FINAL BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5104

FULL VETO

                             AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

Brief Description:  Revising pilot examinations.

SPONSORS:Senators Moore, Amondson and Metcalf.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

BACKGROUND:

Current law requires the Board of Pilotage Commissioners to conduct a pilotage examination every two years in order to license state pilots of foreign vessels operating in state waters.  It also requires the board to develop five examinations and grading sheets for the Puget Sound Pilotage District and two for each other pilotage district, for the testing and grading of pilot applicants.

SUMMARY:

The requirement that the Board of Pilotage Commissioners conduct an examination for pilot applicants every two years is deleted.  In lieu of that, the board is given discretion to hold exams at such times as will, in its discretion, ensure the maintenance of an efficient and competent pilotage service.  When there are three or fewer pilots on the waiting list for the Puget Sound Pilotage District, the board is required to hold an exam.  The board must also provide reasonable advance notice of an examination.

Further, the development of a single examination and grading sheet for each pilotage district is required rather than the multiple examinations currently required.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      43    0

House 95    0     (House amended)

Senate      45    0     (Senate concurred)

FULL VETO (See VETO MESSAGE)