Committee (a) Establishment There is established a National Towing Safety Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the Committee ). (b) Function The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to shallow-draft inland navigation, coastal waterway navigation, and towing safety. (c) Membership (1) In general The Committee shall consist of 18 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 1309 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) 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. 1309. Administration (a) Meetings Each committee established under this chapter shall, at least once each year, meet at the call of the Secretary or a majority of the members of the committee. (b) Employee status A member of a committee established under this chapter shall not be considered an employee of the Federal Government by reason of service on such committee, except for the purposes of the following: (1) Chapter 81 of title