ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS TO REGULATIONS FOR TOWING VESSELS.

SEC. 11316. ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS TO REGULATIONS FOR TOWING VESSELS.(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall review existing Coast Guard policies with respect to exceptions to the applicability of subchapter M of chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), for—(1) an oil spill response vessel, or a vessel of opportunity, while such vessel is—(A) towing boom for oil spill response; or (B) participating in an oil response exercise; and (2) a fishing vessel while that vessel is operating as a vessel of opportunity. (b) Policy.—Not later than 180 days after the conclusion of the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall revise or issue any necessary policy to clarify the applicability of subchapter M of chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) to the vessels described in subsection (a). Such a policy shall ensure safe and effective operation of such vessels. (c) Definitions.—In this section:(1) Fishing vessel; oil spill response vessel.—The terms “fishing vessel” and “oil spill response vessel” have the meanings given such terms in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code. (2) Vessel of opportunity.—The term “vessel of opportunity” means a vessel engaged in spill response activities that is normally and substantially involved in activities other than spill response and not a vessel carrying oil as a primary cargo.