WSR 08-15-119

PERMANENT RULES

BOARD OF

PILOTAGE COMMISSIONERS

[ Filed July 21, 2008, 2:14 p.m. , effective August 21, 2008 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: Amend/create/clarify rules resulting from the implementation of statutory modifications to chapter 88.16 RCW; rules concerning the protest, review and appeal of pilot licensing examinations; rules concerning pilot licensing examination qualifications and procedures; rules concerning training program and license upgrade provisions; and make housekeeping modifications as necessary.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 363-116-075 and 363-116-150; and amending WAC 363-116-010, 363-116-070, 363-116-0751, 363-116-076, 363-116-077, 363-116-078, 363-116-082, 363-116-083, 363-116-110, 363-116-120, 363-116-200, 363-116-205, 363-116-315, 363-116-35001, 363-116-370, 363-116-405 and 363-116-420; and new section WAC 363-116-084.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 88.16 RCW.

     Other Authority: SSB 6602 enacted during the 2008 regular session of the Washington state legislature.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 08-10-106 on May 7, 2008.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: The proposed amendment to WAC 363-116-315 was not adopted. The proposed definition of "junior master" was not adopted. The proposed definition of "master" was modified. Two subject areas pertaining to local knowledge exams were moved onto the list of subject areas for the written examination. License upgrade trips for a new Grays Harbor pilot are now allowed in the Puget Sound pilotage district in years 3-5 rather than 1-5 as proposed. Procedures for written exam protests and simulator evaluation reviews were further modified.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 17, Repealed 2.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 1, Amended 17, Repealed 2.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 17, Repealed 2.

     Date Adopted: June 12, 2008.

Peggy Larson

Administrator

OTS-1522.3


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-010   Time and place of meeting.   The regular monthly meeting of the board of pilotage commissioners shall be on the second Thursday of each month at ((9:00)) 9:30 a.m. ((at Pier 52, Seattle, Washington)) in the offices of the Washington state ferries, Seattle, Washington, unless another time and place has been designated by the chairperson at the last previous meeting. If the aforementioned day falls on a holiday, the meeting shall take place on the following Thursday at the same hour.

[Recodified as § 363-116-010. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035 and 88.16.155. 78-09-057 (Order 78-2, Resolution No. 78-2), § 296-116-010, filed 8/23/78; Order 2-68, § 296-116-010, filed 11/1/68; § 1, effective 11/25/58.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-17-128, filed 8/20/07, effective 9/20/07)

WAC 363-116-070   Collection of fees.   All pilots shall pay an annual license fee of six thousand dollars or such amount as may be set by statute for every year in which they perform any pilotage services. If a licensed pilot does not perform pilotage services during a license year, his/her fee for that year shall be reduced to one thousand dollars upon application to the board. The board of pilotage commissioners shall receive all fees for licenses or for other purposes and make proper accounting of same and transmit all such funds to the pilotage account.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090 and 88.16.035. 07-17-128, § 363-116-070, filed 8/20/07, effective 9/20/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090. 04-14-017, § 363-116-070, filed 6/28/04, effective 7/29/04. Recodified as § 363-116-070. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090 and 1995 c 175. 97-06-105, § 296-116-070, filed 3/5/97, effective 4/5/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 88-14-063 (Order 88-13, Resolution No. 88-13), § 296-116-070, filed 7/1/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090. 85-15-032 (Order 85-1, Resolution No. 85-1), § 296-116-070, filed 7/12/85; 84-11-056 (Order 84-4, Resolution No. 84-4), § 296-116-070, filed 5/18/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 82-24-010 (Order 82-8, Resolution No. 82-8), § 296-116-070, filed 11/18/82; 79-11-063 (Order 79-5, Resolution No. 79-5), § 296-116-070, filed 10/18/79. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035 and 88.16.155. 78-09-057 (Order 78-2, Resolution No. 78-2), § 296-116-070, filed 8/23/78; Order 2-68, § 296-116-070, filed 11/1/68; § 7, effective 11/25/58.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-18-021, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05)

WAC 363-116-0751   Qualifications for pilot applicants taking examinations on or after July 1, 2008.   (1) Sea service.

     (a) In addition to meeting the preexamination requirements of RCW 88.16.090, pilot applicants must, before taking the examination provided in WAC 363-116-076, meet one of the following indicated service requirements as master, while holding a minimum license as master of steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 GRT or 3000 GT (ITC):


Vessel Type Minimum Size Waters Minimum Time
Cargo or tank 5000 GRT or 10,000 GT (ITC) Ocean or near coastal 1 year
Cargo or tank 700 GRT or 1400 GT (ITC) Ocean or near coastal 2 years
Cargo or tank 1600 GRT or 3000 GT (ITC) Inland 2 years
Passenger or ferry 1600 GRT or 3000 GT (ITC) Ocean, near coastal or inland 2 years
Towing 150 GRT or 300 GT (ITC) Ocean, near coastal or inland 2 years

     (b) In calculating sea service under subsection (1) of this section, a year of service shall equal three hundred sixty days of service on the vessel in the required capacity. Pilot applicants combining the above types of sea service shall have a total of at least two years of the various service times, except that one day of service as master on cargo, tank, or passenger vessels of at least 5000 GRT or 10,000 GT (ITC) shall be credited as two days of service time for the purpose of calculating such combined service times.

     (2) In lieu of the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, ((an)) a pilot applicant may substitute either:

     (a) Three years of service as an active member of an organized professional pilot association or as a government employed pilot during which periods the pilot applicant was actively engaged in piloting while holding a minimum license as a master of steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 GRT or 3000 GT (ITC) upon oceans, near coastal waters or inland waters. For purposes of this section, piloting shall refer to piloting vessels in the capacity of the pilot in charge of navigation; or

     (b) Two years of service as a commanding officer or master of U.S. flag government vessels of not less than 3000 displacement tons. The pilot applicant must hold at the time of application a minimum license as master of steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 GRT or 3000 GT (ITC) upon oceans, near coastal waters or inland waters.

     (3) ((An applicant who does not meet the sea service requirements set forth in subsection (1) or (2) of this section but is otherwise qualified to take the examination, shall be eligible to take examinations given on or after July 1, 2008, if the applicant qualified for, took and passed the most recent examination given prior to July 1, 2008, pursuant to WAC 363-116-075 and any subsequent examinations given after July 1, 2008, pursuant to WAC 363-116-0751.

     (4))) As used in this section these terms shall have the following meanings:

     (a) Cargo or tank vessels shall refer to vessels primarily engaged in the transportation of cargo between points.

     (b) Passenger vessels shall refer to vessels primarily engaged in the transportation of passengers between points. This shall include yachts only to the extent and for such times that such vessels are actively engaged in moving passengers between points.

     (c) Ferry vessels shall refer to vessels primarily engaged in the transportation of vehicles and passengers between points.

     (d) Towing vessels shall refer to vessels primarily engaged in commercial towing of vessels or in ship assist work.

     (e) GRT shall refer to gross register tonnage (domestic).

     (f) GT (ITC) shall refer to gross tonnage measured in accordance with the requirements of the 1969 International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships.

     (g) Master shall refer to the person of master's rank on the vessel's station bill or muster list or other such document who, in the event of an emergency or the sounding of a general alarm, is required to be on the bridge and in charge. If there is no such designation, the term master shall refer to the person of master's rank and pay who is ultimately in charge of the navigation of the vessel as reflected in the vessel's official log book, or there being no official log book, the bridge log of the vessel.

     (4) It will be the responsibility of the pilot applicant to provide adequate documentation to enable the board to set forth and verify sea service in the manner specified in the board's application form.

     (5) The provisions of this section shall apply to examinations provided in WAC 363-116-076 given on or after July 1, 2008.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 88.16 RCW and 2005 c 26. 05-18-021, § 363-116-0751, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-18-021, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05)

WAC 363-116-076   Examination for pilot applicants.   (1) Pilot applicants must pass a written examination given and graded by the board or the board's designated contracting entity. ((A perfect score on the written examination shall be 100 points.)) The board will set the minimum passing score for the written examination. Notice of the examination shall be published at least four months in advance by one paid advertisement in a major marine industry publication and written notice to any party who has requested notice of such examinations. The board may publish additional notices in such publications or in other media at such times as it deems appropriate. Applications will be accepted by the board immediately following the publication of the notice of the examination. The board may, in an emergency, call for an examination on less than four months notice.

     (2) The examination may be taken by all pilot applicants who the board has determined have met the qualifications of WAC ((363-116-075 or)) 363-116-0751 and who:

     (a) Have had an application on file with the board for at least one month prior to the examination. This requirement may be waived by the chairperson of the board upon the showing of good cause.

     (b) Have tendered with the application a nonrefundable examination administration fee in such amount as may be set by the board from time to time. The board may, at its discretion, refund all or part of the examination administration fee for ((an)) a pilot applicant who is unable to sit for the written examination ((or refund all or part of the portion of the examination administration fee that encompasses the simulator fee for an applicant who is unable to sit for the simulator evaluation)).

