SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5356

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Transportation, February 2, 1995

Title:  An act relating to pilotage license fees.

Brief Description:  Providing for enforcement and administration of the pilotage act.

Sponsors:  Senators Owen, Prince and Bauer; by request of Board of Pilotage Commissioners.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/2/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

  Signed by Senators Owen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Fairley, Kohl, Morton, Oke, Prentice, Prince, Rasmussen, Schow, Sellar and Wood.

Staff:  Jennifer Joly (786-7305)

Background:  Pilots are responsible for the navigation of U.S. and foreign flag vessels in Puget Sound and Grays Harbor.

The Board of Pilotage Commissioner's (BPC) primary functions relate to pilot licensing and regulation. The BPC is responsible for the administration of pilot qualification and performance standards, training and educational requirements; setting pilotage tariffs; and monitoring the pilot and shipping industry to ensure adherence to the Pilotage Act. 

In order to pilot a vessel in Puget Sound or Grays Harbor, one must hold a pilot's license. Pilot licenses are valid for five years.  An annual license fee, not to exceed $1,500, is established by the BPC.

During the past several years, expenditures have exceeded the incoming revenue, which is derived entirely from annual pilot license fees.  Account reserves have been depleted and revenues for the 1995-97 biennium, at the statutory maximum of $1500 per license, will not provide adequate funding for required BPC functions. 

Summary of Bill:  For the period beginning July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1999, the annual license fee established by the Board of Pilotage Commissioners is $2,500.  For the period beginning July 1, 1999, the fee is $3,000.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 24, 1995.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 1995.

Testimony For:  The BPC is funded entirely from the annual license fees paid by the pilots.  The pilots, however, are fully reimbursed for these license fees through pilotage tariffs.  The pilots and the maritime industry support this legislation to ensure adequate funding of the BPC in support of their vital functions of preventing the loss of lives and property, and protecting the marine environment.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Larry Vognild, Chair, Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC); Captain Mike McGavin, pilot representative, BPC; Dennis Marshall, foreign shipping representative, BPC; James Moe, Puget Sound Steamship Operators Association.