The National Boating Safety Advisory Committee (Committee) was established on December 4, 2018, by § 601 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-282, 132 Stat. 4192.  That authority is codified in 46 U.S.C. § 15105.  The Committee operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. Appendix) in addition to the administrative provisions for National Maritime Transportation Advisory Committees in 46 U.S.C. § 15109.  The Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security through the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and the Director of Inspections and Compliance, United States Coast Guard.

NBSAC typically holds two meetings a year, usually in the spring and fall. Meetings are open to the public, and meeting times, location and agenda are published in the Federal Register.  The Director of Inspections & Compliance (CG-5PC) in Coast Guard Headquarters is the Council's Sponsor, and the Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety (CG-BSX) is NBSAC's Designated Federal Officer (DFO).