     (3) The written examination shall be in compliance with RCW 88.16.090 and may consist of questions covering, but not limited to, the following subjects:

     (a) Rules of the Road then applicable to the pilotage district for which the pilot applicant is applying and accompanying information set forth in United States government publications on the subject;

     (b) Meaning and understanding of the aids to navigation;

     (c) Seamanship, including piloting and ship handling, docking and undocking problems, use of ship assist tugs and anchors;

     (d) Vessel traffic system regulations;

     (e) Engine and rudder order commands for United States and foreign merchant vessels and United States naval vessels;

     (f) Operation and use of marine radar and automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA);

     (g) Ability to calculate currents and tides;

     (h) Federal laws affecting mariners and pilots including environmental laws;

     (i) Use of vessel navigational equipment;

     (j) Duties of a pilot;

     (k) Relationship between pilot and master;

     (l) Bridge resource management;

     (m) United States government public health quarantine regulations;

     (n) Marine VHF radio usage and phraseology, including bridge-to-bridge communications regulations;

     (o) Federal navigation safety and security regulations;

     (p) International distress signals;

     (q) Nonlocal chart knowledge, including chart symbols and abbreviations as set forth in the latest U.S. Department of Commerce, NOS (National Ocean Survey) Chart No. 1; ((and))

     (r) ((Chapters 88.16 RCW and 363-116 WAC.)) Maneuvering behavior for different vessel types; and

     (s) Impact of propulsion and maneuvering machinery on vessel navigation.

     (4) ((In addition to the subjects listed in subsection (3) of this section, the following subjects as they pertain to the pilotage district for which the examination is being given may be included in examinations given before July 1, 2008:

     (a) Knowledge of local tidal currents;

     (b) Overhead cable areas and clearances;

     (c) Submerged cable and pipeline areas;

     (d) Channel, waterway and passage widths, depths and shoal areas and other information from the Army Corps of Engineers survey charts;

     (e) Bridge transit knowledge - signals, channel width, regulations, and closed periods;

     (f) Lock characteristics, rules and regulations;

     (g) Ranges for determining compass error and measured miles;

     (h) Channel ranges;

     (i) Pier, wharf, or terminal locations and berth numbers; dock or pier headings, lengths, and minimum depths of water alongside;

     (j) Prohibited areas, restricted areas, regulated navigation areas and explosive anchorages;

     (k) Commonly used anchorage locations;

     (l) Use of anchors and knowledge of ground tackle;

     (m) State and federal tanker escort rules;

     (n) State environmental law and regulations affecting mariners;

     (o) Marine and port security regulations;

     (p) Harbor safety plan and harbor regulations; and

     (q) Local chart knowledge, including chart symbols and abbreviations as set forth in the latest U.S. Department of Commerce, NOS (National Ocean Survey) Chart No. 1.)) The board may require that the cost of the written examination will be at the expense of the pilot applicant.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 88.16 RCW and 2005 c 26. 05-18-021, § 363-116-076, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-18-021, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05)

WAC 363-116-077   Simulator evaluation for pilot applicants.   (1) Pilot applicants ((who take an examination before July 1, 2008, shall be eligible to take the simulator evaluation set forth in this section. Applicants)) who pass ((an)) a written examination on or after July 1, 2008, and whose scores are among the top twenty (or such other number as may be set by the board) of those taking the written examination (plus any pilot applicants who tie a qualifying score) shall be eligible to take the simulator evaluation set forth in this section.

     (2) The simulator evaluation shall take place at a marine simulator facility designated by the board and shall be recorded. In this evaluation pilot applicants shall be observed by available board members but shall be evaluated only by those board members who hold, or have held a minimum U.S. Coast Guard license as master of steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons((, provided that no currently licensed Washington state pilots shall be evaluators or be present during the evaluation)). The board shall also appoint a minimum of two additional evaluators who hold, or have held within ten years of the examination date, a state pilot license issued by another state or who have held a Washington state pilot license within the last ten years.

     (3) All pilot applicants will be evaluated in writing based on some or all of the following factors:

     (a) Fundamental piloting and ship handling ability;

     (b) Ability to assimilate and prioritize all data necessary to safely maneuver the ship;

     (c) Ability to respond appropriately in routine situations;

     (d) Ability to respond appropriately in emergency or nonroutine situations;

     (e) Ability to communicate well and project the proper bridge presence;

     (f) Understanding of bridge resource management; and

     (g) Understanding and command of the Rules of the Road then applicable to the pilotage district for which the pilot applicant is applying.

     (4) The board will determine the scoring method on the simulator evaluation and the relative weight of this score to the whole examination ((will be determined by a board designated examination committee and provided to the applicants prior to the examination provided in WAC 363-116-076)).

     (5) The board will set a minimum passing score.

     (6) The board may require that the cost of the simulator evaluation ((fee)) will be at the expense of the pilot applicant.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 88.16 RCW and 2005 c 26. 05-18-021, § 363-116-077, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 06-20-107, filed 10/4/06, effective 11/4/06)

WAC 363-116-078   Training program.   After passing the written examination and simulator evaluation, pilot applicants pursuing a pilot license must enter and successfully complete a training program specified by the board.

     (1) Notification. Pilot applicants on the list waiting to enter the training program shall provide the board with a current address to be used for notification for entry into the training program. Such address shall be a place at which mail is delivered. In addition, ((an)) a pilot applicant may provide the board with other means of contact such as a phone number, fax number, and/or an e-mail address. The mailing address will, however, be considered the primary means of notification by the board. It will be the responsibility of the pilot applicant to ensure that the board has a current mailing address at all times. If ((an)) a pilot applicant cannot personally receive mail at the address provided to the board for any period of time, another person may be designated in writing with a notarized copy to the board as having power of attorney specifically to act in the pilot applicant's behalf regarding such notice. If notice sent to the address provided by the pilot applicant is returned after three attempts to deliver, that pilot applicant will be skipped and the next pilot applicant on the list will be contacted for entry into the training program. A person so skipped will remain next on the list. ((An)) A pilot applicant or his/her designated attorney in fact shall respond within fifteen calendar days of receipt of notification to accept, refuse, or request a delayed entry into the training program.

     (2) Entry. At such time that the board chooses to start ((an)) a pilot applicant in the training program, notification shall be given to the first person on the list. Pilot applicants shall be eligible in the order of their total combined scores on the written examination and simulator evaluation or as otherwise may be determined by the board. ((Any)) A pilot applicant who refuses entry into the program will be removed from the waiting list with no further obligation by the board to offer a position in the training program to such pilot applicant. ((An)) A pilot applicant who is not able to start the training program ((within two months of the board's notice)) on the date the board sets for that pilot applicant's entry into the training program may, with written consent of the board, delay entry into the training program for up to two months. The board will then give notice to the next pilot applicant on the list to enter the training program. The pilot applicant who delays entry, shall remain eligible for the next position in the training program, provided that the next position becomes available within the earlier of:

     (a) Four years from the pilot applicant's taking the written examination; or

     (b) The date scheduled for the next pilotage examination. Pilot applicants not able to start in the training program within two months of the ((board's notice of eligibility)) date the board sets for that pilot applicant's entry into the training program and who do not obtain the board's written consent to delay entry into the training program shall no longer be eligible for the training program without retaking the examination provided in WAC 363-116-076 and the simulator evaluation provided in WAC 363-116-077.

     (3) Training license. Prior to receiving a training license pilot applicants must pass a physical examination by a board-designated physician ((designated by the board)) and in accordance with the requirements of WAC 363-116-120 for initial pilot applicants. A form provided by the board must be completed by the physician and submitted to the board along with a cover letter indicating the physician's findings and recommendations as to the pilot applicant's fitness to pilot. The physical examination must be taken not more than ((forty-five)) ninety days before issuance of the training license. Holders of a training license will be required to pass a general physical examination annually within ((forty-five)) ninety days prior to the anniversary date of that license. Training license physical((s)) examinations will be at the expense of the pilot applicant. All training licenses shall be signed by the chairperson or his/her designee and shall have an expiration date ((and fee established by the board)). Training licenses shall be surrendered to the board upon completion or termination of the training program.

     (4) Development. As soon as practical after receiving notification of eligibility for entry into the training program as set forth in this section, the pilot applicant shall meet with the trainee evaluation committee for the purpose of devising a training program for that pilot applicant. The training program shall be tailored to the ability and experience of the individual pilot applicant and shall consist of observation trips, training trips in which the pilot applicant pilots the vessel under the supervision of licensed pilots, ship assist tug trips, and such other forms of learning and instruction that may be designated. The trainee evaluation committee shall recommend a training program for adoption by the board. After adoption by the board, it will be presented to the pilot applicant. If the pilot applicant agrees in writing to the training program, the board shall issue a training license to the pilot applicant, which license shall authorize the pilot applicant to take such actions as are contained in the training program. If the pilot applicant does not agree to the terms of the training program in writing within fifteen business days of it being received by the pilot applicant, that pilot applicant shall no longer be eligible for entry into the training program and the board may give notice to the next available pilot applicant that he/she is eligible for the training program.

     (5) Initial evaluation.

     (a) The trainee evaluation committee shall create an initial evaluation at the beginning of each pilot applicant's training program subject to approval by the board. The goal of the initial evaluation is to, as soon as practical after adequate observation trips, have the pilot trainee involved in hands-on piloting and ship handling under the supervision of licensed pilots and subject to the evaluation of training pilots. To this end the trainee evaluation committee shall devise an initial evaluation of a specified length not to exceed six months if the pilot trainee is on stipend and nine months if not on stipend. The initial evaluation shall:

     (i) Afford the pilot trainee early and concentrated exposure to a commonly navigated waterway, channel or tributary within the pilotage district and the main ship channel routes between such area and the seaward boundary of the pilotage district;

     (ii) Except for pilot trainees taking an examination prior to July 1, 2008, provide the pilot trainee the opportunity to study for and pass any local knowledge examinations provided by the board as to the conditions found in such waterway, channel or tributary;

     (iii) Specify a number of training trips in which the pilot trainee pilots vessels under the supervision of licensed pilots; and

     (iv) Specify a number of training trips in which the pilot trainee pilots vessels under the supervision of training pilots and the pilot members of the trainee evaluation committee.

