H.R. 4857

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4857 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4857

To improve passenger vessel security and safety, and for other 
purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

August 1, 2025

Ms. Matsui introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To improve passenger vessel security and safety, and for other 
purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Cruise Passenger 
Protection Act of 2025''.
(b) References to Title 46, United States Code.--Except as 
otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or 
repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a 
section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be 
made to a section or other provision of title 46, United States Code.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; references.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
TITLE I--COVERED PASSENGER VESSEL CONSUMER SERVICE AND PROTECTION

Sec. 101. Covered passenger vessel consumer service improvements.
Sec. 102. Cruise line passenger bill of rights; advisory committee for 
covered passenger vessel consumer 
protection.
Sec. 103. Assistance to victims of crimes on board certain passenger 
vessels.
Sec. 104. Clerical amendments.
TITLE II--CRUISE VESSEL PASSENGER IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 201. Cruise vessel chapter organization, application, and 
definitions.
Sec. 202. Crime reporting and public notice.
Sec. 203. Crime prevention, documentation, and response requirements.
Sec. 204. Passenger vessel security and safety requirements.
Sec. 205. Enforcement.
Sec. 206. Technical and conforming amendments.

TITLE I--COVERED PASSENGER VESSEL CONSUMER SERVICE AND PROTECTION

SEC. 101. COVERED PASSENGER VESSEL CONSUMER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS.

Subtitle II is amended by adding at the end the following:

