National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee

There is established a National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the “Committee”). navigation safety; safety equipment and procedures; marine insurance; vessel design, construction, maintenance, and operation; and personnel qualifications and training; review regulations proposed under chapter 45 of this title (during preparation of the regulations); and review marine casualties and investigations of vessels covered by chapter 45 of this title and make recommendations to the Secretary to improve safety and reduce vessel casualties. The Committee shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109 of this chapter. Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee. as a group, shall together reflect a regional and representational balance; and in the operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies; or as a crew member or processing line worker on a fish processing vessel. 1 member shall represent naval architects and marine engineers. 1 member shall represent manufacturers of equipment for vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies. 1 member shall represent education and training professionals related to fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, and fish tender vessel safety and personnel qualifications. 1 member shall represent underwriters that insure vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies. 1 member shall represent owners of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies. an independent expert or consultant in maritime safety; a marine surveyor who provides services to vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies; and a person familiar with issues affecting fishing communities and the families of fishermen. A quorum of 10 members is required to send any written recommendations from the Committee to the Secretary. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from taking emergency action to ensure safety and preservation of life at sea. The Committee shall— advise and provide recommendations in writing to the Secretary on matters relating to the safe operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies, including the matters of— Members of the Committee shall be appointed as follows: 10 members shall represent the commercial fishing industry and— as individuals, shall each have experience— 3 members shall represent the general public and, to the extent possible, shall include— (Source: (Added Pub. L. 115–282, title VI, § 601(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4281; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIII [LXXXIII], § 8335(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4706.))