PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 19, 2009
United States Mariner and Vessel Protection Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Coast Guard's Commandant to deploy a maritime safety and security team for up to six months to deter, protect against, and rapidly respond to acts of piracy against vessels in international waters.
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations establishing standards and circumstances under which an individual is authorized to use force (including lethal force) against an individual in the defense of a vessel against piracy.
Limits the liability of the individuals, the federal government, and owners, operators, and masters of vessels in actions arising out of a use of force authorized under the regulations.
Directs the Secretary to work through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish agreements to promote coordinated action among flag and port states to deter, protect against, and rapidly respond to acts of piracy against the vessels of, and in the waters under the jurisdiction of, those nations, and to ensure limitations on liability similar to those under this Act.
People & committees
Rep. LoBiondo, Frank A. [R-NJ-2] · R–NJ
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to House Homeland Security
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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