``PART L--OFFICE OF MARITIME CONSUMER PROTECTION

``CHAPTER 161--OFFICE OF MARITIME CONSUMER PROTECTION

``16101. Definitions.
``16102. Application.
``16103. Office of Maritime Consumer Protection.
``16104. Covered passenger vessel consumer service improvements.
``16105. Invalidation of pre-dispute arbitration and class action 
waiver clauses in certain contracts 
relating to covered passenger vessel 
transportation.
``Sec. 16101. Definitions
``In this chapter:
``(1) Applicable passenger.--The term `applicable 
passenger' means a passenger on a covered passenger vessel who 
is a citizen of the United States.
``(2) Assistant general counsel.--The term `Assistant 
General Counsel' means the Assistant General Counsel for the 
Office of Maritime Consumer Protection.
``(3) Covered passenger vessel.--The term `covered 
passenger vessel' means a passenger vessel or small passenger 
vessel to which this chapter applies, in accordance with 
section 16102 of this title.
``(4) Key terms.--The term `key terms' includes terms 
related to undisclosed costs and fees, indemnification, 
waivers, limitations on liability, notice of claim and actions, 
time limitations, arbitration, forum, and jurisdiction.
``(5) Office.--The term `Office' means the Office of 
Maritime Consumer Protection.
``(6) Owner.--The term `owner' means the owner, charterer, 
managing operator, master, or other individual in charge of a 
vessel.
``(7) Passage contract.--The term `passage contract' means 
a binding agreement for passage on a covered passenger vessel.
``(8) Secretary.--Notwithstanding section 2101 of this 
title, the term `Secretary' means the Secretary of 
Transportation.
``Sec. 16102. Application
``(a) In General.--This chapter applies to passenger vessels and 
small passenger vessels.
``(b) Federal and State Vessels.--This chapter does not apply to--
``(1) a vessel of the United States operated by the Federal 
Government; or
``(2) a vessel owned and operated by a State.
``Sec. 16103. Office of Maritime Consumer Protection
``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Office of the 
General Counsel of the Department of Transportation an Office of 
Maritime Consumer Protection.
``(b) Head.--The Office shall be headed by the Assistant General 
Counsel for the Office of Maritime Consumer Protection.
``(c) Duties.--The Office shall--
``(1) serve as the primary entity of the Department of 
Transportation with respect to consumer protection issues 
relating to covered passenger vessels (unless otherwise 
provided under law), including--
``(A) carrying out the requirements of this 
chapter;
``(B) providing assistance to the industry 
regarding compliance assistance under this chapter;
``(C) processing consumer complaints regarding the 
requirements of this chapter and other consumer 
complaints regarding covered passenger vessels;
``(D) inspecting covered passenger vessels to 
ensure that owners of such vessels have knowledge of 
the consumer protection requirements that apply;
``(E) investigating potential consumer protection 
violations regarding maritime travel; and
``(F) pursuing enforcement of such violations; and
``(2) serve as the implementing office for the duties of 
the Secretary under section 102 of the Cruise Passenger 
Protection Act of 2025.
``Sec. 16104. Covered passenger vessel consumer service improvements
``(a) Passage Contracts.--
``(1) Development of standards.--
``(A) Passenger vessels.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date on which the advisory committee makes 
its recommendations under section 102(b)(6)(C) of the 
Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2025, the Secretary, 
acting through the Assistant General Counsel, shall 
develop standards for use by an owner of a covered 
passenger vessel that is a passenger vessel or, subject 
to subparagraph (B), a small passenger vessel, to 
provide a prospective applicable passenger with a 
summary that highlights key terms in the passage 
contract and is provided before such terms are binding.
``(B) Small passenger vessels.--The Secretary shall 
determine the extent to which standards developed under 
subparagraph (A) shall apply with respect to passage 
contracts for small passenger vessels.
``(2) Consultation.--In developing the standards under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary may consult with other Federal 
agencies, persons with expertise on admiralty and maritime law, 
consumer advocates, industry representatives, and such other 
persons as the Secretary considers necessary.
``(3) Statute of limitations.--The statute of limitations 
for filing a lawsuit against the owner of a covered passenger 
vessel, which shall not be shorter than 3 years, shall be 
clearly identified in the passage contract described in 
paragraph (1).
``(4) Recommendations.--The standards developed under 
paragraph (1) shall include recommendations regarding--
``(A) style, formatting, and placement that ensures 
that the summary is conspicuous; and
``(B) terminology that ensures that the summary 
is--
``(i) clear, unambiguous, and unmistakable; 
and
``(ii) to the greatest extent possible, 
uniform, concise, and not complex.
``(5) Periodic review.--The Secretary shall periodically 
review and update, as appropriate, the standards developed 
under paragraph (1).
``(6) Requirements.--Beginning on the date that is 180 days 
after the date on which the standards are developed under 
paragraph (1), an owner of a covered passenger vessel shall--
``(A) provide each prospective applicable passenger 
with a summary in accordance with the standards that 
apply to the covered passenger vessel under paragraph 
(1);
``(B) include a prominently accessible link to the 
summary on each internet website that the owner 
maintains for prospective applicable passengers to 
purchase or book passage on the covered passenger 
vessel; and
``(C) include the summary in any promotional 
literature or advertising, through any medium of 
communication in the United States offering passage or 
soliciting applicable passengers for ocean voyages 
anywhere in the world, that the Secretary considers 
necessary to adequately notify a prospective applicable 
passenger of the key terms in the passage contract 
before such terms are binding.
``(7) Preemption.--The standards developed under paragraph 
(1) shall preempt any related State standards that require a 
summary that provides less information to a prospective 
applicable passenger than the information required to be 
provided under this subsection, as determined by the Secretary.
``(b) Covered Passenger Vessel Consumer Complaints.--
``(1) Toll-free hotline and internet website link for 
consumer passenger vessel complaints.--The Secretary, acting 
through the Assistant General Counsel, shall--
``(A) establish a consumer complaints toll-free 
hotline telephone number for applicable passengers;
``(B) establish a consumer complaints link for use 
by applicable passengers on the internet website 
maintained under section 16106(i); and
``(C) notify the public of--
``(i) the telephone number established 
under subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) the internet website maintained 
under section 16106(i).
``(2) Website.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant 
General Counsel, shall--
``(A) maintain a statistical compilation of all 
consumer complaints on the internet website under 
section 16106(i) that provides a numerical accounting 
of each category of consumer complaint;
``(B) update the data referred to in subparagraph 
(A) not less frequently than monthly;
``(C) aggregate such data by covered passenger 
vessel; and
``(D) identify each covered passenger vessel by 
name.
``(3) Investigations of consumer complaints.--The 
Secretary, acting through the Assistant General Counsel and in 
coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, may 
investigate consumer complaints from applicable passengers, 
including--
``(A) cancellations, delays, and port skipping;
``(B) lost, damaged, and delayed baggage;
``(C) conditions on board the covered passenger 
vessel;
``(D) problems in obtaining refunds for unused or 
lost tickets or fare adjustments;
``(E) incorrect or incomplete information about 
fares, discount fare conditions and availability, 
overcharges, and fare increases;
``(F) deceptive or misleading advertising; and
``(G) compliance with Federal regulations.
``(4) Referral to federal or state agency.--The Secretary 
may refer any complaint received under this subsection to the 
Attorney General or a relevant Federal or State agency for 
action, as appropriate.
``(5) Notice to passengers.--
``(A) Internet websites.--Each owner of a covered 
passenger vessel shall include, in a conspicuous 
location on each internet website that such owner 
maintains for applicable passengers to purchase or book 
passage on the covered passenger vessel--
``(i) the telephone number established 
under paragraph (1)(A);
``(ii) the consumer complaints link 
established under paragraph (1)(B); and
``(iii) any other information necessary for 
an applicable passenger to submit a consumer 
complaint for resolution.
``(B) Boarding documentation.--The owner of a 
covered passenger vessel shall include the telephone 
number and internet address of the link for consumer 
complaints established under paragraph (1) on--
``(i) any promotional literature or 
advertising, through any medium of 
communication in the United States offering 
passage or soliciting applicable passengers for 
ocean voyages on covered passenger vessels, 
that the Secretary considers necessary to 
adequately notify such prospective passenger of 
the telephone number and internet address; and
``(ii) any electronic confirmation of the 
purchase of passage on a covered passenger 
vessel.
``(c) Penalties.--
``(1) Civil penalty.--The Secretary, acting through the 
Assistant General Counsel, may impose on any person that 
violates this section or a regulation under this section a 
civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day during 
which the violation continues. The Secretary, acting through 
the Assistant General Counsel, may bring an action to pursue a 
penalty under this paragraph in an appropriate district court 
of the United States.
``(2) Criminal penalty.--Any person that willfully violates 
this section or a regulation under this section shall be fined 
not more than $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or 
both.
``(d) Rulemaking.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant 
General Counsel, shall issue such regulations as are necessary to 
implement this section.
``Sec. 16105. Invalidation of pre-dispute arbitration and class action 
waiver clauses in certain contracts relating to covered 
passenger vessel transportation
``(a) Covered Contract.--In this section, the term `covered 
contract' means a contract for the purchase of a ticket for 
transportation on a covered passenger vessel.
``(b) Arbitration.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
arbitration may be used to settle a controversy arising from or 
relating to a provision of a covered contract only if, after the 
controversy arises, all parties to the controversy consent, in writing, 
to use arbitration to settle the controversy.
``(c) Class Actions.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
no predispute joint-action waiver shall be valid or enforceable with 
respect to any alleged claim regarding a covered contract.
``(d) Court Determinations.--An issue as to whether this section 
applies with respect to a dispute shall be determined under Federal 
law. The applicability of this section to an agreement to arbitrate and 
the validity and enforceability of a covered contract shall be 
determined by a court, rather than an arbitrator, irrespective of 
whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration 
agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the 
covered contract containing such agreement, and irrespective of whether 
the agreement purports to delegate such determinations to an 
arbitrator.
``(e) Applicability.--This section shall apply with respect to 
contracts entered into, or renewed, on or after the date of the 
enactment of the Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2025.''.

