CHAPTER 9 —ADMINISTRATION
SUBCHAPTER I—REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
SUBCHAPTER II—MISCELLANEOUS
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior analysis for
Amendments
2022—
SUBCHAPTER I—REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§901. Disposal of certain material
(a) The Commandant subject to applicable regulations under subtitle I of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41 may dispose of, with or without charge, to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, including any incorporated unit thereof, to the sea-scout service of the Boy Scouts of America, and to any public body or private organization not organized for profit having an interest therein for historical or other special reasons, such obsolete or other material as may not be needed for the Coast Guard.
(b) The Commandant may, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, sell apparatus or equipment manufactured by or in use in the Coast Guard, which is not readily procurable in the open market. The money received from such sale shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the current appropriation from which purchase of similar apparatus or equipment is authorized.
(c)(1) The Commandant may—
(A) provide for the sale of recyclable materials that the Coast Guard holds;
(B) provide for the operation of recycling programs at Coast Guard installations; and
(C) designate Coast Guard installations that have qualified recycling programs for the purposes of subsection (d)(2).
(2) Recyclable materials shall be sold in accordance with
(d)(1) Proceeds from the sale of recyclable materials at a Coast Guard installation shall be credited to funds available for operations and maintenance at that installation in amounts sufficient to cover operations, maintenance, recycling equipment, and overhead costs for processing recyclable materials at the installation.
(2) If, after funds are credited, a balance remains available to a Coast Guard installation and the installation has a qualified recycling program, not more than 50 percent of that balance may be used at the installation for projects for pollution abatement, energy conservation, and occupational safety and health activities. The cost of the project may not be greater than 50 percent of the amount permissible for a minor construction project.
(3) The remaining balance available to a Coast Guard installation may be transferred to the Coast Guard Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Program.
(e) If the balance available to the Coast Guard installation under this section at the end of a fiscal year is in excess of $200,000, the amount of that excess shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting receipts of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating and ascribed to Coast Guard activities.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
Subsection (a) is based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §43a (Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 179,
Subsection (b) is based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §752a (May 22, 1926, ch. 371, §5,
Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2016—Subsec. (d)(3).
2011—Subsec. (a).
2002—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c)(2).
1996—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c)(2).
1992—Subsecs. (c) to (e).
1982—Subsec. (a).
1951—Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 31, 1951, inserted reference to applicable regulations of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, and substituted "incorporated" for "regularly organized flotilla or other organized".
§902. Employment of draftsmen and engineers
The Coast Guard may employ temporarily, at the seat of government, draftsmen and engineers for the preparation of plans and specifications for vessels, lighthouses, aids to navigation, and other projects for the Coast Guard that may be authorized or appropriated for by Congress, to be paid from the appropriations applicable to such projects.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §716 (June 17, 1910, ch. 301, §9,
Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§903. Use of certain appropriated funds
(a) Funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard for procurement, construction, and improvement of facilities and for research and development shall remain available until expended.
(b) The Secretary may use any funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard for other construction purposes to restore, repair, or replace facilities that have been damaged or destroyed, including acquisition of sites.
(c) The Secretary may use any funds appropriated to or for the use of the Coast Guard for other construction purposes to acquire, construct, convert, extend, and install at Coast Guard installations and facilities, needed permanent or temporary public works, including the preparation of sites and the furnishing of appurtenances, utilities, and equipment, but excluding the construction of family quarters, costing not more than $200,000 for any one project.
(d)
(1)
(2)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section 8513(a)(2)(B) of
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (d)(1).
2018—
2014—Subsec. (d)(2).
2012—
Subsec. (d).
1974—
§904. Local hire
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, each contract awarded by the Coast Guard for construction or services to be performed in whole or in part in a State that has an unemployment rate in excess of the national average rate of unemployment (as determined by the Secretary of Labor) shall include a provision requiring the contractor to employ, for the purpose of performing that portion of the contract in that State, individuals who are local residents and who, in the case of any craft or trade, possess or would be able to acquire promptly the necessary skills. The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may waive the requirements of this subsection in the interest of national security or economic efficiency.
(b)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2012—Subsec. (a).
2002—Subsec. (a).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by
§905. Procurement authority for family housing
(a) The Secretary is authorized—
(1) to acquire, subject to the availability of appropriations sufficient to cover its full obligations, real property or interests therein by purchase, lease for a term not to exceed 5 years, or otherwise, for use as Coast Guard family housing units, including the acquisition of condominium units, which may include the obligation to pay maintenance, repair, and other condominium-related fees; and
(2) to dispose of by sale, lease, or otherwise, any real property or interest therein used for Coast Guard family housing units for adequate consideration.