     (b) As a condition of completing the initial evaluation, the pilot trainee shall:

     (i) Pass any required local knowledge examinations given by the board covering the routes described in (a)(i) of this subsection. This examination can be repeated as necessary, provided that it may not be taken more than once in any thirty day period and further provided that it must be successfully passed before the expiration date of the initial evaluation; and

     (ii) Possess a first class pilotage endorsement without tonnage or other restrictions on his/her United States government license to pilot in at least one route in the pilotage district in which the pilot applicant seeks a license.

     (c) After completion of the initial evaluation, the trainee evaluation committee shall make a recommendation to the board and the board shall determine, whether the pilot trainee has demonstrated the potential for superior piloting and ship handling and has demonstrated the ability to assimilate and retain the local knowledge necessary to pilot. Unless the board finds that such superior potential exists, it shall terminate the pilot trainee's participation in the training program.

     (6) Specification of trips. To the extent possible, the training program shall provide a wide variety of assignments, observation and training trips. The training program may contain deadlines for achieving full or partial completion of certain necessary actions. Where relevant, it may specify such factors as route, sequence of trips, weather conditions, day or night, stern or bow first, draft, size of ship and any other relevant factors. The board may designate specific trips or specific numbers of trips that shall be made with training pilots or with the pilot members of the trainee evaluation committee or with pilots of specified experience. In the Puget Sound pilotage district, pilot applicants taking an examination before July 1, 2008, shall ((have)) complete a minimum of one hundred thirty trips. After July 1, 2008, all Puget Sound pilotage district pilot applicants shall ((have)) complete a minimum of one hundred fifty trips. The board shall set from time to time the minimum number of trips for pilot applicants in the Grays Harbor pilotage district. The board will ensure that during the training program the pilot trainee will get significant review by training pilots and the pilot members of the trainee evaluation committee.

     (7) Local knowledge. The training program shall provide opportunities for the education of pilot trainees and shall provide for testing of pilot trainees on the local knowledge necessary to become a pilot. This education program shall be developed by the trainee evaluation committee and recommended to the board for adoption and shall be tailored to the needs of the individual pilot trainee. It shall be the responsibility of the pilot trainee to obtain the local knowledge necessary to be licensed as a pilot in the district for which he/she is applying. Prior to the completion of the training program, the board, or its designee, ((shall)) may give ((a)) such local knowledge examination(s) as it deems appropriate to the pilot trainees who shall be required to pass such examination(s) before completing the training program. ((Pilot trainees taking an examination before July 1, 2008, shall not be required to take local examinations.)) The trainee evaluation committee may require a pilot trainee to sit for a local knowledge examination provided the trainee evaluation committee informs the pilot trainee in writing sixty days in advance of the scheduled date of the examination. Failure to sit for the examination on the date scheduled may constitute cause for removal from the training program. The trainee evaluation committee may also establish in writing such interim performance requirements as it deems necessary. These local examinations can be repeated as necessary, except that an examination for the same local area may not be taken more than once in any thirty day period and all required local know examinations must be successfully passed before the expiration date of the training program. The local knowledge required of a pilot trainee and the local knowledge examination(s) may include the following subjects as they pertain to the pilotage district for which the pilot trainee seeks a license:

     (a) Area geography;

     (b) Waterway configurations including channel depths, widths and other characteristics;

     (c) Hydrology and hydraulics of large ships in shallow water and narrow channels;

     (d) Tides and currents;

     (e) Winds and weather;

     (f) Local aids to navigation;

     (g) Bottom composition;

     (h) Local docks, berths and other marine facilities including length, least depths and other characteristics;

     (i) Mooring line procedures;

     (j) Local traffic operations e.g., fishing, recreational, dredging, military and regattas;

     (k) Vessel traffic system;

     (l) Marine VHF usage and phraseology, including bridge-to-bridge communications regulations;

     (m) Air draft and keel clearances;

     (n) Submerged cable and pipeline areas;

     (o) Overhead cable areas and clearances;

     (p) Bridge transit knowledge - signals, channel width, regulations, and closed periods;

     (q) Lock characteristics, rules and regulations;

     (r) Commonly used anchorage areas;

     (s) Danger zone and restricted area regulations;

     (t) Regulated navigation areas;

     (u) Naval operation area regulations;

     (v) ((Maneuvering behavior for different vessel types;

     (w) Impact of propulsion and maneuvering machinery on vessel navigation;

     (x))) Local ship assist and escort tug characteristics;

     (((y))) (w) Tanker escort rules - state and federal;

     (((z))) (x) Use of anchors and knowledge of ground tackle;

     (((aa))) (y) Applicable federal and state marine and environmental safety law requirements;

     (((bb))) (z) Marine security and safety zone concerns;

     (((cc) Marine port security regulations;

     (dd))) (aa) Harbor safety plan and harbor regulations; ((and

     (ee))) (bb) Chapters 88.16 RCW and 363-116 WAC, and other relevant state and federal regulations in effect on the date the examination notice is published pursuant to WAC 363-116-076; and

     (cc) Courses in degrees true and distances in nautical miles and tenths of miles between points of land, navigational buoys and fixed geographical reference points, and the distance off points of land for such courses as determined by parallel indexing along pilotage routes.

     (8) Length.

     (a) In the Puget Sound pilotage district, for pilot applicants taking an examination before July 1, 2008, the minimum length of the training program shall be seven months. For pilot applicants who take an examination on or after July 1, 2008, the minimum length of the training program shall be eight months. The maximum length of the training program shall be thirty-six months if the pilot applicant elects to receive a stipend. The length of the training program shall be established by the board based on the recommendation of the trainee evaluation committee.

     (b) In the Grays Harbor pilotage district, the length of the training program shall be set by the board based on the recommendation of the trainee evaluation committee.

     (9) Rest. It is the pilot trainee's responsibility to provide adequate rest time so that he/she is fully able to pilot on training trips. Pilot trainees shall not take pilot training trips in which they will be piloting the vessel without observing the rest rules for pilots in place by federal or state law or regulation. For purposes of calculating rest required before a training trip in which the pilot trainee will be piloting after an observation trip in which the pilot trainee did not pilot the vessel, such observation trip shall be treated as though it had been a normal ((pilotage)) pilot training assignment. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring any particular amount of rest before any observation trip in which the pilot trainee will not be piloting.

     (10) Stipend.

     (a) At the initial meeting with the trainee evaluation committee the pilot applicant shall indicate whether he/she wishes to receive a stipend during the training program. In the Puget Sound pilotage district, as a condition of receiving such stipend, pilot applicants will agree to forego during the training program other full- or part-time employment which prevents them from devoting themselves on a full-time basis to the completion of the training program. With the consent of the board and the restructuring of the training program, pilot trainees may elect to change from a stipend to nonstipend status, and vice versa, during the training program. The stipend paid to pilot trainees shall be six thousand dollars per month (or such other amount as may be set by the board from time to time), shall be contingent upon the board's setting of a training surcharge ((fee)) in the tariffs levied pursuant to WAC 363-116-185 and 363-116-300 sufficient to cover the expense of the stipend and shall be paid from a pilot training account as directed by the board and pursuant thereto shall be paid to pilot trainees as set forth below:

     (i) ((The stipend will be paid on a full calendar month basis except that prorations may be used for the first and last months in which the trainee is found unfit for duty and in which the trainee changes to a nonstipend status.

     (ii))) Determinations as to stipend entitlement will be made on a full calendar month basis and documentation of trips will be submitted to the board by the fifth day of the following month. The stipend will be paid on an all or nothing basis for each month except that prorations shall be allowed at the rate of two hundred dollars per day (or such other amount as may be set by the board from time to time), under the following circumstances:

     (A) For the first and last months of the training program (unless the training program starts on the first or ends on the last day of a month); or

     (B) ((The)) For a pilot trainee who is deemed unfit for duty by ((the)) a board-designated physician during a training month; or

     (C) ((A)) For a pilot trainee who requests a change from a nonstipend status to a stipend status, or from a stipend status to a nonstipend status as set forth in (a)(((vii))) (vi) of this subsection.

     (((iii))) (ii) A certain minimum number of trips are required each month for eligibility to receive the stipend. This minimum number shall be specified in the training program and shall be the total number of trips required in the training program divided by the number of months in the training program. Only trips required by the training program can be used to satisfy this minimum. Trips will be documented at the end of each month.

     (((iv))) (iii) It is the pilot trainee's responsibility to make all hard-to-get trips before the end of the training program. If a training program is extended due to a failure to get all of these trips, the board may elect not to pay the stipend if the missing trips were available to the pilot trainee but not taken.

     (((v))) (iv) The trainee evaluation committee with approval by the board may allocate, assign or specify training trips among multiple pilot trainees. Generally, the pilot trainee who finished the qualifying examination and simulator evaluation with the highest score has the right of first refusal of training trips provided that the trainee evaluation committee may, with approval by the board, allocate or assign training trips differently as follows:

     (A) When it is necessary to accommodate any pilot trainee's initial evaluation program;

     (B) When it is necessary to spread hard-to-get trips among pilot trainees so that as many as possible complete required trips on time. If a pilot trainee is deprived of a hard-to-get trip by the trainee evaluation committee, that trip will not be considered "available" under (a)(((iii))) (ii) of this subsection. However, the pilot trainee will still be required to complete the minimum number of trips for the month in order to receive a stipend, and the minimum number of trips as required to complete his/her training program;

     (((vi))) (v) If a pilot trainee elects to engage in any full- or part-time employment, the terms and conditions of such employment must be submitted to the trainee evaluation committee for prior determination by the board of whether such employment complies with the intent of this section prohibiting employment that "prevents (pilot trainees) from devoting themselves on a full-time basis to the completion of the training program."

