46 U.S.C. § 15102 — National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee

(a) Establishment: The law creates a National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee, called "the Committee" in this section. (b) Function: The Committee must: (1) advise and give written recommendations to the Secretary on the safe operation of vessels covered by chapter 45, including: (A) navigation safety; (B) safety equipment and procedures; (C) marine insurance; (D) vessel design, construction, maintenance, and operation; and (E) qualifications and training of personnel; (2) review chapter 45 regulations while they are being written; and (3) review marine casualties and investigations of vessels covered by chapter 45, and recommend ways to the Secretary to improve safety and cut down on vessel casualties. (c) Membership: (1) In general: The Committee has 18 members, appointed by the Secretary under this section and section 15109. (2) Expertise: Each member must have real expertise, knowledge, and experience related to the Committee's work. (3) Representation: Members are appointed as follows: (A) 10 members represent the commercial fishing industry. As a group, they must reflect a fair regional and representational balance. Each, individually, must have experience either operating vessels covered by chapter 45, or working as a crew member or processing-line worker on a fish processing vessel. (B) 1 member represents naval architects and marine engineers. (C) 1 member represents manufacturers of equipment for vessels covered by chapter 45. (D) 1 member represents education and training professionals in fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessel safety and qualifications. (E) 1 member represents underwriters who insure vessels covered by chapter 45. (F) 1 member represents owners of vessels covered by chapter 45. (G) 3 members represent the general public. Where possible, they should include an independent maritime safety expert or consultant, a marine surveyor who serves vessels covered by chapter 45, and someone familiar with issues facing fishing communities and fishermen's families. (d) Quorum: A quorum of 10 members is needed before the Committee can send any written recommendations to the Secretary. (e) Savings clause: Nothing here stops the Secretary from taking emergency action to protect safety and save lives at sea.