National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee

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§15102. National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee

(a) Establishment.-There is established a National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the "Committee").

(b) Function.-The Committee shall-

(1) advise the Secretary on matters relating to the safe operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies, including the matters of-

(A) navigation safety;

(B) safety equipment and procedures;

(C) marine insurance;

(D) vessel design, construction, maintenance, and operation; and

(E) personnel qualifications and training; and


(2) review regulations proposed under chapter 45 of this title (during preparation of the regulations).


(c) Membership.-

(1) In general.-The Committee shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109 of this chapter.

(2) Expertise.-Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee.

(3) Representation.-Members of the Committee shall be appointed as follows:

(A) 10 members shall represent the commercial fishing industry and-

(i) as a group, shall together reflect a regional and representational balance; and

(ii) as individuals, shall each have experience-

(I) in the operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies; or

(II) as a crew member or processing line worker on a fish processing vessel.


(B) 1 member shall represent naval architects and marine engineers.

(C) 1 member shall represent manufacturers of equipment for vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies.

(D) 1 member shall represent education and training professionals related to fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, and fish tender vessel safety and personnel qualifications.

(E) 1 member shall represent underwriters that insure vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies.

(F) 1 member shall represent owners of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies.

(G) 3 members shall represent the general public and, to the extent possible, shall include-

(i) an independent expert or consultant in maritime safety;

(ii) a marine surveyor who provides services to vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies; and

(iii) a person familiar with issues affecting fishing communities and the families of fishermen.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title VI, §601(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4281 .)


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