     (((vii))) (vi) If a pilot trainee requests to change to a nonstipend status as provided in this section such change shall be effective for a minimum nonstipend period of thirty days, provided that before any change takes effect the board and the pilot trainee must agree in writing on the terms of a revised training program.

     (b) Any approved pilot association or other organization collecting the pilotage tariff levied by WAC 363-116-185 or 363-116-300 shall transfer the pilot training surcharge receipts to the board at least once a month or otherwise dispose of such funds as directed by the board. The board may set different training stipends for different pilotage districts. Receipts from the training surcharge shall not belong to the pilot providing the service to the ship that generated the ((fee)) surcharge or to the pilot association or other organization collecting the surcharge receipts, but shall be disposed of as directed by the board. Pilot associations or other organizations collecting surcharge receipts shall provide an accounting of such funds to the board on a quarterly basis or at such other intervals as may be requested by the board. Any audited financial statements filed by pilot associations or other organizations collecting pilotage tariffs shall include an accounting of the collection and disposition of these surcharges ((fees)). The board shall direct the disposition of all funds in the account.

     (11) Trainee evaluation committee. There is hereby created a trainee evaluation committee to which members shall be appointed by the board. The committee shall include at a minimum: Three active licensed Washington state pilots, who, to the extent possible, shall be from the district in which the pilot trainee seeks a license and at least one of whom shall be a member of the board; one representative of the marine industry from the relevant pilotage district (who may be a board member) who holds, or has held, the minimum U.S. Coast Guard license required by RCW 88.16.090; and one ((public representative)) other member of the board who is not a pilot. The committee may include such other persons as may be appointed by the board. The committee shall be chaired by a pilot member of the board and shall meet as necessary to complete the tasks accorded it. In the event that the trainee evaluation committee cannot reach consensus with regard to any issue it shall report both majority and minority opinions to the board.

     (12) Training pilots. The board shall designate as training pilots those pilots with a minimum of seven years of piloting in the relevant district who are willing to undergo such training as the board may require and provide. The board may establish a lower experience level for the Grays Harbor pilotage district. Training pilots shall receive such training from the board to better enable them to give guidance and training to pilot trainees and to properly evaluate the performance of pilot trainees. The board shall keep a list of training pilots available for public inspection at all times. All pilot members of the trainee evaluation committee shall also be training pilots.

     (13) Evaluation. When a pilot trainee pilots a vessel under the supervision of another pilot, the supervising pilot shall, to the extent possible, communicate with and give guidance to the pilot trainee in an effort to make the trip a valuable learning experience. After each such trip, the supervising pilot shall complete a form provided by the board evaluating the pilot trainee's performance. ((The board shall prepare different forms to be used by supervising pilots who are training pilots and those who are not.)) Evaluation forms prepared by licensed pilots who are not training pilots shall be used by the trainee evaluation committee and the board for assessing a pilot trainee's progress, providing guidance to the pilot trainee and for making alterations to the training program. All evaluation forms shall be delivered or mailed by the supervising pilot to the board. They shall not be given to the pilot trainee. The supervising pilot may show the contents of the form to the pilot trainee, but the pilot trainee has no right to see the form until it is filed with the board. The trainee evaluation committee shall review these evaluation forms from time to time and the chairperson of the trainee evaluation committee shall report the progress of all pilot trainees at each meeting of the board. If it deems it necessary, the trainee evaluation committee may recommend, and the board may make, changes from time to time in the training program requirements applicable to a pilot trainee, including the length of the training program.

     (14) Removal. A pilot trainee may be removed from the training program by the board if it finds any of the following:

     (a) Failure to maintain the minimum federal license required by RCW 88.16.090;

     (b) Conviction of an offense involving drugs or involving the personal consumption of alcohol;

     (c) Failure to devote full time to training in the Puget Sound pilotage district if receiving a stipend;

     (d) The pilot trainee is not physically fit to pilot;

     (e) Failure to make satisfactory progress toward timely completion of the program or timely meeting of interim performance requirements in the training program;

     (f) Inadequate performance on examinations or other actions required by the training program;

     (g) Failure to demonstrate the superior skills required in the initial evaluation;

     (h) Inadequate performance on training trips; or

     (i) Violation of a training program requirement, law, regulation or directive of the board.

     (15) Completion of the training program shall include the requirement that the pilot trainee:

     (a) Successfully complete the requirements set forth in the training program;

     (b) Possess a valid first class pilotage endorsement without tonnage or other restrictions on his/her United States government license to pilot in all of the waters of the pilotage district in which the pilot applicant seeks a license; and

     (c) Successfully complete any local knowledge examination(s) required by the board and specified in the training program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.105. 06-20-107, § 363-116-078, filed 10/4/06, effective 11/4/06. Statutory Authority: Chapter 88.16 RCW and 2005 c 26. 05-18-021, § 363-116-078, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-17-148, filed 8/21/07, effective 9/21/07)

WAC 363-116-082   Limitations on new pilots.   (1) The following limitations and pilot license upgrade requirements shall apply to a newly licensed pilot during his/her first five years of active service. For purposes of this section, the term "tank vessel" shall, in addition to tank ships, include any articulated or integrated tug and tank barge combinations, and any tonnage restrictions thereon shall be calculated by including the gross tonnage of the tug and tank barge combined. For purposes of this section, the term "petroleum products" shall include crude oil, refined products, liquefied natural gas, and ((liquified)) liquefied petroleum gas. GT (ITC) as used in this section refers to gross tonnages measured in accordance with the requirements of the 1969 International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships.

     (2) Puget Sound pilotage district - license limitation periods. Except for trips being made for pilot license upgrades, licenses issued in the Puget Sound pilotage district shall have the following limitations:


License Year Maximum Size of Tank Vessels Carrying Petroleum Products as Bulk Cargo Maximum Size of Other Vessels
1 Piloting on vessels of any size prohibited 30,000 GT (ITC) or 660 feet except for passenger vessels which may only have a maximum size of 5000 GT (ITC)
2 30,000 GT (ITC) 38,000 GT (ITC)
3 38,000 GT (ITC) 48,000 GT (ITC)
4 45,000 GT (ITC) 60,000 GT (ITC)
5 55,000 GT (ITC) 75,000 GT (ITC)

     (3) Puget Sound pilotage district - pilot license upgrade requirements. Progressive lifting of tonnage limitations requires a newly licensed pilot to satisfactorily pilot vessels on the trips specified in this section. The trainee evaluation committee shall recommend to the board a series of eight trips to be made by each pilot in the last one hundred twenty days of each year of the license limitation periods specified in subsection (2) of this section, except that pilots whose license anniversary date is less than one hundred twenty days after the effective date of this section shall only be required to make three such trips prior to the first license anniversary subsequent to the effective date of this section. As to these trips, the trainee evaluation committee shall specify the size and type of the vessel; origin and destination, whether the transit is to include a docking, waterway transit or other particular maneuvering requirement, whether any tank vessel trips are to be made while in ballast or loaded and whether the trip shall be taken with training pilots, trainee evaluation committee member pilots or pilots with a specified experience level. To the extent practical, the trips shall be on vessels of at least a size that falls between the upper limit in the expiring license limitation and the upper limit in the upcoming license limitation period. All of these trips shall be complete trips between one port and another port, or between the pilot station and a port. The supervising pilots shall complete and submit to the board an evaluation form provided by the board for each trip a new pilot performs.

     (4) Grays Harbor pilotage district - license limitation periods. Pilots licensed in the Grays Harbor pilotage district shall not pilot vessels in violation of the restrictions set forth in the table below during the indicated license year.


License Year Maximum Size of Tank Vessels Carrying Petroleum Products Maximum Size of Other Vessels
1 Piloting on vessels of any size prohibited 25,000 GT (ITC) except that piloting on vessels of any size is prohibited through the Chehalis River Bridge unless vessel is in ballast and does not exceed 25,000 GT (ITC)
2 10,000 GT (ITC) 30,000 GT (ITC)
3 45,000 GT (ITC) 45,000 GT (ITC)
4 60,000 GT (ITC) 60,000 GT (ITC)
5 75,000 GT (ITC) 75,000 GT (ITC)

     Notwithstanding subsection (7) of this section, upon determination that a bona fide safety concern may result from no pilot without license restrictions being available within a reasonable time to pilot a vessel requiring pilotage services, the chairperson or acting chairperson of the board, on a single trip basis, may authorize a newly licensed pilot holding a restricted license to provide pilotage services to the vessel, irrespective of the tonnage, service or location of the assigned berth of the vessel.

     (5) Grays Harbor pilotage district - pilot license upgrade requirements.

     (a) Prior to the expiration of the first license year, a new pilot must make five license upgrade trips. Three of these trips shall be through the Chehalis River bridge on loaded or partially loaded vessels. The other trips shall be on vessels in excess of 25,000 GT (ITC) and involve docking and passage to or from the sea buoy; and one of these trips shall involve turning the vessel in the waterway.

     (b) Prior to the expiration of the second license year, a new pilot must make two license upgrade trips on tank vessels in excess of 10,000 GT (ITC) and one trip on a vessel in excess of 30,000 GT (ITC). Two of these trips shall involve docking and passage to or from the sea buoy; and one of these trips shall involve turning the vessel in the waterway. Upon satisfactory completion of the two upgrade trips upon tank vessels and completion of the second license year, the pilot will be authorized to pilot tank vessels in accordance with the limitations specified in subsection (4) of this section. Upon satisfactory completion of the one upgrade trip upon a vessel in excess of 30,000 GT (ITC) and completion of the second license year, the pilot will be authorized to pilot vessels in accordance with the limitations specified in subsection (4) of this section.

