Bill > HR6175

This bill, the Maritime Safety Act of 2018, aims to enhance maritime safety through several key provisions: It requires the Coast Guard to publish annual data on domestic vessel compliance with federal regulations, including flag-state detention rates and identifying recognized organizations that failed to identify major issues during inspections. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct an audit on the implementation and effectiveness of required safety management plans for vessels. The bill mandates new equipment requirements, such as requiring freight vessels to have distress signaling and location technology, and for companies to maintain records of weight changes to freight vessels. It also directs the Coast Guard to seek international agreements to require high-water alarms in cargo holds and float-free, emergency beacon-equipped voyage data recorders. The legislation includes provisions to enhance Coast Guard personnel training, including new courses for prospective sector commanders, marine inspectors, and senior inspectors. It also requires the Coast Guard to review its major conversion determination policies and provide briefings to Congress on various maritime safety topics. Finally, the bill makes changes to the frequency of the Coast Guard's marine safety strategy report, establishes a new office for oversight of recognized organizations that act on the Coast Guard's behalf, and requires timely weather forecasts for vessels.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/6175/all-info