SEC. 102. CRUISE LINE PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS; ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR 
COVERED PASSENGER VESSEL CONSUMER PROTECTION.

(a) Bill of Rights.--
(1) Enforceability.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, 
acting through the Assistant General Counsel for the Office of 
Maritime Consumer Protection, shall determine whether any of 
the enumerated rights in the international cruise line 
passenger bill of rights, which was adopted in 2013 by the 
members of the Cruise Lines International Association, are 
enforceable under Federal law.
(2) Required statement.--The Secretary of Transportation, 
acting through the Assistant General Counsel for the Office of 
Maritime Consumer Protection, shall include in the standards 
developed under section 16104(a) of title 46, United States 
Code, a statement informing a prospective passenger--
(A) which rights referred to in paragraph (1) are 
legally enforceable; and
(B) how a passenger or prospective passenger might 
pursue such enforcement, including identifying any 
action, including a private cause of action, an 
administrative action, or any other method of 
enforcement, that may be taken or pursued.
(b) Advisory Committee for Covered Passenger Vessel Consumer 
Protection.--
(1) Definition of covered passenger vessel.--In this 
subsection, the term ``covered passenger vessel'' means a 
passenger vessel or small passenger vessel to which chapter 161 
of title 46, United States Code, applies.
(2) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, acting 
through the Assistant General Counsel for the Office of 
Maritime Consumer Protection, shall establish an advisory 
committee for covered passenger vessel consumer protection 
(referred to in this subsection as the ``advisory committee'') 
to advise the Secretary in carrying out activities relating to 
passenger vessel customer service improvements.
(3) Membership.--
(A) In general.--By not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall appoint the members of the 
advisory committee, which shall be comprised of 1 
representative each of--
(i) owners of passenger vessels, as defined 
in section 2101 of title 46, United States 
Code;
(ii) owners of small passenger vessels, as 
defined in such section;
(iii) international industry-related 
associations;
(iv) State or local governments with 
expertise in consumer protection matters;
(v) nonprofit public interest groups with 
expertise in consumer protection matters;
(vi) nonprofit public interest groups with 
expertise in victim assistance; and
(vii) relevant Federal agencies, as 
determined by the Secretary of Transportation.
(B) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the advisory committee 
shall be filled in the manner in which the original 
appointment was made.
(C) Chair.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
designate, from among the individuals appointed under 
subparagraph (A), an individual to serve as chair of 
the advisory committee.
(4) Meetings.--The advisory committee shall meet at the 
call of the chair of the advisory committee, but not less 
frequently than annually.
(5) Travel expenses.--Members of the advisory committee 
shall serve without pay, but shall receive travel expenses, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with 
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
(6) Duties.--The advisory committee shall--
(A) evaluate existing consumer protection programs 
or services for covered passenger vessels;
(B) recommend to the Secretary of Transportation--
(i) improvements needed to the programs or 
services under subparagraph (A), as necessary; 
and
(ii) any additional consumer protection 
programs or services for covered passenger 
vessels, as necessary;
(C) not later than 1 year after the date on which 
the committee is established under paragraph (2), 
recommend to the Secretary of Transportation which key 
terms in a passage contract for a covered passenger 
vessel should be highlighted before such terms are 
binding, such as--
(i) products and services available on 
board the covered passenger vessel for an 
undisclosed cost or fee or that otherwise are 
not included in the price of passage;
(ii) the country under which the covered 
passenger vessel is registered or flagged;
(iii) a statement that, under certain 
circumstances, a passenger on a covered 
passenger vessel may be subject to the law of a 
foreign country;
(iv) the covered passenger vessel may not 
accept responsibility for any health care 
services provided to a passenger by medical 
staff on board the covered passenger vessel;
(v) the maximum amount an owner of a 
covered passenger vessel will reimburse a 
passenger for lost or stolen property while on 
board the passenger vessel; and
(vi) where to file a notice of claim or 
initiate any legal action against the owner of 
the covered passenger vessel; and
(D) annually for the 5-year period beginning on the 
date on which the advisory committee is established, 
and periodically thereafter as the advisory committee 
determines necessary, review the recommendations 
described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) and submit any 
recommended updates to the Secretary of Transportation.
(7) Report to congress.--Not later than 30 days after the 
Secretary of Transportation receives recommendations, including 
updated recommendations, under paragraph (6) from the advisory 
committee, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that 
contains--
(A) such recommendations of the advisory committee;
(B) an explanation of whether and how the industry 
has implemented each recommendation; and
(C) for each recommendation not implemented, the 
industry's reason for not implementing the 
recommendation.
(8) Termination.--The advisory committee shall terminate on 
the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this 
Act.

SEC. 103. ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF CRIMES ON BOARD CERTAIN PASSENGER 
VESSELS.

