(a) Composition.--There is hereby continued within the commission a Boating Advisory Board. The board shall consist of the Secretary of Environmental Resources, or his designee, the executive director of the commission and the assistant executive director of the commission in charge of watercraft safety, all of whom shall be ex officio members, and five volunteer members to be appointed by the Governor for terms of five years or, in the case of a vacancy, for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(b) Qualifications.--The members appointed by the Governor shall be experienced boaters as evidenced by the operation of a boat and active membership in representative boating associations, yacht clubs or similar organizations. As far as possible, the membership of the board shall be bipartisan and shall represent the various geographical sections and boating interests of this Commonwealth.

(c) Officers.--The board shall annually select one of the volunteer members as the chairman. The assistant executive director for watercraft safety shall serve as secretary.

(d) Compensation.--The volunteer members of the board shall receive no salary but may, subject to the approval of the commission, receive travel expenses. When performing any function on behalf of the commission or acting within the scope of their official duties, volunteer members of the board shall be authorized to operate Commonwealth vehicles and watercraft and shall be treated as employees of the Commonwealth for the purposes of automotive and general liability and the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act.

(e) Meetings and quorum.--The board shall meet at such place and at such time as may be specified upon the call of the chairman, three members of the board or the commission. Five members of the board, including three volunteer members, shall constitute a quorum.

(f) Powers and duties.--The board shall advise the commission on all matters relating to boating and make recommendations to the commission with regard to any proposed rules or regulations affecting the equipment or operation of boats.

(Jan. 29, 1998, P.L.31, No.7, eff. imd.)

1998 Amendment. Act 7 amended subsec. (d).