Bill to Authorize Appropriations for USCG

Senator Snowe (R-ME) introduced the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2005 (S. 1280) to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 for the United States Coast Guard, and for other purposes. Among its numerous provisions, this bill, if enacted into law, would: (1) authorize a pilot program for a long-range vessel tracking system; (2) require development of a process for determining whether and under what circumstances damaged vessels may seek a place of refuge in U.S. waters; (3) accelerate efforts at the IMO to enhance flag state oversight and enforcement IMO agreements; and (4) make the oil spill response plan requirement applicable to nontank vessels of at least 400 gross tons ITC or, for vessels not measured under ITC, of at least 400 gross tons as measured under the regulatory system. (HK Law)