Detailed Summary

Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Requires double hull protection of oil fuel tanks on certain vessels with a tank capacity of at least 600 cubic meters. Defines "oil fuel" as any oil used as fuel in connection with the vessel's propulsion and auxiliary machinery.

(Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) provide guidance to all vessel traffic personnel that clearly defines the use of authority to direct or control vessel movement when such direction or control is justified in the interest of safety; and (2) require vessel traffic personnel communications to identify the vessel, rather than the pilot, when vessels are operating in vessel traffic service pilotage areas. Requires a review and validation of the recruiting, retention, training, and expansion of vessel traffic service personnel, as well as a corresponding report to Congress.

(Sec. 4) Establishes the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on: (1) medical determinations for merchant mariner credentials; (2) related medical standards and guidelines; (3) education for physicians, physician's assistants, or nurse practitioners conducting merchant mariner medical exams (medical examiners); and (4) medical research. Directs the Secretary to appoint a chief medical examiner.

Requires establishment of medical standards and requirements for periodic physical examinations for merchant mariners.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study to assess the role that human factors, mechanical or equipment failure, and environmental factors play in marine casualty causation; and (2) compare and contrast the procedures and processes employed by the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Requires a report to Congress.

(Sec. 6) Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) conduct a comprehensive review of existing studies of the need for tractor tug escorts to be used by vessels carrying petroleum products or with large supplies of fuel onboard in the five largest U.S. ports; (2) consolidate the existing information and address unaddressed issues; and (3) report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

(Sec. 7) Requires that at least one trained and experienced pollution investigator be on duty or on call at all times for each Coast Guard Sector Command.

(Sec. 8) Modifies requirements regarding the duration of merchant mariner's documents and certificates of registry.

(Sec. 9) Authorizes the extending of licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner's documents in specified circumstances. Terminates that authorization on December 31, 2011.

(Sec. 10) Establishes the Support of Seafarers Fund. Authorizes payment from the Fund of necessary support for certain seafarers (defined as alien crewmen employed in any capacity on board a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction) who enter, remain, or have been paroled into the United States who are involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard, and seafarers who have been abandoned in the United States. Set forth provisions affecting shipowners concerning bonding requirements and Fund reimbursements from shipowners not in compliance. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/15/2009: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 77.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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