     (c) Prior to the expiration of the third license year, a new pilot must make three license upgrade trips on vessels in excess of 45,000 GT (ITC) ((or on the nearest larger size vessels available)). Two of these trips shall involve docking and passage to or from the sea buoy; and one of these trips shall involve turning the vessel in the waterway.

     (d) Prior to the expiration of the fourth license year, a new pilot must make two license upgrade trips on vessels in excess of 60,000 GT (ITC) ((or on the nearest larger size vessels available)).

     (e) Prior to the expiration of the fifth license year, a new pilot must make two license upgrade trips on vessels in excess of 75,000 GT (ITC) ((or on the nearest larger size vessels available)).

     (f) ((Notwithstanding (c), (d), and/or (e) of this subsection not being accomplished due to unavailability of vessels, in the sixth license year a pilot will be issued a license without limitations.)) If vessels are not available in the Grays Harbor pilotage district to allow a pilot to comply with (c) through (e) of this subsection in a timely manner, the board may designate substitute trips in the Puget Sound pilotage district as allowed by law and in so doing may specify the size of the vessel and any other characteristics of the trips that the board deems appropriate. Such designation shall be considered a modification of the pilot's state license to authorize the specified trips in the Puget Sound pilotage district.

     (6) The initial license shall contain the limitations contained above and list the date of commencement and expiration of such periods. If a newly licensed pilot is unable to pilot for forty-five days or more in any one of the five years, he/she shall notify the board and request a revised schedule of limitations.

     (7) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, no pilot shall be dispatched to, or accept an assignment on, any vessel which exceeds the limitations of his/her license. On vessels in which there is more than one pilot assigned, the license limitations shall apply only to the pilot in charge.

     (8) All limitations on a pilot's license shall be lifted at the beginning of the sixth year of piloting provided he/she has submitted to the board a statement attesting to the fact that he/she has completed all the required license upgrade trips and the vessel simulator courses.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.105 and 88.16.035. 07-17-148, § 363-116-082, filed 8/21/07, effective 9/21/07. Statutory Authority: Chapter 88.16 RCW and 2005 c 26. 05-18-021, § 363-116-082, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.105 and 88.16.035. 05-04-028, § 363-116-082, filed 1/26/05, effective 2/26/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.105. 99-08-003, § 363-116-082, filed 3/25/99, effective 4/25/99; 97-14-032, § 363-116-082, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Recodified as § 363-116-082. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035 and 88.16.105. 93-09-016, § 296-116-082, filed 4/14/93, effective 5/15/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.105. 92-24-056, § 296-116-082, filed 11/30/92, effective 12/31/92; 92-08-051, § 296-116-082, filed 3/26/92, effective 4/26/92; 89-18-063 (Order 89-6, Resolution No. 89-6), § 296-116-082, filed 9/1/89, effective 10/2/89; 89-11-060 (Order 89-5, Resolution No. 89-5), § 296-116-082, filed 5/18/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 80-03-081 (Order 79-6, Resolution No. 79-6), § 296-116-082, filed 3/4/80.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-18-021, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05)

WAC 363-116-083   Written examination ((review)) protest and appeal procedures.   (1) Pilot applicants who take ((an)) a written examination as provided in this chapter shall provide the board with an address to be used for notification of ((the)) his/her written examination results. Such address shall be a place at which mail is delivered. In addition, ((an)) a pilot applicant may provide the board with other means of contact such as telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses. It will be the responsibility of the pilot applicant to ensure that the board has a current mailing address at all times. The mailing address will be considered the primary means of notice by the board. If the pilot applicant cannot personally receive mail at the address provided to the board for any period of time, another person may be designated in writing and notarized to the board as having power of attorney specifically to act ((in)) on the pilot applicant's behalf regarding such notice. Notice delivered to the address provided by the pilot applicant will be considered received by the pilot applicant for the purpose of "receipt of notification of the written examination results" as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

     (2) ((Any)) A pilot applicant who takes ((an)) either a written examination as provided in ((this chapter)) WAC 363-116-076 or a written local knowledge examination as provided in WAC 363-116-078 that cannot be retaken may ((request)) submit a written protest regarding any such examination for review by the board and/or a committee designated by the board ((of his/her examination results. This request must be in writing and must be received by the board within five business days of receipt of notification of the examination results)) and/or by a firm under contract with the board for development and grading of the written examination. The ((board)) standard of review for reviewing the written examination protests submitted by a pilot applicant is that the written examination score will not be set aside ((its prior determination)) unless the pilot applicant proves the challenged score was the result of fraud, coercion, arbitrariness or manifest unfairness ((by the board)). If it finds that reasonable cause exists to question ((an)) a written examination grade, the board may allow ((any)) a pilot applicant ((appealing)) protesting his/her written examination results to enter the simulator evaluation. If the pilot applicant chooses to enter the simulator evaluation before the pilot applicant receives notification of the result of the review of his/her Protest Form the pilot applicant shall be at all times responsible for the charge to enter the simulator evaluation. No pilot applicant approved by the board for entry into the simulator evaluation shall be disqualified by the successful examination appeal of another pilot applicant. Pilot applicants are not entitled to a review of the results of a written local knowledge examination given pursuant to WAC 363-116-078 if the pilot applicant is eligible to retake the written examination.

     (3) The procedure for ((filing a review)) submitting a protest regarding the written examination or a written local knowledge examination that cannot be retaken is as follows:

     (a) The pilot applicant must ((contact the board office for an appointment to appear personally to review his/her examination.)) submit a protest in writing to the person administering such examination on the day that the pilot applicant takes such examination and before the pilot applicant leaves the examination room;

     (b) On the day of such examination the pilot applicant will be provided a Protest Form ((to complete in the board office in defense of his/her examination answers.)) by the person(s) administering such examination at the time that documents for taking such written examination are given to the pilot applicant;

     (c) ((The applicant must state the specific reason or reasons why he/she feels the results of his/her examination should be changed.)) In defense of his/her written examination answers and in support of the pilot applicant's reasons for protesting a question or questions, the pilot applicant must write on the Protest Form the reason(s) why he/she protests a question or questions, what the pilot applicant claims is the correct answer to the protested question(s), and if a protested question(s) involves mathematical calculations provide the calculations that the pilot applicant claims are correct;

     (d) If there are protests regarding improprieties including but not limited to the administration and proctoring of the examination, these assertions must be documented in writing with sufficient detail naming times, people, places, protested activities and witnesses to permit the board to conduct an investigation;

     (e) The pilot applicant will be identified only by ((applicant)) number or letter for the purpose of ((this)) review((. Letters of reference or requests for special consideration will not be read or considered by the board.

     (e) The applicant may not bring in notes or texts for use while completing the informal review form.)) of the Protest Form;

     (f) ((The applicant will not be allowed to take any notes or materials from the office upon leaving.

     (g))) The pilot applicant shall submit his/her Protest Form at the same time that he/she submits the answer sheet for such written examination to the examination administrator.

     (4) The procedure for review of the Protest Form submitted by the pilot applicant is as follows:

     (a) The board, and/or a committee designated by it, and/or a firm under contract with the board for development and grading of the written examination will ((schedule a closed session meeting to)) review the written examination((s)) and Protest Form((s)) completed by the pilot applicant ((for the purpose of informal review.

     (h) The applicant will be notified in writing of the results.

     (4) Any)); and

     (b) After completion of such review the pilot applicant will be provided with written notification of the decision regarding review of the Protest Form submitted by the pilot applicant. The written notification will show any adjusted credits and scores for any answers that have been changed following such review.

     (5) A pilot applicant who is not satisfied with the result of ((the examination)) such review of his/her Protest Form may request ((a formal)) an adjudicative hearing pursuant to RCW ((88.16.100)) 88.16.090 and governed by the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW to appeal his/her written examination results. Such hearing must be requested within thirty days of receipt of the result of the ((board's)) review of the ((examination results)) Protest Form by sending a written request for an adjudicative hearing to the board of pilotage commissioners' office.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 88.16 RCW and 2005 c 26. 05-18-021, § 363-116-083, filed 8/29/05, effective 10/1/05. Recodified as § 363-116-083. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 88-10-038 (Order 88-10, Resolution No. 88-10), § 296-116-083, filed 5/3/88.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 363-116-084   Simulator evaluation review and appeal procedures.   (1) Pilot applicants who take a simulator evaluation as provided in this chapter shall provide the board with an address to be used for notification of his/her simulator evaluation results. Such address shall be a place at which mail is delivered. In addition, a pilot applicant may provide the board with other means of contact such as telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses. It will be the responsibility of the pilot applicant to ensure that the board has a current mailing address at all times. The mailing address will be considered the primary means of notice by the board. If the pilot applicant cannot personally receive mail at the address provided to the board for any period of time, another person may be designated in writing and notarized to the board as having power of attorney specifically to act on the pilot applicant's behalf regarding such notice. Notice delivered to the address provided by the pilot applicant will be considered received by the pilot applicant for the purpose of "receipt of notification of the simulator evaluation results" as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

     (2) A pilot applicant who takes a simulator evaluation as provided in this chapter may request a review of his/her simulator evaluation results. This request must be in writing and must be received by the board within five business days of receipt of notification of the simulator evaluation results. The standard of review for reviewing the simulator evaluation results challenged by a pilot applicant is that the challenged evaluation score will not be set aside unless the pilot applicant proves the challenged score was the result of fraud, coercion, arbitrariness or manifest unfairness.

