U.S. Congressman Garret Graves successfully added several bipartisan provisions in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022. The provisions would ensure foreign fishing fleets aren't illegally fishing in America's waters, prioritize our domestic workforce, and bolster maritime security amidst Russia's invasion. Additionally, the legislation bolsters U.S. Coast Guard personnel and upgrades their aging fleet.
The legislation, passed in the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, now heads to the U.S. House Floor for a vote. Below is more background on the provisions Graves pushed for and prioritized within the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022:
- Automatic Identification System Requirements for Fishing Vessels
- This amendment requires that vessels of a certain size that are near United States' waters have to have an Automatic Identification System (AIS) – a location device – so they can be tracked. This helps to ensure fair competition for our domestic fishing industry so foreign fleets are not at a competitive advantage. This provision would also prevent overfishing in the United States and foreign waters.
- Click here to watch Graves' remarks on this provision.
- Risk-Based Inspections
- The U.S. Coast Guard has a shortage of 400- marine inspectors which translates into delays in energy exports. Graves' amendment would authorize the Coast Guard to develop a risk-based inspection program to allow low-risk vessels to receive a one-year inspection waiver. This will crackdown on shipping delays and ensure the USCG can concentrate its efforts on vessels that need additional oversight. Graves offered and withdrew this amendment based on a commitment from the committee chairman to address the amendment during floor consideration.
- Click here to watch Graves' remarks on this provision.
- Manning and Crew Requirements for Foreign Vessels
- Currently, most United States vessels operating in our waters have to be built in the U.S., manned by U.S. citizens, carry a U.S. flag, and are subject to annual inspections. However, foreign boats working in U.S. waters have no similar requirements. These foreign companies simply receive a one-time, indefinite waiver allowing them to be crewed by foreigners using untracked work visas. Graves' provision helps to improve maritime safety and our security while beginning to level the playing field for the American maritime workforce. For example, we have recently identified Russian workers using these visas to work in our offshore waters.
- Click here to watch Graves' remarks on this provision.
In addition to Graves' provisions, the bill will make several other efforts to improve the Coast Guard, including authorizing two years worth of funding to help restore the Coast Guard's underfunded shoreside infrastructure and IT capabilities. Notably, for Louisiana's shipbuilding industry, the bill also authorizes six additional Fast Response Cutters, a National Security Cutter, and a new Great Lakes icebreaker. These efforts will ensure the Coast Guard is able to meet its mission directives in enforcing fishing laws, maritime safety, emergency and disaster response, and preventing illegal drugs from being smuggled into the country.
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