serving at the time of retirement.
The retired pay of a member who first became a member of a uniformed service (as defined in section 101 of title 10) before September 8, 1980, is determined by multiplying—
the sum of—
the basic pay of the member’s retired grade or rate, and
all permanent additions thereto including longevity credit to which the member was entitled at the time of retirement; by
the retired pay multiplier determined under section 1409 of title 10 for the number of years of service that may be credited to the member under section 1405 of such title.
In the case of an officer who served as Commandant, retired pay under paragraph (1) shall be computed at the highest rate of basic pay applicable to the officer while so serving.
In the case of an enlisted member who served as the master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard, retired pay under paragraph (1) shall be computed at the highest rate of basic pay to which the member was entitled while so serving, if that basic pay is greater than the basic pay of the grade or rate to which the member is otherwise entitled at the time of retirement.
In the case of an officer whose retired pay is computed on the pay of a grade for which basic pay is not based upon years of service, retired pay under paragraph (1) shall be computed on the basis of the number of years of service for which the officer would be entitled to credit in the computation of pay on the active list had the officer been serving in the grade of captain at the time of retirement.
The retired pay of a member who first became a member of a uniformed service (as defined in section 101 of title 10) on or after September 8, 1980, is determined by multiplying—
the retired pay base determined under section 1407 of title 10; by
the retired pay multiplier determined under section 1409 of title 10 for the number of years of service that may be credited to the member under section 1405 of such title.
In computing for the purpose of subsection (a) or (b) the number of years of service that may be credited to a member under section 1405 of title 10—
each full month of service that is in addition to the number of full years of service creditable to the member shall be counted as 1⁄12 of a year; and
any remaining fractional part of a month shall be disregarded.
Retired pay computed under this section, if not a multiple of $1, shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of $1.
Amendment by section 922 of Pub. L. 98–94 effective Oct. 1, 1983, see section 922(e) of Pub. L. 98–94, set out as a note under section 1401 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Amendment by section 923 of Pub. L. 98–94 applicable with respect to the computation of retired or retainer pay of any individual who becomes entitled to that pay after Sept. 30, 1983, see section 923(g) of Pub. L. 98–94, set out as a note under section 1174 of Title 10.
Amendment by Pub. L. 88–132 effective Oct. 1, 1963, see section 14 of Pub. L. 88–132, set out as a note under section 201 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.
Amendment by Pub. L. 85–422 effective June 1, 1958, see Pub. L. 85–422, § 9, May 20, 1958, 72 Stat. 130.
The provisions of any section of this title shall not be construed so as to prevent any member from being placed on the retired list with the highest grade or rate and the highest retired pay to which the member may be entitled under the provisions of any other section of this title or under any other law.
In no case may the retired pay of a member exceed 75 percent of (1) the sum of the active-duty pay and all permanent additions thereto (including longevity credit to which the member is entitled) of the grade or rate on which the member’s pay is computed, or (2) the retired pay base determined under section 1407 of title 10, as appropriate.
Under procedures prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary may suspend the payment of the retired pay of a member or former member during periods in which the member willfully remains outside the United States to avoid criminal prosecution or civil liability. The procedures shall address the types of criminal offenses and civil proceedings for which the procedures may be used, including the offenses specified in section 8312 of title 5 , and the manner by which a member, upon the return of the member to the United States, may obtain retired pay withheld during the member’s absence.
The Secretary shall complete processing of an application for correction of military records under section 1552 of title 10 by not later than 10 months after the date the Secretary receives the completed application.
Ten months after a complete application for correction of military records is received by the Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard, administrative remedies are deemed to have been exhausted, and—
if the Board has rendered a recommended decision, its recommendation shall be final agency action and not subject to further review or approval within the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; or
if the Board has not rendered a recommended decision, agency action is deemed to have been unreasonably delayed or withheld and the applicant is entitled to—
an order under section 706(1) of title 5, directing final action be taken within 30 days from the date the order is entered; and
from amounts appropriated to the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the costs of obtaining the order, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.
Pub. L. 104–324, § 209(d), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3914, provided that:
“This section [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note below] shall be effective on and after June 12, 1990 .”
Pub. L. 104–324, § 209(c), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3914, provided that:
“This section [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note above] applies to any applicant who had an application filed with or pending before the Board or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating on or after June 12, 1990 , who files with the Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard an application for relief under the amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section]. If a recommended decision was modified or reversed on review with final agency action occurring after expiration of the 10-month deadline under that amendment, an applicant who so requests shall have the order in the final decision vacated and receive the relief granted in the recommended decision if the Coast Guard has the legal authority to grant such relief. The recommended decision shall otherwise have no effect as precedent.”
A duty assignment for an active duty member of the Coast Guard in support of a declaration of a major disaster or emergency by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) or in response to a spill of national significance shall be treated, for the purpose of section 701(e) of title 10, as a duty assignment in support of a contingency operation.
In this section:
The term “spill of national significance” means a discharge of oil or a hazardous substance that is declared by the Commandant to be a spill of national significance.
The term “discharge” has the meaning given that term in section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701).
Amendment by Pub. L. 117–232 effective Jan. 1, 2023, see section 631(d) of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 701 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Pub. L. 111–281, title II, § 207(c), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2912, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall be deemed to have been enacted on April 19, 2010 .”
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may not authorize the involuntary administrative separation of a covered individual based on a determination that the covered individual is unsuitable for deployment or other assignment due to a medical condition of the covered individual considered by a Physical Evaluation Board during an evaluation of the covered individual that resulted in the covered individual being determined to be fit for duty.
The Secretary may require a Physical Evaluation Board to reevaluate any covered individual if the Secretary determines there is reason to believe that a medical condition of the covered individual considered by a Physical Evaluation Board during an evaluation of the covered individual renders the covered individual unsuitable for continued duty.
A covered individual who is determined, based on a reevaluation under paragraph (1), to be unfit to perform the duties of the covered individual’s office, grade, rank, or rating may be retired or separated for physical disability under chapter 61 of title 10.
In this section, the term “covered individual” means any member of the Coast Guard who has been determined by a Physical Evaluation Board, pursuant to a physical evaluation by that board, to be fit for duty.
The Secretary shall provide a sea service letter to a member or former member of the Coast Guard who—
accumulated sea service on a vessel of the Armed Forces (as such term is defined in section 527(e)); and
requests such letter.
Not later than 30 days after receiving a request for a sea service letter from a member or former member of the Coast Guard under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide such letter to such member or former member if such member or former member satisfies the requirement under subsection (a)(1).
In conducting an investigation into an allegation of misconduct by a flag officer or member of the Senior Executive Service serving in the Coast Guard, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall—
conduct the investigation in a manner consistent with Department of Defense policies for such an investigation; and
consult with the Inspector General of the Department of Defense.
Except as provided in subsection (b), not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary of the Navy promulgates a new rule, policy, or memorandum pursuant to section 704 of title 10 or, with respect to the reserve component of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Defense promulgates a new regulation for members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 711 of title 10, with respect to leave associated with the birth or placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long term foster care, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall promulgate a similar rule, policy, or memorandum that provides leave to officers, enlisted members, and members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard that is equal in duration and compensation to that provided by the Secretary of the Navy or, with respect to members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Defense.
Notwithstanding subsection (a), sections 701, 704, and 711 of title 10, or any other provision of law, all officers, enlisted members, and members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard shall be authorized leave associated with the birth, adoption, or long term foster care of a child during the 1-year period following such birth, placement of a minor child with the member for long-term foster care, or adoption, and, at the discretion of the Commanding Officer, such officer or, enlisted member, or member of the reserve component shall be permitted—
to take such leave in increments; and
to use flexible work schedules (pursuant to a program established by the Secretary in accordance with chapter 61 of title 5).
The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may authorize leave described under subparagraph 1 (b) to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph 1 (b) in the case of a member described in subsection (b) who, except for this subparagraph 1, would lose unused family leave at the end of the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) 2 as a result of—
operational requirements;
professional military education obligations; or
other circumstances that the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate.
The regulation, rule, policy, or memorandum prescribed under paragraph 1 (a) shall require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (c)(1)(A) 2 shall be taken within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, after cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline.
In this section, the term “member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard” means a member of the Coast Guard who is a member of—
the selected reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37; or
the individual ready reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37 when attending or participating in a sufficient number of periods of inactive-duty training during a year to count the year as a qualifying year of creditable service toward eligibility for retired pay.
Pub. L. 115–282, title III, § 315(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4250, provided that:
“Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 4, 2018 ], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall ensure that a flexible work schedule program under chapter 61 of title 5, United States Code, is in place for officers and enlisted members of the Coast Guard.”
In computing length of service of officers and enlisted personnel for any purpose all creditable service in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Revenue Cutter Service, and Life Saving Service shall be included in addition to any other creditable service authorized by any other law.
The Commandant may carry out a program under which members of the Coast Guard may be inactivated from active duty in order to meet personal or professional needs and returned to active duty at the end of such period of inactivation from active duty.
The period of inactivation from active duty under a program under this section of a member participating in the program shall be such period as the Commandant shall specify in the agreement of the member under subsection (c), except that such period may not exceed 3 years.
Any service by a Reserve officer while participating in a program under this section shall be excluded from computation of the total years of service of that officer pursuant to section 14706(a) of title 10.
Any period of participation of a member in a program under this section shall not count toward—
eligibility for retirement or transfer to the Ready Reserve under either chapter 841 or 1223 of title 10; or
computation of retired or retainer pay under chapter 71 or 1223 of title 10.
Each member of the Coast Guard who participates in a program under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the Commandant under which that member shall agree as follows:
To accept an appointment or enlist, as applicable, and serve in the Coast Guard Ready Reserve during the period of the inactivation of the member from active duty under the program.
To undergo during the period of the inactivation of the member from active duty under the program such inactive service training as the Commandant shall require in order to ensure that the member retains proficiency, at a level determined by the Commandant to be sufficient, in the military skills, professional qualifications, and physical readiness of the member during the inactivation of the member from active duty.
Following completion of the period of the inactivation of the member from active duty under the program, to serve 30 days as a member of the Coast Guard on active duty for each month of the period of the inactivation of the member from active duty under the program.
The Commandant shall prescribe regulations specifying the guidelines regarding the conditions of release that must be considered and addressed in the agreement required by subsection (c). At a minimum, the Commandant shall prescribe the procedures and standards to be used to instruct a member on the obligations to be assumed by the member under paragraph (2) of such subsection while the member is released from active duty.
Under regulations prescribed by the Commandant, a member of the Coast Guard participating in a program under this section may, in the discretion of the Commandant, be required to terminate participation in the program and be ordered to active duty.
During each month of participation in a program under this section, a member who participates in the program shall be paid basic pay in an amount equal to two-thirtieths of the amount of monthly basic pay to which the member would otherwise be entitled under section 204 of title 37 as a member of the uniformed services on active duty in the grade and years of service of the member when the member commences participation in the program.
A member who participates in such a program shall not, while participating in the program, be paid any special or incentive pay or bonus to which the member is otherwise entitled under an agreement under chapter 5 of title 37 that is in force when the member commences participation in the program.
The inactivation from active duty of a member participating in a program shall not be treated as a failure of the member to perform any period of service required of the member in connection with an agreement for a special or incentive pay or bonus under chapter 5 of title 37 that is in force when the member commences participation in the program.
Subject to subparagraph (B), upon the return of a member to active duty after completion by the member of participation in a program—
any agreement entered into by the member under chapter 5 of title 37 for the payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus that was in force when the member commenced participation in the program shall be revived, with the term of such agreement after revival being the period of the agreement remaining to run when the member commenced participation in the program; and
any special or incentive pay or bonus shall be payable to the member in accordance with the terms of the agreement concerned for the term specified in clause (i).
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by such subparagraph with respect to a member if, at the time of the return of the member to active duty as described in that subparagraph—
such pay or bonus is no longer authorized by law; or
the member does not satisfy eligibility criteria for such pay or bonus as in effect at the time of the return of the member to active duty.
Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by such subparagraph with respect to a member if, during the term of the revived agreement of the member under subparagraph (A)(i), such pay or bonus ceases being authorized by law.
A member who is ineligible for payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by this paragraph by reason of subparagraph (B)(i)(II) shall be subject to the requirements for repayment of such pay or bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement of the member under chapter 5 of title 37.
Any service required of a member under an agreement covered by this paragraph after the member returns to active duty as described in subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any service required of the member under an agreement under subsection (c).
Subject to subparagraph (B), a member who participates in a program is entitled, while participating in the program, to the travel and transportation allowances authorized by section 474 1 of title 37 for—
travel performed from the residence of the member, at the time of release from active duty to participate in the program, to the location in the United States designated by the member as the member’s residence during the period of participation in the program; and
travel performed to the residence of the member upon return to active duty at the end of the participation of the member in the program.
An allowance is payable under this paragraph only with respect to travel of a member to and from a single residence.
A member who participates in a program is entitled to carry forward the leave balance existing as of the day on which the member begins participation and accumulated in accordance with section 701 of title 10, but not to exceed 60 days.
An officer participating in a program under this section shall not, while participating in the program, be eligible for consideration for promotion under chapter 21 or 37 of this title.
Upon the return of an officer to active duty after completion by the officer of participation in a program—
the Commandant may adjust the date of rank of the officer in such manner as the Commandant may prescribe in regulations for purposes of this section; and
the officer shall be eligible for consideration for promotion when officers of the same grade and seniority are eligible for consideration for promotion.
An enlisted member participating in a program under this section shall not be eligible for consideration for advancement during the period that—
begins on the date of the inactivation of the member from active duty under the program; and
ends at such time after the return of the member to active duty under the program that the member is treatable as eligible for promotion by reason of time in grade and such other requirements as the Commandant shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of the program.
A member participating in a program under this section shall, while participating in the program, be treated as a member of the Armed Forces on active duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of—
the entitlement of the member and of the dependents of the member to medical and dental care under the provisions of chapter 55 of title 10;
retirement or separation for physical disability under the provisions of chapter 61 of title 10 and chapters 21 and 23 of this title;
the entitlement of the member and of the survivors of the member to all death benefits under subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 10;
the provision of all travel and transportation allowances to family members of a deceased member to attend the repatriation, burial, or memorial ceremony of a deceased member as provided in section 453(f) of title 37;
the eligibility of the member for general benefits as provided in part II of title 38; and
in the case of a victim of an alleged sex-related offense (as such term is defined in section 1044e(h) of title 10) to the maximum extent practicable, maintaining access to—
Coast Guard behavioral health resources;
sexual assault prevention and response resources and programs of the Coast Guard; and
Coast Guard legal resources, including, to the extent practicable, special victims’ counsel.
Any service described, including service described prior to the date of enactment of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, in writing, including by electronic communication, by a representative of the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center as service that counts toward total active service for regular retirement under section 2152 or section 2306 shall be considered by the President as active service for purposes of applying section 2152 or section 2306 with respect to the determination of the retirement qualification for any officer or enlisted member to whom a description was provided.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11242(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4040, provided that:
“The amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section]— “(1) shall only apply to officers of the Coast Guard that entered active service after January 1, 1997 , temporarily separated for a period of time, and have retired from the Coast Guard before January 1, 2024 ; and “(2) shall not apply to any member of any other uniformed service, or to any Coast Guard member regarding active service of the member in any other uniformed service.”
The Secretary shall ensure that a member of the Coast Guard who has performed Coast Guard operations described in section 102, and who is diagnosed by an appropriate licensed or certified healthcare professional as experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury or who otherwise alleges, based on the service of the member the signs and symptoms of either such a condition, receives a medical examination to evaluate a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.
A member of the Coast Guard who has been sexually assaulted during the preceding 5-year period and who alleges, based on such sexual assault, the signs and symptoms of a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder described within the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association—
is provided the opportunity to request a medical examination to clinically evaluate such signs and symptoms; and
receives such a medical examination to evaluate a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder described within the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.
A member described in this subsection shall not be administratively separated under conditions other than honorable, including an administrative separation in lieu of a court-martial, until the results of the medical examination have been reviewed by appropriate authorities responsible for evaluating, reviewing, and approving the separation case, as determined by the Secretary.
In a case involving post-traumatic stress disorder or a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder under this subsection, a medical examination shall be performed by—
a board-certified psychiatrist;
a licensed doctorate-level psychologist;
any other appropriate licensed or certified healthcare professional designated by the Commandant; or
a psychiatry resident or board-eligible psychologist who—
has completed a 1-year internship or residency; and
is under the close supervision of a board-certified psychiatrist or licensed doctorate-level psychologist.
In a case involving traumatic brain injury under this subsection, a medical examination shall be performed by a physiatrist, psychiatrist, neurosurgeon, or neurologist.
The medical examination required under subsection (a) shall assess whether the effects of mental or neurocognitive disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury or a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, constitute matters in extenuation that relate to the basis for administrative separation under conditions other than honorable or the overall characterization of the service of the member as other than honorable.
The medical examination and procedures required by this section do not apply to courts-martial or other proceedings conducted pursuant to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Repealed. Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7201(k)(1)(B), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1687.]
Any member of the Coast Guard who receives a notice of involuntary administrative separation shall be advised at the time of such notice of the right of the member to request a medical examination under subsection (a) if any condition described in such subsection applies to the member.
The Commandant shall—
develop and issue a clear policy for carrying out the notification required under paragraph (1) with respect to any member of the Coast Guard described in that paragraph who has made an unrestricted report of sexual assault; and
provide information on such policy to sexual assault response coordinators of the Coast Guard for the purpose of ensuring that such policy is communicated to members of the Coast Guard who may be eligible for a medical examination under this section.
The Commandant may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such chapter) of title 5, qualified candidates to any of the following positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of title 5) in the Coast Guard:
Any category of medical or health professional positions within the Coast Guard.
Any childcare services position.
Any position in the Coast Guard housing office of a Coast Guard installation, the primary function of which is supervision of Coast Guard housing covered by subchapter III of chapter 29 of this title.
Any nonclinical specialist position the purpose of which is the integrated primary prevention of harmful behavior, including suicide, sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, and child abuse.
Any special agent position of the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
The following positions at the Coast Guard Academy:
Any civilian faculty member appointed under section 1941.
A position involving the improvement of cadet health or well-being.
The Commandant shall only appoint qualified candidates under the authority provided by subsections (a) and (b) 1 if the Commandant determines that there is a shortage of qualified candidates for the positions described in such subsection or a critical hiring need for such positions.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, and annually thereafter for the following 5 years, 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 of the House of Representatives a written briefing which describes the use of the authority provided under this section on an annual basis, including the following:
The number of employees hired under the authority provided under this section within the year for which the briefing is provided.
The positions and grades for which employees were hired.
A justification for the Commandant’s determination that such positions involved a shortage of qualified candidates or a critical hiring need.
The number of employees who were hired under the authority provided under this section who have separated from the Coast Guard.
Steps the Coast Guard has taken to engage with the Office of Personnel Management under subpart B of part 337 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, for positions for which the Commandant determines a direct hire authority remains necessary.
The authority provided under subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2030.
On request by a member of the Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska, the Commandant shall grant command sponsorship to the dependents of such member.
The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall cooperate in the establishment and use of a comprehensive and consistent data-collection system described in section 549 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) for the collection of reports, including anonymous reports, of incidents of hazing or bullying.
The Commandant shall seek to improve training to assist members of the Coast Guard to better recognize, prevent, and respond to hazing and bullying at all command levels.
Not later than May 31, 2026, and annually thereafter for 5 years, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating 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 containing the following:
a description of efforts during the previous fiscal year—
to prevent and to respond to incidents of hazing or bullying involving members of the Coast Guard;
to track and encourage reporting, including reporting anonymously, incidents of hazing in the Coast Guard; and
to ensure the consistent implementation of anti-hazing and anti-bullying policies.
A discussion of the policies of the Coast Guard for preventing and responding to incidents of hazing.
A description of comprehensive data collection systems of the Coast Guard for collecting hazing or bullying reports involving a member of the Coast Guard.
A description of processes of the Coast Guard to identify, document, and report alleged instances of hazing or bullying. Such description shall include the methodology the Coast Guard uses to categorize and count potential instances of hazing or bullying.
A description of any training provided to members of the Coast Guard on recognizing and preventing hazing.
For the preceding 3 fiscal years in the initial report and preceding fiscal year in subsequent reports—
the number of alleged and substantiated incidents of hazing involving members of the Coast Guard;
a description of the nature of each such incident; and
a description of the actions taken to address each such incident through nonjudicial and judicial actions.
With respect to training for members of the Coast Guard on recognizing and preventing hazing and bullying, an assessment by the Commandant of—
the quality of such training;
the need for modifications to such training; and
the need to require additional such training.
An assessment by the Commandant of—
the effectiveness of the Coast Guard in tracking and reporting instances of hazing or bullying; and
whether the performance of the Coast Guard with respect to such tracking and reporting was satisfactory or unsatisfactory during the preceding fiscal year.
Recommendations of the Commandant to improve—
the policies described in paragraph (4) 1;
the comprehensive data collection systems described in paragraph (5) 2;
the processes described in paragraph (6) 3;
the training described in paragraph (9) 4; and
the Uniform Code of Military Justice or the Manual for Courts-Martial to improve the prosecution of persons alleged to have committed hazing or bullying in the Coast Guard.
The status of efforts of the Commandant to evaluate the prevalence of hazing and bullying in the Coast Guard.
Data on allegations of hazing and bullying in the Coast Guard, including final disposition of investigations.
Plans of the Commandant to improve hazing and bullying prevention and response during the next reporting year.
SUBCHAPTER II— ADVISORY BOARD ON WOMEN IN THE COAST GUARD
The Commandant shall establish within the Coast Guard an Advisory Board on Women in the Coast Guard.
The Advisory Board established under subsection (a) shall be composed of such number of members as the Commandant considers appropriate, selected by the Commandant through a public selection process from among applicants for membership on the Board. The members of the Board shall, to the extent practicable, represent the diversity of the Coast Guard. The members of the Committee shall include an equal number of each of the following:
Active duty officers of the Coast Guard.
Active duty enlisted members of the Coast Guard.
Members of the Coast Guard Reserve.
Retired members of the Coast Guard.
The Advisory Board established under subsection (a)—
shall advise the Commandant on improvements to the recruitment, retention, wellbeing, and success of women serving in the Coast Guard and attending the Coast Guard Academy, including recommendations for the report on gender diversity in the Coast Guard required by section 5109 of chapter 51 of title 14;
may submit to the Commandant recommendations in connection with its duties under this subsection, including recommendations to implement the advice described in paragraph (1); and
may brief Congress on its duties under this subsection, including the advice described in paragraph (1) and any recommendations described in paragraph (2).
