; and (ii) towing safety. (C) Points of view Except as provided in subparagraph (D), each member of the Committee shall represent the point of view of an entity or group, as follows: (i) 7 members representing the barge and towing industry, reflecting a regional geographic balance. (ii) 1 member representing the offshore mineral and oil supply vessel industry. (iii) 1 member representing Masters or Pilots of towing vessels who have experience on the Western Rivers and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. (iv) 1 member representing Masters of towing vessels who have experience in offshore service. (v) 1 member representing Masters of towing vessels who have experience in harbor-assist operations. (vi) 1 member representing towing vessel engineers. (vii) 2 members representing port districts, authorities, or terminal operators. (viii) 1 member representing shippers. (ix) 1 member representing shippers who are engaged in the chartering or shipping of oil or hazardous materials by barge. (D) Additional members 2 members of the Committee shall represent the general public. (3) Status of members For the purposes of Federal law, including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 of title 18— (A) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group set out in paragraph (2)(C), is hereby deemed a representative of the member’s respective special interest entity or group, and not a special Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); and (B) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary appoints to represent the general public, is hereby deemed a special Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18). (4) Nominations; appointments