(a) Authority To Provide Assistance to Victims of Crimes on Board 
Passenger Vessels.--Chapter 161, as added by section 101 of this Act, 
is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 16106. Assistance to victims of crimes on board certain 
passenger vessels
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide to an 
applicable passenger who is an alleged victim of an incident described 
in section 3523(g)(3)(A)(i)--
``(1) a written summary of rights described in subsection 
(e);
``(2) a primary point of contact within the Federal 
Government; and
``(3) a means of obtaining immediate, free, and 
confidential support services.
``(b) Director of Victim Support Services.--
``(1) Establishment.--There shall be a director of victim 
support services of the Office.
``(2) Designation; public outreach.--
``(A) Interim director.--Not later than 30 days 
after the date of enactment of the Cruise Passenger 
Protection Act of 2025, the Secretary shall designate 
an employee of the Department of Transportation as the 
interim director of victim support services, who shall 
serve in such position until a final designation or 
appointment is made under subparagraph (B).
``(B) Final designation and public outreach.--Not 
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the 
Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2025, the Secretary, 
in consultation with the Department of Justice and 
other relevant Federal agencies, shall--
``(i) appoint an individual to serve as the 
director of victim support; and
``(ii) determine an effective way to 
publicize the toll-free telephone number under 
subsection (c) and the availability of support 
services under this section.
``(3) Responsibilities.--The director of victim support 
services shall--
``(A) be responsible for acting as a primary point 
of contact within the Federal Government for any 
applicable passenger described in subsection (a);
``(B) coordinate with one or more nonprofit 
organizations or other entities that can provide the 
types of support services described in subsection (d);
``(C) establish a process for an applicable 
passenger described in subsection (a) to obtain the 
appropriate types of support services described in 
subsection (d);
``(D) recommend a process for an applicable 
passenger described in subsection (a) to obtain an 
appropriate continuum of care;
``(E) recommend a process for an applicable 
passenger described in subsection (a) to obtain 
information on the status of any related criminal 
investigation;
``(F) develop guidance, consistent with the purpose 
of this section, for the security guide under section 
3523(c)(1), including a process to ensure that an owner 
of a passenger vessel provides a copy of the security 
guide to an applicable passenger immediately after the 
vessel is notified that the passenger is an alleged 
victim of an incident described in section 
3523(g)(3)(A)(i);
``(G) periodically update that guidance, as 
necessary; and
``(H) be the primary liaison between an applicable 
passenger described in subsection (a) and--
``(i) the owner of the passenger vessel;
``(ii) any relevant Federal agency;
``(iii) any relevant United States embassy 
or United States consulate; and
``(iv) any other person that the director 
of victim support services considers necessary 
to carry out the purpose of this section.
``(c) Toll-Free Telephone Number.--The Secretary shall establish a 
toll-free telephone number, available 24 hours each day, that an 
applicable passenger described in subsection (a) can call to initiate 
the process under subsection (b)(3)(C).
``(d) Support Services.--The director of victim support services 
shall determine the types of support services that an applicable 
passenger described in subsection (a) can obtain, such as--
``(1) directions on how to report an incident described in 
section 3523(g)(3)(A)(i) to appropriate authorities;
``(2) an explanation of, or assistance completing, 
necessary forms to report an incident described in section 
3523(g)(3)(A)(i);
``(3) an explanation of how, or assistance to, obtain 
support services under this section;
``(4) arranging, if appropriate, for mental health and 
counseling services;
``(5) arranging, if possible, for education regarding and 
advocacy during applicable criminal justice proceedings; and
``(6) communicating with that applicable passenger as to 
the roles of the organization or entities described in 
subsection (b)(3)(B), government agencies, and the owner of the 
passenger vessel involved with respect to the incident and the 
post-incident activities.
``(e) Summary of Rights.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of the Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2025, the 
Secretary, acting through the Assistant General Counsel and in 
consultation with the Department of Justice, other relevant Federal 
agencies, nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in victim 
assistance, and such other persons that the Secretary considers 
necessary, shall--
``(1) determine what rights an applicable passenger 
described in subsection (a) may have under law, such as the 
right to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation to report 
the crime, the right to contact the director of victim support 
services, and the right to speak confidentially to Federal law 
enforcement, the director of victim support services, and any 
other third-party victim advocate without any representative or 
employee of the passenger vessel present;
``(2) develop a written summary of those rights; and
``(3) establish a process for an applicable passenger 
described in subsection (a) to receive the written summary of 
rights as soon as practicable after an alleged incident 
described under section 3523(g)(3)(A)(i).
``(f) Guardians and Relatives.--If an applicable passenger 
described in subsection (a) is deceased or is a minor, or under such 
other circumstances that the director of victim support services 
considers necessary, the director may provide support services under 
this section to a guardian or relative of that applicable passenger.
``(g) Use of Passenger Vessel Resources.--As appropriate, the 
resources of the passenger vessel shall be used to the greatest extent 
possible to carry out the purpose of this section.
``(h) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
construed as limiting the obligations that an owner of a passenger 
vessel may have in providing assistance to an applicable passenger who 
is an alleged victim of an incident described under section 
3523(g)(3)(A)(i).
``(i) Availability of Incident Data Via Internet.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
Assistant General Counsel, shall maintain a statistical 
compilation of all incidents described in section 3523(g)(3)(A) 
on an internet website that provides a numerical accounting of 
the missing persons and alleged crimes duly recorded in each 
report filed under section 3523(g)(3). Each incident described 
in section 3523(g)(3)(A) shall be included in the statistical 
compilation irrespective of its investigative status.
``(2) Updates.--The Secretary shall ensure that the data 
described in paragraph (1)--
``(A) is updated not less frequently than monthly;
``(B) is aggregated by cruise line;
``(C) identifies each cruise line by name;
``(D) identifies each crime and alleged crime as to 
whether it was committed or allegedly committed by a 
passenger or a crew member;
``(E) identifies each crime and alleged crime as to 
whether it was committed or allegedly committed against 
a minor;
``(F) identifies the number of alleged individuals 
overboard; and
``(G) is compiled on the internet website in a 
user-friendly format.
``(3) Access to website.--Each owner of a passenger vessel 
shall include a prominently accessible link to the internet 
website maintained by the Office of Maritime Consumer 
Protection under paragraph (1) on each internet website that 
the owner maintains for prospective applicable passengers to 
purchase or book passage on the passenger vessel.
``(j) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue such regulations as 
are necessary to implement this section.''.
(b) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Assistant 
General Counsel for the Office of Maritime Consumer Protection and in 
coordination with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
Guard is operating, the Attorney General, and heads of other relevant 
Federal agencies, shall--
(1) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of having 
an individual on board each passenger vessel, or certain 
categories of passenger vessels, to which chapter 161 applies 
to provide victim support services, including the support 
services under section 16106(d) of title 46, United States 
Code, and related safety and security services, which includes 
consideration of the cost, the benefit to passengers, 
jurisdiction, and logistics; and
(2) report the findings of the study conducted under 
paragraph (1) to Congress.

