; vacancy (A) Term (i) In general The term of each member of the Committee shall expire on December 31 of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment. (ii) Extensions Notwithstanding clause (i), paragraph (4), or any other provision of law or policy, the Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) may extend the term of a member of the Committee to December 31 of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment. (B) Vacancy In the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the Committee, the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term. (6) Chairman; vice chairman (A) In general The Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) shall designate 1 member of the Committee as the Chairman and another member of the Committee as the Vice Chairman, both of whom shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) and for a term to be fixed by the Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee). (B) Recommendations The Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) may solicit, from the Committee, recommendations with regard to the members whom the Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) shall designate as the Chairman and the Vice Chairman. (C) Vacancy The Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman in the absence or incapacity of, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of, the Chairman. (7) Designated Federal Officer The Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) shall designate a Designated Federal Officer to the Committee in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). (d) Consultation The Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) shall, whenever practicable— (1) consult with the Committee before taking any significant action relating to the safe operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies