SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5648

BYSenators Smitherman, Garrett and Barr

Exempting certain passenger vessels from state pilotage requirements.

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.  When the owners of a high-speed passenger vessel began service in July, 1986 between Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia, the Board of Pilotage Commissioners required the vessel owners to employ a pilot on that service.

The owners in seeking exemptions argued that this type of vessel employing licensed Coast Guard personnel, and operating only between the ports of Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia, should not be kept under the State Pilotage Act because it posed minimal threat to vessel traffic or to the marine environment.

SUMMARY:

Exempted from the State Pilotage Act are high-speed small passenger vessels not exceeding 150 feet in length and less than 500 tons whose vessels are operated and manned by United States Coast Guard licensed personnel and engaged in regular service between Puget Sound and British Columbia ports.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

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