(b)(1) For the purposes of this section, a multiyear contract is a contract to lease Coast Guard family housing units for at least one, but not more than 5, fiscal years.
(2) The Secretary may enter into multiyear contracts under subsection (a) of this section whenever the Coast Guard finds that—
(A) the use of a contract will promote the efficiency of the Coast Guard family housing program and will result in reduced total costs under the contract; and
(B) there are realistic estimates of both the cost of the contract and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a multiyear contract.
(3) A multiyear contract authorized under subsection (a) of this section shall contain cancellation and termination provisions to the extent necessary to protect the best interests of the United States, and may include consideration of both recurring and nonrecurring costs. The contract may provide for a cancellation payment to be made. Amounts that were originally obligated for the cost of the contract may be used for cancellation or termination costs.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§906. Air Station Cape Cod Improvements
The Secretary may expend funds for the repair, improvement, restoration, or replacement of those federally or nonfederally owned support buildings, including appurtenances, which are on leased or permitted real property constituting Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, located on Massachusetts Military Reservation, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§907. Long-term lease of special purpose facilities
(a) The Secretary is authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations, to enter into lease agreements to acquire real property or interests therein for a term not to exceed 20 years, inclusive of any automatic renewal clauses, for special purpose facilities, including, aids to navigation (hereafter in this section referred to as "ATON") sites, vessel traffic service (hereafter in this section referred to as "VTS") sensor sites, or National Distress System (hereafter in this section referred to as "NDS") high level antenna sites. These lease agreements shall include cancellation and termination provisions to the extent necessary to protect the best interests of the United States. Cancellation payment provisions may include consideration of both recurring and nonrecurring costs associated with the real property interests under the contract. These lease agreements may provide for a cancellation payment to be made. Amounts that were originally obligated for the cost of the contract may be used for cancellation or termination costs.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term "special purpose facilities" means any facilities used to carry out Coast Guard aviation, maritime, or navigation missions other than general purpose office and storage space facilities.
(c) In the case of ATON, VTS, or NDS sites, the Secretary may enter into multiyear lease agreements under subsection (a) of this section whenever the Secretary finds that—
(1) the use of such a lease agreement will promote the efficiency of the ATON, VTS, or NDS programs and will result in reduced total costs under the agreement;
(2) the minimum need for the real property or interest therein to be leased is expected to remain substantially unchanged during the contemplated lease period; and
(3) the estimates of both the cost of the lease and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a multiyear lease are realistic.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2004—
Subsec. (a).
Subsecs. (b), (c).
1996—
§908. Long-term lease authority for lighthouse property
(a) The Commandant may lease to non-Federal entities, including private individuals, lighthouse property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard for terms not to exceed 30 years. Consideration for the use and occupancy of lighthouse property leased under this section, and for the value of any utilities and services furnished to a lessee of such property by the Commandant, may consist, in whole or in part, of non-pecuniary remuneration including the improvement, alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, repair, and maintenance of the leased premises by the lessee.
(b) Amounts received from leases made under this section, less expenses incurred, shall be deposited in the fund established under section 2946.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
2014—Subsec. (b).
§909. Small boat station rescue capability
The Secretary shall ensure that each Coast Guard small boat station (including a seasonally operated station) maintains, within the area of responsibility for the station, at least 1 vessel that is fully capable of performing offshore rescue operations, taking into consideration prevailing weather, marine conditions, and depositional geologic features such as sand bars.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2012—
2002—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by section 1704(a) of
Amendment by section 1704(f)(1) of
§910. Small boat station closures
(a)
(1) determines that—
(A) remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain the safety of the maritime public in the area of the station or subunit;
(B) regional or local prevailing weather and marine conditions, including water temperature or unusual tide and current conditions, do not require continued operation of the station or subunit; and
(C) Coast Guard search and rescue standards related to search and rescue response times are met; and
(2) provides an opportunity for public comment and for public meetings in the area of the station or subunit with regard to the decision to close the station or subunit.
(b)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2012—Subsec. (a).
2002—Subsec. (a).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by
§911. Search and rescue center standards
(a) The Secretary shall establish, implement, and maintain the minimum standards necessary for the safe operation of all Coast Guard search and rescue center facilities, including with respect to the following:
(1) The lighting, acoustics, and temperature in the facilities.
(2) The number of individuals on a shift in the facility assigned search and rescue responsibilities (including communications), which may be adjusted based on seasonal workload.
(3) The length of time an individual may serve on watch to minimize fatigue, based on the best scientific information available.