SUBCHAPTER III— COVERED MISCONDUCT
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7512, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1807, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall issue Coast Guard policy relating to the care and support of members of the Coast Guard who are alleged victims covered [sic] misconduct. “(b) Elements .— The policy required by subsection (a) shall require, to the maximum extent practicable, that— “(1) a member of the Coast Guard who is an alleged victim of covered misconduct and discloses such covered misconduct to the appropriate individual of the Coast Guard responsible for providing victim care and support— “(A) shall receive care and support from such individual; and “(B) such individual shall not deny or unreasonably delay providing care and support; and “(2) in the case of such an alleged victim to whom care and support cannot be provided by the appropriate individual contacted by the alleged victim based on programmatic eligibility criteria or any other reason that affects the ability of such appropriate individual to provide care and support (such as being stationed at a remote unit or serving on a vessel currently underway) the alleged victim shall receive, with the permission of the alleged victim— “(A) an in-person introduction to appropriate service providers, for which the alleged victim is physically present, which shall occur at the discretion of the alleged victim; and “(B) access to follow-up services from the appropriate 1 or more service providers. “(c) Applicability .— The policy issued under subsection (a) shall apply to— “(1) all Coast Guard personnel responsible for the care and support of victims of covered misconduct; and “(2) any other Coast Guard personnel the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] considers appropriate. “(d) Revision of Policy Relating to Domestic Abuse.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall issue or revise any Coast Guard policy or process described in paragraph (2) so as to define the term ‘intimate partner’ to have the meaning given such term in section 930 of title 10 , United States Code. “(2) Policy or process described .— A policy or process referred to in paragraph (1) is a policy or process which is— “(A) related to domestic abuse; “(B) written; and “(C) publicly available. “(e) Training.— “(1) In general .— All Coast Guard personnel responsible for the care and support of members of the Coast Guard who are alleged victims of covered misconduct shall receive training in accordance with professional standards of practice to ensure that such alleged victims receive adequate care that is consistent with the policy issued under subsection (a). “(2) Elements .— The training required by paragraph (1)— “(A) shall include— “(i) instructions on specific procedures for implementing the policy issued under subsection (a); and “(ii) information on resources and personnel critical for the implementation of such policy; and “(B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be provided in person. “(f) Covered Misconduct .— In this section, the term ‘covered misconduct’ shall have the meaning given such term in section 2539 of title 14 , United States Code.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7513, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1808, provided that:
“(a) Policy to Require Review of Certain Proposed Involuntary Separations .— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall establish, with respect to any proposed involuntary separation under chapter 59 of title 10, United States Code, a Coast Guard policy to review the circumstances of, and grounds for, such a proposed involuntary separation of any member of the Coast Guard who— “(1) made a restricted or unrestricted report of covered misconduct; “(2) within 2 years after making such a report, is recommended for involuntary separation from the Coast Guard; and “(3) requests the review on the grounds that the member believes the recommendation for involuntary separation from the Coast Guard was initiated in retaliation for making the report. “(b) Recusal.— “(1) In general .— The policy established under subsection (a) shall set forth a process for the recusal of commanding officers and the flag officer described in subsection (c)(2) from making initial or subsequent decisions on proposed separations or from reviewing proposed separations. “(2) Criteria .— The recusal process established under paragraph (1) shall specify criteria for recusal, including mandatory recusal from making a decision on a proposed separation, and from reviewing a proposed separation, if the commanding officer or the flag officer described in subsection (c)(2) was, at any time— “(A) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation, filed by the member of the Coast Guard described in subsection (a) who is the subject of a proposed involuntary separation or whose proposed separation is under review; or “(B) associated with the individual suspected or accused of perpetrating the incident of covered misconduct reported by such member. “(c) Concurrence of Flag Officer Required.— “(1) In general .— The policy established under subsection (a) shall require the concurrence of the flag officer described in paragraph (2) in order to separate the member of the Coast Guard described in such subsection. “(2) Flag officer described.— “(A) In general .— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the flag officer described in this paragraph is— “(i) the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy; or “(ii) a designee of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy) who is in a grade not lower than O–7. “(B) Chain of command exception .— In the case of a member of the Coast Guard described in subsection (a) who is in the immediate chain of command of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy or the designee of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy, the flag officer described in this paragraph is a flag officer outside the chain of command of such member, as determined by the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] consistent with the policy established under subsection (a). “(d) Notification Required .— Any member of the Coast Guard who has made a report of covered misconduct and who receives a proposal for involuntary separation shall be notified at the time of such proposal of the right of the member to a review under this section. “(e) Covered Misconduct Defined .— In this section, the term ‘covered misconduct’ shall have the meaning given such term in section 2539 of title 14 , United States Code.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7514, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1810, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall develop and issue a comprehensive policy for the Coast Guard to reinvigorate the prevention of misconduct involving members and civilians of the Coast Guard that contains the policy elements described in section 1561 of title 10 , United States Code. “(b) Programs Required .— Not later than 180 days after the issuance of the policy required under paragraph (1) [sic], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall develop and implement for the Coast Guard a program to reinvigorate the prevention of misconduct involving members and civilians of the Coast Guard.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7515, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1810, provided that:
“(a) Modification of Curriculum.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall revise the curriculum of the Coast Guard with respect to covered misconduct prevention and response training— “(A) to include— “(i) information on procedures and responsibilities with respect to reporting requirements, investigations, survivor health and safety (including expedited transfers, no-contact orders, military and civilian protective orders, and temporary separations), and whistleblower protections; “(ii) information on Department of Veterans Affairs resources available to veterans, active-duty personnel, and reserve personnel; “(iii) information on the right of any member of the Coast Guard to seek legal resources outside the Coast Guard; “(iv) general information regarding the availability of legal resources provided by civilian legal services organizations, presented in an organized and consistent manner that does not endorse any particular legal services organization; and “(v) information on the capability, operations, reporting structure, and requirements with respect to the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard; and “(B) to address the workforce training recommendations set forth in the memorandum of the Coast Guard titled ‘Commandant’s Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency’, issued on November 27, 2023 . “(2) Collaboration .— In revising the curriculum under this subsection, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall solicit input from individuals outside the Coast Guard who are experts in sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training. “(b) Covered Misconduct Prevention and Response Training and Education.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall ensure that all members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard are provided with annual covered misconduct prevention and response training and education for the purpose of strengthening individual knowledge, skills, and capacity relating to the prevention of and response to covered misconduct. “(2) Scope .— The training and education referred to in paragraph (1)— “(A) shall be provided as part of— “(i) initial entry and accession training; “(ii) annual refresher training; “(iii) initial and recurring training courses for covered first responders; “(iv) new and prospective commanding officer and executive officer training; and “(v) specialized leadership training; and “(B) shall be tailored for specific leadership levels, positions, pay grades, and roles. “(3) Content .— The training and education referred to in paragraph (1) shall include the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A). “(c) Covered First Responder Training.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall ensure that— “(A) training for covered first responders includes the covered misconduct prevention and response training described in subsection (b); and “(B) such covered misconduct prevention and response training is provided to covered first responders on a recurring basis. “(2) Requirements .— In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the initial and recurring covered misconduct prevention and response training for covered first responders shall include information on procedures and responsibilities with respect to— “(A) the provision of care to a victim of covered misconduct, in accordance with professional standards or practice, that accounts for trauma experienced by the victim and associated symptoms or events that may exacerbate such trauma; and “(B) the manner in which such a victim may receive such care. “(d) Training for Prospective Commanding Officers and Executive Officers.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall ensure that training for prospective commanders and executive officers at all levels of command includes the covered misconduct prevention and response training described in subsection (b). “(2) Requirements .— In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the covered misconduct prevention and response training for prospective commanding officers and executive officers shall be— “(A) tailored to the responsibilities and leadership requirements of members of the Coast Guard as they are assigned to command positions; and “(B) revised, as necessary, to include information on— “(i) fostering a command climate— “(I) that does not tolerate covered misconduct; “(II) in which individuals assigned to the command are encouraged to intervene to prevent potential incidents of covered misconduct; and “(III) that encourages victims of covered misconduct to report any incident of covered misconduct; “(ii) the possible variations in the effect of trauma on individuals who have experienced covered misconduct; “(iii) potential differences in the procedures and responsibilities, Department of Veterans Affairs resources, and legal resources described in subsection (a)(1)(A) depending on the operating environment in which an incident of covered misconduct occurred; “(iv) the investigation of alleged incidents of covered misconduct, including training on understanding evidentiary standards; “(v) available disciplinary options, including administrative action and deferral of discipline for collateral misconduct, and examples of disciplinary options in civilian jurisdictions; and “(vi) the capability, operations, reporting structure, and requirements with respect to the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard. “(e) Entry and Accession Trainings.— “(1) Initial training.— “(A) In general .— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall provide for the inclusion of an initial covered misconduct prevention and response training module in the training for each new member of the Coast Guard, which shall be provided not later than 14 duty days after the date of accession. “(B) Requirement .— In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the initial training module referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include a comprehensive explanation of Coast Guard— “(i) policy with respect to covered misconduct; and “(ii) procedures for reporting covered misconduct. “(2) Subsequent training.— “(A) In general .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall provide for the inclusion of a detailed covered misconduct prevention and response training module in the training for each new member of the Coast Guard, which shall be provided not later than 60 duty days after the date on which the initial training module described in paragraph (1)(A) is provided. “(B) Content .— The detailed training module referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A). “(f) Definitions .— In this section: “(1) Covered first responder .— The term ‘covered first responder’ includes sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, Coast Guard medical officers, Coast Guard security forces, Coast Guard Investigative Service agents, judge advocates, special victims’ counsel, chaplains, and related personnel. “(2) Covered misconduct .— The term ‘covered misconduct’ has the meaning given such term in section 2539 of title 14 , United States Code.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7522, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1813, provided that:
“(1) In general .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall issue updated written detailed policies of the Coast Guard relating to military protective orders that are consistent with the law and policies of the Department of Defense. “(2) Elements .— The policies developed under paragraph (1) shall require— “(A) that any denial of a request for a military protective order shall include a written explanation for the denial, which shall be— “(i) forwarded to the next flag officer in the chain of command of the commanding officer or other approving authority who denied the request; and “(ii) provided to the member who submitted the request; and “(B) the recusal of an approving authority from participating in the granting or denying of a military protective order, if such authority was, at any time— “(i) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation filed by the member requesting the military protective order or the member who is the subject of the military protective order; or “(ii) associated with the member requesting the military protective order or the member who is the subject of the military protective order in a manner that presents as an actual or apparent conflict of interest. “(3) Notification requirement .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall develop a policy to ensure that sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, and other appropriate personnel shall inform victims of the process by which the victim may request an expedited transfer, a no-contact order, or a military or civilian protective order.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7524, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1815, provided that:
“(a) In General .— The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy, acting through the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], shall ensure the participation of the Coast Guard in the Catch a Serial Offender program (referred to in this section as the ‘CATCH program’) of the Department of Defense established in accordance with section 543 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 ( Public Law 113–291 ) [ 128 Stat. 3373 ]. “(b) Memorandum of Understanding .— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Secretary of Defense shall finalize a memorandum of agreement to facilitate Coast Guard access to and participation in the CATCH program.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7527, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1818, provided that:
“(a) Memorandum of Understanding .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to enable the criminal offender case management and analytics database of the Coast Guard to have system interface access with the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (referred to in this section as the ‘Database’) established by section 563 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 [ Pub. L. 110–417 ] ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note). “(b) Plan.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 60 days after entering into the memorandum of understanding required under subsection (a), the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan to carry out the terms of such memorandum. “(2) Elements.— The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: “(A) Measures to ensure that authorized staff of the Coast Guard have system interface access to the Database, and a description of any barrier to such access. “(B) Measures to ensure that authorized staff of the Coast Guard Academy have system interface access to the Database, and a description of any barrier to such access that is unique to the Coast Guard Academy. “(C) Measures to facilitate formal or informal communication between the Coast Guard and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense, or any other relevant Department of Defense component, to identify or seek a resolution to barriers to Database access. “(D) A description of the steps, measures, and improvements necessary to remove any barrier encountered by staff of the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Academy in accessing the Database, including any failure of system interface access necessitating manual entry of investigative data. “(E) An assessment of the technical challenges, timeframes, and costs associated with providing authorized staff of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Academy with system interface access for the Database that is substantially similar to such system interface access possessed by other branches of the Armed Forces. “(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 Armed Services of the Senate; and “(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7528, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1819, provided that:
“(a) Expedited Transfer Policy Update .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall update Coast Guard policy as necessary to implement— “(1) an expedited transfer process for covered individuals consistent with— “(A) Department of Defense policy on expedited transfers of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence in place on the date of enactment of this Act; and “(B) subsection (b); and “(2) a process by which— “(A) a covered individual, the commanding officer of a covered individual, or any other Coast Guard official may initiate a request that a subject be administratively assigned to another unit in accordance with military assignments and authorized absence policy for the duration of the investigation and, if applicable, prosecution of such subject; “(B) the Coast Guard shall ensure that any administrative assignment action in response to a request under subparagraph (A) will be taken not as a punitive measure, but solely for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline within the unit of the covered individual or the subject; and “(C) protection of due process for the subject is preserved. “(b) Recusal .— The expedited transfer process implemented under this section shall require the recusal of any official involved in the approval or denial of an expedited transfer request if the official was, at any time— “(1) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation, or any other type of complaint, filed by the covered individual; or “(2) associated, beyond workplace interactions, with the subject in a manner that may present an actual or apparent conflict of interest. “(c) Notification Requirement .— With respect to a member of the Coast Guard who makes an unrestricted report of sexual assault or a report of domestic violence, the updated policy required under subsection (a) shall specify the appropriate officials of the Coast Guard who shall provide such member with information regarding expedited transfer authority. “(d) Report.— “(1) Initial report .— Not later than March 1 of the year that is not less than 1 year after the date on which the updates required under subsection (a) are completed, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112 of title 14 , United States Code, a report on such updates that includes— “(A) a copy of the updated policies of the Coast Guard relating to expedited transfers; “(B) a summary of such updated policies; “(C) for the preceding year, the number of covered individuals who have requested an expedited transfer, disaggregated by gender of the requester and whether the request was granted or denied; “(D) for each denial of an expedited transfer request during the preceding year, a description of the rationale for the denial; and “(E) any other matter the Commandant considers appropriate. “(2) Subsequent reports .— Not later than 1 year after the Commandant submits the report required under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter for 3 years, 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, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112 of title 14 , United States Code, a report on the updates required under subsection (a) that includes— “(A) any policies of the Coast Guard relating to expedited transfers that have been updated since the previous report submitted under this subsection; “(B) a summary of any such updated policies; and “(C) the information described under subparagraphs (C) through (E) of paragraph (1). “(e) Definitions .— In this section: “(1) Covered individual .— The term ‘covered individual’ means— “(A) a member of the Coast Guard who is a victim of sexual assault in a case handled under the Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery Program or the Family Advocacy Program; “(B) a member of the Coast Guard who is a victim of domestic violence (as defined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating in the policies prescribed under this section) committed by the spouse or intimate partner of the member, regardless of whether the spouse or intimate partner is a member of the Coast Guard; and “(C) a member of the Coast Guard whose dependent is a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence. “(2) Subject .— The term ‘subject’ means a member of the Coast Guard who is the subject of an investigation related to alleged incidents of sexual assault or domestic violence and is stationed at the same installation as, or in close proximity to, the covered individual involved.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7529, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1821, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall update the Coast Guard policy relating to temporary separation of members of the Coast Guard who are victims of alleged sex-related offenses as required under subsection (b). “(b) Eligibility .— The updated policy required under subsection (a) shall include— “(1) a provision that allows a member of the Coast Guard to request to participate in the temporary separation program if the member has reported, in an unrestricted format or to the greatest extent practicable, a restricted format, being the victim of an alleged sex-related offense on a date that is during— “(A) the 5-year period preceding the requested date of separation; and “(B) the military service of the member; “(2) a provision that provides eligibility for a member of the Coast Guard to request temporary separation if the member has reported being the victim of an alleged sex-related offense, even if— “(A) the member has had a previous temporary separation including a previous temporary separation as the victim of a previous unrelated alleged sex-related offense; or “(B) the enlistment period of the member is not nearing expiration or the tour or contract of the member is not nearing completion; “(3) an updated standard of review consistent with the application of, and purposes of, this section; and “(4) the establishment of a process— “(A) for eligible members to make requests for temporary separation under this section; and “(B) that allows the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] to consider whether to allow a member granted temporary separation under this section to fulfill the enlistment period or tour or contract obligation of the member after the end of the temporary separation period. “(c) Exception From Repayment of Bonuses, Incentive Pay, or Similar Benefits and Termination of Remaining Payments .— For any temporary separation granted under the updated policy required under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may conduct a review to determine whether to exercise discretion in accordance with section 373(b)(1) of title 37 , United States Code. “(d) Definitions .— In this section: “(1) Secretary concerned .— The term ‘Secretary concerned’ has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 37 , United States Code. “(2) Sex-related offense .— The term ‘sex-related offense’ has the meaning given such term in section 1044e(h) of title 10 , United States Code.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11273, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4068, provided that:
“(a) Interim Update .— Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], in consultation with the Director of the Health, Safety, and Work Life Directorate, shall issue an interim update to Coast Guard policy guidance to allow a member of the Coast Guard who has reported being the victim of a sexual assault, or any other offense covered by section 920, 920c, or 930 of title 10, United States Code (article 120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), to request an immediate change of station or an immediate unit transfer. “(b) Final Policy .— The Commandant shall issue a final policy based on the interim updates issued under the preceding sentence not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.”
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11274, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4068, provided that:
“Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall issue final regulations or policy guidance required to fully implement section 1745 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 ( Public Law 113–66 ; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note) with respect to members of the Coast Guard.”
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, the Secretary, in consultation with the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, shall issue a comprehensive policy for the Coast Guard on the retention of and access to evidence and records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard.
The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall revise existing policies and procedures, including systems of records, as necessary to ensure preservation of such evidence and records for periods sufficient—
to ensure that members of the Coast Guard who were victims of covered misconduct are able to pursue claims for veterans benefits;
to support administrative processes, criminal proceedings, and civil litigation conducted by military or civil authorities; and
for such other purposes relating to the documentation of an incident of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard as the Secretary considers appropriate.
In developing the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, at a minimum—
identify records relating to an incident of covered misconduct that shall be retained;
with respect to records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard that are not records of the Coast Guard, identify such records known to or in the possession of the Coast Guard, and set forth procedures for Coast Guard coordination with the custodian of such records for proper retention of the records;
set forth criteria for the collection and retention of records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard;
identify physical evidence and nondocumentary forms of evidence relating to covered misconduct that shall be retained;
set forth the period for which evidence and records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including Coast Guard Form 6095, shall be retained, except that—
any physical or forensic evidence relating to rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be retained not less than 50 years, and for other covered misconduct not less than the statute of limitations of the alleged offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice; and
consider locations in which such records shall be stored;
identify media and methods that may be used to preserve and ensure access to such records, including electronic systems of records;
ensure the protection of privacy of—
individuals named in restricted reporting cases;
designate the 1 or more positions within the Coast Guard that shall have the responsibility for such record retention by the Coast Guard;
require education and training for members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard on record retention requirements under this section;
set forth criteria for access to such records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including whether the consent of the victim should be required, by—
victims of covered misconduct;
law enforcement authorities;
the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
other individuals and entities, including alleged assailants;
require uniform collection of data on—
the incidence of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard; and
disciplinary actions taken in substantiated cases of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard; and
set forth standards for communications with, and notifications to, victims, consistent with—
the requirements of any applicable Department of Defense policy; and
to the extent practicable, any applicable policy of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall require all unique or original copies of Coast Guard Form 6095 filed in connection with a restricted or unrestricted report on an alleged incident of rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), involving a member of the Coast Guard to be retained for the longer of—
50 years commencing on the date of signature of the covered person on Coast Guard Form 6095; or
the time provided for the retention of such form in connection with unrestricted and restricted reports on incidents of sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard under Coast Guard policy.
Any Coast Guard form retained under subparagraph (A) shall be retained in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the member of the Coast Guard concerned in accordance with Coast Guard policy.
The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall require, for all criminal investigations relating to an alleged incident of covered misconduct involving a member of the Coast Guard, the retention of all elements of the case file.
The elements of the case file to be retained under subparagraph (A) shall include, at a minimum—
the case activity record;
the case review record;
investigative plans; and
all case notes made by any investigating agent.
All elements of the case file shall be retained for not less than 50 years for cases involving rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), and not less than the statute of limitations of the alleged offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for other covered misconduct, and no element of any such case file may be destroyed until the expiration of such period.
Notwithstanding the records and evidence retention requirements described in paragraphs (1)(E) and (2), personal property retained as evidence in connection with an incident of rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), involving a member of the Coast Guard may be returned to the rightful owner of such property after the conclusion of all legal, adverse action, and administrative proceedings related to such incident, as determined by the Commandant.
The Secretary shall prescribe procedures under which a victim who files a restricted report of an incident of sexual assault may request, at any time, the return of any personal property of the victim obtained as part of the sexual assault forensic examination.
The procedures required by subparagraph (A) shall ensure that—
a request by a victim for the return of personal property described under subparagraph (A) may be made on a confidential basis and without affecting the restricted nature of the restricted report; and
at the time of the filing of the restricted report, a Special Victims’ Counsel, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate—
informs the victim that the victim may request the return of personal property as described in such subparagraph; and
advises the victim that such a request for the return of personal property may negatively impact a subsequent case adjudication if the victim later decides to convert the restricted report to an unrestricted report.
Except with respect to personal property returned to a victim under this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph may be construed to affect the requirement to retain a sexual assault forensic examination kit for the period specified in paragraph (2).
With respect to victim access to records after all final disposition actions and any appeals have been completed, as applicable, the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall provide that, to the maximum extent practicable, and in such a manner that will not jeopardize an active investigation or an active case—
a victim of covered misconduct in a case in which either the victim or alleged perpetrator is a covered person shall have access to all records that are directly related to the victim’s case, or related to the victim themselves, in accordance with the policy issued under subsection (a) and subject to required protections under sections 552 and 552a of title 5;
a victim of covered misconduct who requests access to records under section 552 or 552a of title 5 concerning the victim’s case shall be determined to have a compelling need, and the records request shall be processed under expedited processing procedures, if in the request for such records the victim indicates that the records concerned are related to the covered misconduct case;
any such redaction shall be applied to the minimum extent possible so as to ensure the provision of the maximum amount of unredacted information to the victim that is permissible by law; and
any such redaction shall not be applied to—
receipt by the victim of the victim’s own statement; or
the victim’s information from an investigation; and
in the case of such a records request for which the timelines for expedited processing are not met, the Commandant shall provide to the Secretary, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives in person and in writing a briefing that explains the reasons for the denial or the delay in processing, as applicable.
In this section, the term “covered person” includes—
a member of the Coast Guard on active duty;
a member of the Coast Guard Reserve with respect to crimes investigated by or reported to the Secretary on any date on which such member is in a military status under section 802 of title 10 (article 2 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice);
a former member of the Coast Guard with respect to crimes investigated by or reported to the Secretary; and
in the case of an investigation of covered misconduct conducted by, or an incident of covered misconduct reported to, the Coast Guard involving a civilian employee of the Coast Guard, any such civilian employee of the Coast Guard.
Nothing in this section authorizes or requires, or shall be construed to authorize or require, the discovery, inspection, or production of reports, memoranda, or other internal documents or work product generated by counsel, an attorney for the Government, or their assistants or representatives.
The Commandant shall maintain all work product related to documenting a disposition decision on an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service or other law enforcement entity investigating a Coast Guard member accused of an offense against chapter 47 of title 10.
Work product documents and the case action summary described in subsection (c) shall be maintained for a period of not less than 7 years from the date of the disposition decision.
Upon a final disposition action for cases described in subsection (a), except for offenses of wrongful use or possession of a controlled substance under section 912a of title 10 (article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), where the member accused is an officer of pay grade O–4 and below or an enlisted member of pay grade E–7 and below, a convening authority shall sign a case action summary that includes the following:
The disposition actions.
The name and command of the referral authority.
Records documenting when a referral authority consulted with a staff judge advocate or special trial counsel, as applicable, before a disposition action was taken, to include the recommendation of the staff judge advocate or special trial counsel.
A reference section listing the materials reviewed in making a disposition decision.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service report of investigation.
The completed Coast Guard Investigative Service report of adjudication included as an enclosure.
In this section, the term “work product” includes—
a prosecution memorandum;
emails, notes, and other correspondence related to a disposition decision; and
the contents described in paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (c).
Nothing in this section authorizes or requires, or shall be construed to authorize or require, the discovery, inspection, or production of reports, memoranda, or other internal documents or work product generated by counsel, an attorney for the Government, or their assistants or representatives.
Not later than March 1 each year, 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 incidents of covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including recruits and officer candidates, and claims of retaliation related to the reporting of any such incident.
