Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring

(a) Proximity of anchorages to pipelines (1) Implementation of restructuring plan Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall implement the November 2021 proposed plan of the Vessel Traffic Service Los Angeles-Long Beach for restructuring the Federal anchorages in San Pedro Bay described on page 54 of the Report of the National Transportation Safety Board titled Anchor Strike of Underwater Pipeline and Eventual Crude Oil Release and issued January 2, 2024. (2) Study The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall conduct a study to identify any anchorage grounds other than the San Pedro Bay Federal anchorages in which the distance between the center of an approved anchorage ground and a pipeline is less than 1 mile. (3) Report (A) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study required under paragraph (2). (B) Contents The report under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) a list of the anchorage grounds described under paragraph (2); (ii) whether it is possible to move each such anchorage ground to provide a minimum distance of 1 mile; and (iii) a recommendation of whether to move any such anchorage ground and explanation for the recommendation. (b) Proximity to pipeline alerts (1) Audible and visual alarms The Commandant shall consult with the providers of vessel monitoring systems to add to the monitoring systems for vessel traffic services audible and visual alarms that alert the watchstander when an anchored vessel is encroaching on a pipeline. (2) Notification procedures Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop procedures for all vessel traffic services to notify pipeline and utility operators following potential incursions on submerged pipelines within the vessel traffic service area of responsibility. (3) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually for the subsequent 3 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the implementation of paragraphs (1) and (2).