§15102 National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee

Summary

Create a National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee to give written advice to the Secretary about keeping vessels covered by chapter 45 safe. The committee must make recommendations on things like navigation, safety gear and procedures, marine insurance, vessel design and upkeep, and crew training. It must also review draft regulations under chapter 45 while they are being prepared and look over marine accidents and investigations to suggest ways to reduce casualties. The committee must have 18 members chosen by the Secretary. Ten must represent the commercial fishing industry and together show regional balance; each of those ten must have experience running covered vessels or working as crew or on fish processing lines. The others are: one naval architect/marine engineer, one equipment manufacturer, one education/training professional for vessel safety, one underwriter, one vessel owner, and three public representatives (including, if possible, an independent maritime safety expert, a marine surveyor for covered vessels, and someone familiar with fishing communities). At least 10 members are needed to send written recommendations. The Secretary can still act in an emergency to protect life at sea.