In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall ensure the continuity of data collection and reporting such that the ability to analyze trends is not compromised.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, information and data on—
incidents of covered misconduct; and
incidents of retaliation against a member of the Coast Guard related to the reporting of covered misconduct, disaggregated by type of retaliation claim.
The information and data on the incidents described in clause (i) shall include the following:
All incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in clause (i) reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year (referred to in this subsection as a “reported incident”).
The number of reported incidents committed against members of the Coast Guard.
The number of reported incidents committed by members of the Coast Guard.
Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable.
The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system, including the number of such incidents that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match.
The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a “substantiated reported incident”).
A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes—
a brief description of the nature of the incident;
whether the accused member has previously been convicted of sexual assault; and
whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement.
The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as—
conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted;
acquittal of all charges at court-martial;
as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice);
as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed;
dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and
whether the accused member was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the member upon separation or resignation.
With respect to any incident of covered misconduct reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident—
a narrative description of the retaliation claim;
the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and
the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation.
The disposition of or action taken by the Coast Guard or any other Federal, State, local, or Tribal entity with respect to a substantiated reported incident.
With respect to any investigation of a reported incident—
the status of the investigation or information relating to any referral to outside law enforcement entities;
the official or office of the Coast Guard that received the complaint;
a description of the results of such an investigation or information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; or
whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
With respect to the information and data required under clause (i), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses.
Subject to subsection (b), beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, each report required by subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, an analysis or assessment of trends in the occurrence, as applicable, of incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i), since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–213).
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving a member of the Coast Guard.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving members of the Coast Guard.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response activities related to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i)—
an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents;
an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such year; and
recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors.
Subject to subsection (b), each report required under subsection (a) shall include, as a separate appendix or enclosure, for the preceding calendar year, information and data on—
incidents of covered misconduct involving a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May or an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School; and
incidents of retaliation against such a recruit or officer candidate related to the reporting of covered misconduct, disaggregated by type of retaliation claim.
The information and data on the incidents described in clause (i) shall include the following:
All incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in clause (i) reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year (referred to in this subsection as a “reported incident”).
The number of reported incidents committed against recruits and officer candidates described in clause (i)(I).
The number of reported incidents committed by such recruits and officer candidates.
Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable.
The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system.
Of such reported incidents entered into such system, the number that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match.
The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a “substantiated reported incident”).
A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes—
a brief description of the nature of the incident; and
whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement.
The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as—
conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted;
acquittal of all charges at court-martial;
as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice);
as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed;
dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and
whether the accused member was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the member upon separation or resignation.
With respect to any incident of covered misconduct involving recruits or officer candidates reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident—
a narrative description of the retaliation claim;
the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and
the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation.
The disposition of or action taken by the Coast Guard or any other Federal, State, local, or Tribal entity with respect to a substantiated reported incident.
With respect to any investigation of a reported incident—
the status of the investigation or information relating to any referral to outside law enforcement entities;
the official or office of the Coast Guard that received the complaint;
a description of the results of such an investigation or information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; or
whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
With respect to the information and data required under clause (i), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses.
Subject to subsection (b), beginning on the date of enactment of Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, each report required by subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, an analysis or assessment of trends in the occurrence, as applicable, of incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i), since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–213).
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving—
a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May; or
an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include a written and detailed plan for actions to be taken during the year following the year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May or an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response activities related to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i)—
an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents;
an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such year; and
recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors.
Each report required under subsection (a) submitted during the 5-year period beginning on March 1, 2025, shall include information on the implementation by the Commandant of the directed actions described in the memorandum of the Coast Guard titled “Commandant’s Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency”, issued on November 27, 2023, including—
a description of actions taken to address each directed action during the year covered by the report;
the implementation status of each directed action;
in the case of any directed action that has not been implemented—
a detailed action plan for implementation of the recommendation;
an estimated timeline for implementation of the recommendation;
description of changes the Commandant intends to make to associated Coast Guard policies so as to enable the implementation of the recommendation; and
any other information the Commandant considers appropriate;
a description of the metrics and milestones used to measure completion, accountability, and effectiveness of each directed action;
a description of any additional actions the Commandant is taking to mitigate instances of covered misconduct within the Coast Guard;
any legislative change proposal necessary to implement the directed actions; and
a detailed list of funding necessary to implement the directed actions in a timely and effective manner, including a list of personnel needed for such implementation.
To the extent that information collected under the authority of this section is reported or otherwise made available to the public, such information shall be provided in a form that is consistent with applicable privacy protections under Federal law and does not jeopardize the confidentiality of victims.
In this section, the term “substantiated” has the meaning given the term under section 1631(c) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (10 U.S.C. 1561 note).
The decision to conduct a case review under this section shall be at the discretion of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
In addition to the requirements of section 1553 of title 10, a board of review for a former member of the Coast Guard established pursuant to such section and under part 51 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025), may upon a motion of the board and subject to review by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, downgrade an honorable discharge to a general (under honorable conditions) discharge upon a finding that a former member of the Coast Guard, while serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces, committed sexual assault or sexual harassment in violation of section 920, 920b, or 934 of title 10 (article 120, 120b, or 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
Any downgrade under paragraph (2) shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence.
The review board under paragraph (2) may not downgrade a discharge of a former member of the Coast Guard if the same action described in paragraph (2) was considered prior to separation from active duty by an administrative board in determining the characterization of discharge as otherwise provided by law and in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
A review by a board established under section 1553 of title 10 and under part 51 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025), shall be based on the records of the Coast Guard, and with respect to a member who also served in another one of the armed forces, the records of the armed forces concerned and such other evidence as may be presented to the board.
A witness may present evidence to the board in person or by affidavit.
A person who requests a review under this section may appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 of title 38.
A former member of the Coast Guard who is subject to a downgrade in discharge characterization review under subsection (a) shall be notified in writing of such proceedings, afforded the right to obtain copies of records and documents relevant to the proceedings, and the right to appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 of title 38.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7511(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1807, provided that:
“(1) In general .— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall initiate a rulemaking to implement section 2534 [this section]. “(2) Deadline for regulations .— The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall take effect not later than 180 days after the date on which the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] promulgates a final rule pursuant to such paragraph.”
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, the Commandant shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, establish and maintain a detailed and publicly available safe-to-report policy described in subsection (b) that applies with respect to all members of the Coast Guard (including members of the reserve and auxiliary components of the Coast Guard), cadets at the Coast Guard Academy, and any other individual undergoing training at an accession point of the Coast Guard.
The safe-to-report policy described in this subsection is a policy that—
prescribes the handling of minor collateral misconduct, involving a member of the Coast Guard who is the alleged victim or reporting witness of a sexual assault; and
applies to all such individuals, regardless of—
to whom the victim makes the allegation or who receives the victim’s report of sexual assault; or
whether the report, investigation, or prosecution is handled by military or civilian authorities.
In issuing the policy under subsection (a), the Commandant shall specify mitigating circumstances that decrease the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline and aggravating circumstances that increase the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline for purposes of the safe-to-report policy.
In conjunction with the issuance of the policy under subsection (a), the Commandant shall develop and implement a process to anonymously track incidents of minor collateral misconduct that are subject to the safe-to-report policy.
In this section, the term “minor collateral misconduct” means any minor misconduct that is potentially punishable under chapter 47 of title 10 that—
is committed close in time to or during a sexual assault and directly related to the incident that formed the basis of the allegation of sexual assault allegation;
is discovered as a direct result of the report of sexual assault or the ensuing investigation into such sexual assault; and
does not involve aggravating circumstances (as specified in the policy issued under subsection (a)) that increase the gravity of the minor misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline.
Beginning on March 30, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall provide a detailed written notification to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with respect to each of the following:
Whether the Uniform Code of Military Justice (chapter 47 of title 10) has been amended—
to add any sex-related offense as a new article; or
to remove an article relating to covered misconduct described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 301.2
Whether the Manual for Courts 1 Martial has been modified—
to add any sex-related offense as an offense described under an article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice; or
to remove as an offense described under an article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice covered misconduct described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 301.2
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, the Secretary shall establish a publicly available, written policy to improve oversight, investigations, accountability, and public transparency regarding alleged misconduct of senior leaders of the Coast Guard.
The policy required by subsection (a)—
shall require that—
any allegation of alleged misconduct made against a senior leader of the Coast Guard shall be reported to the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating not later than 72 hours after the allegation is reported to the Coast Guard or the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and
the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall notify the head of the Coast Guard office in which the senior leader is serving with respect to the receipt of such allegation, or, in a case where the senior leader is the head of such Coast Guard office, the next in the chain of command, as appropriate, except in a case in which the Inspector General determines that such notification would risk impairing an ongoing investigation, would unnecessarily compromise the anonymity of the individual making the allegation, or would otherwise be inappropriate; and
to the extent practicable, shall be consistent with Department of Defense directives, including Department of Defense Directive 5505.06.
The Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating—
shall have the first right to investigate an allegation described in subsection (b)(1)(A); and
in cases with concurrent jurisdiction involving an allegation described in subsection (b)(1)(A), may investigate such an allegation to the exclusion of any other Coast Guard criminal or administrative investigation if the Inspector General determines that an exclusive investigation is necessary to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
The policy established under subsection (a) shall be made available to the public and incorporated into training and curricula across the Coast Guard at all levels to ensure broad understanding of the policy among members and personnel of the Coast Guard.
In this section:
The term “alleged misconduct”—
means a credible allegation that, if proven, would constitute a violation of—
a provision of criminal law, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice (chapter 47 of title 10); or
a recognized standard, such as the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation or other Federal regulation, including any other Department of Defense regulation and any Department of Homeland Security regulation; or
could reasonably be expected to be of significance to the Secretary or the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, particularly in a case in which there is an element of misuse of position or of unauthorized personal benefit to the senior official, a family member, or an associate.
The term “senior leader of the Coast Guard” means—
an active duty, retired, or reserve officer of the Coast Guard in the grade of O–7 or higher;
an officer of the Coast Guard selected for promotion to the grade of O–7;
a current or former civilian member of the Senior Executive Service (career reserved) employed by the Coast Guard; or
any civilian member of the Coast Guard whose position is deemed equivalent to that of a member of the Senior Executive Service (career reserved), as determined by the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
If a complaint of covered misconduct is made against a member of the Coast Guard and the member is convicted by court-martial or receives nonjudicial punishment or punitive administrative action for such covered misconduct, a notation to that effect shall be placed in the personnel service record of the member, regardless of the grade of the member.
The purpose of the inclusion of information in personnel service records under paragraph (1) is to alert supervisors and commanders to any member of their command who has received a court-martial conviction, nonjudicial punishment, or punitive administrative action for covered misconduct in order—
to reduce the likelihood that repeat offenses will escape the notice of supervisors and commanders; and
to help inform commissioning or promotability of the member;
A notation under paragraph (1) may not be placed in the restricted section of the personnel service record of a member.
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit or limit the capacity of a member of the Coast Guard to challenge or appeal the placement of a notation, or location of placement of a notation, in the personnel service record of the member in accordance with procedures otherwise applicable to such challenges or appeals.
Under policy to be prescribed by the Secretary, the commanding officer of a unit or facility to which a covered member is assigned or transferred shall review the history of covered misconduct as documented in the personnel service record of a covered member in order to become familiar with such history of the covered member.
In this subsection, the term “covered member” means a member of the Coast Guard who, at the time of assignment or transfer as described in paragraph (1), has a history of 1 or more covered misconduct offenses as documented in the personnel service record of such member or such other records or files as the Commandant shall specify in the policy prescribed under subparagraph (A).1
Under policy to be prescribed by the Secretary, the Commandant shall establish procedures that are consistent with the law, policies, and practices of the Department of Defense in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 to consider and review the personnel service record of a former member of the Armed Forces to determine the suitability of the individual for civilian employment in the Coast Guard.
In this title, the term “covered misconduct” means—
sexual harassment, as described in Executive Order 14062 dated January 26, 2022, and enumerated under section 934 of title 10 (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice);
wrongful broadcast, dissemination, or creation of content as described in sections 917 1 and 920c of title 10 (articles 117a and 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice);
the child pornography offenses as described in section 934 of title 10 (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice);
rape and sexual assault of a child, other sexual misconduct, and stalking, as described in sections 920b, 920c(a), and 930 of title 10 (articles 120b, 120c, and 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); and
domestic violence, as described in section 928b of title 10 (article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
CHAPTER 27— PAY, ALLOWANCES, AWARDS, AND OTHER RIGHTS AND BENEFITS
SUBCHAPTER I— PERSONNEL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS
The Coast Guard may expend operations and support funds for recruiting activities, including advertising and entertainment, to—
obtain recruits for the Service and cadet applicants; and
gain support of recruiting objectives from those who may assist in the recruiting effort.
The Coast Guard may make expenditures for the training of personnel, including books, school supplies, correspondence courses, motion picture equipment, and other equipment for instructional purposes.
The Commandant may expend for contingencies of the Coast Guard a sum not to exceed $50,000 in any one fiscal year.
The Coast Guard may make such expenditures as are deemed appropriate for promotion and maintenance of the safety and occupational health of, and the prevention of accidents affecting, personnel of the Coast Guard, including the purchase of clothing, equipment, and other materials necessary thereto.
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.
Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, § 410, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2118, provided that:
“The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall ensure that all Coast Guard personnel are equipped with adequate safety equipment, including hypothermia protective clothing where appropriate, while performing search and rescue missions.”
[Repealed]
When authorized by and in accordance with applicable regulations:
any member who has served honorably in the Coast Guard during war shall when not in active service, whether or not on the retired list, be entitled to bear the official title and upon occasions of ceremony to wear the uniform of the highest rank or rating held by him during his war service, and
any member on the retired list shall be entitled to wear the uniform of his rank or rating.
The provisions of law relating to the protection of the uniform of the United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps shall apply to the protection of the uniform of the Coast Guard, in the same manner, to the same extent, and under the same conditions.
The Coast Guard may purchase uniforms, accouterments, and related equipment for sale to officer personnel and cadets of the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard may purchase uniform clothing for sale to enlisted personnel of the Coast Guard. The actual cost of the clothing thus sold to enlisted personnel may be withheld from their pay.
The Coast Guard may provide a cash allowance, in such amount as the Secretary shall determine by policy, to be paid to pregnant officer personnel for the purchase of maternity-related uniform items, if such uniform items are not so furnished to the member by the Coast Guard.
Amendment by Pub. L. 87–649 effective Nov. 1, 1962, see section 15 of Pub. L. 87–649, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.
Such stores as the Secretary may designate may be procured and sold to members of the Coast Guard, and to the surviving spouses of such members. Such designated stores may also be procured and sold to civilian officers and employees of the United States, and to such other individuals as may be specifically authorized by the Secretary, at Coast Guard stations and other units beyond the continental limits of the United States or in Alaska.
All moneys, articles of value, papers, keepsakes, and other similar effects belonging to the deceased individuals in the Coast Guard, not claimed by their legal heirs or next of kin, shall be deposited in safe custody, and if any such moneys, articles of value, papers, keepsakes, or other similar effects so deposited have been, or shall hereafter be, unclaimed for a period of two years from the date of the death of such individual, such articles and effects shall be sold and the proceeds thereof, together with the moneys above mentioned, shall be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. The Secretary shall make diligent inquiry in every instance after the death of such individual to ascertain the whereabouts of his heirs or next of kin, and prescribe necessary regulations to carry out the foregoing provisions. Claims may be presented hereunder at any time within five years after such moneys or proceeds have been so deposited in the Treasury, and, when supported by competent proof in any case after such deposit in the Treasury, shall be certified to Congress for consideration.
The Coast Guard may, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, make such expenditures as are deemed necessary for the apprehension and delivery of deserters, stragglers, and prisoners.
No individual who is convicted by court martial for desertion from the Coast Guard in time of war, and as the result of such conviction is dismissed or dishonorably discharged from the Coast Guard shall afterwards be enlisted, appointed, or commissioned in any military or naval service under the United States, unless the disability resulting from desertion, as established by this section is removed by a board of commissioned officers of the Coast Guard convened for consideration of the case, and the action of the Board is approved by the Secretary; or unless he is restored to duty in time of war.
Section effective May 31, 1951, see act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, § 5, 64 Stat. 145.
The Coast Guard may offer and pay rewards for the apprehension and delivery of deserters, stragglers, and prisoners.
In order to improve the accuracy and completeness of a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by section 1143(a)(1) of title 10, the Secretary shall—
establish a database to record all training performed by members of the Coast Guard that may have application to employment in the civilian sector; and
make unclassified information regarding such information available to States and other potential employers referred to in section 1143(c) of title 10 so that States and other potential employers may allow military training to satisfy licensing or certification requirements to engage in a civilian profession.
The Secretary shall ensure that a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by section 1143(a)(1) of title 10 is rendered in such a way that States and other potential employers can confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the certification or verification.
A State may request that the Secretary confirm the accuracy and authenticity of a certification or verification of job skills and experience provided under section 1143(c) of title 10.
SUBCHAPTER II— AWARDS
The President may delegate to the Secretary, under such conditions, regulations, and limitations as he prescribes, the powers conferred upon him to make the awards designated in this chapter, and the President may make any and all rules, regulations, and orders which he deems necessary in the conferring of such awards.
The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to an individual who, while a member of the Coast Guard, displays conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of such individual’s life above and beyond the call of duty—
while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force;
while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
An individual awarded a medal of honor shall, upon written application of that individual, be issued, without charge, one duplicate medal of honor with ribbons and appurtenances. Such duplicate medal of honor shall be marked, in such manner as the Secretary may determine, as a duplicate or for display purposes only.
The President shall provide for the presentation of the Medal of Honor Flag designated under section 903 of title 36 to each individual to whom a medal of honor is awarded under section 2732 of this title . Presentation of the flag shall be made at the same time as the presentation of the medal under section 2732 or 2743 of this title. In the case of a posthumous presentation of the medal, the flag shall be presented to the individual to whom the medal is presented.
President to provide for the presentation of the Medal of Honor Flag to living recipients of the Medal of Honor as expeditiously as possible after Oct. 17, 2006, and for posthumous presentation to survivors of deceased recipients of the Medal of Honor upon written application therefor, see section 555(b) of Pub. L. 109–364, set out as a note under section 3755 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
The President may award a Coast Guard cross of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to an individual who, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, when the Coast Guard is not operating under the Department of the Navy, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a medal of honor—
while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or international terrorist organization; or
while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
The President may present, but not in the name of Congress, a distinguished service medal of appropriate design, with accompanying ribbon, together with a rosette or other device, to be worn in lieu thereof, to any individual who, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, performs exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility.
The President may award a silver star medal of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to an individual who, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, when the Coast Guard is not operating under the Department of the Navy, is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant a medal of honor or Coast Guard cross—
while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or international terrorist organization; or
while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
The President may present, but not in the name of Congress, a distinguished flying cross of appropriate design, with accompanying ribbon, to any individual who, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, displays heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.
The President may present, but not in the name of Congress, a medal to be known as the Coast Guard medal, of appropriate design, with accompanying ribbon, together with a rosette or other device to be worn in lieu thereof, to any individual who, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, displays heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
No more than one Coast Guard cross, distinguished service medal, silver star medal, distinguished flying cross, or Coast Guard medal shall be issued to any one individual; but for each succeeding deed or service sufficient to justify the awarding of a Coast Guard cross, distinguished service medal, silver star medal, distinguished flying cross, or Coast Guard medal, the President may award a suitable emblem or insignia to be worn with the decoration and a corresponding rosette or other device.
No medal of honor, Coast Guard cross, distinguished service medal, silver star medal, distinguished flying cross, Coast Guard medal, or bar, emblem, or insignia in lieu thereof may be awarded to an individual unless—
the award is made within five years after the date of the deed or service justifying the award;
a statement setting forth the deed or distinguished service and recommending official recognition of it was made by his superior through official channels within three years from the date of that deed or termination of the service.
If the Secretary determines that—
a statement setting forth the deed or distinguished service and recommending official recognition of it was made by the individual’s superior through official channels within three years from the date of that deed or termination of the service and was supported by sufficient evidence within that time; and
no award was made, because the statement was lost or through inadvertence the recommendation was not acted upon; a medal of honor, Coast Guard cross, distinguished service medal, silver star medal, distinguished flying cross, Coast Guard medal, or bar, emblem, or insignia in lieu thereof, as the case may be, may be awarded to the individual within two years after the date of that determination.
No medal of honor, Coast Guard cross, distinguished service medal, silver star medal, distinguished flying cross, Coast Guard medal, or emblem, or insignia in lieu thereof shall be awarded or presented to any individual, or to the representative of any individual, whose entire service subsequent to the time of the acts resulting in the consideration of such award shall not in the opinion of the Commandant have been honorable.
In case an individual who dies before the making of any award to which such individual may be entitled, as authorized in this chapter, the award may be made and presented within five years from the date of the act or service justifying the award to such next of kin as may have been designated by the individual, or in the absence of such designation, or if the designated individual is not alive at the time of the award, or the relationship between such individual and the serviceman shall have been terminated before his death, then to such representative as the President designates. In the event of a posthumous award when the award will be made to the parents of the deceased and the parents have been divorced or separated, a duplicate award may be made to each parent.
The Secretary may, under regulations prescribed by him, award a Life-saving medal of gold or silver to any individual, including personnel of the Coast Guard, who rescues or endeavors to rescue any other individual from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water in accordance with the following provisions:
if such rescue or attempted rescue is made at the risk of one’s own life and evidences extreme and heroic daring, the medal shall be of gold;
if such rescue or attempted rescue is not sufficiently distinguished to deserve the medal of gold, but evidences the exercise of such signal exertion as to merit recognition, the medal shall be of silver.
In order for an individual to be eligible for the Life-saving Medals the rescue or attempted rescue must take place in waters within the United States or subject to the jurisdiction thereof, or if the rescue or attempted rescue takes place outside such waters, one or the other of the parties must be a citizen of the United States or from a vessel or aircraft owned or operated by citizens of the United States.
No individual shall receive more than one gold medal and one silver medal; but any individual who has received or may hereafter receive a gold or silver medal and who again performs an act which would entitle him to receive another medal of the same class may be awarded, in lieu of a second medal of the same class, a gold or silver bar, as the case may be, to be worn with the medal already bestowed, and for every such additional act, an additional bar may be awarded. Medals and bars in lieu thereof, authorized by this subsection, may be awarded posthumously.
In those cases where a medal, or a bar, emblem, or insignia in lieu thereof, awarded pursuant to this chapter has been stolen, lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the individual to whom it was awarded, such medal, or bar, emblem, or insignia in lieu thereof, shall be replaced without charge, or, in the discretion of the Secretary, upon condition that the Government is reimbursed for the cost thereof.
Coast Guard personnel, notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, may be awarded medals, bars, emblems, or insignia to which such personnel may be entitled under other provisions of law.
The Coast Guard may award trophies, badges, and cash prizes to Coast Guard personnel or groups thereof, including personnel of the reserve components thereof whether or not on active duty, for excellence in accomplishments related to Coast Guard service, to incur such expenses as may be necessary to enter such personnel in competitions, and to provide badges or buttons in recognition of special service, good conduct, and discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
Upon the release of a member of the Coast Guard from active duty for retirement, the Secretary shall present a United States flag to the member.
A member is not eligible for a presentation of a flag under subsection (a) if the member has previously been presented a flag under this section or any other provision of law providing for the presentation of a United States flag incident to release from active service for retirement.
The presentation of a flag under this section shall be at no cost to the recipient.
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.
