SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5488

BYSenators Hansen and Sellar

Creating a special pilot license.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 11, 1987

Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Pilotage Act requires that all registered vessels (foreign flag) employ a state licensed pilot while in Washington waters and pay required pilotage rates.  A state licensed pilot is a highly qualified individual capable of providing pilotage services for Puget Sound or for Grays Harbor, on board any size or type of vessel.

When the owners of a high speed passenger vessel began service in July 1986 between Seattle and British Columbia, the state law required the vessel owners to employ a pilot on that vessel.

SUMMARY:

High speed small passenger vessels are exempt from the regular pilotage requirements of the State Pilotage Act when; (1) that vessel is capable of cruising in excess of 30 knots, (2) the vessel is not more than 150 feet in length and less than 500 tons, (3) the vessel is engaged in regular service exclusively between ports in Puget Sound and British Columbia, and (4) the vessel is operated and manned by a pilot holding a special state pilot's license.

The Board of Pilotage Commissioners is authorized to issue a special state pilot's license to persons meeting the following requirements: (a) be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of Washington, over 25 years of age and under 70 years; (b) pass a written an oral exam administered by the Board, (c) meets applicable United States Coast Guard requirements, (d) has a minimum of 100 trips on the routes to which the special license will apply, or one year's experience on routes of the Puget Sound pilotage district; (e) meets the physical examination health requirements of the Act, and (f) meets other requirements as the Board establishes.

A special pilot's license is valid for two years, renewal may be held for a good cause, the annual license fee is set by the Board but may not exceed $1,000.

The difference between the requirements for a special pilots license and a state pilots license are that a state pilot must take a minimum 75 practice trips before licensing, is limited to vessel size for the first two years of license, and must pay up to a $1,500 license fee annually.

The special pilot license allows service only as a pilot on a vessel having the characteristics specified in the legislation.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.