PROVISION OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION DEVICES DURING SEA YEAR PROGRAM.

SEC. 3513. PROVISION OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION DEVICES DURING SEA YEAR PROGRAM. Section 3514 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 46 U.S.C. 51318 note) is amended— (1) by striking “Not later than” and inserting the following: “(a) Vessel Operator Requirements. Not later than” ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: “(b) Provision of Satellite Phone. “(1) In general. The Maritime Administrator shall ensure that each cadet from the United States Merchant Marine Academy who is participating in the Sea Year program is provided a functional satellite communication device. A cadet may not be denied from using the device whenever the student determines that use of the device is necessary to prevent or report sexual harassment or sexual assault. “(2) Check-in. Not less often than once each week during a cadet’s participation in the Sea Year program, the cadet shall check-in with designated personnel at the Academy via the satellite communication device provided under paragraph (1). A text message sent via the satellite device shall meet the requirement for a weekly check-in for purposes of this paragraph.” .