Section applicable with respect to releases from active duty described in this section and sections 7251, 8261, and 9251 of Title 10, Armed Forces, on or after Oct. 1, 1998, see section 644(e) of Pub. L. 105–261, set out as a note under section 7251 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
SUBCHAPTER III— PAYMENTS
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7232, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1713, provided that:
“(a) Establishment .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall implement a policy that provides for reimbursement to eligible members of the Coast Guard for the cost of airfare for such members to travel to a place within the United States or the territories of the United States at the request of such member during the period specified in subsection (h). “(b) Eligible Members .— A member of the Coast Guard is eligible for a reimbursement under subsection (a) if— “(1) the member is assigned to a duty location in Alaska; and “(2) an officer in a grade above O–5 in the chain of command of the member authorizes the travel of the member. “(c) Treatment of Time as Leave .— The time during which an eligible member is absent from duty for travel reimbursable under subsection (a) shall be treated as leave for purposes of section 704 of title 10 , United States Code. “(d) Restriction .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall not deny reimbursement for travel authorized under subsection (b)(2) to the respective member. “(e) Justification .— If a member requests to travel to a place that is not the home of record, or state of legal residence, of such member, the approving official under subsection (b)(2) may require a justification of the request by such member and shall not unreasonably deny such request. “(f) Reimbursement Limitation .— The rate of reimbursement for travel to a place that is not the member’s home of record or state of legal residence shall be limited to the cost of travel to the member’s home of record or state of legal residence using the amounts determined by the GSA City Pairs [sic] Program. “(g) Briefing Required .— Not later than February 1, 2027 , the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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— “(1) the use and effectiveness of reimbursements under subsection (a); “(2) the calculation and use of the cost of living allowance for a member assigned to a duty location in Alaska; and “(3) the use of special pays and other allowances as incentives for cold weather proficiency or duty locations. “(h) Period Specified .— The period specified in this subsection is the period— “(1) beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ]; and “(2) ending on the later of— “(A) December 31, 2029 ; or “(B) the date on which the authority under section 352 of title 37 , United States Code, to grant assignment or special duty pay to members of the uniform services terminates under subsection (g) of such section.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7233, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1714, provided that:
“(a) Establishment .— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant [of the Coast Guard], shall establish a tuition assistance pilot program for active-duty members of the Coast Guard, to be known as the ‘Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program for Sea Duty’ (referred to in this section as the ‘pilot program’). “(b) Formal Agreement .— A member of the Coast Guard participating in the pilot program shall enter into a formal agreement with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating that provides that, upon the successful completion of a sea duty tour by such member and beginning on the date on which the sea duty tour concludes, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall— “(1) reduce by one half the service obligation incurred by such member as a result of participation in the advanced education assistance program under section 2005 of title 10 , United States Code, or the tuition assistance program under section 2007 of such title; and “(2) for a period equal to the length of the sea duty tour, increase the tuition assistance cost cap for such member to not more than double the amount of the standard tuition assistance cost cap set by the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] for the applicable fiscal year. “(c) Report .— Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program is established, and annually thereafter through the date on which the pilot program is terminated under subsection (d), the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 that— “(1) evaluates and compares— “(A) the Coast Guard’s retention, recruitment, and filling of sea duty billets for all members of the Coast Guard; and “(B) the Coast Guard’s retention, recruitment, and filling of sea duty billets for all members of the Coast Guard participating in the pilot program; “(2) includes the number of participants in the pilot program as of the date of the report, disaggregated by officer and enlisted billet type; and “(3) assesses the progress made by such participants in their respective voluntary education programs, in accordance with their degree plans, during the period described in subsection (b). “(d) Termination .— The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date on which the pilot program is established.”
The Secretary may furnish individuals discharged pursuant to the sentence of a Coast Guard court-martial suitable civilian clothing and a monetary allowance not to exceed $25 if the individual discharged would not otherwise have suitable clothing or funds to meet immediate needs.
Section effective May 31, 1951, see act May 5, 1950, ch. 169, § 5, 64 Stat. 145.
An officer or cadet of the Coast Guard who is assigned shore patrol duty away from his vessel or other duty station may be paid his actual expenses.
The Secretary may grant compensatory absence from duty to military personnel of the Coast Guard serving at isolated duty stations of the Coast Guard when conditions of duty result in confinement because of isolation or in long periods of continuous duty.
The transportation and reimbursement authorized by section 453(c) of title 37 shall be available hereafter to pay a monetary allowance in place of such transportation to a member who, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, participates in a program designated by the Secretary in which his baggage and household effects are moved by a privately owned or rental vehicle. This allowance shall not be limited to reimbursement for actual expenses and may be paid in advance of the transportation of the baggage and household effects. The allowance shall, however, be in an amount that will result in savings to the Government when the total cost of the movement of baggage and household effects is compared with the cost that otherwise would have been incurred under section 453(c) of title 37 .
Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1947, provided that the amendment made by section 1076(a)(9) is effective Dec. 31, 2011, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–81 as enacted.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Coast Guard may authorize retroactive payment of pay and allowances, including selective reenlistment bonuses, to enlisted members if entitlement to the pay and allowances was delayed in vesting solely because of an administrative error or oversight.
The Secretary may require that travel or transportation allowances due a civilian employee or military member of the Coast Guard be disbursed directly to the issuer of a Federal contractor-issued travel charge card, but only in an amount not to exceed the authorized travel expenses charged by that Coast Guard member to that travel charge card issued to that employee or member.
The Secretary may also establish requirements similar to those established by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 2784a of title 10 for deduction or withholding of pay or retired pay from a Coast Guard employee, member, or retired member who is delinquent in payment under the terms of the contract under which the card was issued and does not dispute the amount of the delinquency.
In any case in which a covered beneficiary (as defined in section 1072(5) of title 10) resides on an island that is located in the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia and that lacks public access roads to the mainland, the Secretary shall reimburse the reasonable travel expenses of the covered beneficiary and, when accompaniment by an adult is necessary, for a parent or guardian of the covered beneficiary or another member of the covered beneficiary’s family who is at least 21 years of age, if—
the covered beneficiary is referred by a primary care physician to a specialty care provider (as defined in section 1074i(b) of title 10) on the mainland who provides services less than 100 miles from the location where the beneficiary resides; or
the Coast Guard medical regional manager for the area in which such island is located determines that the covered beneficiary requires services of a primary care, specialty care, or dental provider and such a provider who is part of the network of providers of a TRICARE program (as that term is defined in section 1072(7) of title 10) does not practice on such island.
The Commandant shall conduct each calendar year an audit of member pay and allowances for the members who transferred to new units during such calendar year. The audit for a calendar year shall be completed by the end of the calendar year.
The Secretary may have remitted or cancelled any part of an individual’s indebtedness to the United States or any instrumentality of the United States if—
the indebtedness was incurred while the individual served as a member of the Coast Guard, whether as a regular or a reserve in active status; and
the Secretary determines that remitting or cancelling the indebtedness is in the best interest of the United States.
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective Dec. 23, 2016, and applicable with respect to debt incurred on or after Oct. 7, 2001, see section 671(b)(5) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 7837 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Pub. L. 90–83, § 9(i), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 222, provided that:
“Section 2 of this Act [correcting section 73(a)(3) of Pub. L. 89–718 ] is effective as of November 2, 1966 , for all purposes.”
Coast Guard personnel may be assigned for special instruction at private or state colleges or universities, and their expenses, including tuition, books, laboratory equipment and fees, and school supplies, may be defrayed by the Coast Guard.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, § 11413(a), (b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4120, provided that:
“(a) In General .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall expand opportunities for members of the Coast Guard to secure postgraduate degrees in medical and related professional disciplines for the purpose of supporting Coast Guard clinics and operations. “(b) Application of Law .— Individuals who receive assistance pursuant to subsection (a) shall be subject to the service obligations required under section 2114 of title 10 , United States Code.”
Pub. L. 114–120, title II, § 213, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 42, provided that:
“Not later than 1 year 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 an education program, for members and employees of the Coast Guard, that— “(1) offers a master’s degree in maritime operations; “(2) is relevant to the professional development of such members and employees; “(3) provides resident and distant education options, including the ability to utilize both options; and “(4) to the greatest extent practicable, is conducted using existing academic programs at an accredited public academic institution that— “(A) is located near a significant number of Coast Guard, maritime, and other Department of Homeland Security law enforcement personnel; and “(B) has an ability to simulate operations normally conducted at a command center.”
Coast Guard personnel may be directed to attend meetings of technical, professional, scientific, and other similar organizations and may be reimbursed for expenses thereby incurred at the rates authorized by law.
Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary may repay—
any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.);
any loan made under part D of such title (the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.);
any loan made under part E of such title (20 U.S.C. 1087aa et seq.); or
any loan incurred for educational purposes made by a lender that is—
an agency or instrumentality of a State;
a financial or credit institution (including an insurance company) that is subject to examination and supervision by an agency of the United States or any State;
a pension fund approved by the Secretary for purposes of this section; or
a nonprofit private entity designated by a State, regulated by such State, and approved by the Secretary for purposes of this section.
Repayment of any such loan shall be made on the basis of each complete year of service performed by the borrower.
The Secretary may repay loans described in paragraph (1) in the case of any person for service performed on active duty as a member in an officer program or military specialty specified by the Secretary.
The portion or amount of a loan that may be repaid under subsection (a) is 33⅓ percent or $1,500, whichever is greater, for each year of service.
If a portion of a loan is repaid under this section for any year, interest on the remainder of such loan shall accrue and be paid in the same manner as is otherwise required.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize refunding any repayment of a loan.
An individual who transfers from service making the individual eligible for repayment of loans under this section (as described in subsection (a)(3)) to service making the individual eligible for repayment of loans under section 16301 of title 10 (as described in subsection (a)(2) or (g) of that section) during a year shall be eligible to have repaid a portion of such loan determined by giving appropriate fractional credit for each portion of the year so served, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary concerned.
The Secretary shall prescribe a schedule for the allocation of funds made available to carry out the provisions of this section and section 16301 of title 10 during any year for which funds are not sufficient to pay the sum of the amounts eligible for repayment under subsection (a) and section 16301(a) of title 10.
Except an individual described in subsection (e) who transfers to service making the individual eligible for repayment of loans under section 16301 of title 10, a member of the Coast Guard who fails to complete the period of service required to qualify for loan repayment under this section shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) or 373 of title 37.
The Secretary may prescribe procedures for implementing this section, including standards for qualified loans and authorized payees and other terms and conditions for making loan repayments. Such regulations may include exceptions that would allow for the payment as a lump sum of any loan repayment due to a member under a written agreement that existed at the time of a member’s death or disability.
Enlisted members of the Coast Guard, civilian officers and civilian crews of vessels, and working parties in the field shall be allowed a ration or commutation thereof in money, in such amount and under limitations and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
Money for commuted rations shall be paid, under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, on proper vouchers, or pay rolls, to individuals entitled to receive it, or to the officers designated by the Commandant to administer the financial affairs of the messes in which such individuals may be subsisted.
Money paid for commuted rations to the designated officer may be deposited in general or limited depositories of public money or in any bank in which deposits are insured. Such funds shall be expended and accounted for under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe.
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as modifying or changing in any manner the provisions of law pertaining to subsistence allowances for enlisted members, but no ration or commutation thereof shall be allowed an individual receiving a subsistence allowance.
Ration supplies may be purchased by the cabin, wardroom, warrant officers’, and other authorized messes and payment therefor made in cash to the commissary officer. The prices to be charged for such supplies shall not be less than the invoice prices, and the cash received from such sales shall be accounted for on the ration return and may be expended for the general mess.
There may be furnished to officers, enlisted members, and civilian employees, while actually engaged in flight operations, an aircraft flight ration in kind, chargeable to the proper Coast Guard appropriation, which flight ration shall be supplementary to any ration or subsistence allowance now granted to such personnel. No part of an aircraft flight ration shall be furnished without cost to any individual in a travel status or to any individual to whom a per diem allowance is granted in lieu of actual subsistence.
Enlisted members discharged by dishonorable discharge, bad-conduct discharge, or any other discharge for the good of the service, may, upon discharge, be paid a sum not to exceed $25. The sum paid shall be fixed by and in the discretion of the Commandant, and shall be paid only in cases where the individual so discharged would otherwise be without funds to meet his immediate needs.
The Coast Guard may furnish clothing and subsistence to destitute shipwrecked individuals, and the Coast Guard may reimburse, in cash or in kind, Coast Guard personnel who furnish clothing and subsistence to destitute shipwrecked individuals.
The Commandant, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, may advance public funds to personnel when required to meet expenses of members detailed on emergency shore duty. Funds so advanced shall not exceed a reasonable estimate of the actual expenditures to be made and for which reimbursement is authorized by law.
Whenever the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the effective conduct of the affairs of the Coast Guard, he may, at reasonable rates of fare fixed under regulations to be prescribed by him, provide assured and adequate transportation by motor vehicle or water carrier to and from their places of employment for individuals attached to, or employed by, the Coast Guard; and during a war or during a national emergency declared by Congress or the President, for individuals attached to, or employed in, a private plant that is manufacturing material for the Coast Guard.
Transportation may not be provided under subsection (a) unless the Secretary or an officer designated by the Secretary, determines that—
other transportation facilities are inadequate and cannot be made adequate;
a reasonable effort has been made to induce operators of private facilities to provide the necessary transportation; and
the service to be furnished will make proper use of transportation facilities and will supply the most efficient transportation to the individuals concerned.
To provide transportation under subsection (a), the Secretary may—
buy, lease, or charter motor vehicles or water carriers having a seating capacity of 12 or more passengers;
maintain and operate that equipment by enlisted members or employees of the Coast Guard, or by private individuals under contract; and
lease or charter the equipment to private or public carriers for operation under terms that are considered necessary by the Secretary or by an officer designated by the Secretary, and that may provide for the pooling of government-owned and privately owned equipment and facilities and for the reciprocal use of that equipment.
Fares received under subsection (a), and proceeds of the leasing or chartering of equipment under subsection (c)(3), shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
Pub. L. 99–145, title XVI, § 1623, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 778, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Oct. 1, 1985.
CHAPTER 29— COAST GUARD FAMILY SUPPORT, CHILD CARE, AND HOUSING
SUBCHAPTER I— COAST GUARD FAMILIES
The Commandant is authorized—
to establish an office for the purpose of developing, promulgating, and coordinating policies, programs, and activities related to the families of Coast Guard members;
to implement and oversee policies, programs, and activities described in paragraph (1) as the Commandant considers necessary; and
to perform such other duties as the Commandant considers necessary.
The Commandant, in order to determine the effectiveness of Federal policies, programs, and activities related to the families of Coast Guard members, may survey—
any Coast Guard member;
any retired Coast Guard member;
the immediate family of any Coast Guard member or retired Coast Guard member; and
any survivor of a deceased Coast Guard member.
Participation in any survey conducted under subsection (a) shall be voluntary.
Each individual surveyed under subsection (a) shall be considered an employee of the United States for purposes of section 3502(3)(A)(i) of title 44.
The Secretary shall carry out a program under which a member of the Coast Guard may be reimbursed, as provided in this section, for qualifying adoption expenses incurred by the member in the adoption of a child under 18 years of age.
An adoption for which expenses may be reimbursed under this section includes an adoption by a single individual, an infant adoption, an intercountry adoption, and an adoption of a child with special needs (as defined in section 473(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 673(c))).
Benefits paid under this section in the case of an adoption may be paid only after the adoption is final.
A benefit may not be paid under this section for any expense paid to or for a member of the Coast Guard under any other adoption benefits program administered by the Federal Government or under any such program administered by a State or local government.
Not more than $2,000 may be paid under this section to a member of the Coast Guard, or to two such members who are spouses of each other, for expenses incurred in the adoption of a child.
Not more than $5,000 may be paid under this section to a member of the Coast Guard, or to two such members who are spouses of each other, for adoptions by such member (or members) in any calendar year.
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
In this section:
The term “qualifying adoption expenses” means reasonable and necessary expenses that are directly related to the legal adoption of a child under 18 years of age, but only if such adoption is arranged by a qualified adoption agency. Such term does not include any expense incurred—
by an adopting parent for travel; or
in connection with an adoption arranged in violation of Federal, State, or local law.
The term “reasonable and necessary expenses” includes—
public and private agency fees, including adoption fees charged by an agency in a foreign country;
placement fees, including fees charged adoptive parents for counseling;
medical expenses, including hospital expenses of the biological mother of the child to be adopted and of a newborn infant to be adopted.
The term “qualified adoption agency” means any of the following:
A State or local government agency which has responsibility under State or local law for child placement through adoption.
A nonprofit, voluntary adoption agency which is authorized by State or local law to place children for adoption.
Any other source authorized by a State to provide adoption placement if the adoption is supervised by a court under State or local law.
Section effective Dec. 5, 1991, and applicable to adoptions completed on or after that date, see section 651(c) of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 1052 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
For provisions relating to reimbursement for adoption expenses and time period for application, see section 652 of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 1052 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
The Commandant may provide, subject to the availability of appropriations, tuition assistance to an eligible spouse to facilitate the acquisition of—
education and training required for a degree or credential at an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse; or
education prerequisites and a professional license or credential required, by a government or government-sanctioned licensing body, for an occupation that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
The term “eligible spouse” means the spouse of a member of the Coast Guard who is serving on active duty and includes a spouse who receives transitional compensation under section 1059 of title 10.
The term “eligible spouse” does not include an individual who—
is married to, but legally separated from, a member of the Coast Guard under a court order or statute of any State or territorial possession of the United States; or
is eligible for tuition assistance as a member of the Armed Forces.
The term “portable career” includes an occupation that requires education, training, or both that results in a credential that is recognized by an industry, profession, or specific type of business.
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, § 580G, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1410, provided that:
“The spouse of a member of the Coast Guard may participate in the My Career Advancement Account program of the Department of Defense if the Coast Guard reimburses the Department of Defense.”
The Commandant is authorized to establish, within any Coast Guard unit, an initiative to help integrate into new surroundings the dependent children of members of the Coast Guard who received permanent change of station orders.
An initiative established under subsection (a) shall—
provide for the involvement of a dependent child of a member of the Coast Guard in the dependent child’s new Coast Guard community; and
primarily focus on preteen and teenaged children.
In carrying out an initiative under subsection (a), the Commandant may—
provide to a dependent child of a member of the Coast Guard information on youth programs and activities available in the dependent child’s new Coast Guard community; and
enter into agreements with nonprofit entities to provide youth programs and activities to such child.
The Secretary may provide, out of funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard, for the primary and secondary schooling of dependents of Coast Guard personnel stationed outside the continental United States at costs for any given area not in excess of those of the Department of Defense for the same area, when it is determined by the Secretary that the schools, if any, available in the locality are unable to provide adequately for the education of those dependents.
Whenever the Secretary, under such regulations as he may prescribe, determines that schools located in the same area in which a Coast Guard facility is located are not accessible by public means of transportation on a regular basis, he may provide, out of funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard, for the transportation of dependents of Coast Guard personnel between the schools serving the area and the Coast Guard facility.
SUBCHAPTER II— COAST GUARD CHILD CARE
In this subchapter, the following definitions apply:
The term “child abuse and neglect” has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 note).
The term “child development center employee” means a civilian employee of the Coast Guard who is employed to work in a Coast Guard child development center without regard to whether the employee is paid from appropriated or nonappropriated funds.
The term “Coast Guard child development center” means a facility on Coast Guard property or on property under the jurisdiction of the commander of a Coast Guard unit at which child care services are provided for members of the Coast Guard.
The term “competitive service position” means a position in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of title 5).
The term “family home daycare” means home-based child care services provided for a member of the Coast Guard by an individual who—
is certified by the Commandant as qualified to provide home-based child care services; and
provides home-based child care services on a regular basis in exchange for monetary compensation.
The Commandant may make child development services available, in such priority as the Commandant considers to be appropriate and consistent with readiness and resources and in the best interests of dependents of members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard, for—
members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard;
surviving dependents of service members who have died on active duty, if such dependents were beneficiaries of a Coast Guard child development service at the time of the death of such members;
members of the armed forces (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10); and
Federal civilian employees.
Child development service benefits provided under the authority of this section shall be in addition to benefits provided under other laws.
The Commandant is authorized to use appropriated funds available to the Coast Guard to provide child development services.
The Commandant is authorized to establish, by regulations, fees to be charged parents for the attendance of children at Coast Guard child development centers.
Fees to be charged, pursuant to subparagraph (A), shall be based on family income and whether a family is participating in an initiative established under section 2925(b), except that the Commandant may, on a case-by-base basis, establish fees at lower rates if such rates would not be competitive with rates at local child development centers.
The Commandant is authorized to collect and expend fees, established pursuant to this subparagraph, and such fees shall, without further appropriation, remain available until expended for the purpose of providing services, including the compensation of employees and the purchase of consumable and disposable items, at Coast Guard child development centers.
In the case of an active duty member with two or more children attending a Coast Guard child development center, the Commandant may modify the fees to be charged for attendance for the second and any subsequent child of such member by an amount that is 15 percent less than the amount of the fee otherwise chargeable for the attendance of the first such child enrolled at the center, or another fee as the Commandant determines appropriate, consistent with multiple children.
The Commandant is authorized to use appropriated funds available to the Coast Guard to provide assistance to family home daycare providers so that family home daycare services can be provided to uniformed service members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard at a cost comparable to the cost of services provided by Coast Guard child development centers.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Commandant shall ensure that, in a location in which Coast Guard family child care centers (as such term is defined in section 8239 of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020) are necessary to meet the demand for child care for qualified families (as such term is defined in such section), not fewer than two housing units are maintained in accordance with safety inspection standards so as to accommodate family child care providers.
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to implement this section. The regulations shall establish fees to be charged for child development services provided under this section which take into consideration total family income.
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8232, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4661, provided that:
“(a) Memorandum of Understanding.— “(1) In general .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Defense to enable qualified families to access the website at https://militarychildcare.com (or a successor website) for purposes of Coast Guard family access to information with respect to State-accredited child development centers and other child care support services as such services become available from the Department of Defense through such website. The memorandum shall provide for the expansion of the geographical areas covered by such website, including regions in which qualified families live that are not yet covered by the program. “(2) Inclusion of child development centers accessible under pilot program .— The information accessible pursuant to the memorandum of understanding required by paragraph (1) shall include information with respect to any child development center accessible pursuant to the pilot program under section 8234 [of Pub. L. 116–283 , set out as a note below]. “(3) Electronic registration, payment, and tracking system .— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 1, 2021 ], the Commandant shall develop and maintain an internet website of the Coast Guard accessible to qualified families to carry out the following activities: “(A) Register children for a Coast Guard child development center. “(B) Make online child care payments to a Coast Guard child development center. “(C) Track the status of a child on the wait list of a Coast Guard child development center, including the placement and position of the child on the wait list. “(b) Wait List.— “(1) In general .— The Commandant shall maintain a record of the wait list for each Coast Guard child development center. “(2) Matters to be included .— Each record under paragraph (1) shall include the following: “(A) The total number of children of qualified families on the wait list. “(B) With respect to each child on the wait list— “(i) the age of the child; “(ii) the number of days the child has been on the wait list; “(iii) the position of the child on the wait list; “(iv) any special needs consideration; and “(v) information on whether a sibling of the child is on the wait list of, or currently enrolled in, the Coast Guard child development center concerned. “(3) Requirement to archive .— Information placed in the record of a Coast Guard child development center under paragraph (1) shall be archived for a period of not less than 10 years after the date of its placement in the record.”
[For definitions of “Coast Guard child development center” and “qualified family” used in section 8232 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out above, see section 8239 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note below.]