(4) The scheduling of individuals having search and rescue responsibilities to minimize fatigue of the individual when on duty in the facility.
(5) The workload of each individual engaged in search and rescue responsibilities in the facility.
(6) Stress management for the individuals assigned search and rescue responsibilities in the facilities.
(7) The design of equipment and facilities to minimize fatigue and enhance search and rescue operations.
(8) The acquisition and maintenance of interim search and rescue command center communications equipment.
(9) Any other requirements that the Secretary believes will increase the safe operation of the search and rescue centers.
(b)
(c)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2010—Subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Prescription of Standards
§912. Air facility closures
(a)
(1)
(2)
(A) remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain the safety of the maritime public in the area of the air facility;
(B) regional or local prevailing weather and marine conditions, including water temperatures or unusual tide and current conditions, do not require continued operation of the air facility; and
(C) Coast Guard search and rescue standards related to search and response times are met.
(3)
(A)
(B)
(4)
(A) submit to the Congress a proposal for such closure, cessation, or reduction in operations along with the budget of the President submitted to Congress under
(i) a discussion of the determination made by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2); and
(ii) a report summarizing the public comments received by the Secretary under paragraph (3) 1
(B) not later than 7 days after the date a proposal for an air facility is submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A), provide written notice of such proposal to each of the following:
(i) Each member of the House of Representatives who represents a district in which the air facility is located.
(ii) Each member of the Senate who represents a State in which the air facility is located.
(iii) Each member of the House of Representatives who represents a district in which assets of the air facility conduct search and rescue operations.
(iv) Each member of the Senate who represents a State in which assets of the air facility conduct search and rescue operations.
(v) The Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(vi) The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
(vii) The Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(viii) The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(5)
(b)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (a)(4)(A).
Subsec. (a)(5).
Subsecs. (b), (c).
2016—Subsec. (a)(2)(B).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by "; and".
§913. Turnkey selection procedures
(a)
(b)
(1) The term "one-step turnkey selection procedures" means procedures used for the selection of a contractor on the basis of price and other evaluation criteria to perform, in accordance with the provisions of a firm fixed-price contract, both the design and construction of a facility using performance specifications supplied by the Secretary.
(2) The term "construction" includes the construction, procurement, development, conversion, or extension of any facility.
(3) The term "facility" means a building, structure, or other improvement to real property.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§914. Disposition of infrastructure related to E–LORAN
(a)
(b)
(1) the Commandant notifies the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense in writing of the proposed dismantling or disposal of a LORAN–C system; and
(2) a period of 90 calendar days expires following the day on which the notice has been submitted.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2022—
2021—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c)(2).
2018—
SUBCHAPTER II—MISCELLANEOUS
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§931. Oaths required for boards
The members of a retiring board, selection board, examining board, and any other board authorized to be assembled pursuant to this title shall be sworn to discharge their duties honestly and impartially, the oath to be administered to the members by the President or other presiding officer of the board, and to him by the junior member or recorder.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §170 (Apr. 12, 1902, ch. 501, §5,
Said section has been divided. That part relating to oaths is covered in this section. The remainder is covered in
Said section is enlarged to include the oaths required for all boards, rather than to cover retiring boards only. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§932. Administration of oaths
(a) Such commissioned and warrant officers of the Coast Guard as may be designated by the Commandant may, pursuant to rules prescribed by the Commandant, exercise the general powers of a notary public in the administration of oaths for the following purposes:
(1) execution, acknowledgment, and attestation of instruments and papers, oaths of allegiance in connection with recruiting, oaths in connection with courts and boards, and all other notarial acts in connection with the proper execution of Coast Guard functions;
(2) execution, acknowledgment, and attestation of instruments and papers, and all other notarial acts in time of war or national emergency; and
(3) execution, acknowledgment, and attestation of instruments and papers, and all other notarial acts in Alaska and places beyond the continental limits of the United States where the Coast Guard is serving.
(b) No fee of any character shall be charged by any commissioned or warrant officer for performing notarial acts. The signature and indication of grade of any commissioned or warrant officer performing any notarial act shall be prima facie evidence of his authority.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§26, 27 (Apr. 16, 1908, ch. 145, §12,
Said sections are rewritten, the provisions concerning oaths being broadened to conform more closely to law applicable to officers of the Navy (see title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §217a). 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§933. Coast Guard ensigns and pennants
(a) Vessels and aircraft authorized by the Secretary shall be distinguished from other vessels and aircraft by an ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia of such design as prescribed by the Secretary. Such ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia shall be displayed in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(b) No vessel or aircraft without authority shall carry, hoist, or display any ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for, or intended to resemble, any ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed for Coast Guard vessels or aircraft. An individual violating this subsection shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §64 (R.S. 2764; Aug. 5, 1935, ch. 438, title III, §308,
Aircraft are included within the provisions of this section.
