SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5861

BYSenators Tanner, Johnson, Moore, Hansen and Conner

Providing an exemption for specified vessels from application of chapter 88.16 RCW.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 2, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Hansen, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Barr, Bender, Garrett, Halsan, Johnson, Nelson, Patterson, Sellar, Smitherman; West.

Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

                  March 18, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The state Pilotage Act requires that all registered vessels (foreign flag) employ a state licensed pilot while in Washington waters.  Those vessels are required to pay state pilotage rates.  State licensed pilots are a highly qualified group of individuals 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 Victoria, British Columbia, they were required by state law to employ a pilot on that vessel.  Many argue that a state licensed pilot is not necessary on those types of vessels.

SUMMARY:

The State Board of Pilotage Commissioners is authorized to grant an exemption from the provisions of the state Pilotage Act to any vessel that the Board finds is a small passenger vessel or yacht.  That vessel may not be more than 500 gross tons, may not exceed 200 feet in length, and must be operated exclusively in the waters of the Puget Sound Pilotage District and lower British Columbia.

To be considered for such an exemption, an interested party petitions the Board in writing.  Such petition sets out a description of the vessel, its contemplated use, the area of operation and the vessel's owner.  To grant such an exemption, the Board must find that the exemption is not detrimental to the public interest in regard to safe operation.

The Board is to at least annually review exemptions granted to ensure that each exempted vessel remains in compliance with the original exemption.  The Board is authorized to revoke such exemption where there is not continued compliance and maintain a file detailing exemptions granted by the Board and to report those annually to the Legislature.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Jim Boldt, Victoria Clipper, Inc.; Robert Kromann, President, Port Angeles Pilots Association; John Woodring, Port Angeles Pilots Association; Ralph White, Chairman, Board of Pilotage Commissioners