Source
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 504; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 536, § 2,64 Stat. 406; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, §§ 1(33),
2
(10),
4
(1),65 Stat. 702, 707, 709; Pub. L. 94–546, § 1(9),Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2519; Pub. L. 97–136, § 6(d),Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1706; Pub. L. 97–276, § 143,Oct. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 1199; Pub. L. 97–295, § 2(4),Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 97–322, title I, § 115(c),Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1586; Pub. L. 102–241, § 7,Dec. 19, 1991, 105 Stat. 2212; Pub. L. 103–206, title II, § 202, title III, § 316,Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2420, 2426; Pub. L. 104–324, title II, § 207(a),Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3908; Pub. L. 105–383, title II, §§ 202,
203,Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3414, 3415; Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(c)(2),Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1298; Pub. L. 108–293, title II, §§ 201,
217,Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1031, 1038; Pub. L. 109–241, title IX, § 901(a), (c),July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 564; Pub. L. 111–259, title IV, § 442(1),Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2733; Pub. L. 111–281, title V, § 523,Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2958; Pub. L. 111–350, § 5(c)(2),Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3847.)
Historical and Revision Notes
This section grants powers to the Commandant concerning, in general, operations within the Service and the internal functioning of the Service. Many of the powers are contained in existing law, but some are enlarged, and some additional powers are added as explained following.
Subsection (a) is derived from title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., § 53, and title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., § 471 (R.S. 1536). The authority to order vessels to cruise along the coasts should be in the operational head of the Service, and not in the President. This section is changed to cover adequately the necessary present day cruising and patrolling.
Subsection (b) is derived from R.S. 4242 and title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§ 29,
93,
94,
95,
97,
98a (R.S. 4245, 4249; May 4, 1882, ch. 117, §§ 2,
3,
22 Stat. 56; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 417,
39 Stat. 601; Aug. 6, 1947, ch. 502,
61 Stat. 786; June 6, 1940, ch. 257, § 4,
54 Stat. 247), and specifically grants to the Commandant authority in regard to the establishment, discontinuance, and change of Coast Guard shore establishments other than Coast Guard districts. This power must exist inherently in order for the Service to function efficiently.
Subsection (c) is derived from title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§ 54,
97,
112 (May 4, 1882, ch. 117, § 3,
22 Stat. 56; May 30, 1908, ch. 231,
35 Stat. 553; Apr. 21, 1910, ch. 182, § 2,
36 Stat. 326), and specifically grants to the Commandant authority in regard to the assignment of vessels, vehicles, aids to navigation, and other equipment. This power is inherent to the proper functioning of any Service.
Subsection (d) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., § 91 (June 18, 1878, ch. 265, § 7,
20 Stat. 164; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 304,
42 Stat. 24; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, § 9,
44 Stat. 817). Said section has been divided. The part dealing with investigation of plans and inventions is covered in this subsection in broader terms, and the other parts are covered in general terms in section
632 of this title.
Subsection (e) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., § 111 (June 18, 1878, ch. 265, § 9,
20 Stat. 164). This section has been rewritten to broaden the authority to include any investigation or study that may be of assistance to the Coast Guard, the limitation as to investigation of shipwrecks having been eliminated.
Subsection (f) is new and is intended to give legislative recognition to the importance of disseminating information by the Coast Guard for the promotion of safety at sea, life-saving techniques, and other Coast Guard activities.
Subsection (g) is new and provides for the training of Coast Guard personnel at other than schools or institutions of the other armed forces. Such training is essential and has been carried on under the authority of appropriation acts for many years.
Subsection (h) is based in part on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§ 69,
108,
109, (R.S. 2748; June 20, 1874, ch. 344, § 9,
18 Stat. 127; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, § 3,
20 Stat. 163), and is intended to complement the authority granted to the Secretary in sec.
92
(d) of this title granting similar authority to the Commandant as to smaller craft.
Subsection (i) is based in part on title 14, U.S.C., §§ 108,
109, and on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., § 752 (June 20, 1874, ch. 344, § 9,
18 Stat. 127; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, § 3,
20 Stat. 163; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 168,
37 Stat. 10183, and grants power to the Commandant to acquire and dispose of various equipment and supplies. The authority with respect to the acceptance of such equipment as a gift is new.
Subsection (j) is new and grants power to the Commandant to operate and maintain shore establishments; previously such authority has been inferred from statutes providing for the establishment of shore stations; again such authority is inherent to the functioning of any Service, and this section will provide no greater authority than has been exercised in the past.
Subsection (k) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., § 31b (June 6, 1941, ch. 177,
55 Stat. 247 [which was originally repealed by act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title VI, § 602(a)(28),
63 Stat. 399, renumbered Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, § 6(a), (b),
64 Stat. 583]). The primary authority is granted to the Commandant as well as to the Secretary inasmuch as such exchange seems to be an operational matter and the items which may be exchanged have been enlarged by the addition of aids to navigation, appliances, equipment, and supplies.
Inasmuch as the act cited above applies to the Navy as well as the Coast Guard it is not scheduled for repeal but is being amended by section 13 of this act to eliminate reference to the Coast Guard.
