Brief Description: Limiting liability of ports providing pilots.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Doumit, Hargrove and Sheldon).

Hearing Date: 3/22/05

Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7347).

Background:

Under current law, a marine pilot licensed by Washington State is immune from liability for damages in excess of five thousand dollars for damages or loss due to the pilot's errors, omissions, fault, or neglect in the performance of his or her pilotage services. However, the liability protection does not apply if the pilot engages in wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

Summary of Bill:

The liability protection available to marine pilots is expanded to include any countywide port district located in part or in whole within the Grays Harbor pilotage district authorized to provide pilotage services. Such port districts are immune from liability for damages in excess of five thousand dollars for damages or loss due to a pilot's errors, omissions, fault, or neglect in the performance of his or her pilotage services. However, the liability protection does not apply if the pilot engages in willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.