PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
PILOTAGE COMMISSIONERS
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 363-116-360 Exempt vessels.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 88.16 RCW, Pilotage Act.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Modifications to this rule will address recent changes made by the 2012 Washington state legislature through the passage of SB 6171, amending RCW 88.16.070.
The current tonnage limitation on foreign flagged yachts applying for a pilotage exemption is five hundred gross tons (international). On June 7, 2012, new legislation will become effective and will increase the tonnage to a limitation not to exceed seven hundred fifty gross tons (international).
Other provisions in the rule will be reviewed, including but not limited to, the fee structure, the application procedures, housekeeping modifications, etc.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Modifications to state law necessitate amendments to this rule and discussions will occur at regular session board meetings. Stakeholder comments are welcome. Upon review and consideration of recommended revisions, a public hearing will be scheduled pursuant to formal notice requirements.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Peggy Larson, Executive Director, Board of Pilotage Commissioners, 2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121, phone (206) 515-3904, fax (206) 515-3906, LarsonP@wsdot.wa.gov, www.pilotage.wa.gov.
April 23, 2012
Peggy Larson
Executive Director