SEC. 104. CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.

(a) Title 46 Table of Chapters.--The table of chapters for subtitle 
II is amended by adding at the end the following:

``PART L--Office of Maritime Consumer Protection

``161. Office of Maritime Consumer Protection............... 16101''.
(b) Table of Sections.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 161, as added by section 101 of this Act, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following:

``16106. Assistance to victims of crimes on board certain passenger 
vessels.''.

TITLE II--CRUISE VESSEL PASSENGER IMPROVEMENTS

SEC. 201. CRUISE VESSEL CHAPTER ORGANIZATION, APPLICATION, AND 
DEFINITIONS.

(a) Subchapter Organization.--Chapter 35 is amended--
(1) by inserting before section 3501 the following:

``Subchapter I--General Provisions'';

(2) by inserting before section 3507 the following:

``Subchapter II--Cruise Vessels'';

and
(3) by redesignating sections 3507, 3508, 3509, and 3510 as 
sections 3523, 3524, 3525, and 3526, respectively.
(b) Application.--Chapter 35, as amended by subsection (a), is 
further amended by inserting before section 3523 the following:
``Sec. 3521. Application
``(a) In General.--This subchapter applies to a passenger vessel 
that--
``(1) is authorized to carry 250 or more passengers;
``(2) has overnight accommodations for 250 or more 
passengers; and
``(3) is on a voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers 
in the United States.
``(b) Federal and State Vessels.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), 
this subchapter does not apply to--
``(1) a vessel of the United States operated by the Federal 
Government; or
``(2) a vessel owned and operated by a State.''.
(c) Definitions.--Chapter 35, as amended by subsections (a) and 
(b), is further amended by inserting after section 3521, as added by 
subsection (b), the following:
``Sec. 3522. Definitions
``In this subchapter:
``(1) Exterior deck.--The term `exterior deck' means any 
exterior weather deck on which a passenger may be present, 
including passenger stateroom balconies, exterior promenades on 
passenger decks, muster stations, and similar exterior weather 
deck areas.
``(2) Owner.--The term `owner' means the owner, charterer, 
managing operator, master, or other individual in charge of a 
vessel.
``(3) Applicable passenger.--The term `applicable 
passenger' means a passenger carried on a passenger vessel who 
is a citizen of the United States.
``(4) Physician.--The term `physician' means a doctor of 
medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine who--
``(A) has at least 3 years of post-graduate, post-
registration experience in general and emergency 
medicine; or
``(B) is certified by the American Board of Medical 
Specialties, or any other certifying body designated by 
the Secretary, in emergency medicine, family medicine, 
or internal medicine.
``(5) Qualified medical staff member.--The term `qualified 
medical staff member' means a medical professional certified in 
advanced cardiovascular life support and advanced trauma life 
support training.''.

SEC. 202. CRIME REPORTING AND PUBLIC NOTICE.

