§15104. National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee

(a) Establishment.-There is established a National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the "Committee").

(b) Function.-The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to-

(1) medical certification determinations for the issuance of licenses, certification of registry, and merchant mariners' documents with respect to merchant mariners;

(2) medical standards and guidelines for the physical qualifications of operators of commercial vessels;

(3) medical examiner education; and

(4) medical research.

(c) Membership.-

(1) In general.-The Committee shall consist of 14 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) 9 shall represent health-care professionals and have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience regarding the medical examinations of merchant mariners or occupational medicine.

(B) 5 shall represent professional mariners and have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in occupational requirements for mariners.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title VI, §601(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4283 .)