     (3) The procedure for filing a request for review of the simulator evaluation is as follows:

     (a) The pilot applicant must contact the board office for an appointment to appear personally to review his/her simulator evaluation;

     (b) The pilot applicant will be provided a Review Form to complete in the board designated review location in defense of his/her simulator evaluation performance;

     (c) In review of his/her simulator evaluation performance, the pilot applicant must demonstrate that his/her proposed evaluation of the simulator evaluation is correct;

     (d) In review of his/her simulator evaluation performance, the pilot applicant must cite on the Review Form provided by the board, the specific situation(s) presented in the simulator evaluation (i.e., crossing, passing, meeting situations, environmental changes like fog descending, navigational decisions and/or rules-of-the-road interpretations) and detail why the actions he/she took in that situation should receive more credit than that which was given, to demonstrate that his/her score on the simulator evaluation provided by the board is incorrect;

     (e) Only the recorded performance of the pilot applicant will be considered in any review of the simulator evaluation performance. If there are assertions regarding improprieties in the administration, proctoring, grading or scoring of the simulator evaluations, these assertions must be documented in writing with sufficient detail naming times, people, places, protested activities and witnesses to permit the board to conduct an investigation;

     (f) The pilot applicant will be identified only by number or letter for the purpose of this review;

     (g) The board will make available to the pilot applicant reviewing his/her simulator evaluation a copy of his/her simulator evaluation performance; and

     (h) At the completion of the review session, the pilot applicant will submit all the Review Forms to the board and return all materials used to review his/her simulator evaluation. The pilot applicant will not be allowed to take any notes or materials from the board designated review location upon leaving.

     (4) The procedure for the board's review of the request for review of the simulator evaluation filed by the pilot applicant is as follows:

     (a) The board, and/or a committee designated by it, and/or a firm under contract with the board for development and grading of the simulator evaluation will review the simulator evaluation and Review Form completed by the pilot applicant; and

     (b) After completion of such review the pilot applicant will be provided with written notification of the decision regarding review of the Review Form submitted by the pilot applicant. The written notification will show any adjusted credits and scores for any answers that have been changed following such review.

     (5) A pilot applicant who is not satisfied with the result of such review of his/her Review Form may request an adjudicative hearing pursuant to RCW 88.16.090 and governed by the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW to appeal his/her simulator evaluation results. Such hearing must be requested within thirty days of receipt of the result of the review of the Review Form by sending a written request for an adjudicative hearing to the board of pilotage commissioners' office.

[]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-110   Details and requirements of annual license fee payment, physical examination report and reinstatement application for licensed pilots.   (1) Annual license fees and reports on annual physical examinations pursuant to RCW 88.16.090 shall be submitted to the board on or before the anniversary date of the license. Each pilot shall ensure that the board, at all time, possesses a copy of his/her currently valid United States government license with radar endorsement issued by the United States Coast Guard.

     (2) A pilot, who retires under his/her medical disability retirement plan, may apply for reinstatement of his/her pilot's license within five years from the date of ((their)) his/her last pilotage assignment, provided ((they are)) the pilot is capable of passing a physical examination without any restrictions as to full pilotage duties. The board may, at its discretion, waive all or part of the pilotage examination. The board shall require the pilot to complete a familiarization/training program prescribed by the board after a full review of all relevant factors. The board may also prescribe license limitations such as those contained in WAC ((296-116-082)) 363-116-082.

[Recodified as § 363-116-110. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090. 93-07-076, § 296-116-110, filed 3/18/93, effective 4/18/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 92-08-050, § 296-116-110, filed 3/26/92, effective 4/26/92; 80-03-081 (Order 79-6, Resolution No. 79-6), § 296-116-110, filed 3/4/80; Order 2-68, § 296-116-110, filed 11/1/68; § 11, effective 11/25/58.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-120   Job description -- Physical examination -- Health requirements.   (1) A Washington state licensed marine pilot, under the authority of the master, directs ships into and out of harbors, estuaries, straits, sounds, rivers, lakes, and bays using a specialized knowledge of local conditions including winds, weather, tides, and current: Orders officers and helmsman by giving course and speed changes and navigates ship to avoid conflicting marine traffic, congested fishing fleets, reefs, outlying shoals and other hazards to shipping; utilizes aids to navigation, such as lighthouses and buoys. Utilizes ship's bridge equipment, including radar, fathometer, speed log, gyro, magnetic compass, whistle or horn and other navigational equipment as needed. Required to use ship's radio equipment in contacting ((U.S.)) United States Coast Guard vessel traffic system and other ships while ship is in transit. Directs ship's officers, crewmen, and tug boat captains as necessary, when ships are transiting bridges, narrow waterways, anchoring, docking, and undocking. Must perform duties day or night in all weather conditions, including high winds, fog, mist, rainfall, falling snow and other adverse conditions, as encountered. In order to safely perform the foregoing duties, a Washington state licensed marine pilot shall:

     (a) Be physically qualified to possess a U.S. Coast Guard master's license, as required by the state of Washington.

     (b) Be capable of boarding a vessel from and leaving a vessel into a pilot boat via a Jacob's ladder and a gangway. A Jacob's ladder involves a vertical climb or descent of up to nine meters and requires both physical energy and mental judgment.

     (c) Be capable of moving to a more desirable vantage point in a timely manner, so as to avoid a close quarters situation when the physical characteristics of the ship or cargo obstruct the pilot's field of vision.

     (d) Be able to meet the necessary eyesight and hearing requirements to carry out marine pilotage duties.

     (e) Have mental reflexes capable of allowing decisions to be made without delay. This is imperative in all aspects of ship handling.

     (f) Be capable of withstanding mental stresses which may occur with a vessel in lowered visibility, in a close quarters situation or when docking or undocking.

     (g) Be capable of working efficiently and effectively at any time of the day or night, including irregular and unscheduled hours, after sufficient rest.

     (h) Possess mental maturity and show mental responsibility.

     (2) In order to determine the physical fitness of persons to serve as licensed pilots under the provisions of the pilotage act, all licensed pilots and pilot applicants shall be required to pass a general physical examination annually within ((forty-five)) ninety days prior to the date their annual state pilot license fee is due. As used in this section pilot refers to licensed pilots, including pilots seeking to renew their state licenses, and pilot applicant refers to both pilot license applicants who have completed the board training program but do not yet have a pilot license and to training license applicants. The physical examination required of all pilots and initial pilot applicants shall demonstrate that he/she is fully able to carry out the duties of a pilot. The examination shall assure that one's abilities as a pilot will not be impaired by eyesight, hearing or other bodily function. As part of this examination pilots and pilot applicants shall have completed on a form provided by the board a detailed report of physical examination. Each pilot is required to report on the form any convictions of offenses involving drugs or the personal consumption of alcohol which occurred while on duty within the prior twelve months. Pilot applicants for a license must report on the form any and all convictions of offenses involving drugs or the personal consumption of alcohol which occurred within the twelve months prior to the date of their application. This form shall be prepared by the examining physician and shall be submitted to the board along with a letter stating his/her findings/recommendations as to the ability of the pilot or pilot applicant to safely perform the pilotage duties based on the job description for a Washington state licensed marine pilot and the standards set forth below. The examining physician should review these standards and review the job description in subsection (1) of this section before making findings/recommendations as to the medical fitness of the pilot applicant. A medical/occupational history form will be completed and signed by the initial pilot applicant for review ((of)) by the physician prior to the initial examination. The board may in its discretion check with the appropriate authorities for any convictions of offenses involving drugs or the personal consumption of alcohol in the prior twelve months. The detailed report of physical examination is a confidential record and will not be available for public inspection. Such examination shall be obtained at the expense of the licensed pilot or pilot applicant from a physician or physicians designated in advance by the board. The secretary of the board shall give each pilot or pilot applicant reasonable written notice of the date when any such physical examination becomes due and shall specify the name of the physicians then approved by the board to conduct such physical examination.

     (3) Based upon the findings/recommendations of the examining physician and review by the board, the board will make the determination as to the pilot applicant's or pilot's fitness to perform the duties of a pilot. This determination will be made within ninety days after each annual physical examination.

     (4) The purpose of the history and physical examination is to detect the presence of physical, mental, or organic defects of such character and extent as to affect an individual's ability to pilot a vessel safely. The examination will be made carefully and at least as complete as indicated by the form provided by the board. History of certain defects may be cause for rejection of the initial pilot applicant or indicate the need for making certain laboratory tests or a further and more stringent examination. Defects may be recorded which do not, because of their character or degree, indicate that certification of physical fitness should be denied. However, these defects should be discussed with the pilot applicant or pilot who should be advised to take the necessary steps to ensure correction, particularly of those which, if neglected, might lead to a condition likely to affect the ability to perform the duties of a pilot.

     (5) The board has determined which physical conditions may be permanently disqualifying for initial pilot applicants as well as which conditions may be permanently disqualifying for renewal of a pilot license. Certain conditions are not necessarily disqualifying, for renewal of ((licensure)) a pilot license only, when, based on the knowledge and experience of the examining physician these conditions can be managed medically and without threat to the pilot's ability to perform the duties of a pilot. An individual may be disqualified when, in the opinion of the examining physician, there is reasonable probability that a condition can occur suddenly and without warning which would render the pilot applicant incapable of promptly responding, both mentally and physically to emergency situations. When certain conditions exist the medical examiner may recommend either:

     (a) A permanent disqualification; or

     (b) A temporary disqualification until which time the condition is either corrected or medically managed.

