(a) The committee shall convene a taskforce, including appropriate state and federal governmental representatives, nongovernmental organizations, oil spill response organizations, and commercial fishing and other potential vessels of opportunity, to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of using vessels of opportunity for oil spill response in marine waters. The evaluation shall examine the following:
(1) Appropriate functions of vessels of opportunity during an oil spill.
(2) Appropriate management of a vessels of opportunity spill response program.
(3) Vessels of opportunity equipment, training, and technology needs.
(4) Liability and insurance.
(5) Compensation.
(b) As part of the evaluation, the taskforce shall hold two public meetings, one in southern California and one in northern California, prior to making final recommendations.
(c) (1) On or before January 1, 2017, the committee shall provide to the administrator and to the Legislature final recommendations on whether vessels of opportunity should be included in oil spill response planning.
(2) The recommendations provided to the Legislature shall be provided pursuant to Section 9795.
(d) If appropriate, the administrator, by January 1, 2018, shall update regulations to provide for inclusion of vessels of opportunity in the oil spill prevention, response, and preparedness program.
(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 609, Sec. 6. (SB 414) Effective January 1, 2016.)