H.R. 9674: United States Coast Guard Corrosion Control Assistance Team Pilot Program Act

This bill would direct the Coast Guard to create a pilot program focused on preventing and fixing corrosion on Coast Guard equipment and facilities. Corrosion is the gradual damage caused by exposure to saltwater, weather, and other environmental conditions, and it can shorten the life of ships, boats, vehicles, and related systems.

What the pilot program would do

Within 180 days of enactment, the Coast Guard Commandant would have to set up the United States Coast Guard Corrosion Control Assistance Team Pilot Program. The program would provide technical help to Coast Guard field units that request it, including:

• On-site advice and direct assistance for corrosion prevention and control
• A repository of best practices and lessons learned for Coast Guard maritime assets
• Assessments of corrosion problems and recommendations for maintenance steps
• Training and education for Coast Guard personnel
• Coordination with Department of Defense corrosion offices and other federal agencies
• Data collection to measure how well the program works

How it would be organized

The bill would require the Coast Guard to create at least two corrosion control assistance teams. These teams would be made up of specialists with expertise in areas such as:

• Marine coatings and surface preparation
• Cathodic protection systems
• Corrosion training
• Corrosion control for communications and other electronic systems
• Corrosion engineering and failure analysis
• Preventive maintenance planning

Team members would be expected to have relevant corrosion-related certifications, and firms doing the work should be AMPP QP 5 accredited. The Commandant could also bring in personnel from the Navy, Army, or Air Force, hire private-sector experts, or seek support from the Department of Defense.

Activities the Coast Guard could take

The bill would allow the Coast Guard to buy equipment, tools, and materials needed for corrosion work, train personnel, contract with outside experts, and create data systems to support the program.

Reporting and oversight

The Coast Guard would have to submit an implementation plan within 1 year, identifying the initial units to be served, the rollout schedule, performance metrics, and planned coordination with the Department of Defense.

The bill also requires two reports:

• An interim report within 18 months after the pilot starts, covering visits, services, early effects on readiness and maintenance costs, and implementation challenges
• A final report no later than 90 days before the pilot ends, covering overall results, measurable improvements in asset life and readiness, lessons learned, costs of a possible permanent program, and whether such a permanent program should be created

These reports would have to be posted publicly on a Coast Guard website.

How long it would last

The pilot program would end after 3 years, unless the Commandant extends it for up to 2 more years if the program appears effective and more time is needed to gather data for a final decision.

Use of Department of Defense experience

The bill directs the Coast Guard to work closely with the Department of Defense’s corrosion office and to review the Navy’s existing corrosion assistance program before starting the Coast Guard version. It would also encourage the Coast Guard to use Navy methods and standards where they fit Coast Guard needs, while adapting them as necessary.

Relevant Companies

• AMPP — Not a publicly traded company; this appears to refer to the Association for Materials Protection and Performance, whose corrosion-related certifications and accreditation standards are referenced in the bill.