(A) The South Carolina Commissioners of Pilotage for the Upper Coastal Area must be appointed by the Governor, upon the recommendation of a majority of the Legislative Delegation of Georgetown County and shall serve for three years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired term.

(B) The South Carolina Commissioners of Pilotage for the Upper Coastal Area shall consist of eight persons appointed as provided by this chapter, one of whom is the Chairman of the South Carolina State Ports Authority or a board member designated by the chairman, ex officio, one of whom is the President of the International Longshoremen’s Association Local or his designee, ex officio, and one of whom is a pilot licensed for the Port of Georgetown under § 54-15-90, appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the licensed pilots. The remaining five members are appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Georgetown County Legislative Delegation. The terms of office of the commissioners are for three years and until their successors are appointed except for the members first appointed. The member representative of the pilots licensed under § 54-15-90 shall serve a three-year term. In the event of a vacancy, however caused, a successor must be appointed in the manner of the original appointment to fill the unexpired term. The above appointments must be made as each term of the present commissioners expires.