POWERS AND DUTIES.

SEC. 523. POWERS AND DUTIES. Section 93 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:“(c) Marine Safety Responsibilities.—In exercising the Commandant’s duties and responsibilities with regard to marine safety, the individual with the highest rank who meets the experience qualifications set forth in section 50(a)(3) shall serve as the principal advisor to the Commandant regarding—“(1) the operation, regulation, inspection, identification, manning, and measurement of vessels, including plan approval and the application of load lines;“(2) approval of materials, equipment, appliances, and associated equipment;“(3) the reporting and investigation of marine casualties and accidents;“(4) the licensing, certification, documentation, protection and relief of merchant seamen;“(5) suspension and revocation of licenses and certificates;“(6) enforcement of manning requirements, citizenship requirements, control of log books;“(7) documentation and numbering of vessels;“(8) State boating safety programs;“(9) commercial instruments and maritime liens;“(10) the administration of bridge safety;“(11) administration of the navigation rules;“(12) the prevention of pollution from vessels;“(13) ports and waterways safety;“(14) waterways management; including regulation for regattas and marine parades;“(15) aids to navigation; and“(16) other duties and powers of the Secretary related to marine safety and stewardship.“(d) Other Authority Not Affected.—Nothing in subsection (c) affects—“(1) the authority of Coast Guard officers and members to enforce marine safety regulations using authority under section 89 of this title; or“(2) the exercise of authority under section 91 of this title and the provisions of law codified at sections 191 through 195 of title 50 on the date of enactment of this paragraph.”.