(a) Availability of Log Book and Entries to FBI and Other 
Investigators.--Section 3523(g)(1), as redesignated under section 
201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``in a centralized 
location readily accessible to law enforcement personnel,''; 
and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``make such log book 
available'' and inserting ``make available the log book 
described in subparagraph (A), the Captain's log, the security 
log, the engine room log, all other logs, and all entries of 
the log books or logs described in this subparagraph, without 
regard as to whether the log book, logs, or entries are 
maintained on board the vessel or at a centralized location off 
the vessel,''.
(b) Deadline To Notify Federal Bureau of Investigation Regarding 
Certain Incidents.--Section 3523(g)(3), as redesignated under section 
201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i)--
(A) by striking ``shall contact'' and inserting 
``subject to subparagraph (C), shall contact''; and
(B) by striking ``after the occurrence on board the 
vessel of an incident involving'' and inserting ``, but 
not later than 4 hours, after an employee of the vessel 
is notified of an incident on board the vessel 
allegedly involving''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``admiralty and 
maritime jurisdiction of the United States and outside the 
jurisdiction of any State'' and inserting ``special maritime 
and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as defined 
in section 7 of title 18,''.
(c) Crime Reporting Guidelines.--Section 3523(g)(1)(A), as 
redesignated under section 201(a)(3) of this Act and amended by 
subsection (a), is further amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking the comma at the end and 
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking ``, and'' and inserting a 
semicolon;
(3) in clause (iii), by striking the comma at the end and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
``(iv) any other criminal offenses reported 
to the Federal Bureau of Investigation through 
the Uniform Crime Reporting Program,''.
(d) Reports Before Departure.--Section 3523(g)(3), as redesignated 
under section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
``(C) Reports before departure.--If an employee of 
a vessel to which this subchapter applies is notified 
of an incident under subparagraph (A)(i) while the 
vessel is within the special maritime and territorial 
jurisdiction of the United States, as defined in 
section 7 of title 18, and en route to a United States 
port or at a United States port, the owner of the 
vessel (or the owner's designee) shall contact the 
nearest Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Office or 
Legal Attache not later than the time specified under 
subparagraph (A)(i) or before the vessel departs port, 
whichever is earlier.''.
(e) Reports to United States Consulates.--Section 3523(g)(3), as 
amended by subsection (d), is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(D) Reports to united states consulates.--If an 
incident described in subparagraph (A)(i) allegedly 
involves an offense by or against a United States 
national, in addition to contacting the nearest Federal 
Bureau of Investigation Field Office or Legal Attache 
under that subparagraph, the owner of a vessel to which 
this subchapter applies (or the owner's designee) shall 
contact the United States consulate at the next port of 
call as soon as possible, but not later than 4 hours 
after arrival at the port.''.
(f) Reports to Secretary of Transportation; Incidents and 
Details.--Section 3523(g)(3)(A), as amended by subsection (b), is 
further amended--
(1) in clause (ii), by striking ``to the internet website 
maintained by the Secretary of Transportation under paragraph 
(4)(A)'' and inserting ``, including the details under 
paragraph (2), to the internet website maintained by the 
Secretary of Transportation under section 16106(i)''; and
(2) in clause (iii), by striking ``under paragraph (4)(A)'' 
and inserting ``under section 16106(i)''.
(g) Availability of Security Guide Via Internet.--Section 
3523(c)(1), as redesignated under section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is 
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``a guide (referred to in this 
subsection as the `security guide')'' and inserting ``a 
security guide''; and
(B) by striking ``English, which'' and inserting 
``English, that''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``on the website of 
the vessel owner'' and inserting ``through a prominently 
accessible link on each internet website that the vessel owner 
maintains for applicable passengers to purchase or book passage 
on a passenger vessel''.
(h) Reporting Requirements.--Section 3523, as redesignated under 
section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is further amended--
(1) by striking subsections (k) and (l);
(2) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections 
(j) and (k), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (h) the following:
``(i) Reporting Requirements.--
``(1) Provision to state fusion centers.--
``(A) In general.--Any records (including 
electronic records), information, or written 
documentation provided to any source under subsection 
(g) shall also be provided to the State fusion center 
(as described in section 210A of the Homeland Security 
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124h)) for the State in which the 
applicable port described in subparagraph (B) is 
located.
``(B) Applicable port.--For purposes of this 
paragraph, the applicable port shall be the port from 
which a vessel originally embarks or the port at which 
the vessel disembarks, whichever port is nearest when 
the alleged incident occurs.
``(2) Effect on other reporting requirements.--Requirements 
under this subsection supplement and do not amend, or serve as 
a substitute for, the reporting requirements of section 10104 
of this title or any other provision of law.''.