The Secretary rather than the President is given the authority to design ensigns and pennants.
Unauthorized display of such insignia is made illegal anywhere rather than only "within the jurisdiction of the United States".
The language is broadened to include "any person violating this section"; existing law applies to masters of offending vessels only. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (b).
2018—
2010—Subsec. (a).
§934. Penalty for unauthorized use of words "Coast Guard"
No individual, association, partnership, or corporation shall, without authority of the Commandant, use the combination of letters "USCG" or "USCGR", the words "Coast Guard," "United States Coast Guard," "Coast Guard Reserve," "United States Coast Guard Reserve," "Coast Guard Auxiliary," "United States Coast Guard Auxiliary," "Lighthouse Service," "Life Saving Service," or any combination or variation of such letters or words alone or with other letters or words, as the name under which he or it shall do business, for the purpose of trade, or by way of advertisement to induce the effect of leading the public to believe that any such individual, association, partnership, or corporation has any connection with the Coast Guard. No individual, association, partnership, or corporation shall falsely advertise, or otherwise represent falsely by any device whatsoever, that any project or business in which he or it is engaged, or product which he or it manufactures, deals in, or sells, has been in any way endorsed, authorized, or approved by the Coast Guard. Every person violating this section shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
This section makes the unauthorized use of the words "Coast Guard" or any derivative thereof, a crime. This is believed to be a desirable prohibition in view of the many commercial organizations which are manufacturing equipment approved by the Coast Guard and selling same to vessels in the United States. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2014—
1950—Act Aug. 3, 1950, made it possible for Commandant to grant authority to private business organizations to use terms or designations otherwise prohibited by this section.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Coast Guard City, USA
§935. Coast Guard band recordings for commercial sale
(a) The Coast Guard band may produce recordings for commercial sale.
(b) Amounts received as proceeds from the sale of any such recordings may be credited to applicable appropriations of the Coast Guard for expenses of the Coast Guard band.
(c) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the accounting of such proceeds.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§936. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance records; qualified immunity for participants
(a) In this section—
(1) "medical quality assurance program" means any activity carried out by or for the Coast Guard to assess the quality of medical care, including activities conducted by individuals, military medical or dental treatment facility committees, or other review bodies responsible for quality assurance, credentials, infection control, patient care assessment (including treatment procedures, blood, drugs, and therapeutics) medical records, health resources management review and identification and prevention of medical or dental incidents and risks.
(2) "medical quality assurance record" means the proceedings, records, minutes, and reports that emanate from quality assurance program activities described in paragraph (1) and are produced or compiled by the Coast Guard as part of a medical quality assurance program.
(3) "health care provider" means any military or civilian health care professional who, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, is granted clinical practice privileges to provide health care services in a military medical or dental treatment facility or who is licensed or certified to perform health care services by a governmental board or agency or professional health care society or organization.
(b) Medical quality assurance records created by or for the Coast Guard as part of a medical quality assurance program are confidential and privileged. The records may not be disclosed to any person or entity except as provided in subsection (d).
(c)(1) Medical quality assurance records are not subject to discovery and may not be admitted into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding, except as provided in subsection (d).
(2) Except as provided in this section, an individual who reviews or creates medical quality assurance records for the Coast Guard or who participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates the records may not testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to the records or with respect to any finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, or action taken by that person in connection with the records.
(d)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a medical quality assurance record may be disclosed, and an individual referred to in subsection (c) may testify in connection with a record only as follows:
(A) To a Federal executive agency or private organization, if necessary to license, accredit, or monitor Coast Guard health care facilities.
(B) To an administrative or judicial proceeding commenced by a present or former Coast Guard or Coast Guard assigned Public Health Service health care provider concerning the termination, suspension, or limitation of clinical privileges of the health care provider.
(C) To a governmental board or agency or to a professional health care society or organization, if necessary to perform licensing, or privileging, or to monitor professional standards for a health care provider who is or was a member or an employee of the Coast Guard or the Public Health Service assigned to the Coast Guard.
(D) To a hospital, medical center, or other institution that provides health care services, if necessary to assess the professional qualifications of any health care provider who is or was a member or employee of the Coast Guard or the Public Health Service assigned to the Coast Guard and who has applied for or been granted authority or employment to provide health care services in or on behalf of the institution.
