Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019
This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime Commission for FY2020-FY2021, and authorizes a specified level of end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and military training student loads to the Coast Guard for such fiscal years.
Among other things, the bill addresses (1) retirement grades for Coast Guard personnel, (2) promotion authority for Coast Guard personnel, (3) the use of unmanned maritime and aircraft systems in the Coast Guard, and (4) diversity at the Coast Guard Academy.
The bill revises or sets forth policies relating to the Coast Guard, including
- passenger vessel security and safety requirements,
- vessel operation requirements,
- coastwise endorsement determinations,
- Coast Guard advisory committees,
- safety zones to address special activities such as offshore energy development in the exclusive economic zone,
- the use of engine cut-off switches on recreational vessels,
- polar security cutter acquisitions, and
- vessel certification extensions.