SEC. 203. CRIME PREVENTION, DOCUMENTATION, AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Maintenance and Placement of Video Surveillance Equipment.--
Section 3523(b)(1)(B), as redesignated under section 201(a)(3) of this 
Act, is amended--
(1) in subclause (II) of clause (ii), by striking ``to the 
maximum extent practicable'';
(2) by redesignating subclause (IV) of clause (ii) as 
clause (iii), and adjusting the margins appropriately;
(3) by inserting after subclause (III) of clause (ii) the 
following:
``(IV) incorporate the feedback and 
suggestions from the results of the 
independent third party risk assessment 
to provide optimum surveillance that 
complies with the guidance from the 
Commandant.''; and
(4) in clause (iii), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by 
striking ``the independent third party referred to in paragraph 
(C)'' and inserting the following: ``Independent third party.--
The independent third party referred to in clause (ii)(III)''.
(b) Access to Video Records.--Section 3523(b)(3)(B), as 
redesignated under section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is further amended--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
``Except as proscribed by law enforcement authorities or court 
order, the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(2) in clause (ii), by striking ``of any sexual assault 
incident''.
(c) Notice of Video Surveillance.--Section 3523(b)(2), as 
redesignated under section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is further amended by 
striking ``this section applies'' and inserting ``this subchapter 
applies''.
(d) Retention Requirements.--Section 3523(b)(4), as redesignated 
under section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
(i) and (ii), respectively, and adjusting the margins 
appropriately;
(2) by striking ``The owner of a vessel to which this 
section applies'' and inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--The owner of a vessel to which 
this subchapter applies'';
(3) by striking ``20 days after the footage is obtained'' 
and inserting ``1 year after completion of the voyage'';
(4) in clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), as redesignated by 
this subsection, by striking ``4 years'' and inserting ``5 
years''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Interim standards.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of the Cruise Passenger 
Protection Act of 2025, the Commandant, in consultation 
with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall 
promulgate interim standards for the retention of 
records of video surveillance.
``(C) Final standards.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of the Cruise Passenger 
Protection Act of 2025, the Commandant, in consultation 
with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall 
promulgate final standards for the retention of records 
of video surveillance.
``(D) Considerations.--In promulgating standards 
under subparagraphs (B) and (C), the Commandant shall--
``(i) consider factors that would aid in 
the investigation of serious crimes, including 
crimes that go unreported until after the 
completion of a voyage;
``(ii) consider the different types of 
video surveillance systems and storage 
requirements in creating standards both for 
vessels currently in operation and for vessels 
newly built;
``(iii) consider privacy, including 
standards for permissible access to and 
monitoring and use of the records of video 
surveillance; and
``(iv) consider technological advancements, 
including requirements to update technology.''.
(e) Technology Detecting Passengers Who Have Fallen Overboard 
Requirement.--Section 3523(a)(1)(D), as redesignated under section 
201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended by striking ``or detecting passengers 
who have fallen overboard,'' and inserting ``and detecting passengers 
who have fallen overboard, as certified by an independent third party 
accepted by a classification society that is a member of the 
International Association of Classification Societies or another 
classification society recognized by the Secretary pursuant to section 
3316(b) of this title,''.
(f) Criminal Activity Prevention and Response Guide.--Section 
3523(c)(1), as amended by section 202(g) of this Act, is further 
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (vi);
(B) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) describes the availability of 
support services under section 16106, including 
any contact information provided by the 
Secretary of Transportation or director of 
victim support services under that section;
``(iii) includes the summary of rights 
under section 16106(e);
``(iv) includes the summary under section 
16104(a);
``(v) includes the toll-free hotline 
telephone number and consumer complaints 
internet website link under section 
16104(b);'';
(C) in clause (vi), as redesignated by subparagraph 
(A), by inserting ``and'' at the end; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) includes such other information as 
the Secretary of Transportation recommends 
under section 16106(b)(3)(F);'';
(2) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) provide a copy of the security guide to--
``(i) the Secretary of Transportation for 
review; and
``(ii) the Federal Bureau of Investigation 
for comment;'';
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); 
and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) immediately after the vessel is notified that 
a passenger is an alleged victim of an incident 
described under subsection (g)(3)(A)--
``(i) provide the passenger with a copy of 
the security guide; and
``(ii) inform the passenger that the 
passenger has the right to notify the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation that the passenger has 
been a victim of a crime on a passenger vessel; 
and''.
(g) Maintenance of Supplies To Prevent Sexually Transmitted 
Diseases.--Section 3523(d)(1), as redesignated by section 201(a)(3) of 
this Act, is amended by inserting ``(taking into consideration the 
length of the voyage and the number of passengers and crewmembers that 
the vessel can accommodate)'' after ``a sexual assault''.
(h) Sexual Assault; Contact Information.--Section 3523(d)(5)(A), as 
redesignated by section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended by striking 
``the United States Coast Guard,''.
(i) Sexual Assault; Private Telephone Line.--Section 3523(d)(5)(B), 
as redesignated by section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended by 
inserting ``under section 16106 or'' after ``the information and 
support services available''.
(j) Crime Scene Preservation Training.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall--
(1) promulgate a rule establishing the standards and 
curricula to allow for the certification of passenger vessel 
security personnel, crewmembers, and law enforcement officials 
on the appropriate methods for prevention, detection, evidence 
preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the 
international maritime environment, as required under 
subsection (a) of section 3524 of title 46, United States Code 
(as redesignated by section 201(a)(3) of this Act); and
(2) publish the rule and the most recent curricula 
described in paragraph (1) on the website of the department.
(k) Crew Access to Passenger Staterooms; Procedures and 
Restrictions.--Section 3523(f), as redesignated by section 201(a)(3) of 
this Act, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the 
end; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the 
following:
``(C) a system that electronically records the 
date, time, and identity of each crew member accessing 
each passenger stateroom; and''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) ensure that the procedures and restrictions are--
``(A) fully and properly implemented;
``(B) reviewed annually; and
``(C) updated as necessary.''.
(l) Requirements for Reporting.--Subsection (i) of section 3523, as 
added by section 202(h) of this Act, is further amended by adding at 
the end the following:
``(3) Applicability of requirements.--Any reporting 
requirement under this section relating to an incident 
specified in subsection (g)(3)(A)(i) is required without regard 
as to whether the Federal Bureau of Investigation has opened a 
formal investigation relating to the incident.''.