     (6) Initial pilot applicants will be required to take a test indicating they are free of illegal substance abuse. Testing will be for the presence of cocaine, opiates, marijuana (THC), amphetamines and PCP (phencyclidine). Testing will be in accordance with the Department of Transportation (Coast Guard) guidelines outlined in the Federal Register 46 CFR 4, 5, and 16. Urine specimens are to be analyzed by a laboratory that meets DHHS regulations set forth by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

     Chain of custody forms and instructions for collection and transport to a NIDA approved laboratory can be obtained from:


          Laboratory of Pathology

          Nordstrom Medical Tower

          P.O. Box 14950

          Seattle, WA 98114-0950

          ((())206(()))-386-2872


     (7) The conditions in these standards are listed according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Some categories may not apply to the standards set forth and therefore may be absent in some listings. However, all categories should be taken into consideration by the examining physician.

     (a) Infectious and parasitic diseases.

     (b) Neoplasms.

     (c) Endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and immunity disorders.

     (d) Diseases of the blood and blood forming organs.

     (e) Mental disorders.

     (f) Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs.

     (g) Diseases of the respiratory system.

     (h) Diseases of the digestive system.

     (i) Diseases of the genitourinary system.

     (j) Complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium.

     (k) Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

     (l) Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues.

     (m) Congenital anomalies.

     (n) Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period.

     (o) Symptoms, signs, and other ill defined conditions.

     (p) Injury and poisonings.

     (8) The guidelines for recommended visual standards are based on the necessity of a pilot to be able to safely perform the duties of a pilot, including functioning under all emergency conditions aboard the vessel. Consideration must be given to the pilot's previously demonstrated ability to perform his ((or))/her pilotage duties.

     (a) The visual acuity of ((an)) a pilot applicant shall be at least 20/200 in each eye uncorrected and correctable to at least 20/40 in each eye as determined by Snellen test or its equivalent unless the pilot applicant qualifies for a waiver from the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, or the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.

     (b) The initial pilot applicant should have normal color vision per pseudo isochromatic plates, Ishihara or Keystone test. If the initial pilot applicant fails this test, the Farnsworth or Williams Lantern tests or their equivalent may be used to determine the initial pilot applicant's ability to distinguish primary colors.

     (c) Loss of vision in one eye may not be disqualifying if one eye passes the test required for the better eye of the pilot applicant with binocular vision and the pilot applicant has had sufficient time to develop and demonstrate adequate judgment of distances.

     (d) Pilot applicants who wear corrective lenses and meet the qualifications in (a) of this subsection are medically fit to carry out pilotage duties only while wearing their corrective lenses and if they have with them, while on duty, a spare pair of correcting lenses that provide at least the same visual acuity.

     (9) Baseline audiograms shall be performed on all entry level pilot applicants. All licensed pilots will be tested annually, with the first audiogram considered baseline. Each ear will be tested separately using properly calibrated equipment which meets ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards criteria for background noise in audiometric rooms. Testing should not be performed unless the pilot applicant has been free of work noise or intense noise for a period of at least fourteen hours prior to testing. Should the pilot applicant have a current condition which can cause a temporary hearing loss, such as a cold, the pilot applicant should be rescheduled for testing in two weeks, or until such condition is resolved. Testing will be performed by a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist, physician with sufficient training in conducting and interpreting audiograms, or a technician who is currently certified by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC).

     (a) A baseline audiogram is required on all initial pilot applicants. The first audiogram performed on a currently licensed pilot shall be considered the baseline audiogram.

     (b) Pilot applicants having hearing threshold levels that do not exceed 40 dB at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 Hz in either ear are considered to have normal hearing for communication purposes.

     (c) Annual audiograms will be performed thereafter for the purposes of comparison to baseline. A significant threshold shift is defined as a change averaging more than 10 dB from baseline in the frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz and requires further evaluation by a physician, otolaryngologist, or audiologist and preventive action taken on the part of the pilot.

     (d) Mechanical acoustical devices (hearing aids) are not disqualifying but should not be worn in areas of high background noise levels in order to prevent further deterioration of his/her hearing.

     (e) ((An)) A pilot applicant must minimally be able to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room while standing with his/her back turned at a distance of eight feet.

     (10) Below is a list of conditions which can be absolutely disqualifying for initial licensure as a maritime pilot. The list of causes for disqualification is not all inclusive or intended to be complete, but represents the types of conditions that would interfere with the safe performance of pilotage duties. This guide is not intended to replace the physician's professional judgment. Rather, it calls for the physician and the board to closely examine whether the pilot applicant can safely perform the tasks outlined in the job description of a Washington state licensed marine pilot. The examining physician should also be aware that a second opinion concerning the diagnosis may be sought in cases of unfavorable determinations. A condition should only be considered disqualifying while such condition persists. Following corrective medical action the pilot applicant should be encouraged to apply for reentry.


Conditions Which Can Be Absolutely Disqualifying For Initial Licensure

     1. Infectious and parasitic diseases - Any communicable disease in its communicable or carrier stage.

     2. Neoplasms - Malignant diseases of all kinds in any location.

     3. Endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and immunity disorders - Diabetes requiring insulin or hypoglycemic drugs; cirrhosis of the liver; alcohol abuse (unless abstinence for two years).

     4. Diseases of the blood and blood forming organs - Hemophilia; acute or chronic significant anemias.

     5. Mental disorders - Severe personality disorders; use of illegal drugs; dementia of Alzheimer's type, senility, psychosis.

     6. Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs - Epilepsy or any convulsive disorder resulting in an altered state of consciousness, regardless of control; disturbance of balance; multiple sclerosis; Meniere's syndrome.

     7. Diseases of the circulatory system - Multiple myocardial infarctions or cardiac class II or IV (NYHA); hypotension with syncopal episodes; varicose veins if associated with edema, skin ulceration or residual scars. Recurrent thromboembolic conditions.

     8. Diseases of the respiratory system - Active pulmonary tuberculosis Class IV respiratory impairment; permanent tracheostomy.

     9. Diseases of the genitourinary system - Chronic renal failure; permanent ureterostomy.

     10. Complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium - Pregnancy is not in itself disqualifying, if, in the opinion of the examining physician and the pilot applicant's obstetrician determine that the pilotage duties can be safely carried out without risk to the mother or fetus and without risk to the safety of the vessel, crew, and property.

     11. Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues - There are no absolute exclusions listed for diseases of the skin unless, in the opinion of the examining physician, a condition exists that would interfere with the performance of pilotage duties.

     12. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues - Lupus erythematosus, disseminated; amputation of any portion of a limb, resection of a joint, artificial joint or absence of the toes which would preclude the ability to run, walk, balance oneself, grasp and climb ladder rungs; chronic low back pain that is disabling to the degree of interfering with job requirements.

     13. Congenital anomalies - Any existing condition that, in the opinion of the examining physician, would interfere with the safe performance of pilotage duties.

     14. Symptoms, signs, and other ill defined conditions - Serious degree of stuttering or speech impediment sufficient to interfere with communication; alcoholism; drug addiction, other than tobacco or caffeine.

     15. Injury or poisonings - May be temporarily disqualifying until condition resolved without disabling sequelae.


     (11) Below is a list of conditions which can be absolutely disqualifying for relicensure as a maritime pilot. The list of causes for disqualification is not all inclusive or intended to be complete, but represent the types of conditions that would interfere with the safe performance of pilotage duties. This guide is not intended to replace the physician's professional judgment. Rather, it calls for the physician and the board to closely examine whether the pilot applicant can continue to safely perform the tasks outlined in the job description of a Washington state licensed marine pilot. The examining physician should also be aware that a second opinion concerning diagnosis may be sought in cases of unfavorable determinations.


Conditions Which Can Be Absolutely Disqualifying For Relicensure

     1. Neoplasms - Malignancies with metastases.

     2. Endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and immunity disorders - Cirrhosis of the liver with hepatic failure.

     3. Diseases of the blood and blood forming organs - Hemophilia; acute leukemia.

     4. Mental disorders - Severe personality disorders; senility; dementia of Alzheimer's type psychosis.

     5. Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs - Disturbance of balance, permanent and untreatable Meniere's syndrome.

     6. Diseases of the circulatory system - Multiple myocardial infarctions or cardiac Class III or IV (NYHA); hypotension with syncopal episodes; varicose veins if associated with edema, skin ulceration or residual scars. Recurrent thromboembolic conditions.

     7. Diseases of the respiratory system - Active pulmonary tuberculosis; Class IV respiratory impairment.

     8. Diseases of the genitourinary system - Chronic renal failure; permanent ureterostomy.

     9. Complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium - Pregnancy is not in itself disqualifying, if, in the opinion of the examining physician and the pilot applicant's obstetrician determine that the pilotage duties can be safely carried out without risk to the mother or fetus and without risk to the safety of the vessel, crew and property.

     10. Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues - There are no absolute exclusions for diseases of the skin unless, in the opinion of the examining physician, a condition exists that would interfere with the performance of pilotage duties.

     11. Diseases of the musculoskeletal and connective system - Lupus erythematosus, disseminated; amputation of any portion of a limb, resection of a joint, artificial joint or absence of the toes which would preclude the ability to run, walk, balance oneself, grasp, and climb ladder rungs. Chronic low back pain that is disabling to the degree of interfering with job requirements.

     12. Symptoms, signs, and other ill defined conditions - Serious degree of stuttering or speech impediment sufficient to interfere with communication; alcoholism; drug addiction, other than tobacco or caffeine. Current need to use methadone, antabuse, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs.