(E) To an officer, member, employee, or contractor of the Coast Guard or the Public Health Service assigned to the Coast Guard if for official purposes.
(F) To a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality charged under applicable law with the protection of the public health or safety, if a qualified representative of the agency or instrumentality makes a written request that the record or testimony be provided for a purpose authorized by law.
(G) In an administrative or judicial proceeding commenced by a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality referred to in subparagraph (F), but only with respect to the subject of the proceeding.
(2) Except in a quality assurance action, the identity of any individual receiving health care services from the Coast Guard or the identity of any other individual associated with the agency for the purposes of a medical quality assurance program that is disclosed in a medical quality assurance record shall be deleted from that record or document before any disclosure of the record is made outside the Coast Guard. This requirement does not apply to the release of information under
(e) Except as provided in this section, a person having possession of or access to a record or testimony described by this section may not disclose the contents of the record or testimony.
(f) Medical quality assurance records may not be made available to any person under
(g) An individual who participates in or provides information to an individual that reviews or creates medical quality assurance records is not civilly liable for participating or providing the information if the participation or provision of information was in good faith based on prevailing professional standards at the time the medical quality assurance program activity took place.
(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed as—
(1) authority to withhold from any person aggregate statistical information regarding the results of Coast Guard medical quality assurance programs;
(2) authority to withhold any medical quality assurance record from a committee of either House of Congress, any joint committee of Congress, or the Government Accountability Office if the record pertains to any matter within their respective jurisdictions;
(3) limiting access to the information in a record created and maintained outside a medical quality assurance program, including a patient's medical records, on the grounds that the information was presented during meetings of a review body that are part of a medical quality assurance program.
(i) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual who willfully discloses a medical quality assurance record knowing that the record is a medical quality assurance record, is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $3,000 in the case of a first offense and not more than $20,000 in the case of a subsequent offense.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2004—Subsec. (h)(2).
1996—Subsecs. (d) to (h).
§937. Admiralty claims against the United States
(a) The Secretary may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, or settle, and pay in an amount not more than $425,000, an admiralty claim against the United States for—
(1) damage caused by a vessel in the Coast Guard service or by other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating;
(2) compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a vessel in the Coast Guard service or to other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; or
(3) damage caused by a maritime tort committed by an agent or employee of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating or by property under the jurisdiction of that Department.
(b) Upon acceptance of payment by the claimant, the settlement or compromise of a claim under this section is final and conclusive notwithstanding any other law.
(c) If a claim under this section is settled or compromised for more than $100,000, the Secretary shall certify it to Congress.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §71 (June 15, 1936, ch. 550,
This section closely parallels title 46, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§797, 798, which authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to negotiate amicable settlement of claims against the United States arising out of the operation of Naval vessels. It grants similar authority to the Secretary of the Treasury in relation to vessels in the Coast Guard service, and the limiting amount is reduced from $1,000,000 to $25,000. It is believed that this section will work to the benefit of the Government by reducing civil litigation and the number of claims which must presently be certified to Congress for appropriations in order to make settlement. It will greatly expedite the settlement of just claims and should result in a considerable overall savings to the Government. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (a).
2018—
1972—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
1960—Subsec. (b).
§938. Claims for damage to property of the United States
The Secretary may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, or settle claims for damage cognizable in admiralty in a district court of the United States and all claims for damage caused by a vessel or floating object, to property of the United States under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard or property for which the Coast Guard may have assumed, by contract or otherwise, any obligation to respond for damage thereto. The Secretary is further authorized to receive in payment of any such claim the amount due the United States pursuant to determination, compromise, or settlement as herein authorized and, upon acceptance of such payment but not until then, such determination, settlement, or compromise of such claim shall be final and conclusive for all purposes, any law to the contrary notwithstanding. All such payments shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. The Secretary is further authorized to execute on behalf of the United States and to deliver in exchange for such payment a full release of such claim. This section, as respects the determination, compromise, settlement, and payment of claims, shall be supplementary to, and not in lieu of, all other provisions of law authorizing the determination, compromise, or settlement of claims for damage to property hereinabove described. No settlement or compromise where there is involved a payment in the net amount of over $425,000 is authorized by this section.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
This section closely parallels title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§600a, 600b, which authorize the Secretary of the Navy to negotiate amicable settlements of affirmative claims of the United States for damage to Government property. Experience gained by the Navy since enactment of title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§600a–600d, indicates that such amicable settlement reacts to the benefit of the Government in many cases. The provisions of this section would complement those of
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—
2018—
1984—
1976—
1960—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
§939. Accounting for industrial work
(a)
(b)
(1) The parties to an order for industrial work to be performed by the Coast Guard Yard or a Coast Guard industrial establishment designated under subsection (a) may enter into an order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee order in accordance with this subsection.
