The chairperson of the board of pilotage commissioners is the assistant secretary of marine operations of the department of transportation of the state of Washington or the assistant secretary's designee. Information regarding the Pilotage Act, complaints and other matters coming under the provisions of the Pilotage Act and the board's rules and regulations may be obtained by contacting the chairperson or the board's staff in person or in writing at the Office of the Board of Pilotage Commissioners. All public documents in the custody of the board may be obtained upon request made to the chairperson of the Board of Pilotage Commissioners.

Any matter filed with the chairperson and/or the staff will be brought to the attention of the board at its next regular meeting, the date of which is the second Thursday of each month. Persons desiring to do so may also attend the board meetings. Please see www.pilotage.wa.gov for office hours, meeting times and locations.

The purpose and scope of activity of the board of pilotage commissioners are set out in chapter 88.16 RCW and are as follows:

Scope: (1) Puget Sound pilotage district.

(2) Grays Harbor pilotage district.

Purpose: The purpose of the board of pilotage commissioners is to prevent the loss of human lives, loss of property and vessels and to protect the marine environment by maintenance of a competent and efficient pilotage service on the state's waters. To accomplish this end the board examines proficiency of potential pilots, licenses pilots, regulates pilots, enforces the use of pilots, sets pilotage rates, receives and investigates reports of accidents involving pilots, keeps records of various matters affecting pilotage and fulfills other responsibilities enumerated in chapter 88.16 RCW.