46 U.S.C. § 15108 — National Towing Safety Advisory Committee

(a) Establishment.— There is established a National Towing Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

(b) Function.— The Committee must advise the Secretary on matters relating to shallow-draft inland navigation, coastal waterway navigation, and towing safety.
(c) Membership.—
(1) Generally.— The Committee must consist of 18 members appointed by the Secretary under this section and section 15109 of this chapter.
(2) Expertise.— Each member of the Committee must have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee.
(3) Representation.— Members of the Committee must be appointed as follows:
(A) 7 members must represent the barge^* and towing industry, reflecting a regional geographic balance.
(B) 1 member must represent the offshore mineral and oil supply vessel^* industry.
(C) 1 member must represent masters and pilots of towing vessels who hold active licenses and have experience on the Western Rivers and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
(D) 1 member must represent masters of towing vessels in offshore service who hold active licenses.
(E) 1 member must represent masters of active ship-docking or harbor towing vessels.
(F) 1 member must represent licensed and unlicensed towing vessel engineers with formal training and experience.
(G) 2 members must represent port districts, authorities, or terminal operators.
(H) 2 members must represent shippers and, of the 2, 1 must be engaged in the shipment of oil or hazardous materials by barge.
(I) 2 members must represent the general public.