(2) If such parties enter into such an order or a cost-plus-incentive-fee order, an agreed-upon amount of any adjustment described in subsection (a) may be distributed as an incentive to the wage-grade industrial employees who complete the order.
(3) Before entering into such an order or cost-plus-incentive-fee order such parties must agree that the wage-grade employees of the Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard industrial establishment will take action to improve the delivery schedule or technical performance agreed to in the order for industrial work to which such parties initially agreed.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the industrial workforce of the Coast Guard Yard or Coast Guard industrial establishment satisfies the performance target established in such an order or cost-plus-incentive-fee order—
(A) the adjustment to be made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be reduced by an agreed-upon amount and distributed to such wage-grade industrial employees; and
(B) the remainder of the adjustment shall be credited to the appropriation for such order current at that time.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
This section is intended to eliminate a very cumbersome and inefficient method of accounting for industrial jobs at the Coast Guard Yard and other shore establishments where industrial work may be undertaken. Under existing law several accounts must be kept current for each job in progress. Under this statute the working fund would be available for all types of expenditures in connection with a job and the breakdown into separate accounts could be done after the job is complete. The other armed forces have provisions of law which permit a working fund similar to the one provided by this section. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§940. Supplies and equipment from stock
Supplies and equipment for special work of the Coast Guard may be furnished from general stock and the applicable appropriation reimbursed therefor from the respective appropriations for such special work.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1934 ed., §726 (Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 168,
Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§941. Coast Guard Supply Fund
(a) A Coast Guard Supply Fund is authorized. The Secretary may prescribe regulations for designating the classification of materials to be stocked. In these regulations, whenever the fund is extended to include items not previously stocked, or spare parts obtained as part of a procurement under a different account of major items such as vessels or aircraft, whether or not such parts were previously stocked, the Secretary may authorize an increase in the existing capital of the fund by the value of such usable materials transferred thereto from Coast Guard inventories carried in other accounts. Except for the materials so transferred, the fund shall be charged with the cost of materials purchased or otherwise acquired. The fund shall be credited with the value of materials consumed, issued for use, sold, or otherwise disposed of, such values to be determined on a basis that will approximately cover the cost thereof.
(b) Obligations may, without regard to fiscal year limitations, be incurred against anticipated reimbursement to the Coast Guard Supply Fund in such amount and for such period, as the Secretary, with approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, may determine to be necessary to maintain stock levels consistently with planned operations for the next year.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393,
Historical and Revision Notes
A Coast Guard supply fund was established by the Naval Appropriation Act for fiscal year 1943 approved February 7, 1942,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
1980—Subsec. (a).
1976—Subsec. (b).
1970—
1956—Act Aug. 7, 1956, substituted "Coast Guard Supply Fund" for "Coast Guard supply fund and supply account" in section catchline, struck out provisions calling for mandatory increase of the Fund by the value of commissary provisions and uniform clothing on hand on July 1, 1949, and inserted provisions permitting the Secretary to prescribe regulations for designating the classification of materials to be stocked and for increasing the existing capital of the Fund.
§942. Public and commercial vessels and other watercraft; sale of fuel, supplies, and services
The Secretary under such regulations as he may prescribe, may sell to public and commercial vessels and other watercraft, such fuel, supplies and furnish such services as may be required to meet the necessities of the vessel or watercraft if such vessel or watercraft is unable—
(1) to procure the fuel, supplies, or services from other sources at its present location; and
(2) to proceed to the nearest port where they may be obtained without endangering the safety of the ship, the health and comfort of its personnel, or the safe condition of the property carried aboard.
Sales under this section shall be at such prices as the Secretary considers reasonable. Payment will be made on a cash basis or on such other basis as will reasonably assure prompt payment. Amounts received from such a sale shall, unless otherwise directed by another provision of law, be credited to the current appropriation concerned and are available for the same purposes as that appropriation.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
1966—
§943. Arms and ammunition; immunity from taxation
No tax on the sale or transfer of firearms, pistols, revolvers, shells, or cartridges may be imposed on such articles when bought with funds appropriated for the Coast Guard.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
1976—
§944. Confidential investigative expenses
Not more than $250,000 each fiscal year appropriated for the operations and support of the Coast Guard shall be available for investigative expenses of a confidential character, to be expended on the approval or authority of the Commandant and payment to be made on the Commandant's certificate of necessity for confidential purposes, and the Commandant's determination shall be final and conclusive upon the accounting officers of the Government.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—
2018—
2004—
§945. Assistance to film producers
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when the Secretary determines that it is appropriate, and that it will not interfere with Coast Guard missions, the Secretary may conduct operations with Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, facilities, or personnel, in such a way as to give assistance to film producers. As used in this section, "film producers" includes commercial or noncommercial producers of material for cinema, television, or videotape.