Subsection (l) is new and is deemed desirable in order to give legislative authority for existing yards, and for the procurement of needed equipment and material in case such is not normally or economically obtainable from private contractors.
Subsection (m) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§ 110,
192 (June 20, 1874, ch. 344, § 6,
18 Stat. 127; June 18, 1878, ch. 265, § 10,
20 Stat. 165; July 3, 1926, ch. 742, § 9,
44 Stat. 817). The power to accept volunteer services is enlarged to include all services offered in time of emergency, to save life or protect property, and the restrictive provisions relating to lifeboat stations only have been eliminated.
Subsection (n) is new and grants authority to the Commandant to lease real property under the control of the Coast Guard, when not immediately needed in Coast Guard operations. Such authority will be advantageous to the Government, on the basis of past experience.
Subsection (o) is new and is supplementary to subsection (n) of this section. It grants further authority to the Commandant permitting him to grant minor interests in land which is under control of the Coast Guard. This will avoid the necessity of special acts of Congress in each of such instances.
Subsection (p) is new and is necessary to give proper authority for the maintenance of networks of wires and cables, in some cases over or along private property or public highways. These networks are in existence at the present time and are essential for the Service to carry out its functions.
Subsection (q) is new and is necessary in order to provide clear authority for the maintenance of radio stations which are essential to Coast Guard functions.
Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
References in Text
Section 4(e) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), is section 4(e) of
Pub. L. 92–340, which is classified to section
1223
(e) of Title
33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.
The date of enactment of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is the date of enactment of
Pub. L. 111–281, which was approved Oct. 15, 2010.
Amendments
2011—Subsec. (a)(8).
Pub. L. 111–350, which directed amendment of subsec. (h) by substituting “division C (except sections
3302,
3501(b),
3509,
3906,
4710, and
4711) of subtitle I of title
41” for “title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (
41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)”, was executed by making the substitution in subsec. (a)(8) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the amendment by
Pub. L. 108–293, § 201. See 2004 Amendment note below.
2010—Subsec. (a)(4).
Pub. L. 111–259substituted “function, including research, development, test, or evaluation related to intelligence systems and capabilities,” for “function”.
Subsecs. (c), (d).
Pub. L. 111–281added subsecs. (c) and (d).
2006—Subsec. (a)(19).
Pub. L. 109–241, § 901(a), redesignated subpars. (1) and (2) as (A) and (B), respectively.
Subsec. (a)(24).
Pub. L. 109–241, § 901(c), redesignated par. (y) as (24).
2004—
Pub. L. 108–293, § 201, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), redesignated former subsecs. (a) to (j) and (l) to (w) as pars. (1) to (23), respectively, of subsec. (a), substituted semicolon for comma at end of par. (18), and added subsec. (b).
Pub. L. 108–293, § 217, which directed amendment of this section by striking out “and” after semicolon at end of “paragraph (w)”, substituting “; and” for period at end of “paragraph (x)”, and adding a paragraph designated “(y)” at the end, was executed to this section prior to the amendment by
Pub. L. 108–293, § 201, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See above.
2002—Subsec. (h).
Pub. L. 107–217inserted “subtitle I of title
40 and title III of” before “the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949” and substituted “(
41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)” for “(
40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)”.
1998—Subsec. (w).
Pub. L. 105–383, § 202, added subsec. (w).
Subsec. (x).
Pub. L. 105–383, § 203, added subsec. (x).
1996—Subsec. (v).
Pub. L. 104–324added subsec. (v).
1993—Subsec. (t).
Pub. L. 103–206, § 202, added subsec. (t).
Subsec. (u).
Pub. L. 103–206, § 316, added subsec. (u).
1991—Subsec. (s).
Pub. L. 102–241added subsec. (s).
1982—Subsec. (h).
Pub. L. 97–295substituted “(
40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)” for “, as amended,” after “Act of 1949”.
Subsec. (r).
Pub. L. 97–276and
Pub. L. 97–322made identical amendments adding subsec. (r) relating to medical and dental care for personnel entitled thereto by law or regulation, including care in private facilities.
1981—Subsec. (p).
Pub. L. 97–136, inserted “including telephones in residences leased or owned by the Government of the United States when appropriate to assure efficient response to extraordinary operational contingencies of a limited duration,” after “of such lines and cables,”.
1976—Subsec. (n).
Pub. L. 94–546substituted “to be deposited in the Treasury” for “to be covered into the Treasury”.
1951—Subsec. (h). Act Oct. 31, 1951, § 2(10), inserted reference to applicable regulations of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, and struck out the requirement that net monies received from the disposition of patrol boats, etc., be covered into the Treasury.
Subsec. (i). Act Oct. 31, 1951, § 4(1), inserted provision permitting discontinuance of aids to navigation, etc., and struck out provision permitting discontinuance or other disposition of obsolete, unsuitable, or unserviceable aids to navigation, etc., and the requirement that the net monies received from such disposition be covered into the Treasury.
Subsec. (k). Act Oct. 31, 1951, § 1(33), repealed subsec. (k) which empowered the Commandant to exchange aircraft, vehicles, and parts thereof, and obsolete, unsuitable, or unserviceable machines, tools, aids to navigation, appliances, equipment, and supplies in part payment for new items of the same or similar character.
