The initial appointees to the commission shall be the members of the State Pilotage Commission appointed by the Governor pursuant to the Code of Alabama 1975, as it existed prior to the enactment of this chapter, and holding office at the time of the enactment of this chapter. Thereafter, at the expiration of the respective terms, the Governor shall appoint the commissioners to hold office for six years from the dates of the expiration of their respective commissions. Commission members shall serve until their successors are appointed. The commissioners shall serve without compensation, but all traveling expenses incurred by the commissioners in the performance of their duties shall be paid out of funds in the treasury of the commission.