(b) The Secretary shall keep account of costs incurred as a result of providing assistance to film producers, not including costs which would otherwise be incurred in Coast Guard operations or training, or shall estimate such costs in advance, and such costs shall be paid to the Secretary by the film producers who request such assistance, on terms determined by the Secretary. The Secretary may waive costs not exceeding $200 for one production, and may waive other costs related to noncommercial productions which the Secretary determines to be in the public interest. The Secretary shall reimburse the amounts collected under this section to the Coast Guard appropriation account under which the costs were incurred.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§946. User fees
(a) A fee or charge for a service or thing of value provided by the Coast Guard shall be prescribed as provided in
(b) Amounts collected by the Secretary for a service or thing of value provided by the Coast Guard shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as proprietary receipts of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and ascribed to Coast Guard activities.
(c) In addition to the collection of fees and charges established under this section, the Secretary may recover from the person liable for the fee or charge the costs of collecting delinquent payments of the fee or charge, and enforcement costs associated with delinquent payments of the fees and charges.
(d)(1) The Secretary may employ any Federal, State, or local agency or instrumentality, or any private enterprise or business, to collect a fee or charge established under this section.
(2) A private enterprise or business employed by the Secretary to collect fees or charges—
(A) shall be subject to reasonable terms and conditions agreed to by the Secretary and the enterprise or business;
(B) shall provide appropriate accounting to the Secretary; and
(C) may not institute litigation as part of that collection.
(e)(1) In addition to the collection of fees and charges established under this section, in the provision of a service or thing of value by the Coast Guard the Secretary may accept in-kind transportation, travel, and subsistence.
(2) The value of in-kind transportation, travel, and subsistence accepted under this paragraph may not exceed applicable per diem rates set forth in regulations prescribed under
(f) The Secretary shall account for the agency's costs of collecting a fee or charge as a reimbursable expense, subject to the availability of appropriations, and the costs shall be credited to the account from which expended.
(g) Before January 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate that includes—
(1) a verification of each activity for which a fee or charge is collected under any law stating—
(A) the amount collected in the prior fiscal year; and
(B) that the amount spent on that activity in that fiscal year is not less than the amount collected; and
(2) the amount expected to be collected under any law in the current fiscal year for each activity for which a fee or charge is expected to be collected.
(h) In this section the term "costs of collecting a fee or charge" includes the reasonable administrative, accounting, personnel, contract, equipment, supply, training, and travel expenses of calculating, assessing, collecting, enforcing, reviewing, adjusting, and reporting on a fee or charge.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2014—Subsecs. (e) to (h).
2004—Subsecs. (c) to (g).
2002—Subsec. (c).
1989—Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Towing Safety Management System Fees
"(a)
"(1) review and compare the costs to the Government of—
"(A) towing vessel inspections performed by the Coast Guard; and
"(B) such inspections performed by a third party; and
"(2) based on such review and comparison, determine whether the costs to the Government of such inspections performed by a third party are different than the costs to the Government of such inspections performed by the Coast Guard.
"(b)
Limitation
"(1) amends the Standards of Ethical Conduct for members and employees of the Coast Guard to include regulations governing the acceptance of in-kind reimbursements; and
"(2) notifies the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of the amendments made under paragraph (1)."
§947. Vessel construction bonding requirements
The Secretary or the Commandant may require bid, payment, performance, payment and performance, or completion bonds or other financial instruments from contractors for construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance of Coast Guard vessels if—
(1) the bond is required by law; or
(2) the Secretary or Commandant determines after investigation that the amount of the bond in excess of 20 percent of the value of the base contract quantity excluding options, would not prevent a responsible bidder or offeror from competing for award of the contract.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§948. Contracts for medical care for retirees, dependents, and survivors: alternative delivery of health care
(a) The Secretary may contract for the delivery of health care to which covered beneficiaries are entitled under
(1) Health maintenance organizations.
(2) Preferred provider organizations.
(3) Individual providers, individual medical facilities, or insurers.
(4) Consortiums of these providers, facilities, or insurers.
