SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

SEC. 205. [46 U.S.C. 3201 note] SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. (a) In General.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an audit regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the Coast Guard’s oversight and enforcement of safety management plans required under chapter 32 of title 46, United States Code. (b) Scope.—The audit conducted under subsection (a) shall include an evaluation of— (1) the effectiveness and implementation of safety management plans, including such plans for— (A) a range of vessel types and sizes; and (B) vessels that operate in a cross-section of regional operating areas; and (2) the effectiveness and implementation of safety management plans in addressing the impact of heavy weather. (c) Report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report detailing the results of the audit and providing recommendations related to such results, including ways to streamline and focus such plans on ship safety. (d) Marine Safety Alert.—Not later than 60 days after the date the report is submitted under subsection (c), the Commandant shall publish a Marine Safety Alert providing notification of the completion of the report and including a link to the report on a publicly accessible website. (e) Additional Actions.— (1) In general.—Upon completion of the report under subsection (c), the Commandant shall consider additional guidance or a rulemaking to address any deficiencies identified, and any additional actions recommended, in the report. (2) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date the report is submitted under subsection (c), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the actions the Commandant has taken to address any deficiencies identified, and any additional actions recommended, in the report submitted under subsection (c).