SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5030

BYSenator Talmadge

Requiring periodic pilotage tests.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 11, 1987

Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The State Pilotage Act provides for a Board of Pilotage Commissioners to license state licensed pilots.  All pilots are required to be at least 25 years of age and under 70, be a United States citizen and a Washington resident, and hold, as a minimum for two years prior to taking the pilot exam, a federal license as a Master of Freight and Towing Vessels not more than 1,000 gross tons.

Prior to licensing, pilot applicants must pass a written and oral examination administered and graded by the Board, which tests applicants on the chapter, rules of the road, local harbor ordinances, and other matters as required to complement the United States Coast Guard examinations and qualifications.

The Board holds an examination periodically to insure that there are qualified pilot candidates to meet requirements for projected traffic in Puget Sound and Grays Harbor.  When there are no longer any qualified applicants on the register from previous examinations, and there is a need to license new state pilots, an examination is offered.

SUMMARY:

The Board of Pilotage Commissioners is to conduct the state pilot examinations at least once every three months.

Fiscal Note:      none requested