§4901 Surveillance Requirements

Summary

Requires commercial vessels that do not carry passengers but meet certain size, voyage, or sleeping-capacity rules to have audio and video cameras on board. Covered vessels include those with overnight space for at least 10 people that either travel 600 miles and go past the Boundary Line or are at least 24 meters (79 feet) and need a load line; documented vessels of at least 500 gross tons (or an alternate tonnage set by the Secretary) on international trips; and vessels with overnight space for 10 or more that operate 72 hours or more over the outer Continental Shelf. Install the equipment no later than 2 years after the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 became law, or at the next scheduled drydock, whichever comes later. Cameras and microphones must be placed in hallways where stateroom doors open and must show every door. The crew must be told with clear signs that recording is happening. Recordings must be kept at least 1 year, and any footage tied to an alleged incident must be kept at least 5 years. Record access cannot be used in labor actions or job disputes unless for a criminal or civil case. Owners or employers must train all staff on how to handle sexual assault and harassment reports, how to preserve evidence objectively, act without company influence, and follow federal, state, tribal, and local rules. The term "owner" means the owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or other person in charge. Fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and fish tender vessels are exempt.