§ 15108. National Towing Safety Advisory Committee

• (a) There is established a National Towing Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).
• (b) The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to shallow-draft inland navigation, coastal waterway navigation, and towing safety.
• (c)
  • (1) The Committee shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109 of this chapter.
  • (2) Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee.
  • (3) Members of the Committee shall be appointed as follows:
    • (A) 7 members shall represent the barge and towing industry, reflecting a regional geographic balance.
    • (B) 1 member shall represent the offshore mineral and oil supply vessel industry.
    • (C) 1 member shall 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 shall represent masters of towing vessels in offshore service who hold active licenses.
    • (E) 1 member shall represent masters of active ship-docking or harbor towing vessels.
    • (F) 1 member shall represent licensed and unlicensed towing vessel engineers with formal training and experience.
    • (G) 2 members shall represent port districts, authorities, or terminal operators.
    • (H) 2 members shall represent shippers and, of the 2, 1 shall be engaged in the shipment of oil or hazardous materials by barge.
    • (I) 2 members shall represent the general public.