Report on Coast Guard personnel skills transfer to the dredging sector and the importance of certain waterways to national security

Recognizing the critical role of Federal channels and other channels determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be strategically important in supporting national security and economic prosperity, and the essential function of the United States dredging industry in maintaining such waterways, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that includes the following: (1) An analysis of the skills and experience of Coast Guard personnel, particularly such personnel with backgrounds in engineering, navigation, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance, that are directly transferable to the dredging industry, which is vital for the upkeep of Federal channels and other channels determined by the Secretary to be strategically important. (2) A plan for developing and implementing targeted outreach and recruitment strategies to connect separating or retiring Coast Guard personnel with employment opportunities in the dredging industry, thereby strengthening the workforce that supports national security interests. (3) An evaluation of the potential for establishing credentialing or certification programs to recognize and validate the skills of Coast Guard personnel for employment in the dredging industry, ensuring a skilled workforce for maintaining Federal channels and other channels determined by the Secretary to be strategically important. (4) A description of any existing or planned coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers and other relevant agencies to facilitate the transition of Coast Guard personnel into the dredging industry, reinforcing the capacity of the United States to ensure the readiness and reliability of Federal channels and other channels determined by the Secretary to be strategically important.