(b) A contract entered into under this section may provide for the delivery of—
(1) selected health care services;
(2) total health care services for selected covered beneficiaries; or
(3) total health care services for all covered beneficiaries who reside in a geographic area designated by the Secretary.
(c) The Secretary may prescribe a premium, deductible, copayment, or other change for health care provided under this section.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
§949. Telephone installation and charges
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, amounts appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security are available to install, repair, and maintain telephone wiring in residences owned or leased by the United States Government and, if necessary for national defense purposes in other private residences.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2002—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by
§950. Designation, powers, and accountability of deputy disbursing officials
(a)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), a disbursing official of the Coast Guard may designate a deputy disbursing official—
(A) to make payments as the agent of the disbursing official;
(B) to sign checks drawn on disbursing accounts of the Secretary of the Treasury; and
(C) to carry out other duties required under law.
(2) The penalties for misconduct that apply to a disbursing official apply to a deputy disbursing official designated under this subsection.
(3) A disbursing official may make a designation under paragraph (1) only with the approval of the Secretary.
(b)(1) If a disbursing official of the Coast Guard dies, becomes disabled, or is separated from office, a deputy disbursing official may continue the accounts and payments in the name of the former disbursing official until the last day of the second month after the month in which the death, disability, or separation occurs. The accounts and payments shall be allowed, audited, and settled as provided by law. The Secretary of the Treasury shall honor checks signed in the name of the former disbursing official in the same way as if the former disbursing official had continued in office.
(2) The deputy disbursing official, and not the former disbursing official or the estate of the former disbursing official, is liable for the actions of the deputy disbursing official under this subsection.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section does not apply to the Coast Guard when
(2) A designation of a deputy disbursing official under subsection (a) that is made while the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy continues in effect for purposes of
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
2012—Subsec. (a)(3).
2002—Subsec. (a)(3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by
§951. Aircraft accident investigations
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(A) that such tapes, reports, or other information would be included within and releasable with the final accident investigation report; and
(B) that release of such tapes, reports, or other information—
(i) would not undermine the ability of accident or safety investigators to continue to conduct the investigation; and
(ii) would not compromise national security.
(3)
(c)
(1) if the evidence surrounding the accident is sufficient for the investigators who conduct the accident investigation to come to an opinion as to the cause or causes of the accident, the final report of the accident investigation shall set forth the opinion of the investigators as to the cause or causes of the accident; and
(2) if the evidence surrounding the accident is not sufficient for the investigators to come to an opinion as to the cause or causes of the accident, the final report of the accident investigation shall include a description of those factors, if any, that, in the opinion of the investigators, substantially contributed to or caused the accident.
(d)
(e)
(1) the term "accident investigation" means any form of investigation by Coast Guard personnel of an aircraft accident referred to in subsection (a), other than a safety investigation; and
(2) the term "safety investigation" means an investigation by Coast Guard personnel of an aircraft accident referred to in subsection (a) that is conducted solely to determine the cause of the accident and to obtain information that may prevent the occurrence of similar accidents.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—
Subsec. (a).
§952. Construction of Coast Guard vessels and assignment of vessel projects
The assignment of Coast Guard vessel conversion, alteration, and repair projects shall be based on economic and military considerations and may not be restricted by a requirement that certain parts of Coast Guard shipwork be assigned to a particular type of shipyard or geographical area or by a similar requirement.
(Added
§953. Support for Coast Guard Academy
(a)
(1)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(2)
(A)
(B)
(i) are consistent with the terms of the contract or cooperative agreement; and
(ii) would compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Department of Homeland Security.
(3)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(d)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(A) reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast Guard, any employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces (as such term is defined in
(B) compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in such a program.
(e)
(1)
(2)
(A) such agreement would reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast Guard, any employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or
(B) the Commandant determines that the use of the trademark or service mark would compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard or any individual involved in such a program.
(f)
(g)
(1) to operate in accordance with this section, the law of the State of Connecticut, and the constitution and bylaws of the qualified organization; and
(2) to operate exclusively to support the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
(h)
(1) that operates as an organization under subsection (c)(3) of section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under subsection (a) of that section;
(2) for which authorization under
(3) established by the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association solely for the purpose of supporting Coast Guard athletics.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Subsection (c)(3) of section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (h)(1), is classified to
§954. Mixed-funded athletic and recreational extracurricular programs
(a)
(b)
(1) The program is not considered a morale, welfare, or recreation program.
(2) The program is supported through appropriated funds.
(3) The program is supported by a nonappropriated fund instrumentality.
(4) The program is not a private organization and is not operated by a private organization.
(Added