1950—Subsec. (o). Act Aug. 3, 1950, struck out “and” after the semicolon.
Subsec. (p). Act Aug. 3, 1950, substituted “; and” for the period at end.
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections
468
(b),
551
(d),
552
(d), and
557 of Title
6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section
542 of Title
6.
Report on Sexual Assaults in the Coast Guard
Pub. L. 111–281, title II, § 217,Oct. 15, 2010,
124 Stat. 2917, provided that:
“(a) In General.—Not later than January 15 of each year, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a report on the sexual assaults 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.
“(b) Contents.—The report required under subsection (a) shall contain the following:
“(1) The number of sexual assaults against members of the Coast Guard, and the number of sexual assaults 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.
“(2) A synopsis of, and the disciplinary action taken in, each substantiated case.
“(3) The policies, procedures, and processes implemented by the Secretary concerned during the year covered by such report in response to incidents of sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard concerned.
“(4) 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 involving members of the Coast Guard concerned.”
Marine Vessel and Cold Water Safety Education
Pub. L. 109–241, title IV, § 405,July 11, 2006,
120 Stat. 535, provided that: “The Coast Guard shall continue cooperative agreements and partnerships with organizations in effect on the date of enactment of this Act [July 11, 2006] that provide marine vessel safety training and cold water immersion education and outreach programs for fishermen and children.”
Redistricting Notification Requirement
Pub. L. 108–293, title II, § 215,Aug. 9, 2004,
118 Stat. 1038, provided that: “The Commandant shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate at least 180 days before—
“(1) implementing any plan to reduce the number of, change the location of, or change the geographic area covered by any existing Coast Guard Districts; or
“(2) permanently transferring more than 10 percent of the personnel or equipment from a district office where such personnel or equipment is based.”
Innovative Construction Alternatives
Pub. L. 108–293, title II, § 222,Aug. 9, 2004,
118 Stat. 1040, provided that: “The Commandant of the Coast Guard may consult with the Office of Naval Research and other Federal agencies with research and development programs that may provide innovative construction alternatives for the Integrated Deepwater System.”
Icebreaking Services
Pub. L. 109–241, title II, § 210,July 11, 2006,
120 Stat. 523, provided that:
“(a) Operation and Maintenance Plan.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 11, 2006], the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a plan—
“(1) for operation and maintenance after fiscal year 2006 of the Coast Guard polar icebreakers POLAR STAR, POLAR SEA, and HEALY, that does not rely on the transfer of funds to the Coast Guard by any other Federal agency; and
“(2) for the long-term recapitalization of these assets.
“(b) Necessary Measures.—The Secretary shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the Coast Guard maintains, at a minimum, its current vessel capacity for carrying out ice breaking in the Arctic and Antarctic, Great Lakes, and New England regions, including the necessary funding for operation and maintenance of such vessels, until it has implemented the long-term recapitalization of the Coast Guard polar icebreakers POLAR STAR, POLAR SEA, and HEALY in accordance with the plan submitted under subsection (a).
“(c) Reimbursement.—Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from seeking reimbursement for operation and maintenance costs of such polar icebreakers from other Federal agencies and entities, including foreign countries, that benefit from the use of the icebreakers.
“(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2006 to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating $100,000,000 to carry out this section with respect to the polar icebreakers referred to in subsection (a).”
Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, § 429,Nov. 25, 2002,
116 Stat. 2127, provided that: “The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall not plan, implement, or finalize any regulation or take any other action which would result in the decommissioning of any WYTL-class harbor tugs unless and until the Commandant certifies in writing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that sufficient replacement capability has been procured by the Coast Guard to remediate any degradation in current icebreaking services that would be caused by such decommissioning.”
Fishing Vessel Safety Training
Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, § 430,Nov. 25, 2002,
116 Stat. 2128, provided that:
“(a) In General.—The Commandant of the Coast Guard may provide support, with or without reimbursement, to an entity engaged in fishing vessel safety training, including—
“(1) assistance in developing training curricula;
“(2) use of Coast Guard personnel, including active duty members, members of the Coast Guard Reserve, and members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, as temporary or adjunct instructors;
“(3) sharing of appropriate Coast Guard informational and safety publications; and
“(4) participation on applicable fishing vessel safety training advisory panels.
“(b) No Interference With Other Functions.—In providing support under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that the support does not interfere with any Coast Guard function or operation.”
Conveyance of Lighthouses; Notification
Pub. L. 105–383, title IV, § 416(d),Nov. 13, 1998,
112 Stat. 3437, provided that: “Not less than 1 year prior to reporting to the General Services Administration that a lighthouse or light station eligible for listing under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (
16 U.S.C.
470 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.”
Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) Technology
Pub. L. 105–383, title IV, § 425(a),Nov. 13, 1998,
112 Stat. 3441, provided that: “The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, within 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 13, 1998], report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the applicability of Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) technology, including concepts developed by the United States Office of Naval Research, to the design of Coast Guard vessels.”