((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.