(a) Except as provided in (b) and (c) of this section, if a fisherman files a claim for benefits under this chapter and also files a claim against the protection and indemnity insurance policy of the vessel owner, the vessel owner is entitled to receive a benefit, not to exceed the amount of the actual loss, that is the lesser of (1) the full amount of the protection and indemnity insurance policy deductible; or
(2) $15,000.
(b) If the unexpended and unobligated balance of the fund falls below $7,500,000, the benefit a vessel owner is entitled to receive under (a)(2) of this section is reduced to $10,000.
(c) If the unexpended and unobligated balance of the fund falls below $5,000,000, the benefit a vessel owner is entitled to receive under (a)(2) of this section is reduced to $5,000.