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8233, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4662, provided that:
“(a) Study.— “(1) In general .— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 1, 2021 ], and for each of the 2 fiscal years thereafter, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall conduct a study on the child care needs of qualified families that incorporates— “(A) the results of the survey under subsection (b); and “(B) any other information the Commandant considers appropriate to ensure adequate tracking and future needs-based assessments with respect to adequate access to Coast Guard child development centers. “(2) Consultation .— In conducting a study under paragraph (1), the Commandant may consult a federally funded research and development center. “(3) Scope of data .— The data obtained through each study under paragraph (1) shall be obtained on a regional basis, including by Coast Guard unit, sector, and district. “(b) Survey.— “(1) In general .— Together with each study under subsection (a), and annually as the Commandant considers appropriate, the Commandant shall carry out a survey of individuals described in paragraph (2) on access to Coast Guard child development centers. “(2) Participants.— “(A) In general .— The Commandant shall seek the participation in the survey of the following Coast Guard individuals: “(i) Commanding officers, regardless of whether the commanding officers have children. “(ii) Regular and reserve personnel. “(iii) Spouses of individuals described in clauses (i) and (ii). “(B) Scope of participation .— Individuals described in clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall be surveyed regardless of whether such individuals use or have access to Coast Guard child development centers or other Federal child care facilities. “(C) Voluntary participation .— Participation of any individual described in subparagraph (A) in a survey shall be on a voluntary basis. “(c) Availability .— On request, 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 results of any study or survey under this section.”
[For definitions of “Coast Guard child development center” and “qualified family” used in section 8233 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out above, see section 8239 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note below.]
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8234, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4663, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Commencing not later than 60 days after the date on which the report under section 8231 [of Pub. L. 116–283 , 134 Stat. 4659 ] is submitted, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall carry out a pilot program, based on the recommendations provided in such report, to expand access to public or private child development centers for qualified families. “(b) Duration .— The duration of the pilot program under subsection (a) shall be not more than 3 years beginning on the date on which the pilot program is established. “(c) Discharge on District Basis .— The Commandant— “(1) may carry out the pilot program on a district basis; and “(2) shall include in the pilot program remote and urban locations. “(d) Reservation of Child Care Slots .— As part of the pilot program, the Commandant shall seek to enter into one or more memoranda of understanding with one or more child development centers to reserve slots for qualified families in locations in which— “(1) the Coast Guard lacks a Coast Guard child development center; or “(2) the wait lists for the nearest Coast Guard child development center or Department of Defense child development center, where applicable, indicate that qualified families may not be accommodated. “(e) Annual Assessment of Results .— As part of any study conducted pursuant to section 8233(a) [of Pub. L. 116–283 , set out as a note above] after the end of the 1-year period beginning with the commencement of the pilot program, the Commandant shall also undertake a current assessment of the impact of the pilot program on access to child development centers for qualified families. The Commandant shall include the results of any such assessment in the results of the most current study or survey submitted pursuant to section 8233(a).”
[For definitions of “Coast Guard child development center” and “qualified family” used in section 8234 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out above, see section 8239 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note below.]
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8238, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4665, provided that:
“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) establish a procedure to allow Coast Guard family child care centers to occur at off-base housing, including off-base housing owned or subsidized by the Coast Guard; and “(2) establish a procedure to ensure that all requirements with respect to such family child care programs are met, including home inspections.”
[For definition of “Coast Guard family child care center” used in section 8238 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out above, see section 8239 of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note below.]
Pub. L. 108–293, title II, § 225, Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1040, provided that:
“The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, when operating other than as a service in the Navy, may agree to provide child care services to members of the armed forces, with reimbursement, in Coast Guard and military child development centers supported in whole or in part with appropriated funds. For purposes of military child development centers operated under the authority of subchapter II of chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code, the child of a member of the Coast Guard shall be considered the same as the child of a member of any of the other armed forces.”
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXII [LXXXII], § 8239, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4665, provided that:
“In this subtitle [subtitle C (§§8231–8239) of title LVXXXII [LXXXII] of div. G of Pub. L. 116–283 , enacting section 2926 of this title , amending this section and section 2923 of this title , and enacting provisions set out as notes above]: “(1) Coast guard child development center .— The term ‘Coast Guard child development center’ has the meaning given that term in section 2921(3) of title 14 , United States Code. “(2) Coast guard family child care center .— The term ‘Coast Guard family child care center’ means a location at which family home daycare is provided. “(3) Family child care provider .— The term ‘family child care provider’ means an individual who provides family home daycare. “(4) Family home daycare .— The term ‘family home daycare’ has the meaning given that term in section 2921(5) of title 14 , United States Code. “(5) Qualified family .— The term ‘qualified family’ means any regular, reserve, or retired member of the Coast Guard, and any civilian employee of the Coast Guard, with one or more dependents.”
The Commandant shall require each Coast Guard child development center to meet standards of operation—
that the Commandant considers appropriate to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the children and employees at the center; and
necessary for accreditation by an appropriate national early childhood programs accrediting entity.
Not less than twice annually, the Commandant shall ensure that each Coast Guard child development center is subject to an unannounced inspection.
Of the biannual inspections under paragraph (1)—
1 shall be carried out by a representative of the Coast Guard installation served by the Coast Guard child development center concerned; and
1 shall be carried out by a representative of the Coast Guard child development services work-life programs.
The Commandant shall maintain and publicize a means by which an individual can report, with respect to a Coast Guard child development center or a family home daycare—
any suspected violation of—
standards established under subsection (a); or
any other applicable law or standard;
suspected child abuse or neglect; or
any other deficiency.
The Commandant shall ensure that an individual making a report pursuant to paragraph (1) may do so anonymously if so desired by the individual.
The Commandant shall establish procedures for investigating reports made pursuant to paragraph (1).
The Commandant shall establish a training program for Coast Guard child development center employees and satisfactory completion of the training program shall be a condition of employment for each employee of a Coast Guard child development center.
The Commandant shall require each employee of a Coast Guard child development center to complete the training program established under paragraph (1) not later than 6 months after the date on which the employee is hired.
The training program established under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, instruction with respect to—
early childhood development;
activities and disciplinary techniques appropriate to children of different ages;
child abuse and neglect prevention and detection; and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency medical procedures.
The Commandant may use Department of Defense training programs, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, for purposes of this subsection.
The Commandant shall require that at least 1 employee at each Coast Guard child development center be a specialist in training and curriculum development with appropriate credentials and experience.
The duties of the specialist described in paragraph (1) shall include—
special teaching activities;
daily oversight and instruction of other child care employees;
daily assistance in the preparation of lesson plans;
assisting with child abuse and neglect prevention and detection; and
advising the director of the center on the performance of the other child care employees.
Each specialist described in paragraph (1) shall be an employee in a competitive service position.
The Commandant shall require that there be formed at each Coast Guard child development center a board of parents, to be composed of parents of children attending the center.
Each board of parents formed under paragraph (1) shall—
meet periodically with the staff of the center at which the board is formed and the commander of the unit served by the center, for the purpose of discussing problems and concerns; and
be responsible, together with the staff of the center, for coordinating any parent participation initiative established under subsection (b).
Chapter 10 of title 5 does not apply to a board of parents formed under paragraph (1).
The Commandant is authorized to establish a parent participation initiative at each Coast Guard child development center to encourage and facilitate parent participation in educational and related activities at the center.
Not less frequently than quarterly, the Commandant shall ensure that each family child care provider is subject to inspection.
Of the quarterly inspections under subsection (a) each year—
3 inspections shall be carried out by a representative of the Coast Guard installation served by the family child care provider concerned; and
1 inspection shall be carried out by a representative of the Coast Guard child development services work-life programs.
The Commandant may operate a child care subsidy program to provide financial assistance to eligible providers that provide child care services or youth program services to members of the Coast Guard, members of the Coast Guard with dependents who are participating in the child care subsidy program, and any other individual the Commandant considers appropriate, if—
providing such financial assistance—
is in the best interests of the Coast Guard; and
enables supplementation or expansion of the provision of Coast Guard child care services, while not supplanting or replacing Coast Guard child care services; and
the Commandant ensures, to the extent practicable, that the eligible provider is able to comply, and does comply, with the regulations, policies, and standards applicable to Coast Guard child care services.
A provider of child care services or youth program services is eligible for financial assistance under this section if the provider—
is licensed to provide such services under applicable State and local law or meets all applicable State and local health and safety requirements if licensure is not required;
is either—
is 1 a family home daycare; or
is 1 a provider of family child care services that—
otherwise provides federally funded or federally sponsored child development services;
provides such services in a child development center owned and operated by a private, not-for-profit organization;
provides a before-school or after-school child care program in a public school facility;
conducts an otherwise federally funded or federally sponsored school-age child care or youth services program; or
conducts a school-age child care or youth services program operated by a not-for-profit organization; or
is a provider of another category of child care services or youth program services the Commandant considers appropriate for meeting the needs of members or civilian employees of the Coast Guard.
The Commandant may provide financial assistance to members of the Coast Guard who pay for services provided by in-home child care providers.
In carrying out such program, the Commandant shall establish a policy and procedures to—
support the needs of families who request services provided by in-home childcare providers;
provide the appropriate amount of financial assistance to provide to families described in paragraph, that is at minimum consistent with the program authorized in subsection (a)(1); and
ensure the appropriate qualifications for such in-home child care provider, which shall at minimum—
take into consideration qualifications for available in-home child care providers in the private sector; and
ensure that the qualifications the Commandant determines appropriate under this paragraph are comparable to the qualifications for a provider of child care services in a Coast Guard child development center or family home day care.
In carrying out a child care subsidy program under subsection (a)(1), subject to paragraph (3), the Commandant shall provide financial assistance under the program to an eligible member or individual the Commandant considers appropriate by direct payment to such eligible member or individual through monthly pay, direct deposit, or other direct form of payment.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Commandant shall establish a policy to provide direct payment as described in paragraph (1).
With the approval of an eligible member or an individual the Commandant considers appropriate, which shall include the written consent of such member or individual, the Commandant may continue to provide financial assistance under the child care subsidy program directly to an eligible provider on behalf of such member or individual.
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to affect any preexisting reimbursement arrangement between the Coast Guard and a qualified provider.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXIV, § 11401(c)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4108, provided that:
“(A) In general .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall— “(i) evaluate potential eligible uses for the child care subsidy program established under section 2927 of title 14 , United States Code (referred to in this paragraph as the ‘program’); “(ii) expand the eligible uses of funds for the program to accommodate the child care needs of members of the Coast Guard (including such members with nonstandard work hours and surge or other deployment cycles), including in-home care as described in section 2927(a)(3) of title 14 , United States Code, and including by providing funds directly to such members instead of care providers; and “(iii) streamline enrollment policies, practices, paperwork, and requirements for eligible child care providers to reduce barriers for members to enroll in such providers. “(B) Considerations .— In evaluating potential eligible uses under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall consider in-home child care services, care services such as supplemental care for children with disabilities, and any other child care delivery method the Commandant considers appropriate. “(C) Requirements .— In establishing expanded eligible uses of funds for the program, the Commandant shall ensure that such uses— “(i) are in the best interests of the Coast Guard; “(ii) provide flexibility for members of the Coast Guard, including such members and employees with nonstandard work hours; and “(iii) ensure a safe environment for dependents of such members and employees. “(D) Publication .— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2022 ], the Commandant shall publish an updated Commandant Instruction Manual (referred to in this paragraph as the ‘manual’) that describes the expanded eligible uses of the program. “(E) Report.— “(i) In general .— Not later than 18 months after the date of the 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 a report outlining the expansion of the program. “(ii) Elements .— The report required by clause (i) shall include the following: “(I) An analysis of the considerations described in subparagraph (B). “(II) A description of the analysis used to identify eligible uses that were evaluated and incorporated into the manual under subparagraph (D). “(III) A full analysis and justification with respect to the forms of care that were ultimately not included in the manual. “(IV) Any recommendation with respect to funding or additional authorities necessary, including proposals for legislative change, to meet the current and anticipated future child care subsidy demands of the Coast Guard. “(V) A description of the steps taken to streamline enrollment policies, practices, and requirements for eligible child care providers in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(iii).”
SUBCHAPTER III— HOUSING
In this chapter:
The term “construct” means to build, renovate, or improve military family housing and military unaccompanied housing.
The term “construction” means building, renovating, or improving military family housing and military unaccompanied housing.
The term “military unaccompanied housing” means military housing intended to be occupied by members of the armed forces serving a tour of duty unaccompanied by dependents.
The term “United States” includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Pub. L. 111–281, title II, § 221(b), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2920, provided that:
“This section [amending this section and sections 681, 685, 687, and 688 of this title and repealing sections 682 to 684, 686, 687a, and 689 of this title] shall not affect any action commenced prior to the date of enactment of this Act [ Oct. 15, 2010 ].”
In addition to any other authority providing for the acquisition or construction of military family housing or military unaccompanied housing, the Secretary may acquire or construct the following:
Military family housing on or near Coast Guard installations within the United States and its territories and possessions.
Military unaccompanied housing on or near such Coast Guard installations.
No appropriation shall be made to acquire or construct military family housing or military unaccompanied housing under this chapter if that acquisition or construction has not been approved by resolutions adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
The Secretary is authorized to lease housing facilities at or near Coast Guard installations, wherever located, for assignment as public quarters to military personnel and their dependents, if any, without rental charge upon a determination by the Secretary, or his designee, that there is a lack of adequate housing facilities at or near such Coast Guard installations. The Secretary is also authorized to lease housing facilities for assignment as public quarters, without rental charge, to military personnel who are on sea duty or duty at remote offshore Coast Guard stations and who do not have dependents. Such authority shall be effective in any fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts. When any such lease involves housing facilities in a foreign country, the lease may be made on a multiyear basis for a period not to exceed five years, and, in accordance with local custom and practice, advance payment may be made for the lease. Such public housing facilities may be leased on an individual or multiple-unit basis. Expenditures for the rental of such housing facilities may not exceed the average authorized for the Department of Defense in any year except where the Secretary finds that the average is so low as to prevent rental of necessary housing facilities in some areas, in which event he is authorized to reallocate existing funds to high-cost areas so that rental expenditures in such areas exceed the average authorized for the Department of Defense.
The Secretary is authorized, subject to regulations approved by the President—
to designate as rental housing such housing as he may determine to be inadequate as public quarters; and
to lease inadequate housing to members of the Coast Guard for occupancy by them and their dependents.
Where sufficient quarters are not possessed by the United States, the Commandant may hire quarters for personnel, including personnel on sea duty at such times as they may be deprived of their quarters on board ship due to repairs or other conditions which may render them uninhabitable. Such accommodations shall not be available for occupancy by the dependents of such personnel.
A committee that—
shall not be considered an advisory committee under chapter 10 of title 5 solely because of such membership.
advises or assists the Coast Guard with respect to a function that affects a member of the Coast Guard or a dependent of such a member; and
includes in its membership a retired Coast Guard member or a dependent of such a retired member;
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may convey, at fair market value, real property, owned or under the administrative control of the Coast Guard, for the purpose of expending the proceeds from such conveyance to acquire and construct military family housing and military unaccompanied housing.
The conveyance of real property under this section shall be by sale, for cash. The Secretary shall deposit the proceeds from the sale in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under section 2946 of this title, for the purpose of expending such proceeds to acquire and construct military family housing and military unaccompanied housing.
The conveyance of real property under this section shall not diminish the mission capacity of the Coast Guard, but further the mission support capability of the Coast Guard with regard to military family housing or military unaccompanied housing.
This section does not affect or limit the application of or obligation to comply with any environmental law, including section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)).
There is hereby established on the books of the Treasury an account to be known as the Coast Guard Housing Fund (in this section referred to as the “Fund”).
There shall be credited to the Fund the following:
Amounts authorized for and appropriated to that Fund.
Subject to subsection (e), any amounts that the Secretary transfers, in such amounts as provided in appropriation Acts, to that Fund from amounts authorized and appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security or Coast Guard for the acquisition or construction of military family housing or military unaccompanied housing.
Proceeds from the conveyance of property under section 2945 of this title for the purpose of carrying out activities under this chapter with respect to military family housing and military unaccompanied housing.
Monies received under section 504(a)(13).
Amounts received under section 908(b).
In such amounts as provided in appropriations Acts, and except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may use amounts in the Coast Guard Housing Fund to carry out activities under this chapter with respect to military family housing and military unaccompanied housing, including—
the planning, execution, and administration of the conveyance of real property;
all necessary expenses, including expenses for environmental compliance and restoration, to prepare real property for conveyance; and
the conveyance of real property.
Amounts made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended.
The Secretary may not incur an obligation under a contract or other agreements entered into under this chapter in excess of the unobligated balance, at the time the contract is entered into, of the Fund required to be used to satisfy the obligation.
A transfer of appropriated amounts to the Fund under subsection (b)(2) of this section may be made only after the end of a 30-day period beginning on the date the Secretary submits written notice of, and justification for, the transfer to the appropriate committees of Congress.
Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(2) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.
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.
Pub. L. 116–93, div. D, title II, § 232, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2517, provided that:
“Beginning in fiscal year 2021 and for each fiscal year thereafter, amounts credited to the Coast Guard Housing Fund pursuant to paragraphs (3) through (5) of subsection (b) of section 2946 of title 14 , United States Code, shall be classified as discretionary offsetting receipts.”
The Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress, concurrent with the budget submitted pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 , a report identifying the contracts or agreements for the conveyance of properties pursuant to this chapter executed during the prior calendar year.
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.
Pub. L. 104–324, title II, § 208(b), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3913, provided that by March 1, 2000, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard was operating was to submit to Congress a report on the use by the Secretary of the authorities provided by former chapter 18 of this title.
SUBTITLE III— COAST GUARD RESERVE AND AUXILIARY
CHAPTER 37— COAST GUARD RESERVE
SUBCHAPTER I— ADMINISTRATION
The Coast Guard Reserve is a component of the Coast Guard. It shall be organized, administered, trained, and supplied under the direction of the Commandant.
Pub. L. 93–174, § 3, Dec. 5, 1973, 87 Stat. 692, provided that:
“Effective upon enactment of this Act [ Dec. 5, 1973 ], all members of the women’s branch of the Coast Guard Reserve who were serving on active or inactive duty on the day before enactment shall become members of the Coast Guard Reserve without loss of grade, rate, date of rank, or other benefits earned by their prior service.”
The President shall prescribe the authorized strength of the Coast Guard Reserve if not otherwise prescribed by law.
Subject to the authorized strength of the Coast Guard Reserve, the Secretary shall determine, at least annually, the authorized strength in numbers in each grade necessary to provide for mobilization requirements. Without the consent of the member concerned, a member of the Reserve may not be reduced in grade because of the Secretary’s determination.
The Secretary may vary the authorized end strength of the Coast Guard Selected Reserves for a fiscal year by a number equal to not more than 3 percent of such end strength upon a determination by the Secretary that varying such authorized end strength is in the national interest.
The Commandant may increase the authorized end strength of the Coast Guard Selected Reserves by a number equal to not more than 2 percent of such authorized end strength upon a determination by the Commandant that such increase would enhance manning and readiness in essential units or in critical specialties or ratings.
Pub. L. 103–160, title V, § 564(a), (b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1669, 1670, provided that:
“(a) Applicability of Certain Benefits .— The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe such regulations as necessary so as to apply to the members of the Coast Guard Reserve the provisions of subtitle B of title XLIV of the Defense Conversion, Reinvestment, and Transition Assistance Act of 1992 (division D of Public Law 102–484 ; 106 Stat. 2712 ) [enacting section 1331a [now 12731a] of Title 10, Armed Forces, amending sections 1174a, 1175, and 2133 of Title 10 and section 3012 of Title 38 , Veterans’ Benefits, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 12681 of Title 10 ], including the amendments made by those provisions. For purposes of the application of any of such provisions to the Coast Guard Reserve, any reference in those provisions to the Secretary of Defense or Secretary of a military department shall be treated as referring to the Secretary of Transportation. “(b) Regulations .— Regulations prescribed for the purposes of this section shall to the extent practicable be identical to the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense under those provisions.”
[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.]
The Secretary shall convene a Coast Guard Reserve Policy Board at least annually to consider, recommend, and report to the Secretary on Reserve policy matters. At least one-half of the members of the Board shall be Reserve officers.
The Secretary may convene any other Reserve Board the Secretary considers necessary.
The grades and ratings in the Reserve, including cadets but not grades above rear admiral, are those prescribed by law or regulation for the Coast Guard. A member of the Reserve on active duty or inactive-duty training has the same authority, rights, and privileges in the performance of that duty as a member of the Regular Coast Guard of corresponding grade or rating.
A member of the Reserve on active duty, on inactive-duty training, or engaged in authorized travel to or from that duty, is entitled to the same benefits as a member of the Navy Reserve of corresponding grade, rating, and length of service. In determining length of service for the purpose of this section, there shall be included all service for which credit is given by law to members of the Regular Coast Guard.
Chapter 27 of this title applies to a member of the Reserve under the same conditions and limitations as it applies to a member of the Regular Coast Guard.
A member of the Reserve who suffers sickness, disease, disability, or death is entitled to the same benefits as prescribed by law for a member of the Navy Reserve who suffers sickness, disease, disability, or death under similar conditions.
A member of the Reserve on active duty or when retired for disability is entitled to the benefits of section 253(a) of title 42. A member of the Reserve when on active duty (other than for training) or when retired for disability is entitled to the benefits of chapter 55 of title 10.
A member of the Reserve, except an enlisted member retiring on the basis of years of active service, is entitled to the same retirement rights, benefits, and privileges as prescribed by law for a member of the Navy Reserve, and wherever a law confers authority upon the Secretary of the Navy, similar authority is given to the Secretary to be exercised with respect to the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy. An enlisted member of the Reserve who retires on the basis of years of active service is entitled to the same retirement rights, benefits, and privileges as prescribed by law for an enlisted member of the Regular Coast Guard.
A member of the Coast Guard Reserve not on active duty who is enrolled in an officer candidate program authorized by section 12209 of title 10 leading to a commission in the Coast Guard Reserve, and is a full-time student in an accredited college curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree may be paid a subsistence allowance for each month of the member’s academic year at the same rate as that prescribed by section 209(a) of title 37.
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–106 effective as if included in the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as enacted on Oct. 5, 1994, see section 1501(f)(3) of Pub. L. 104–106, set out as a note under section 113 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
A citizen of the United States, its territories, or possessions who is a member of the Auxiliary, an officer or member of the crew of a motorboat or yacht placed at the disposal of the Coast Guard, or an individual (including a Government employee without pay other than the compensation of that individual’s civilian position) who by reason of special training and experience is considered by the Commandant to be qualified for duty, may be enrolled by the Commandant as a temporary member of the Reserve, for duty under conditions the Commandant may prescribe, including part-time and intermittent active duty with or without pay, without regard to age. The Commandant is authorized to define the powers and duties of temporary members of the Reserve, and to confer upon them, appropriate to their qualifications and experience, the same grades and ratings as provided for members of the Reserve. When performing active duty with pay as authorized by this section, temporary members of the Reserve are entitled to receive the pay and allowances of their rank, grade, or rating.
If a temporary member of the Reserve is physically injured, or dies as a result of physical injury, and the injury is incurred incident to service while performing active duty, or engaged in authorized travel to or from that duty, the law authorizing compensation for employees of the United States suffering injuries while in the performance of their duties, applies, subject to this section. That law shall be administered by the Secretary of Labor to the same extent as if the member was a civil employee of the United States and was injured in the performance of that duty. For benefit computation, regardless of pay or pay status, the member is considered to have had monthly pay of the monthly equivalent of the minimum rate of basic pay in effect for grade GS–9 of the General Schedule on the date the injury is incurred.
This section does not apply if the workmen’s compensation law of a State, a territory, or another jurisdiction provides coverage because of a concurrent employment status of the temporary member. When the temporary member or a dependent is entitled to a benefit under this section and also to a concurrent benefit from the United States on account of the same disability or death, the temporary member or dependent, as appropriate, shall elect which benefit to receive.
If a claim is filed under this section with the Secretary of Labor for benefits because of an alleged injury or death, the Secretary of Labor shall notify the Commandant who shall direct an investigation into the facts surrounding the alleged injury or death. The Commandant shall then certify to the Secretary of Labor whether or not the injured or deceased individual was a temporary member of the Reserve, the individual’s military status, and whether or not the injury or death was incurred incident to military service.
