Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

This bill authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 and makes various changes to Coast Guard authorities, personnel, and operations. It also includes provisions related to shipping, navigation, oil pollution response, sexual assault prevention, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Title I, Subtitle A, Authorization of appropriations: Amends existing law to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and sets authorized levels of military strength and training, including increasing the number of cadets authorized to 3,000.

Title I, Subtitle B, Acquisition: Modifies rules on lead systems integrators, establishes service life extension programs for major acquisitions, requires life-cycle cost estimates, and addresses Great Lakes icebreaking, Polar Security Cutter updates, and a floating drydock for the Coast Guard Yard.

Title I, Subtitle C, Organization and Authorities: Raises the threshold for minor construction projects to $2,000,000, requires tsunami preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties, makes information publicly available, delegates port safety authorities in the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and addresses various other operational policies.

Title I, Subtitle D, Personnel: Grants direct hire authority for certain personnel, temporarily exempts the Coast Guard from end-strength limits for senior enlisted members, expands family leave, authorizes a maternity uniform allowance, and establishes programs for behavioral health, counseling, and tuition assistance.

Title I, Subtitle E, Coast Guard Academy: Modifies the Board of Visitors, requires a study on Academy oversight, mandates electronic locks on cadet rooms, establishes a student advisory board, and requires posting of information on reporting misconduct.

Title I, Subtitle F, Reports: Requires reports on maritime domain awareness in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the condition of Missouri River dayboards, a study on Coast Guard missions, and progress on homeporting projects.

Title II, Shipping and Navigation: Addresses merchant mariner credentialing, vessel safety, uncrewed maritime systems, controlled substances on vessels, passenger vessel security, and cyber-incident training.

Title III, Oil pollution response: Addresses salvage and marine firefighting response capability, use of marine casualty investigations, timing of review, online incident reporting, and investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery.

Title IV, Sexual assault and sexual harassment response: Requires an independent review of Coast Guard reforms, a comprehensive policy on evidence retention, and consideration of transfer requests for cadets.

Title V, Comptroller General reports: Requires reports on Coast Guard research and development, vessel traffic service center employment, and the quality and availability of certain items.

Title VI, Amendments: Makes amendments to various laws.

Title VII, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Addresses the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, South Pacific Tuna Treaty matters, and enhances the North Pacific Research Board.