S.Amdt. 6185

SA 6185, submitted by Mr. Booker, aims to add a new section to bill S. 4784. The purpose is to create a shore-to-ship automatic maritime communication network along State and territorial coastlines for both public and private use.

This network is intended to:

• Support navigation.
• Send critical information regarding safety, security, environmental issues, marine mammals, and waterways management to vessels that carry or choose to carry an Automatic Identification System.

The amendment requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to hire a private entity via a services contract to help implement, operate, and maintain this network. It also requires the Commandant to set up procedures so that other public and private stakeholders, as well as various levels of government, can request messaging through the network.

To avoid duplication, the Commandant must use existing shore-to-ship Automatic Identification System stations operated by non-Federal or private entities whenever practicable, provided they meet the network's requirements.