A temporary member of the Reserve, who incurs a physical disability or contracts sickness or disease while performing a duty to which the member has been assigned by competent authority, is entitled to the same hospital treatment afforded a member of the Regular Coast Guard.
In administering section 8133 of title 5, for an individual covered by this section—
the percentages applicable to payments under that section are—
45 percent under subsection (a)(2) of that section, where the member died fully or currently insured under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), with no additional payments for a child or children so long as the widow or widower remains eligible for payments under that subsection;
20 percent under subsection (a)(3) of that section, for one child, and 10 percent additional for each additional child, not to exceed a total of 75 percent, where the member died fully or currently insured under title II of the Social Security Act; and
25 percent under subsection (a)(4) of that section, if one parent was wholly dependent for support upon the deceased member at the time of the member’s death and the other was not dependent to any extent; 16 percent to each if both were wholly dependent; and if one was, or both were, partly dependent, a proportionate amount in the discretion of the Secretary of Labor;
payments may not be made under subsection (a)(5) of that section; and
the Secretary of Labor shall inform the Commissioner of Social Security whenever a claim is filed and eligibility for compensation is established under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) of section 8133 of title 5. The Commissioner of Social Security shall then certify to the Secretary of Labor whether or not the member concerned was fully or currently insured under title II of the Social Security Act at the time of the member’s death.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–296 effective Mar. 31, 1995, see section 110(a) of Pub. L. 103–296, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Pub. L. 97–136, § 8(b), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1706, provided that:
“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to payments for benefits under section 707(a) [now 3707(a)] of title 14, United States Code, for months beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 29, 1981 ].”
In recognition of the service of temporary members of the Reserve, the Secretary may upon request issue an appropriate certificate of honorable service in lieu of a certificate of disenrollment issued to any individual following disenrollment under honorable conditions from service as a temporary member. Issuance of a certificate of honorable service to any individual under this section does not entitle that individual to any rights, privileges, or benefits under any law of the United States.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary an enlisted member of the Reserve may be designated as a student aviation pilot.
A member who is not a qualified aviator may not be designated as a student aviation pilot unless the member agrees in writing to serve on active duty for a period of two years after successful completion of flight training, unless sooner released. A student aviation pilot may be released from active duty or discharged at any time as provided for in the regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
A student aviation pilot who is a qualified civilian aviator may be given a brief refresher course in flight training.
A student aviation pilot undergoing flight training is entitled to have uniforms and equipment provided at Government expense.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a student aviation pilot may be designated an aviation pilot upon the successful completion of flight training.
In time of peace, an aviation pilot obligated under subsection (b) to serve on active duty for two years may serve for an additional period of not more than two years.
An aviation pilot may be released from active duty or discharged at any time as provided for in the regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
If qualified under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, an aviation pilot may be appointed as an ensign in the Reserve.
The Secretary may provide financial assistance to an eligible enlisted member of the Coast Guard Reserve, not on active duty, for expenses of the member while the member is pursuing on a full-time basis at an institution of higher education a program of education approved by the Secretary that leads to—
a baccalaureate degree in not more than 5 academic years; or
a post-baccalaureate degree.
To be eligible for financial assistance under this section, an enlisted member of the Coast Guard Reserve shall—
be enrolled on a full-time basis in a program of education referred to in subsection (a) at any institution of higher education; and
enter into a written agreement with the Coast Guard described in paragraph (2).
A written agreement referred to in paragraph (1)(B) is an agreement between the member and the Secretary in which the member agrees—
to accept an appointment as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard Reserve, if tendered;
to serve on active duty for up to five years; and
under such terms and conditions as shall be prescribed by the Secretary, to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve until the eighth anniversary of the date of the appointment.
Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under this section are the following:
Tuition and fees charged by the institution of higher education involved.
The cost of books.
In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses.
Such other expenses as are deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
The amount of financial assistance provided to a member under this section shall be prescribed by the Secretary, but may not exceed $25,000 for any academic year.
Financial assistance may be provided to a member under this section for up to 5 consecutive academic years.
A member who receives financial assistance under this section may be ordered to active duty in the Coast Guard Reserve by the Secretary to serve in a designated enlisted grade for such period as the Secretary prescribes, but not more than 4 years, if the member—
completes the academic requirements of the program and refuses to accept an appointment as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard Reserve when offered;
fails to complete the academic requirements of the institution of higher education involved; or
fails to maintain eligibility for an original appointment as a commissioned officer.
If a member requests to be released from the program and the request is accepted by the Secretary, or if the member fails because of misconduct to complete the period of active duty specified, or if the member fails to fulfill any term or condition of the written agreement required to be eligible for financial assistance under this section, the financial assistance shall be terminated. The Secretary may request the member to reimburse the United States in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total costs of the education provided to that member as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty the member agreed to serve. The Secretary shall have the option to order such reimbursement without first ordering the member to active duty. An obligation to reimburse the United States imposed under this paragraph is a debt owed to the United States.
The Secretary may waive the service obligated under subsection (f) of a member who becomes unqualified to serve on active duty due to a circumstance not within the control of that member or who is not physically qualified for appointment and who is determined to be unqualified for service as an enlisted member of the Coast Guard Reserve due to a physical or medical condition that was not the result of the member’s own misconduct or grossly negligent conduct.
A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 that is entered less than 5 years after the termination of a written agreement entered into under subsection (b) does not discharge the individual signing the agreement from a debt arising under such agreement or under paragraph (1).
As used in this section, the term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
A member of the Reserve on active duty, who is appointed or promoted under section 2104 or 2125 of this title, is entitled upon release from that duty to the highest grade satisfactorily held by reason of that appointment or promotion. The Secretary shall determine the highest grade satisfactorily held.
Unless otherwise entitled to a higher grade, a member recalled to active duty shall be recalled in the grade in which released under subsection (a).
No member of the Reserve, other than a temporary member, may be a member of another military organization. A temporary member of the Reserve who is a member of another military component shall, if ordered to active duty therein, be disenrolled as a temporary member of the Reserve.
Notwithstanding another law, and for the emergency augmentation of the Regular Coast Guard forces during a, or to aid in prevention of an imminent, serious natural or manmade disaster, accident, catastrophe, act of terrorism (as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101)), or transportation security incident as defined in section 70101 of title 46, the Secretary may, without the consent of the member affected, order to active duty of not more than 120 days in any 2-year period an organized training unit of the Coast Guard Ready Reserve, a member thereof, or a member not assigned to a unit organized to serve as a unit.
Under the circumstances of the domestic emergency involved, a reasonable time shall be allowed between the date when a Reserve member ordered to active duty under this section is alerted for that duty and the date when the member is required to enter upon that duty. Unless the Secretary determines that the nature of the domestic emergency does not allow it, this period shall be at least two days.
Active duty served under this section—
satisfies on a day-for-day basis all or a part of the annual active duty for training requirement of section 10147 of title 10;
does not satisfy any part of the active duty obligation of a member whose statutory Reserve obligation is not already terminated; and
entitles a member while engaged therein, or while engaged in authorized travel to or from that duty, to all rights and benefits, including pay and allowances and time creditable for pay and retirement purposes, to which the member would be entitled while performing other active duty.
Reserve members ordered to active duty under this section shall not be counted in computing authorized strength of members on active duty or members in grade under this title or under any other law.
For purposes of calculating the duration of active duty allowed pursuant to subsection (a), each period of active duty shall begin on the first day that a member reports to active duty, including for purposes of training.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
The initial period of active duty for training required by section 12103(d) of title 10 , may be divided into two successive annual periods of not less than six weeks each, to permit the enlistment of a Reserve member without interrupting any full-time schooling in which the member is engaged.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
SUBCHAPTER II— PERSONNEL
As used in this subchapter—
“Reserve officer” means a commissioned officer in the Reserve, except an officer excluded by section 3732 of this title or a commissioned warrant officer; and
“discharged” means released from an appointment as a Reserve officer.
This subchapter applies only to the Reserve; except that it does not apply to a temporary member of the Reserve.
In time of war or national emergency declared by Congress, the President may suspend the operation of this subchapter or any part hereof. If this subchapter or any part hereof is suspended by the President, prior to placing the suspended provision in operation, the President shall by regulation, in so far as practicable, adjust the grades of Reserve officers in the same manner as adjustments in grade are made for Regular officers.
Except as provided in subsection 3757(b) 1 1 So in original. Probably should be “section 3757(b)”. of this title, nothing in this subchapter authorizes the retirement of a Reserve officer or the payment of retired, retainer, or severance pay to a Reserve officer; or affects in any manner the law relating to the retirement of, or the granting of retired or retainer pay or other benefits to a Reserve officer.
The authorized number of officers in the Reserve in an active status is 5,000. Reserve officers on an active-duty list shall not be counted as part of the authorized number of officers in the Reserve. The actual number of Reserve officers in an active status at any time shall not exceed the authorized number unless the Secretary determines that a greater number is necessary for planned mobilization requirements, or unless the excess results directly from the operation of law.
The Secretary shall make, at least once each year, a computation to determine the number of Reserve officers in an active status authorized to be serving in each grade. The number in each grade shall be computed by applying the applicable percentage to the total number of such officers serving in an active status on the date the computation is made. The number of Reserve officers in an active status below the grade of rear admiral (lower half) shall be distributed by pay grade so as not to exceed percentages of commissioned officers authorized by section 2103(b) of this title. When the actual number of Reserve officers in an active status in a particular pay grade is less than the maximum percentage authorized, the difference may be applied to the number in the next lower grade. A Reserve officer may not be reduced in rank or grade solely because of a reduction in an authorized number as provided for in this subsection, or because an excess results directly from the operation of law.
The authorized number of Reserve Officers in an active status not on active duty in the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral is a total of two. However, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may authorize an additional number of Reserve officers not on active duty in the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral as necessary in order to meet planned mobilization requirements.
If at the end of any fiscal year there is in effect a declaration of war or national emergency, the President may defer the effectiveness of any end-strength limitation with respect to that fiscal year prescribed by law for any military or civilian component of the Coast Guard Reserve, for a period not to exceed 6 months after the end of the war or termination of the national emergency.
Reserve officers rank and take precedence in their respective grades among themselves and with officers of the same grade on the active duty promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section, and the officers on the permanent commissioned teaching staff in accordance with their dates of rank. When Reserve officers and officers on the active duty promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section, or the officers on the permanent commissioned teaching staff have the same date of rank in a grade, they take precedence as determined by the Secretary.
Notwithstanding any other law, a Reserve officer shall not lose precedence when transferred to or from the active duty promotion list, nor shall that officer’s date of rank be changed due to the transfer.
A Reserve officer shall, when on the active duty promotion list, be promoted in the same manner as any other officer on the active duty promotion list regardless of the length of active duty service of the Reserve officer.
Notwithstanding any other law, a Reserve officer shall not lose precedence by reason of promotion to the grade of rear admiral or rear admiral (lower half), if the promotion is determined in accordance with a running mate system.
The Secretary shall adjust the date of rank of a Reserve officer so that no changes of precedence occur.
The Secretary shall assign a running mate to each Reserve officer in an active status not on the active duty promotion list. The officer initially assigned as a running mate under this section shall be that officer on the active duty promotion list of the same grade who is next senior in precedence to the Reserve officer concerned. An officer who has twice failed of selection or who has been considered but has not been recommended for continuation under section 2150 of this title shall not be assigned as a running mate under this section.
A Reserve officer in an active status not on the active duty promotion list shall be assigned a new running mate as follows:
If a previously assigned running mate is promoted from below the promotion zone, is removed from the active duty promotion list, suffers a loss of numbers, fails of selection, fails to qualify for promotion, or declines an appointment after being selected for promotion, the new running mate shall be that officer on the active duty promotion list, of the same grade, who is next senior to the previous running mate and who is, or may become, eligible for consideration for promotion. If the previous running mate was on a list of selectees for promotion, the new running mate shall be that officer on the active duty promotion list, of the same grade, who is on a list of selectees for promotion and who is next senior to the previous running mate.
If a Reserve officer suffers a loss of numbers, the new running mate shall be that officer on the active duty promotion list who, after the loss of numbers has been effected, is the running mate of the Reserve officer next senior to the Reserve officer concerned.
If a Reserve officer is considered for promotion and fails of selection, fails to qualify for promotion, declines an appointment after being selected for promotion, or has his or her name removed from a list of selectees for promotion, and that officer’s running mate is promoted, the new running mate shall be that officer on the active duty promotion list, of the same grade, who, at the time the previous running mate was considered for promotion, was next senior to the previous running mate, was eligible for consideration for promotion, and whose name was not included on a list of selectees for promotion.
In a situation not expressly covered by this subsection, the Secretary may assign a new running mate as necessary to effect the intent of this section that inequitable changes of precedence do not occur.
A Reserve officer on the active duty promotion list shall, to the extent practicable and consistent with the limitations imposed by this section, be assigned as the running mate of all Reserve officers junior to the officer, who are in an active status not on the active duty promotion list, and who had a running mate in common with the officer just prior to the time the officer was placed on the active duty promotion list.
The Secretary may adjust, as necessary, the date of rank of a Reserve officer not on active duty so that the date will correspond with that of the running mate assigned to the officer in accordance with this section. If an overpayment of pay or allowances results from adjusting the date of rank, the overpayment is not subject to recoupment.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, an individual, appointed as a Reserve officer, may be assigned a date of rank and precedence which reflects that individual’s experience, education, or other qualifications. For the purpose of this subchapter only, an individual appointed for the purpose of assignment or designation as a judge advocate in the Reserve shall be credited with a minimum of one year service in an active status. An individual holding a doctor of philosophy, or a comparable degree, in medicine or in a science allied to medicine as determined by the Secretary, may be credited with a minimum of three years service in an active status if appointed for an assignment comparable to that of an officer in the Navy Medical Department.
An individual with critical skills that the Commandant considers necessary for the Coast Guard to complete its missions who is not currently serving as an officer in the Coast Guard may be commissioned into the Coast Guard at a grade up to and including commander.
A Reserve officer on active duty, other than for training, duty on a board, or duty of a limited or temporary nature if assigned to active duty from an inactive duty status, shall not be eligible for consideration for promotion under this subchapter; but shall be considered for promotion under chapter 21 of this title. If promoted while serving on active duty the officer shall be considered as having been promoted under this subchapter and shall be an extra number in the grade to which promoted for the purpose of grade distribution as prescribed in this subchapter. Upon release from active duty the officer shall be included in the grade distribution authorized by this subchapter.
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a Reserve officer who has been selected for promotion to the next higher grade under this subchapter at the time the officer reports for active duty, shall be promoted to that grade under chapter 21 of this title.
A Reserve officer who, at the time the officer is released from active duty, has been selected for promotion to the next higher grade under chapter 21 of this title, shall be promoted to that grade as though selected under this subchapter.
A failure of selection for promotion to the next higher grade occurring under this subchapter or under chapter 21 of this title shall count for all purposes.
Except as otherwise provided by law, a Reserve officer shall only be promoted pursuant to the recommendation of a selection board.
The Secretary shall convene selection boards from time to time to recommend Reserve officers for promotion to the next higher grade. A board may be convened to consider officers in one or more grades.
A selection board shall, from among the names of those eligible Reserve officers submitted to it, recommend for promotion to the next higher grade:
those officers serving in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) or above whom it considers to be best qualified; and
those officers serving in the grade of ensign whom it considers to be fully qualified.
Before convening a selection board to recommend Reserve officers for promotion, the Secretary shall establish a promotion zone for officers serving in each grade to be considered by the board. The Secretary shall determine the number of officers in the promotion zone for officers serving in any grade from among officers who are eligible for promotion in that grade.
Before convening a selection board to recommend Reserve officers for promotion to a grade (other than the grade of lieutenant (junior grade)), the Secretary shall determine the maximum number of officers in that grade that the board may recommend for promotion.
The Secretary shall make the determination under subparagraph (A) of the maximum number that may be recommended with a view to having in an active status a sufficient number of Reserve officers in each grade to meet the needs of the Coast Guard for Reserve officers in an active status.
In order to make the determination under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall determine the following:
The number of positions needed to accomplish mission objectives that require officers in the grade to which the board will recommend officers for promotion.
The estimated number of officers needed to fill vacancies in such positions during the period in which it is anticipated that officers selected for promotion will be promoted.
The number of officers authorized by the Secretary to serve in an active status in the grade under consideration.
Any statutory limitation on the number of officers in any grade authorized to be in an active status.
The Secretary may, when the needs of the Coast Guard require, authorize the consideration of officers in a grade above lieutenant (junior grade) for promotion to the next higher grade from below the promotion zone.
When selection from below the promotion zone is authorized, the Secretary shall establish the number of officers that may be recommended for promotion from below the promotion zone. That number may not exceed the number equal to 10 percent of the maximum number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion, except that the Secretary may authorize a greater number, not to exceed 15 percent of the total number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion, if the Secretary determines that the needs of the Coast Guard so require. If the maximum number determined under this subparagraph is less than one, the board may recommend one officer for promotion from below the promotion zone.
The number of officers recommended for promotion from below the promotion zone does not increase the maximum number of officers that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion under paragraph (2).
The law and regulations relating to the selection for promotion of a commissioned officer of the Regular Coast Guard to the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral apply to a Reserve officer, except that to be eligible for consideration for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half) an officer shall have completed at least ten years commissioned service, of which the last five years shall have been served in the Coast Guard Reserve.
The report of a selection board shall be submitted to the Secretary for review and transmission to the President for approval. When an officer recommended by a board for promotion is not acceptable to the President, the President may remove the name of that officer from the report of the board.
The recommendations of a selection board, as approved by the President, constitute a list of selectees from which the promotions of Reserve officers shall be made. An officer on a list of selectees remains thereon until promoted unless removed by the President under section 3749 of this title. If an existing list of selectees has not been exhausted by the time a later list has been approved, all officers remaining on the older list shall be tendered appointments prior to those on the later list.
A Reserve officer whose name is on a list of selectees for promotion shall, unless that officer’s promotion is lawfully withheld, be tendered an appointment in the next higher grade on the date a vacancy occurs, or as soon thereafter as practicable in the grade to which the officer was selected for promotion or, if promotion was determined in accordance with a running mate system, at the same time, or as soon thereafter as practicable, as that officer’s running mate is tendered a similar appointment.
Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title V, § 502(c)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–100, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 731 of this title ] shall apply with respect to selection boards convened under section 730 [now 3741] of title 14, United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Oct. 30, 2000 ].”
For assignment of functions of President under subsec. (g) of this section, see section 2(c) of Ex. Ord. No. 13358, Sept. 28, 2004, 69 F.R. 58797, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.
A selection board shall (1) be appointed and convened by the Secretary; (2) consist of at least 50 per centum Reserve officer membership, except in the case of a flag officer selection board where, to the extent practicable, it shall consist of at least 50 per centum Reserve officer membership; (3) consist only of members, Reserve or Regular, senior in grade to any officer being considered by that board; and (4) be composed of not less than five members, which number constitutes a quorum.
A selection board serves for the length of time prescribed by the Secretary, but no board may serve longer than one year. No officer may serve on two consecutive selection boards for the same grade when the second of those boards considers an officer who was considered, but not recommended for promotion, by the first selection board.
Each member of a selection board shall swear that he will, without prejudice or partiality, and having in view both the special fitness required of officers and the efficiency of the Coast Guard, perform the duties imposed upon him. Not less than a majority of the total membership of a selection board shall concur in each recommendation made by the board.
An officer eligible for consideration for promotion by a selection board may forward, through official channels, a written communication inviting the attention of the board to any matter in the officer’s record in the armed forces that, in the opinion of the officer concerned, is important to the board’s consideration. A communication forwarded under this subsection shall arrive in time to allow delivery to the board prior to its convening, and may not criticize or reflect upon the character, conduct, or motive of any officer.
The Secretary may by regulation implement section 3740(d)(1) of this title by requiring that the promotion zone for consideration of Reserve officers in an active status for promotion to the next higher grade be determined in accordance with a running mate system as provided in subsection (b).
If promotion zones are determined as authorized under subsection (a), a Reserve officer shall, subject to the eligibility requirements of this subchapter, be placed in a promotion zone when that officer’s running mate is placed in a promotion zone and shall, in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, be considered for promotion at approximately the same time as that officer’s running mate or as soon thereafter as practicable, or in the event that promotion is not determined in accordance with a running mate system, then a Reserve officer becomes eligible for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade at the beginning of the promotion year in which he or she completes the following amount of service computed from the date of rank in the grade in which he or she is serving:
two years in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade);
three years in the grade of lieutenant;
four years in the grade of lieutenant commander;
four years in the grade of commander; and
three years in the grade of captain.
If the Secretary authorizes the selection of officers for promotion from below the promotion zone in accordance with section 3740(d)(3) of this title, the number of officers to be considered from below the zone may be established through the application of the running mate system under this subchapter or otherwise as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to meet the needs of the Coast Guard.
Except as provided in subsection (b), a Reserve officer is eligible for consideration for promotion and for promotion under this subchapter if that officer is in an active status.
A Reserve officer who has been considered but not recommended for retention in an active status by a board convened under subsection 3752(a) 1 of this title is not eligible for consideration for promotion.
The Commandant may provide that an officer may, upon the officer’s request and with the approval of the Commandant, be excluded from consideration by a selection board convened under section 3740(b) of this title to consider officers for promotion to the next higher grade.
The Commandant shall approve a request under paragraph (1) only if—
the basis for the request is to allow an officer to complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another assignment of significant value to the Coast Guard, a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment or education, or a qualifying personal or professional circumstance, as determined by the Commandant;
the Commandant determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the Coast Guard; and
the officer has not previously failed of selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration.
A Reserve officer recommended for promotion by a selection board but not promoted because of removal from an active status shall be reconsidered by a selection board after returning to an active status and if selected shall be placed on a recommended list of selectees for promotion. A Reserve officer to whom this section applies is not considered to have failed of selection when eliminated from a list of selectees for promotion solely as a result of being removed from an active status.
A Reserve officer shall not be promoted to a higher grade unless the officer has been found to be physically qualified and the character of the officer’s service subsequent to the convening of the selection board which recommended the officer for promotion has been verified as satisfactory.
Subsection (a) of this section does not exclude from promotion a Reserve officer physically disqualified by a medical board for duty at sea or in the field, if the disqualification results from wounds received in the line of duty, and those wounds do not incapacitate the officer for other duties in the grade to which the officer is to be promoted.
A Reserve officer who has been appointed under this subchapter is considered to have accepted the appointment unless delivery thereof cannot be effected.
A Reserve officer who has served continuously since taking the oath of office prescribed in section 3331 of title 5, is not required to take a new oath of office upon appointment in a higher grade.
When a Reserve officer is promoted to the next higher grade under this subchapter, the date of rank shall be the date of appointment in that grade, unless the promotion was determined in accordance with a running mate system, in which event the same date of rank shall be assigned as that assigned to the officer’s running mate. A Reserve officer so promoted shall be allowed the pay and allowances of the higher grade for duty performed from the date of the officer’s appointment thereto.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subsection (c), if promotion of an inactive duty promotion list officer to the grade of rear admiral or rear admiral (lower half) is determined in accordance with a running mate system, a reserve officer, if acceptable to the President and the Senate, shall be promoted to the next higher grade no later than the date the officer’s running mate is promoted.
For the purposes of this section, the date of appointment shall be that date when promotion authority is exercised by the Secretary. However, the Secretary may adjust the date of appointment—
if a delay in the finding required under section 3745(a) of this title is beyond the control of the officer and the officer is otherwise qualified for promotion; or
for any other reason that equity requires.
