WSR 25-07-101

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

BOARD OF

PILOTAGE COMMISSIONERS

[Filed March 19, 2025, 8:37 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 363-116-0751 Qualifications for pilot applicants, and 363-116-080 Licensing of pilots.

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: The board of pilotage commissioners (board) plans to administer a marine pilot exam in early 2026. Prior to the exam, the board will be reviewing and updating, as needed, rules concerning the exam and pilot licensing qualifications to better reflect agency practices, goals, and values, as well as to conduct other minor housekeeping of the language to increase clarity to pilot aspirants and applicants.

Process for Developing New Rule: The board will be considering recommendations from the trainee evaluation committee and/or pilot exam committee and will be discussing them at regular public board meetings. Stakeholder comments are encouraged and welcome. Upon further review and consideration of recommended revisions, a public hearing will be scheduled to consider the proposed new rules pursuant to the 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 Jaimie C. Bever, Executive Director, 2901 3rd Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121, phone 206-515-3887, email Jaimie.Bever@wsdot.wa.gov, website www.pilotage.wa.gov.

March 19, 2025

Jaimie C. Bever

Executive Director