Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 5.djvu/664

 112 STAT. 3422 PUBLIC LAW 105-383 —NOV. 13, 1998 Reports. 46 USC 4302 note. Deadline. Reports. Deadline. Reports. (1) In carrying out the assessment under this section, the task force shall examine critical issues and develop strategies, recommendations, and a plan for action. Pursuant to such examination and development, the task force shall— (A) take into account the capability of the marine transportation system, the adequacy of depth of approach channels and harbors, and the cost to the Federal Government to accommodate projected increases in foreign and domestic traffic over the next 20 years; (B) consult with senior public and private sector officials, including the users of that system, such as ports, commercial carriers, shippers, labor, recreational boaters, fishermen, and environmental organizations; (C) sponsor public and private sector activities to further refine and implement (under existing authority) the strategies, recommendations, and plan for action; (D) evaluate the capability to dispose of dredged materials that will be produced to accommodate projected increases referred to in subparagraph (A); and (E) evaluate the future of the navigational aid system including the use of virtual aids to navigation on electronic charts. (2) The Secretary shall report to Congress on the results of the assessment no later than July 1, 1999. The report shall reflect the views of both the public and private sectors. The Task Force shall cease to exist upon submission of the report in this paragraph. SEC. 309. AVAILABILITY AND USE OF EPIRBS FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS. The Secretary of Transportation, through the Coast Guard and in consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board and recreational boating organizations, shall, within 24 months of the date of the enactment of this Act, assess and report to Congress on the use of emergency position indicating beacons (EPIRBs) and similar devices by operators of recreational vessels on the Intracoastal Waterway and operators of recreational vessels beyond the Boundary Line. The assessment shall at a minimum— (1) evaluate the current availability and use of EPIRBs and similar devices by the operators of recreational vessels and the actual and potential contribution of such devices to recreational boating safety; and (2) provide recommendations on policies and prograims to encourage the availability and use of EPIRBS and similar devices by the operators of recreational vessels. SEC. 310. SEARCH AND RESCUE HELICOPTER COVERAGE. Not later than 9 months after tire date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— (1) identifying waters out to 50 miles from the territorial sea of Maine and other States that cannot currently be served by a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter within 2 hours of a report of distress or request for assistance from such waters;

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