Notwithstanding any other law, if a Reserve officer is promoted when the officer’s running mate is promoted and the promotion of the running mate is on a temporary basis, the promotion of the Reserve officer is also on a temporary basis. If subsequently the running mate is reverted to a lower grade, other than for reasons of discipline, incompetence, or at the running mate’s request, the Reserve officer shall likewise revert to the same lower grade with corresponding precedence.
The President may, for cause, remove the name of any officer from a list of selectees established under section 3740 of this title.
If the Senate, where required, does not consent to the appointment of an officer whose name is on a list of selectees established under section 3740 of this title, that officer’s name shall be removed from the list.
An officer whose name is removed from a list of selectees under subsection (a) or (b) continues to be eligible for consideration for promotion. If selected for promotion by the next selection board and promoted, that officer shall be assigned the date of rank and precedence that would have been assigned if the officer’s name had not been previously removed. However, if the officer is not selected by the next selection board, or if the officer’s name is again removed from the list of selectees, the officer shall be considered for all purposes as having twice failed of selection for promotion.
A Reserve officer, other than one serving in the grade of captain, who is, or is senior to, the junior officer in the promotion zone established for the officer’s grade, fails of selection if not selected for promotion by the selection board that considered the officer, or if having been selected for promotion by the board, the officer’s name is thereafter removed from the report of the board by the President.
A Reserve officer is not considered to have failed of selection if the officer was not considered by a selection board because of administrative error. If that officer is selected by the next appropriate selection board after the error is discovered, and is promoted, the same date of rank and precedence shall be assigned that would have been assigned if the officer had been recommended for promotion by the selection board that originally would have considered the officer but for the error.
The Secretary—
may remove from an active status a Reserve officer who has twice failed of selection to the next higher grade; and
shall remove from an active status a Reserve officer serving in the grade of captain who has completed thirty years of total commissioned service and whose name is not carried on an approved list of selectees for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half).
A Reserve officer who has twice failed of selection to the next higher grade and who is not removed from an active status under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be retained for the period prescribed by the Secretary.
Subject to section 12646 of title 10, a Reserve officer who is removed from an active status under subsection (a) of this section shall be given an opportunity to transfer to the Retired Reserve, if qualified, but unless so transferred shall, in the discretion of the Secretary, be transferred to the inactive status list or discharged as follows:
if removed from an active status under subsection (a)(1) of this section, on June 30 next following the approval date of the board report by virtue of which the officer’s second failure of selection occurs; or
if removed from an active status under subsection (a)(2) of this section, on June 30 next following the date on which the officer completes thirty years of total commissioned service as computed under this section.
For the purpose of this section, the total commissioned service of an officer who has served continuously in the Reserve following appointment in the grade of ensign shall be computed from the date on which that appointment to the Reserve was accepted. A Reserve officer initially appointed in a grade above ensign is considered to have the actual total commissioned service performed in a grade above commissioned warrant officer or the same total commissioned service as an officer of the Regular Coast Guard who has served continuously from an original appointment as ensign, who has not lost numbers or precedence, and who is, or was, junior to the Reserve officer, whichever is greater.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, whenever the Secretary determines that it is necessary to reduce the number of Reserve officers in an active status in any grade to provide a steady flow of promotion, or that there is an excessive number of Reserve officers in an active status in any grade, the Secretary may appoint and convene a retention board to consider all of the Reserve officers in that grade in an active status who have 18 years or more of service for retirement, except those officers who—
The retention board shall select and recommend a specified number of the officers under consideration for retention in an active status.
are on extended active duty;
are on a list of selectees for promotion;
will complete 30 years total commissioned service by June 30th following the date that the retention board is convened; or
have reached age 59 by the date on which the retention board is convened.
This board shall—
to the extent practicable, consist of at least 50 per centum Reserve officers;
consist only of officers who are senior in rank to any officers being considered by that board; and
to the extent practicable, consist of officers who have not served on the last previous retention board which considered officers of the same grade.
Subject to section 12646 of title 10, a Reserve officer who is not recommended for retention in an active status under this section shall be given an opportunity to transfer to the Retired Reserve, if qualified, but unless so transferred shall, in the discretion of the Secretary, be transferred to the inactive status list or discharged on June 30 next following the date on which the report of the retention board is approved.
The provisions of section 2117 of this title shall, to the extent that they are not inconsistent with this subchapter, apply to boards convened under this section.
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–106 effective as if included in the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as enacted on Oct. 5, 1994, see section 1501(f)(3) of Pub. L. 104–106, set out as a note under section 113 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
A Reserve officer, if qualified, shall be transferred to the Retired Reserve on the day the officer becomes 60 years of age unless on active duty. If not qualified for retirement, a Reserve officer shall be discharged effective upon the day the officer becomes 60 years of age unless on active duty.
A Reserve officer on active duty shall, if qualified, be retired effective upon the day the officer become 62 years of age. If not qualified for retirement, a Reserve officer on active duty shall be discharged effective upon the day the officer becomes 62 years of age.
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary may authorize the retention of a Reserve rear admiral or rear admiral (lower half) in an active status not longer than the day on which the officer concerned becomes 64 years of age.
Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), and (c), the Secretary may authorize the retention of a Reserve health professions officer in an active status not beyond the first day of the month following the month in which the health professions officer concerned becomes 68 years of age.
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit or modify the application of any provision relating to mandatory separation or disciplinary action.
In this subsection, the term “health professions officer” means an officer or enlisted member of the Coast Guard in good standing who is—
a physician, surgeon, medical specialist, nurse or nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, health service technician, therapist, fully licensed clinical psychotherapist, counselor, social worker, medical assistant, radiology assistant, pharmacist, pharmacy assistant, nutritionist, dietitian, any administrative personnel associated with a Coast Guard medical program (including a clinic), personnel who works in a medical laboratory, physical therapist, physical therapist aide, occupational therapist, or occupational therapist aide;
a dentist, dental assistant, oral surgeon, or any other dental-related personnel; or
a member of a category designated by the Secretary under section 2154(c)(3).
For purposes of this section, “active duty” does not include active duty for training, duty on a board, or duty of a limited or temporary nature if assigned to active duty from an inactive duty status.
Unless retained in or removed from an active status under any other law, a reserve rear admiral or rear admiral (lower half) shall be retired on July 1 of the promotion year immediately following the promotion year in which that officer completes 4 years of service after the appointment of the officer to rear admiral (lower half).
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if promotion of inactive duty promotion list officers to the grade of rear admiral is not determined in accordance with a running mate system, a Reserve officer serving in an active status in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) shall be promoted to the grade of rear admiral, if acceptable to the President and the Senate, on the date the officer has served 2 years in an active status in grade of rear admiral (lower half), or in the case of a vacancy occurring prior to having served 2 years in an active status, on the date the vacancy occurs, if the officer served at least 1 year in an active status in the grade of rear admiral (lower half).
A former officer of the Regular Navy or Coast Guard who applies for a Reserve commission within one year of resigning the officer’s Regular commission, and who is appointed in the same grade previously held in the Regular Navy or Coast Guard, shall be given the same date of rank in that grade as that previously assigned to the officer while a member of the Regular Navy or Coast Guard.
A Reserve officer ordered to active duty or active duty for training shall be ordered in the grade held; except that the Secretary may authorize a higher grade.
When an officer in the Retired Reserve or an officer on a Reserve retired list is recalled to active duty, that officer shall be recalled in a manner similar to the recall of a Regular retired officer.
An officer in the Retired Reserve or an officer on a Reserve retired list recalled to active duty shall upon release therefrom be advanced in the Retired Reserve or on the Reserve retired list to the highest grade held on active duty, if: (1) appointed to a higher grade while on that duty, and (2) the officer’s performance has been satisfactory in the higher grade.
CHAPTER 39— COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a nonmilitary organization administered by the Commandant under the direction of the Secretary. For command, control, and administrative purposes, the Auxiliary shall include such organizational elements and units as are approved by the Commandant, including but not limited to, a national board and staff (to be known as the “Auxiliary headquarters unit”), districts, regions, divisions, flotillas, and other organizational elements and units. The Auxiliary organization and its officers shall have such rights, privileges, powers, and duties as may be granted to them by the Commandant, consistent with this title and other applicable provisions of law. The Commandant may delegate to officers of the Auxiliary the authority vested in the Commandant by this section, in the manner and to the extent the Commandant considers necessary or appropriate for the functioning, organization, and internal administration of the Auxiliary.
Each organizational element or unit of the Coast Guard Auxiliary organization (but excluding any corporation formed by an organizational element or unit of the Auxiliary under subsection (c) of this section), shall, except when acting outside the scope of section 3902, at all times be deemed to be an instrumentality of the United States, for purposes of the following:
Chapter 171 of title 28 (popularly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act).
Section 2733 of title 10 (popularly known as the Military Claims Act).
Section 30101 of title 46 (popularly known as the Admiralty Extension Act).
Chapter 309 of title 46 (known as the Suits in Admiralty Act).
Chapter 311 of title 46 (known as the Public Vessels Act).
Other matters related to noncontractual civil liability.
The national board of the Auxiliary, and any Auxiliary district or region, may form a corporation under State law in accordance with policies established by the Commandant.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), personal property of the auxiliary shall not be considered property of the United States.
The Secretary may treat personal property of the auxiliary as property of the United States—
for the purposes of—
the statutes and matters referred to in paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (b); and
section 901 of this title; and
as otherwise provided in this chapter.
The Secretary may reimburse the Auxiliary, and each organizational element and unit of the Auxiliary, for necessary expenses of operation, maintenance, and repair or replacement of personal property of the Auxiliary.
In this subsection, the term “personal property of the Auxiliary” means motor boats, yachts, aircraft, radio stations, motorized vehicles, trailers, or other equipment that is under the administrative jurisdiction of the Coast Guard Auxiliary or an organizational element or unit of the Auxiliary and that is used solely for the purposes described in this subsection.
Pub. L. 99–640, § 9, Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3548, required the Secretary of Transportation to investigate and submit to Congress a report within 1 year after Nov. 10, 1986, regarding the membership decline in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, its effect on the maritime community, and recommendations for legislative and administrative action to achieve and maintain the Coast Guard Auxiliary at its optimum strength.
The purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard as authorized by the Commandant, in performing any Coast Guard function, power, duty, role, mission, or operation authorized by law.
The Auxiliary may conduct a patrol of a waterway, or a portion thereof, only if—
the Commandant has determined such waterway, or portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard; or
The Auxiliary shall be composed of nationals of the United States, as defined in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22)), and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20))—
who—
are owners, sole or part, of motorboats, yachts, aircraft, or radio stations; or
by reason of their special training or experience are deemed by the Commandant to be qualified for duty in the Auxiliary; and
who may be enrolled therein pursuant to applicable regulations.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary shall not be considered to be a Federal employee and shall not be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment, including those relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, unemployment compensation, Federal employee benefits, ethics, conflicts of interest, and other similar criminal or civil statutes and regulations governing the conduct of Federal employees. However, nothing in this subsection shall constrain the Commandant from prescribing standards for the conduct and behavior of members of the Auxiliary.
A member of the Auxiliary while assigned to duty shall be deemed to be a Federal employee only for the purposes of the following:
Chapter 171 of title 28 (popularly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act).
Section 2733 of title 10 (popularly known as the Military Claims Act).
Section 30101 of title 46 (popularly known as the Admiralty Extension Act).
Chapter 309 of title 46 (known as the Suits in Admiralty Act).
Chapter 311 of title 46 (known as the Public Vessels Act).
Other matters related to noncontractual civil liability.
Compensation for work injuries under chapter 81 of title 5.
The resolution of claims relating to damage to or loss of personal property of the member incident to service under the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees’ Claims Act of 1964 (31 U.S.C. 3721).1
Section 651 of Public Law 104–208.
A member of the Auxiliary, while assigned to duty, shall be deemed to be a person acting under an officer of the United States or an agency thereof for purposes of section 1442(a)(1) of title 28.
Members of the Auxiliary may be disenrolled pursuant to applicable regulations.
Members of the Auxiliary may be appointed or enlisted in the Reserve, pursuant to applicable regulations, and membership in the Auxiliary shall not be a bar to membership in any other naval or military organization.
The Coast Guard may utilize for any purpose incident to carrying out its functions and duties as authorized by the Secretary any motorboat, yacht, aircraft, or radio station placed at its disposition for any of such purposes by any member of the Auxiliary, by any corporation, partnership, or association, or by any State or political subdivision thereof.
The Coast Guard may utilize to carry out its functions and duties as authorized by the Secretary any motor vehicle (as defined in section 30102 of title 49) placed at its disposition by any member of the Auxiliary, by any corporation, partnership, or association, or by any State or political subdivision thereof, to tow Federal Government property.
While assigned to authorized Coast Guard duty, any aircraft shall be deemed to be a Coast Guard aircraft, a public vessel of the United States, and a vessel of the Coast Guard within the meaning of sections 937 and 938 of this title and other applicable provisions of law. Subject to the provisions of sections 3904 and 3912 of this title, while assigned to duty, qualified Auxiliary pilots shall be deemed to be Coast Guard pilots.
Any radio station, while assigned to authorized Coast Guard duty shall be deemed to be a radio station of the Coast Guard and a “government station” within the meaning of section 305 of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 305 ).
Appropriations of the Coast Guard shall be available for the payment of actual necessary traveling expense and subsistence, or commutation of ration allowance in lieu of subsistence, of members of the Auxiliary assigned to authorized duties and for actual necessary expenses of operation of any motorboat, yacht, aircraft, radio station, or motorized vehicle utilized under section 3907(b) when assigned to Coast Guard duty, but shall not be available for the payment of compensation for personal services, incident to such operation, other than to personnel of the Coast Guard or the Reserve. The term “actual necessary expenses of operation,” as used in this section, shall include payment for fuel, oil, power, water, supplies, provisions, replacement or repair of equipment, repair of any damaged motorboat, yacht, aircraft, radio station, or motorized vehicle utilized under section 3907(b) and for the constructive or actual loss of any motorboat, yacht, aircraft, radio station, or motorized vehicle utilized under section 3907(b) where it is determined, under applicable regulations, that responsibility for the loss or damage necessitating such replacement or repair of equipment, or for the damage or loss, constructive or actual, of such motorboat, yacht, aircraft, radio station, or motorized vehicle utilized under section 3907(b) rests with the Coast Guard.
The Secretary may pay interest on a claim under this section in any case in which a payment authorized under this section is not made within 60 days after the submission of the claim in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. The rate of interest for purposes of this section shall be the annual rate established under section 6621 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
No member of the Auxiliary, solely by reason of such membership, shall be vested with, or exercise, any right, privilege, power, or duty vested in or imposed upon the personnel of the Coast Guard or the Reserve, except that any such member may, under applicable regulations, be assigned duties, which, after appropriate training and examination, he has been found competent to perform, to effectuate the purposes of the Auxiliary. No member of the Auxiliary shall be placed in charge of a motorboat, yacht, aircraft, or radio station assigned to Coast Guard duty unless he has been specifically designated by authority of the Commandant to perform such duty. Members of the Auxiliary, when assigned to duties as herein authorized shall, unless otherwise limited by the Commandant, be vested with the same power and authority, in the execution of such duties, as members of the regular Coast Guard assigned to similar duty. When any member of the Auxiliary is assigned to such duty he may, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary, be paid actual necessary traveling expenses, including a per diem allowance in conformity with standardized Government travel regulations in lieu of subsistence, while traveling and while on duty away from his home. No per diem shall be paid for any period during which quarters and subsistence in kind are furnished by the Government, and no per diem shall be paid for any period while such member is performing duty on a vessel.
When any member of the Auxiliary is physically injured or dies as a result of physical injury incurred while performing any duty to which he has been assigned by competent Coast Guard authority, such member or his beneficiary shall be entitled to the same benefits provided for temporary members of the Reserve who suffer physical injury or death resulting from physical injury incurred incident to service. Members of the Auxiliary who incur physical injury or contract sickness or disease while performing any duty to which they have been assigned by competent Coast Guard authority shall be entitled to the same hospital treatment afforded members of the Coast Guard. The performance of a duty as the term is used in this section includes time engaged in traveling back and forth between the place of assigned duty and the permanent residence of a member of the Auxiliary.
CHAPTER 41— GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR COAST GUARD RESERVE AND AUXILIARY
The Secretary may prescribe one or more suitable distinguishing flags, pennants, or other identifying insignia to be displayed by the motorboats, yachts, aircraft, and radio stations owned by members of the Auxiliary and one or more suitable insignia which may be worn by members of the Reserve or the Auxiliary, and may prescribe one or more suitable uniforms which may be worn by members of the Auxiliary. Such flags, pennants, uniforms, and insignia may be furnished by the Coast Guard at actual cost, and the proceeds received therefor shall be credited to current appropriations from which purchase of these articles is authorized.
Whoever, without proper authority, flies from any building, aircraft, motorboat, yacht, or other vessel, any flag or pennant or displays any identifying insignia or wears any uniform or insignia of the Reserve or the Auxiliary shall be fined not more than $500.
Members of the Auxiliary and temporary members of the Reserve shall be entitled only to such rights, privileges, and benefits as are specifically set forth for them in this title or as may be specifically provided for them in any other Act of Congress. Any Act of Congress which grants rights, privileges, or benefits generally to military personnel, or among others, to personnel of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserve, without specifically granting such rights, privileges, or benefits to members of the Auxiliary or temporary members of the Reserve, shall not be deemed applicable to members of the Auxiliary or to temporary members of the Reserve.
The services and facilities of and appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be available to effectuate the purposes of the Reserve and the Auxiliary.
SUBTITLE IV— COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATIONS AND REPORTS TO CONGRESS
CHAPTER 49— AUTHORIZATIONS
Amounts may be appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard for the following matters only if the amounts have been authorized by law after December 31, 1976:
For the operation and support of the Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for.
For the procurement, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, aircraft, and systems, including equipment related thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment.
For research and development.1 of technologies, materials, and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the Coast Guard.
Funds are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard as follows:
For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, not otherwise provided for—
$11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
$13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
Of the amount authorized under subparagraph (A)(i), $25,570,000 shall be for environmental compliance and restoration.
Of the amount authorized under clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), $26,848,500 shall be for environmental compliance and restoration.
For the procurement, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, aircraft, and systems, including equipment related thereto, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment—
$3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
$3,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
Of the amounts authorized under subparagraph (A), the following amounts shall be for the alteration of bridges:
$20,400,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
$20,808,000 for fiscal year 2023.
To the Commandant for research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the Coast Guard’s mission with respect to search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment—
$67,701,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
$70,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
For retired pay, including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for purposes of retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection and Survivor Benefits Plans, payment for career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title 10—
$1,057,929,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
$1,215,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
Pub. L. 115–282, title II, § 202(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4242, provided that the amendment made by section 202(b) is effective October 1, 2018.
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 114–120, see section 3503(e) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 2182 of this title.
For each fiscal year, Congress shall authorize the strength for active duty personnel of the Coast Guard as of the end of that fiscal year. Amounts may be appropriated for a fiscal year to or for the use of active duty personnel of the Coast Guard only if the end strength for active duty personnel for that fiscal year has been authorized by law. If at the end of any fiscal year there is in effect a declaration of war or national emergency, the President may defer the effectiveness of any end-strength limitation with respect to that fiscal year prescribed by law for any military or civilian component of the Coast Guard, for a period not to exceed 6 months after the end of the war or termination of the national emergency.
Congress shall authorize the average military training student loads for the Coast Guard for each fiscal year. That authorization is required for student loads for the following individual training categories:
Recruit and specialized training.
Flight training.
Professional training in military and civilian institutions.
Officer acquisition training.
Amounts may be appropriated for a fiscal year for use in training military personnel of the Coast Guard in the categories referred to in paragraph (1) only if the average student loads for the Coast Guard for that fiscal year have been authorized by law.
The Coast Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 50,000 for fiscal years 2026, and 55,000 for fiscal year 2027.
The Coast Guard is authorized average military training student loads as follows:
For recruit and special training, 4,000 student years for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
For flight training, 250 student years for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
For professional training in military and civilian institutions, 700 student years for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
For officer acquisition, 1,600 student years for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXI, § 7102(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1664, provided that:
“In any fiscal year in which the submission required under section 1105 of title 31 , United States Code, does not include a proportional increase in the Operations and Support funding under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14 , United States Code, to support the end strengths authorized under the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section]— “(1) the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 report on the plan of the Coast Guard to achieve growth in the Coast Guard’s military strength to 60,000, which shall include— “(A) proposed missions and purposes for the growth of the Coast Guard in military strength; “(B) for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032— “(i) the additional estimated cost of salaries and all benefits, including housing, education, and medical benefits; “(ii) estimated recruiting and training resources and costs; and “(iii) estimated resources and costs required to achieve sufficient training capacity for growth in enlisted and officer corps; and “(C) an explanation for why the estimated cost in subparagraph (B) was not included in the submission required under section 1105 of title 31 , United States Code; and “(2) the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] may not delegate the briefing required in paragraph (1).”
CHAPTER 51— REPORTS
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXI, § 7120, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1674, provided that:
“A slideshow presentation, including a PowerPoint document, shall not be submitted to Congress in lieu of the provision of a briefing (in person or written) or the submission of a report, plan, strategy, or any other document required by this Act [probably means div. G (§§ 7001–7701) of Pub. L. 119–60 , see Tables for classification] or by chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code.”
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7235, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1716, provided that:
“(a) In General .— The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress notification as described in subsection (b)— “(1) not later than the date that is 10 days before the final day of each fiscal year; or “(2) in the case of a continuing resolution that, for a period of more than 10 days, provides appropriated funds in lieu of an appropriations Act, not later than the date that is 10 days before the final day of the period that such continuing resolution covers. “(b) Elements .— Notification under subsection (a) shall include— “(1) the status of funding for the Coast Guard during the subsequent fiscal year or at the end of the continuing resolution if other appropriations measures are not enacted, as applicable; “(2) the status of the Coast Guard as a component of the Armed Forces; “(3) the number of members currently serving overseas and otherwise supporting missions related to title 10, United States Code; “(4) the fact that members of the Armed Forces have service requirements unlike those of other Federal employees, which require them to continue to serve even if unpaid; “(5) the impacts of historical shutdowns of the Federal Government on members of the Coast Guard; and “(6) other relevant matters, as determined by the Commandant [of the Coast Guard]. “(c) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined .— In this section, the term ‘appropriate committees of Congress’ means— “(1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; “(2) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; “(3) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and “(4) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.”
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Secretary 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 Coast Guard authorization request with respect to such fiscal year.
In this section, the term “Coast Guard authorization request” means a proposal for legislation that, with respect to the Coast Guard for the relevant fiscal year—
recommends end strengths for personnel for that fiscal year, as described in section 4903;
recommends authorizations of appropriations for that fiscal year, including with respect to matters described in section 4901; and
addresses any other matter that the Secretary determines is appropriate for inclusion in a Coast Guard authorization bill.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXI, § 7116, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1669, provided that:
“Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], and annually thereafter, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 detailed expenditure plan, including projected project timelines for each acquisition and procurement appropriated under section 1181 of title 14 , United States Code, and a list of project locations to be funded under such section.”
Not later than 60 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to 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 capital investment plan for the Coast Guard that identifies for each capital asset for which appropriations are proposed in that budget—
the proposed appropriations included in the budget;
the total estimated cost of completion based on the proposed appropriations included in the budget;
projected funding levels for each fiscal year for the next 5 fiscal years or until project completion, whichever is earlier;
an estimated completion date based on the proposed appropriations included in the budget;
an acquisition program baseline, as applicable; and
projected commissioning and decommissioning dates for each asset.
In the fiscal year following each fiscal year for which appropriations are enacted for a new capital asset, the report submitted under subsection (a) shall include—
an estimated life-cycle cost estimate for the new capital asset;
an assessment of the impact the new capital asset will have on—
delivery dates for each capital asset;
estimated completion dates for each capital asset;
the total estimated cost to complete each capital asset; and
other planned construction or improvement projects; and
recommended funding levels for each capital asset necessary to meet the estimated completion dates and total estimated costs included in the such 1 asset’s approved acquisition program baseline.
