Revising merchant mariner deck training requirements

(a) General definitions Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (56) as paragraphs (21) through (57), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following: (20) merchant mariner credential means a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to this title.. (b) Examinations Section 7116 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c). (c) Merchant mariners documents (1) General requirements Section 7306 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments (a) In general The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes: (1) Able Seaman-Unlimited. (2) Able Seaman-Limited. (3) Able Seaman-Special. (4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels. (5) Able Seaman-Sail. (6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry. (7) Ordinary Seaman. (b) Classification of credentials The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on— (1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels; (2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or (3) other appropriate standards. (c) Considerations In issuing the credential under subsection (a), the Secretary may consider the following qualifications of the merchant mariner: (1) Age. (2) Character. (3) Habits of life. (4) Experience. (5) Professional qualifications demonstrated by satisfactory completion of applicable examinations or other educational requirements. (6) Physical condition, including sight and hearing. (7) Other requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged.. (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7306 and inserting the following: 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments.. (3) General requirements for members of engine departments Section 7313(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking and coal passer. (4) Training Section 7315 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) Graduation from a nautical school program approved by the Secretary may be substituted for the service requirements under sections 7307 through 7311a and 7314.; (B) in subsection (b)— (i) by striking one-third and inserting one-half; and (ii) by striking 7307–7311 of this title and inserting 7307–7311a and 7314; and (C) by striking subsection (c). (d) Reduction of lengths of certain periods of service (1) In general Title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in section 7307, by striking 3 years and inserting 18 months; (B) in section 7308, by striking 18 months and inserting 12 months; and (C) in section 7309, by striking 12 months and inserting 6 months. (2) Temporary reduction of lengths of certain periods of service Section 3534(j) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is repealed. (e) Merchant mariner credentials Section 7510 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d). (f) Implementation The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the amended requirements under subsections (c)(3), (c)(4), and (d)(1) of this section without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (5 U.S.C. 601 note).