SEC. 204. PASSENGER VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Vessel Design, Equipment, Construction, and Retrofitting 
Requirements.--Section 3523(a), as redesignated by section 201(a)(3) of 
this Act, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ``to which this subsection applies'' and 
inserting ``to which this subchapter applies'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``The vessel'' and 
inserting ``Each exterior deck of a vessel''; 
and
(ii) by inserting ``unless the height 
requirement would interfere with the deployment 
of a lifesaving device or other emergency 
equipment as identified by the Commandant'' 
before the period at the end;
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``entry doors 
that include peep holes or other means of visual 
identification.'' and inserting ``an entry door that 
includes a peep hole or other means of visual 
identification that provides an unobstructed view of 
the area outside the stateroom or crew cabin. For 
purposes of this subparagraph, the addition of an 
optional privacy cover on the interior side of the 
entry shall not in and of itself constitute an 
obstruction.''; and
(D) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``when 
operating in high risk areas (as defined by the United 
States Coast Guard)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Waivers; record of waivers.--The Secretary--
``(A) may waive a requirement under paragraph (1) 
as the Secretary determines necessary;
``(B) shall maintain a record of each waiver under 
subparagraph (A); and
``(C) shall include in such record the 
justification for the waiver.''.
(b) Medical Standards.--
(1) Medical standards.--Section 3525, as redesignated by 
section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) there are a sufficient number of qualified medical 
staff members on the vessel to treat the number of passengers 
who may be on board the vessel, as determined by regulation by 
the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services;'';
(C) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by 
subparagraph (A), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
``or any successor standard;'';
(D) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by 
subparagraph (A)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the location and proper use of automated 
external defibrillators; and
``(D) the proper way to report an incident or to 
seek security assistance in the event of a medical 
emergency;''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) if a United States citizen dies on board the vessel 
and the citizen's next of kin requests that the citizen's body 
return to the United States on the vessel--
``(A) such request is granted--
``(i) unless--
``(I) the vessel comes within the 
domestic jurisdiction of a country that 
requires human remains to be removed 
from a vessel or requires human remains 
to undergo post-mortem offshore 
autopsy; or
``(II) the vessel is scheduled to 
enter the domestic jurisdiction of such 
a country as part of the scheduled 
voyage; and
``(ii) except that, in cases in which the 
vessel is not scheduled to return to a United 
States port for 21 or more days after the 
citizen's death, arrangements may be made to 
return the body on a different appropriate 
vessel; and
``(B) the owner of the vessel pays for any 
transportation costs related to the return;
``(6) every crew member on the vessel has received basic 
life support training and is certified in cardiopulmonary 
resuscitation; and
``(7) every passenger-facing crew member on a vessel 
leaving from or en route to a United States port of call has a 
basic understanding of the English language, including--
``(A) at least a `Basic' score on the Test of 
English as a Foreign Language for both listening and 
speaking;
``(B) at least a `4 Skill Level' score on the 
International English Language Testing System for both 
listening and speaking; or
``(C) at least a basic level of proficiency for 
listening and speaking on another test of the English 
Language designated by the Secretary.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 205. ENFORCEMENT.

(a) Penalties for Violation of Passenger Vessel Security and Safety 
Requirements.--Section 3523(h)(1)(A), as redesignated by section 
201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended by striking ``, except that'' and all 
that follows through ``$50,000''.
(b) Information Sharing.--Subchapter II of chapter 35, as amended 
by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 3527. Information sharing
``(a) In General.--To the extent not prohibited by other law, the 
head of a designated agency shall make available to another head of a 
designated agency any information necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this subchapter. The provision by the head of a designated agency of 
any information under this section to another head of a designated 
agency shall not constitute a waiver of, or otherwise effect, any 
privilege any agency or person may claim with respect to that 
information under Federal or State law.
``(b) Definition of Head of a Designated Agency.--In this section, 
the term `head of a designated agency' means the Secretary of 
Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Attorney 
General.''.
(c) Enforcement.--Subchapter II of chapter 35, as amended by this 
Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 3528. Refusal of clearance; denial of entry
``(a) Clearance.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may withhold 
or revoke the clearance required under section 60105 of any vessel of 
the owner of a vessel to which this subchapter applies, wherever the 
vessel is found, if the owner of the vessel--
``(1) commits an act or omission for which a penalty may be 
imposed under this subchapter or chapter 161; or
``(2) fails to pay a penalty imposed on the owner under 
this subchapter or chapter 161.
``(b) Denial of Entry.--The Secretary of the department in which 
the Coast Guard is operating may deny entry into the United States to a 
vessel to which this subchapter applies if it is made aware by the 
Secretary of the Department of Transportation or the Attorney General 
that the owner of the vessel--
``(1) commits an act or omission for which a penalty may be 
imposed under this subchapter or chapter 161; or
``(2) fails to pay a penalty imposed on the owner under 
this subchapter or chapter 161.''.

SEC. 206. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

(a) Application.--Chapter 35, as amended by this Act, is further 
amended--
(1) in section 3523, by striking ``to which this section 
applies'' each place such phrase appears and inserting ``to 
which this subchapter applies'';
(2) in section 3524, by striking ``to which this section 
applies'' each place such phrase appears and inserting ``to 
which this subchapter applies'';
(3) in section 3525, by striking ``to which section 3507 
applies'' and inserting ``to which this subchapter applies''; 
and
(4) in section 3526--
(A) by striking ``to which section 3507 applies'' 
and inserting ``to which this subchapter applies'';
(B) by striking ``(a) Automated External 
Defibrillators.--''; and
(C) by striking subsection (b).
(b) Availability of Incident Data Via Internet.--Section 3523(g), 
as redesignated under section 201(a)(3) of this Act, is amended by 
striking paragraph (4).
(c) Master Key Control System.--Section 3106(e) is amended by 
striking ``3507(f)'' and inserting ``3523(f)''.
(d) Reporting Requirements.--Section 8440(c)(2) of the William M. 
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 is amended 
by striking ``3507 of title 46, United States Code'' and inserting 
``3523 of title 46, United States Code (designated as section 3507 of 
such title before the date of enactment of the Cruise Passenger 
Protection Act of 2025),''.
(e) Table of Contents.--The table of sections for chapter 35 is 
amended--
(1) by inserting before the item relating to section 3501 
the following:

``subchapter i-general provisions'';

(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 3506 
the following:

``subchapter ii-cruise vessels'';

and
(3) by striking the items relating to sections 3507, 3508, 
3509, and 3510 and inserting the following:

``3521. Application.
``3522. Definitions.
``3523. Passenger vessel security and safety requirements.
``3524. Crime scene preservation training for passenger vessel 
crewmembers.
``3525. Medical standards.
``3526. Additional medical and safety standards.
``3527. Information sharing.
``3528. Refusal of clearance; denial of entry.''.
<all>