In this section, the term “new capital asset” means—
an acquisition program that does not have an approved acquisition program baseline; or
the acquisition of a capital asset in excess of the number included in the approved acquisition program baseline.
Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11201, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4006, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not less frequently than annually, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 that includes— “(1) a detailed list of Coast Guard shoreside infrastructure projects contemplated in each Coast Guard Sector area of responsibility and planned within the 7 years following the submission of the annual report for all Coast Guard facilities located within each Coast Guard Sector area of responsibility in the order of priority, including recapitalization, maintenance needs in excess of $100,000, dredging, and other shoreside infrastructure needs of the Coast Guard; “(2) the estimated cost of projects to fulfill each project, to the extent available; and “(3) a general description of the state of planning, including design and engineering, for each such project. “(b) Contents .— The report submitted under subsection (a) shall include all unfunded shoreside infrastructure and facility priorities meeting the criteria under subsection (a) recommended to the Commandant for consideration for inclusion in the unfunded priority list report to Congress under section 5108 of title 14 , United States Code, regardless of whether the unfunded shoreside infrastructure project is included in the final annual unfunded priority list to Congress.”
Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, § 817(d), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4307, provided that:
“In order to meet Coast Guard mission requirements for search and rescue, ports, waterways, and coastal security, and maritime environmental response during recapitalization of Coast Guard vessels, the Coast Guard shall ensure continuity of the coverage, to the maximum extent practicable, in the locations that may lose assets.”
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives each plan required under this section, see section 101(f) of Pub. L. 114–120, set out as a note under section 5110 of this title.
Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, § 918, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3022, which required the Commandant to submit to Congress the Coast Guard’s 5-year capital investment plan concurrent with the President’s budget submission for each fiscal year, was repealed by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, § 213(c)(3), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1553.
Pub. L. 109–241, title IV, § 408, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 537, as amended by Pub. L. 112–213, title II, § 210(c)(1), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1551, provided that:
“[(a) Repealed. Pub. L. 112–213, title II, § 210(c)(1) , Dec. 20, 2012 , 126 Stat. 1551 .] “(b) Deepwater Acceleration Report .— Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ July 11, 2006 ], the Secretary 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 acceleration of the current Deepwater program acquisition timeline that reflects completion of the Deepwater program in each of 10 years and 15 years and includes— “(1) a detailed explanation of the number and type of each asset that would be procured for each fiscal year under each accelerated acquisition timeline; “(2) the required funding for such completion under each accelerated acquisition timeline; “(3) anticipated costs associated with legacy asset sustainment for the Deepwater program under each accelerated acquisition timeline; “(4) anticipated mission deficiencies, if any, associated with the continued degradation of legacy assets in combination with the procurement of new assets under each accelerated acquisition timeline; and “(5) an evaluation of the overall feasibility of achieving each accelerated acquisition timeline, including— “(A) contractor capacity; “(B) national shipbuilding capacity; “(C) asset integration into Coast Guard facilities; “(D) required personnel; and “(E) training infrastructure capacity on technology associated with new assets. “(c) Oversight Report .— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ July 11, 2006 ], the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Government Accountability Office, 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 status of the Coast Guard’s implementation of the Government Accountability Office’s recommendations in its report, GAO–04–380, entitled ‘Coast Guard Deepwater Program Needs Increased Attention to Management and Contractor Oversight’, including the dates by which the Coast Guard plans to complete implementation of such recommendations if any of such recommendations remain open as of the date the report is transmitted to the Committees. “(d) Independent Analysis of Revised Deepwater Plan .— The Secretary may periodically, either through an internal review process or a contract with an outside entity, conduct an analysis of all or part of the Deepwater program and assess whether— “(1) the choice of assets and capabilities selected as part of that program meets the Coast Guard’s goals for performance and minimizing total ownership costs; or “(2) additional or different assets should be considered as part of that program.”
Pub. L. 111–83, title II, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2153, provided in part:
“That the Secretary [of Homeland Security] shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives, in conjunction with the fiscal year 2011 budget request, a comprehensive review of the Revised Deepwater Implementation Plan, and every 5 years thereafter, that includes a complete projection of the acquisition costs and schedule for the duration of the plan”.
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:
Pub. L. 110–329, div. D, title II, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3665.
Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title II, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2056.
Pub. L. 109–295, title II, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1365.
Pub. L. 109–90, title II, Oct. 18, 2005, 119 Stat. 2072.
Pub. L. 113–6, div. D, title II, Mar. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 351, provided in part:
“That the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives, at the time that the President’s budget is submitted each year under section 1105(a) of title 31 , United States Code, a future-years capital investment plan for the Coast Guard that identifies for each requested capital asset— “(1) the proposed appropriations included in that budget; “(2) the total estimated cost of completion, including and clearly delineating the costs of associated major acquisition systems infrastructure and transition to operations; “(3) projected funding levels for each fiscal year for the next 5 fiscal years or until acquisition program baseline or project completion, whichever is earlier; “(4) an estimated completion date at the projected funding levels; and “(5) a current acquisition program baseline for each capital asset, as applicable, that— “(A) includes the total acquisition cost of each asset, subdivided by fiscal year and including a detailed description of the purpose of the proposed funding levels for each fiscal year, including for each fiscal year funds requested for design, pre-acquisition activities, production, structural modifications, missionization, post-delivery, and transition to operations costs; “(B) includes a detailed project schedule through completion, subdivided by fiscal year, that details— “(i) quantities planned for each fiscal year; and “(ii) major acquisition and project events, including development of operational requirements, contracting actions, design reviews, production, delivery, test and evaluation, and transition to operations, including necessary training, shore infrastructure, and logistics; “(C) notes and explains any deviations in cost, performance parameters, schedule, or estimated date of completion from the original acquisition program baseline and the most recent baseline approved by the Department of Homeland Security’s Acquisition Review Board, if applicable; “(D) aligns the acquisition of each asset to mission requirements by defining existing capabilities of comparable legacy assets, identifying known capability gaps between such existing capabilities and stated mission requirements, and explaining how the acquisition of each asset will address such known capability gaps; “(E) defines life-cycle costs for each asset and the date of the estimate on which such costs are based, including all associated costs of major acquisitions systems infrastructure and transition to operations, delineated by purpose and fiscal year for the projected service life of the asset; “(F) includes the earned value management system summary schedule performance index and cost performance index for each asset, if applicable; and “(G) includes a phase-out and decommissioning schedule delineated by fiscal year for each existing legacy asset that each asset is intended to replace or recapitalize: Provided further , That the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall ensure that amounts specified in the future-years capital investment plan are consistent, to the maximum extent practicable, with proposed appropriations necessary to support the programs, projects, and activities of the Coast Guard in the President’s budget as submitted under section 1105(a) of title 31 , United States Code, for that fiscal year: Provided further , That any inconsistencies between the capital investment plan and proposed appropriations shall be identified and justified”.
Similar provisions were contained in the following appropriation acts:
Pub. L. 114–113, div. F, title II, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2501.
Pub. L. 114–4, title II, Mar. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 48.
Pub. L. 113–76, div. F, title II, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 256.
Pub. L. 112–74, div. D, title II, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 954.
Pub. L. 111–83, title II, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2153.
Pub. L. 110–329, div. D, title II, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3665.
Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title II, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2056.
Pub. L. 109–295, title II, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1365.
Pub. L. 109–90, title II, Oct. 18, 2005, 119 Stat. 2072.
Pub. L. 108–334, title II, Oct. 18, 2004, 118 Stat. 1306.
Pub. L. 108–334, title V, § 514, Oct. 18, 2004, 118 Stat. 1317, provided that:
“The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall provide to the Congress each year, at the time that the President’s budget is submitted under section 1105(a) of title 31 , United States Code, a list of approved but unfunded Coast Guard priorities and the funds needed for each such priority in the same manner and with the same contents as the unfunded priorities lists submitted by the chiefs of other Armed Services.”
Pub. L. 99–640, § 15, Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3552, provided that:
“The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall provide detailed reports to Congress concerning the status of design and construction plans for the procurement of at least two new polar icebreaking vessels. Such reports shall be included in the Cutter Plan required annually by section 663 [now 5102] of title 14, United States Code, and shall be submitted each year until at least two new polar icebreaking vessels have been delivered to the Coast Guard.”
In conjunction with the transmittal by the President to Congress of the budget of the United States for fiscal year 2014 and biennially thereafter, the Secretary 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 status of all Level 1 acquisitions or Level 2 acquisitions.
Each report under subsection (a) shall include for each Level 1 acquisition or Level 2 acquisition—
a statement of the Coast Guard’s mission needs and performance goals relating to such program, including a justification for any change to those needs and goals subsequent to a report previously submitted under this section;
a justification explaining how the projected number and capabilities of assets acquired under such program meet applicable mission needs and performance goals;
an identification of any and all mission hour gaps, accompanied by an explanation of how and when the Coast Guard will close those gaps;
an identification of any changes with respect to such program, including—
any changes to the timeline for the acquisition of each new asset and the phaseout of legacy assets; and
any changes to—
the costs of new assets or legacy assets for that fiscal year or future fiscal years; or
the total acquisition cost;
a justification explaining how any change to such program fulfills the mission needs and performance goals of the Coast Guard;
a description of how the Coast Guard is planning for the integration of each new asset acquired under such program into the Coast Guard, including needs related to shore-based infrastructure and human resources;
an identification of how funds in the applicable fiscal year’s budget request will be allocated, including information on the purchase of specific assets;
a projection of the remaining operational lifespan and life-cycle cost of each legacy asset that also identifies any anticipated resource gaps;
a detailed explanation of how the costs of legacy assets are being accounted for within such program; and
an annual performance comparison of new assets to legacy assets.
Each report under subsection (a) shall—
include information on the scope of the acquisition activities to be performed in the next fiscal year and on the adequacy of the current acquisition workforce to meet that anticipated workload;
specify the number of officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard currently and planned to be assigned to each position designated under section 1102(c); 1 and
identify positions that are or will be understaffed and actions that will be taken to correct such understaffing.
Each report under subsection (a) shall identify which, if any, Coast Guard cutters that have been issued a certificate of classification by the American Bureau of Shipping have not been maintained in class, with an explanation detailing the reasons why the cutters have not been maintained in class.
Each report under subsection (a) shall include a plan that describes for the upcoming fiscal year, and for each of the 20 fiscal years thereafter—
the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be decommissioned;
the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be acquired to—
replace the cutters and aircraft identified under paragraph (1); or
address an identified capability gap; and
the estimated level of funding in each fiscal year required to—
acquire the cutters and aircraft identified under paragraph (2);
operate and sustain the cutters and aircraft described in paragraph (2);
acquire related command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; and
acquire, construct, or renovate shoreside infrastructure.
In this section:
The term “Level 1 acquisition” has the meaning given such term in section 1171.
The term “Level 2 acquisition” has the meaning given such term in section 1171.
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives each plan required under subsection (e) of this section, see section 101(f) of Pub. L. 114–120, set out as a note under section 5110 of this title.
On the date on which the President submits to the Congress a budget for fiscal year 2017 under section 1105 of title 31, on the date on which the President submits to the Congress a budget for fiscal year 2019 under such section, and every 4 years 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 manpower requirements plan.
A manpower requirements plan submitted under subsection (a) shall include for each mission of the Coast Guard—
an assessment of all projected mission requirements for the upcoming fiscal year and for each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter;
the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel assigned or available to fulfill such mission requirements—
currently; and
as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter;
the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel required to fulfill such mission requirements—
currently; and
as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter;
an identification of any capability gaps between mission requirements and mission performance caused by deficiencies in the numbers of personnel available—
currently; and
as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of the 3 fiscal years thereafter; and
an identification of the actions the Commandant will take to address capability gaps identified under paragraph (4).
In composing a manpower requirements plan for submission under subsection (a), the Commandant shall consider—
the marine safety strategy required under section 2116 of title 46;
information on the adequacy of the acquisition workforce included in the most recent report under section 5103 of this title; and
any other Federal strategic planning effort the Commandant considers appropriate.
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives each plan required under this section, see section 101(f) of Pub. L. 114–120, set out as a note under section 5110 of this title.
The Commandant shall maintain an inventory of all real property, including submerged lands, under the control of the Coast Guard, which shall include—
the size, the location, and any other appropriate description of each unit of such property;
an assessment of the physical condition of each unit of such property, excluding lands;
a determination of whether each unit of such property should be—
retained to fulfill a current or projected Coast Guard mission requirement; or
subject to divestiture; and
other information the Commandant considers appropriate.
The Commandant shall update information on each unit of real property included in the inventory required under subsection (a) not later than 30 days after any change relating to the control of such property.
Not later than March 30, 2016, and every 5 years 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 that includes—
a list of all real property under the control of the Coast Guard and the location of such property by property type;
recommendations for divestiture with respect to any units of such property; and
recommendations for consolidating any units of such property, including—
an estimate of the costs or savings associated with each recommended consolidation; and
a discussion of the impact that such consolidation would have on Coast Guard mission effectiveness.
Not later than the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 , the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall make available on a public website and submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an update on Coast Guard mission performance during the previous fiscal year.
Not later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, 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 all Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition programs, as such terms are defined in section 1171.
Not later than 1 week before taking procurement actions that will significantly impact the costs or timelines of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program, the Commandant shall brief the committees described in subsection (a).
Each briefing required under subsection (a) or (b) shall include, for each program—
a description of the purpose of the program, including the capabilities being acquired;
the total number of units, as appropriate, to be acquired annually until procurement is complete under the current acquisition program baseline;
the Acquisition Review Board status, including—
the current acquisition phase by increment, as applicable;
the date of the most recent review; and
whether the program has been paused or is in breach status;
a comparison between the initial Department-approved acquisition program baseline cost, schedule, and performance thresholds and objectives and the current such thresholds and objectives of the program, if applicable;
the lifecycle cost estimate, adjusted for comparison to the Future Coast Guard Program, including—
the confidence level for the estimate;
the fiscal years included in the estimate;
a breakout of the estimate for the prior five years, the current year, and the budget year;
a breakout of the estimate by appropriation account or other funding source; and
a description of and rationale for any changes to the estimate as compared to the previous quarter or to the previously approved baseline, as applicable;
a summary of the findings of any independent verification and validation of the items to be acquired or an explanation for why no such verification and validation has been performed;
a table displaying the obligation of all program funds by prior fiscal year, the estimated obligation of funds for the current fiscal year, and an estimate for the planned carryover of funds into the subsequent fiscal year;
a listing of prime contractors and major subcontractors; and
narrative descriptions of risks to cost, schedule, or performance that could result in a program breach if not successfully mitigated, including—
the current risks to such program;
any failure of such program to demonstrate a key performance parameter or threshold during operational test and evaluation conducted during the previous fiscal year;
whether there has been any decision in such fiscal year to order full-rate production before all key performance parameters or thresholds are met;
whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program cost (as such term is defined in the manual of the Coast Guard titled “Major Systems Acquisition Manual” (COMDTINST M5000.10C)) in such fiscal year; and
whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program schedule (as such term is defined in the manual of the Coast Guard titled “Major Systems Acquisition Manual” (COMDTINST M5000.10C)) during such fiscal year.
Not later than 5 business days after the date on which the Secretary approves an Acquisition Decision Memorandum for programs described in this section, the Commandant shall submit such memorandum to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
Not later than 60 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to 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 list of each unfunded priority for the Coast Guard.
The list required under subsection (a) shall present the unfunded priorities in order from the highest priority to the lowest, as determined by the Commandant.
In this section, the term “unfunded priority” means a program or mission requirement that—
has not been selected for funding in the applicable proposed budget;
is necessary to fulfill a requirement associated with an operational need; and
the Commandant would have recommended for inclusion in the applicable proposed budget had additional resources been available or had the requirement emerged before the budget was submitted.
Not later than January 15, 2022, 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 gender diversity in the Coast Guard.
The report required under subsection (a) shall contain the following:
An overview of Coast Guard active duty and reserve members, including the number of officers and enlisted members and the percentages of men and women in each.
An analysis of the changes in the recruitment and retention of women over the previous 2 years.
A discussion of any changes to Coast Guard recruitment and retention over the previous 2 years that were aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of female members.
The number of men and women who took parental leave during each year covered by the report, including the average length of such leave periods.
A discussion of the ways in which the Coast Guard worked to mitigate the impacts of parental leave on Coast Guard operations and on the careers of the members taking such leave.
An analysis of current gender-based limitations on Coast Guard career opportunities, including discussion of—
shipboard opportunities;
opportunities to serve at remote units; and
any other limitations on the opportunities of female members.
An update on the Coast Guard’s progress on the implementation of the action plan required under subsection (a) of section 8215 of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020.
On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2019 under section 1105 of title 31 and every 4 years 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 an integrated major acquisition mission need statement.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
The term “integrated major acquisition mission need statement” means a document that—
identifies current and projected gaps in Coast Guard mission capabilities using mission hour targets;
explains how each major acquisition program addresses gaps identified under subparagraph (A) if funded at the levels provided for such program in the most recently submitted capital investment plan; and
describes the missions the Coast Guard will not be able to achieve, by fiscal year, for each gap identified under subparagraph (A).
The term “major acquisition program” has the meaning given that term in section 5103.
The term “capital investment plan” means the plan required under section 5102(a)(1).
Pub. L. 114–120, title I, § 101(f), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 32, provided that:
“The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives— “(1) each plan required under section 2904 [now 5104] of title 14, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section; “(2) each plan required under section 2903(e) [now 5103(e)] of title 14, United States Code, as added by section 206 of this Act; “(3) each plan required under section 2902 [now 5102] of title 14, United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (d) of this section; and “(4) each mission need statement required under section 569 [now 5110] of title 14, United States Code.”
Not later than January 15, 2021, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall submit a report on diversity at the Coast Guard Academy to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
The report required under subsection (a) shall include—
the status of the implementation of the plan required under section 8272 of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020;
specific information on outreach and recruitment activities for the preceding year, including the effectiveness of the Coast Guard Academy minority outreach team program described under section 1905 and of outreach and recruitment activities in the territories and other possessions of the United States;
enrollment information about the incoming class, including the gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, and State of residence of Coast Guard Academy cadets;
information on class retention, outcomes, and graduation rates, including the race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, and State of residence of Coast Guard Academy cadets;
information on efforts to retain diverse cadets, including through professional development and professional advancement programs for staff and faculty; and
a summary of reported allegations of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, or religion for the preceding 5 years.
Not later than January 15 of each year, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a report on the sexual assaults and incidents of sexual harassment involving members of the Coast Guard to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
The report required under subsection (a) shall contain the following:
The number of sexual assaults and incidents of sexual harassment against members of the Coast Guard, and the number of sexual assaults and incidents of sexual harassment by members of the Coast Guard, that were reported to military officials during the year covered by such report, and the number of the cases so reported that were substantiated.
A synopsis of, and the disciplinary action taken in, each substantiated case.
The policies, procedures, and processes implemented by the Secretary concerned during the year covered by such report in response to incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment involving members of the Coast Guard concerned.
A plan for the actions that are to be taken in the year following the year covered by such report on the prevention of and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment involving members of the Coast Guard concerned.
The number of instances in which a covered individual was accused of misconduct or crimes considered collateral to the investigation of a sexual assault committed against the individual.
The number of instances in which adverse action was taken against a covered individual who was accused of collateral misconduct or crimes as described in subparagraph (A).
The percentage of investigations of sexual assaults that involved an accusation or adverse action against a covered individual as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
In this paragraph, the term “covered individual” means an individual who is identified as a victim of a sexual assault in the case files of a military criminal investigative organization.
Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXV, § 7502, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1789, provided that:
“(a) In General .— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall review the report of the Independent Review Commission titled ‘Hard Truths and the Duty to Change: Recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military’ referred to in the memorandum of the Department of Defense titled ‘Memorandum for Senior Pentagon Leadership Commanders of the Combatant Commands Defense Agency and DoD Field Activity Directors’, dated September 22, 2021 , (relating to commencing Department of Defense actions and implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Commission to address sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military). “(b) Strategy and Action Plan .— On completion of the review required under subsection (a), and not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] 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 written and detailed strategy and a written and detailed action plan that— “(1) (A) identifies any recommendation set forth in the report by the Independent Review Commission described in subsection (a) that addresses a matter that is not within the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, does not apply to the Coast Guard, or otherwise would not be beneficial to members of the Coast Guard, as determined by the Commandant [of the Coast Guard]; and “(B) includes a brief rationale for such determination; and “(2) with respect to each recommendation set forth in such report that is not identified under paragraph (1), includes— “(A) (i) a detailed action plan for implementation of the recommendation; “(ii) a description of changes the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] will make to associated Coast Guard policies so as to enable the implementation of the recommendation; “(iii) an estimated timeline for implementation of the recommendation; “(iv) the estimated cost of the implementation; “(v) legislative proposals for such implementation, as appropriate; and “(vi) any other information the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] considers appropriate; or “(B) in the case of such a recommendation that the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] is unable to implement, an explanation of the reason the recommendation cannot be implemented. “(c) Briefing .— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter through 2028, the Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the status of the implementation of this section and any modification to the strategy and plan submitted under subsection (b).”
Not later than 60 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to 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 the number of Coast Guard officers serving at other Federal entities on a reimbursable basis, and the number of Coast Guard officers who are serving at other Federal agencies on a non-reimbursable basis, but not on the active duty promotion list.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and every February 1 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 report that adequately represents a calculation of the annual costs and expenditures of performing and executing all defense readiness mission activities, including—
all expenses related to the Coast Guard’s coordination, training, and execution of defense readiness mission activities in the Coast Guard’s capacity as an armed force (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 10) in support of Department of Defense national security operations and activities or for any other military department or Defense Agency (as such terms are defined in such section);
costs associated with Coast Guard detachments assigned in support of the defense readiness mission of the Coast Guard; and
any other related expenses, costs, or matters the Commandant considers appropriate or otherwise of interest to Congress.
Subject to subsection (b), the Commandant shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress and the Coast Guard Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs not later than 3 full business days in advance of the Coast Guard—
making or awarding a grant allocation or grant in excess of $1,000,000;
making or awarding a contract, other transaction agreement, or task or delivery order for the Coast Guard on the multiple award contract, or issuing a letter of intent totaling more than $4,000,000;
awarding a task or delivery order requiring an obligation of funds in an amount greater than $10,000,000 from multi-year Coast Guard funds;
making a sole-source grant award; or
announcing publicly the intention to make or award an item described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D), including a contract covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
A notification under this subsection shall include—
the amount of the award;
the fiscal year for which the funds for the award were appropriated;
the type of contract;
an identification of the entity awarded the contract, such as the name and location of the entity; and
the account from which the funds are to be drawn.
If the Commandant determines that compliance with subsection (a) would pose a substantial risk to human life, health, or safety, the Commandant—
may make an award or issue a letter described in such subsection without the notification required under such subsection; and
shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress not later than 5 full business days after such an award is made or letter issued.
Subsection (a) shall not apply to funds that are not available for obligation.
In this section, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, and not later than March 1 of each year 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 status of reports or briefings required under this chapter that have not been delivered to Congress.
The report required under section (a) shall contain the following:
The status of each required report or briefing that has not been delivered to Congress, including the date the report or briefing is due, and if applicable, the number of days the Coast Guard has exceeded the required completion date.
A detailed written plan and timeline for the next steps to be taken to complete such outstanding reports or briefings.
The name, position, and agency of each Federal official responsible for writing, reviewing, editing, and approving the report, as well as the responsibility of such official in regard to the report, and how long that report has been under the responsibility with such Federal official after being received from the previous Federal official responsible.
The name of the flag officer responsible for the completion of each report or briefing.