Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1989

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1989 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 1990 and 1991 for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement for aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; and (4) retirement pay and benefits.

Authorizes the end strength for active-duty personnel of the Coast Guard for FY 1990 and 1991.

Specifies the authorized average military training student load for the Coast Guard for FY 1990 and 1991.

Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to acquire replacement icebreaker capability by either lease or purchase, as the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determine is best.

Amends Federal law providing for continuity of grade for Coast Guard vice admirals when reappointed to another position as vice admiral to include reappointment of a vice admiral as an admiral.

Amends Federal law relating to appointment of Coast Guard personnel to require appointment to the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant to be made by the President without the advice and consent of the Senate.

Directs the Secretary to furnish the board that recommends continuation of captains on active duty with the number of officers that may be so recommended, which number must be no less than 50 percent (currently 75 percent) of the number considered.

Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to involuntarily retire enlisted personnel who have 20 years of service. (Current law allows such action by the Commandant on a recommendation by a Coast Guard Enlisted Personnel Board.)

Provides that, subject to any memorandum of understanding entered into between the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Transportation, when the Coast Guard transfers to and operates in its entirety as a service in the Navy, the appropriations, funding, functions, powers, and duties relating to the Coast Guard are also transferred to the Secretary of the Navy. Authorizes those Secretaries to provide, by memorandum of understanding, for the transfer of additional functions, powers, and duties.

Makes technical amendments to the Act To Prevent Pollution from Ships.

Makes it unlawful for any master, operator, or person in charge of a vessel, with regard to lawful actions and orders by the Coast Guard, to: (1) fail to allow boarding; (2) fail to comply with an order; (3) impede or obstruct a boarding or arrest; or (4) provide certain types of false information. Provides for criminal and civil penalties, seizure and forfeiture of vessels, and withholding or revocation of clearance.

Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike national medals in commemoration of the bicentennial of the Coast Guard. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) furnish the medals to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating at cost; and (2) cause the medals to be sold at cost by the mint as list medals. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Commandant of the Coast Guard each to present available medals to individuals whom they determine to merit recognition for their activities in furtherance of missions of the Coast Guard.