§15103 National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee

Summary

Creates a National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee to give the Secretary advice on merchant mariner personnel issues like training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and fitness. The Secretary must pick 19 members under the law. Each member must have relevant experience. The 19 members are: 9 mariners (3 deck officers, 3 engineering officers, 2 unlicensed seamen, 1 pilot); 6 marine educators; 2 people from ship operation management; and 2 members of the general public. Deck officers: 2 licensed for oceans any gross tons, 1 licensed for inland river routes (limited or unlimited), 2 with a master’s or master of towing license, 1 with significant tanker experience, and, as much as possible, one representing labor and one representing management. Engineering officers: 2 licensed as chief engineer any horsepower, 1 licensed as a limited chief engineer or designated duty engineer, and, as much as possible, one representing labor and one representing management. Unlicensed seamen: 1 able‑bodied seaman and 1 qualified engine‑department member. Marine educators: 3 from maritime academies (2 are State academy nominees jointly recommended and 1 from either State academies or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) and 3 from other maritime training institutions (including 1 from the small vessel industry).