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46 U.S.C. § 15102 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 46. Shipping § 15102. National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(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 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--

(A) navigation safety;

(B) safety equipment and procedures;

(C) marine insurance;

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

(E) personnel qualifications and training;

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

(3) 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.

(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.

(d)Quorum.--A quorum of 10 members is required to send any written recommendations from the Committee to the Secretary.

(e)Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from taking emergency action to ensure safety and preservation of life at sea.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - 46 U.S.C. § 15102 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 46. Shipping § 15102. National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-46-shipping/46-usc-sect-15102/

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