     13. Injury or poisonings - May be temporarily disqualifying until condition resolved without disabling sequelae.


     (12) Some conditions may develop during the course of employment that would be absolutely disqualifying for initial licensure. In evaluating the impact of such a condition on an existing pilot, the examining physician and the board should take into consideration the pilot's past experience, effectiveness of performance and predictability of his/her performance. The board may waive certain duties of a pilot as outlined in the job description contained in subsection (1) of this section. The list of conditions requiring in-depth evaluation is not all inclusive or intended to be complete, but represent the types of conditions that might interfere with the safe performance of pilotage duties. The examining physician should also be aware that a second opinion concerning the diagnosis may be sought in cases of unfavorable determinations.


Conditions Requiring In-depth Evaluation

     1. Neoplasms - Malignancies of any kind.

     2. Endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and immunity disorders - Diabetes requiring hypoglycemic drugs; cirrhosis of the liver.

     3. Diseases of the blood and blood forming organs - Chronic leukemia.

     4. Mental disorders - Anxiety reactions; depression.

     5. Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs - Disturbance of balance; multiple sclerosis; epilepsy or any convulsive disorder resulting in an altered state of consciousness.

     6. Diseases of the circulatory system - Uncontrolled hypertension; varicose veins; pacemaker, demand.

     7. Diseases of the respiratory system - Respiratory impairment; permanent tracheostomy.

     8. Diseases of the digestive system - Permanent colostomy; permanent ileostomy.

     9. Complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium - Pregnancy.

     10. Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues - Any skin disorders that, in the opinion of the examining physician, may interfere with the performance of pilotage duties.

     11. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues - Lupus erythematosus, disseminated; artificial joints; chronic low back pain.

     12. Injury or poisonings - May be temporarily disqualifying until condition resolved without disabling sequelae.

     ((13.)) (13) A pilot may be temporarily relieved of pilotage duties until such time as a disqualifying condition is resolved or medically managed and with frequent evaluation by the examining physician or specialist. In this case, the board, after consulting with the physician, will determine the frequency of medical examinations. A condition should only be considered disqualifying while such a condition persists. Following corrective medical action, the individual may be removed from temporary disqualification. Provided that, if a temporary disqualifying condition continues for longer than two years from the time the pilot is initially relieved of pilotage duties, the board, in its discretion and after a full review of all relevant factors, may make a determination that the condition is permanently disqualifying.

[Recodified as § 363-116-120. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090(6) and 88.16.100(4). 90-24-019, § 296-116-120, filed 11/28/90, effective 12/29/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090(6). 90-13-065, § 296-116-120, filed 6/18/90, effective 7/19/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.090. 88-09-027 (Order 88-5, Resolution No. 88-5), § 296-116-120, filed 4/14/88; 85-15-033 (Order 85-2, Resolution No. 85-2), § 296-116-120, filed 7/12/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035 and 88.16.090(6). 80-16-005 (Resolution No. 79-5), § 296-116-120, filed 10/23/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 79-11-063 (Order 79-5, Resolution No. 79-5), § 296-116-120, filed 10/18/79; Order 73-6, § 296-116-120, filed 5/11/73; Order 2-68, § 296-116-120, filed 11/1/68; § 12, effective 11/25/58.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-200   Duties of pilots.   (1) In any case where a vessel in the charge of a state licensed pilot is involved in an incident or near-miss occurrence, ((the)) said pilot shall make a report to the board in the following required manner:

     (a) Pilot's Report of Incident. A state licensed pilot involved in an incident shall notify the board by telephoning or radioing the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound as soon as the situation is stabilized or within one hour of reaching shore. The pilot shall also complete the board required Pilot's Report of Incident form and file it with the board as soon as possible after the incident, but in no event more than ten days afterwards. An incident includes an actual or apparent collision, allision or grounding, as well as a navigational occurrence which results in actual or apparent personal injury or property damage or environmental damage.

     (b) Pilot's Report of Marine Safety Occurrence. A state licensed pilot involved in a near-miss occurrence shall complete the board required Pilot's Report of Marine Safety Occurrence form and file it with the board as soon as possible after the near-miss occurrence, but in no event more than ten days afterwards. A near-miss occurrence is where a pilot successfully takes action of a nonroutine nature to avoid a collision with another vessel, structure or aid to navigation, to avoid a grounding of the vessel or to avoid causing damages to the environment. Information relating to near-miss occurrences provided by a pilot on this form shall not be used for imposing any sanctions or penalties against said pilot. A state licensed pilot may also use this form on a voluntary basis for reporting out of the ordinary occurrences or concerns for navigational safety encountered or observed during the course of piloting a vessel.

     (c) Completion of these forms does not replace or relieve a pilot from any other reporting requirements under federal, state or local law. If circumstances permit, a pilot will notify the vessel master of his/her intent to file a report of incident or marine safety occurrence with the board. The board shall forward a copy of any form received to the respective shipper or its board representative. The board of pilotage commissioners may, with or without a complaint being made against a pilot, investigate the matter reported upon.

     (2) Pilots will report to the ((pilot office and to the)) aids to navigation officer of the ((U.S.)) United States Coast Guard, all changes in lights, range lights, buoys, and any dangers to navigation that my come to their knowledge.

     (3) Any pilot who shall fail, neglect or refuse to make a report to the board of pilotage commissioners as required by the pilotage laws of the state, or by these rules and regulations, for a period of ten days after the date when ((the)) said report is required to be made, shall be subject to having his/her license suspended at the discretion of the board, and if he/she fails to report for a period of thirty days the board may, at its discretion, revoke his/her license.

     (4) Pilots when so notified in writing shall report in person to the board, at any meeting specified in such notice.

     (5) Any pilot summoned to testify before the pilotage board shall appear in accordance with such summons and shall make answer, under oath, to any question put to him/her which deals with any matter connected with the pilot service, or of the pilotage waters over which he/she is licensed to act. ((He)) The pilot shall be entitled to have his/her attorney or advisor present during any such appearance and testimony.

     (6) Any pilot who shall absent himself/herself from his/her pilotage duties or district for a period of sixty days without permission of the board of pilotage commissioners shall be liable to suspension or to the forfeiture of his/her license.

     (7) A pilot on boarding a ship, if required by the master thereof, shall exhibit his/her license, or photo static copy thereof.

     (8) When a pilot licensed under this act is employed on an enrolled ship, the same rules and regulations shall apply as pertain to registered ships.

     (9) Any state licensed pilot assigned to pilot a vessel entering, leaving, or shifting berths under its own power in any of the waters subject to the provisions of chapter 88.16 RCW shall before assuming pilotage obligations for such vessel obtain assurance from the master that the vessel meets all requirements for safe navigation and maneuvering. In addition, the pilot shall obtain assurance that the ship's officers will maintain navigation procedures by all navigational aids available to insure that the vessel's position is known at all times. If the pilot in his/her professional judgment considers the vessel to be incapable of safe navigation and maneuvering due to performance limitations, he/she shall refuse to assume the obligations of pilotage for such vessel until such limitations have been corrected and shall promptly notify the pilot's control station and the chairman of the board of pilotage commissioners of such action.

     (10) In providing pilotage services under chapter 88.16 RCW every pilot shall perform those duties in a professional manner and without negligence so as to not endanger life, limb or property, not violate or not fail to comply with state laws or regulations intended to promote marine safety or to protect navigable waters.

[Recodified as § 363-116-200. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 88.16 RCW. 97-06-106, § 296-116-200, filed 3/5/97, effective 4/5/97; Order 73-6, § 296-116-200, filed 5/11/73; Order 2-68, § 296-116-200, filed 11/1/68; § 20, effective 11/25/58.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-205   Vessel certification.   (1) Upon boarding a vessel in the Puget Sound pilotage district or Grays Harbor pilotage district, a pilot shall request on the form provided in WAC 296-116-2051 that the master of the vessel certify that: (a) The engine room is properly staffed, able to maneuver, and all related equipment is in good order; (b) there are no defects listed against the ship by the United States Coast Guard which would prevent it from sailing; (c) the vessel is not leaking oil; (d) the vessel is experiencing no propulsion or maneuvering difficulties.

     If the master is unable to certify that all of the above conditions are met, he/she shall be asked to certify that the United States Coast Guard captain of the port has been notified of said deficiencies and has authorized the vessel to proceed.

     If the master is unable or unwilling to certify that either of the above are the case, the pilot shall not offer pilotage services to said vessel. Instead, the pilot shall disembark from the vessel as soon as practicable, immediately inform the captain of the port of the conditions and circumstances by the best possible means and forward a written report to the board of pilotage commissioners no later than twenty-four hours after disembarking from the vessel. Any Washington licensed pilot who offers pilotage services to a vessel on which the master has failed to make a certification required by this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in RCW 88.16.100 and 88.16.150.

     (2) Upon boarding vessels in either the Puget Sound pilotage district or the Grays Harbor pilotage district, the pilot shall also request to see the vessel's SOLAS certificate, and the Federal Maritime Commission certificate of financial responsibility.

     The pilot shall also inspect the following of the ship's equipment and conditions and indicate their suitability:

     VHF radio, channels 13, 14; radar; gyrocompass; rudder angle indicator; whistle; wheelhouse staffed by an officer and helmsman, one of whom speaks English; local, up-to-date charts; and wheelhouse to engine room communications.

     (3) The form appearing in WAC 296-116-2051 shall be used by pilots and masters in complying with the above requirements.

     (4) Forms completed by masters and pilots which indicate that the vessel is in compliance and nondeficient shall be forwarded to the offices of the board of pilotage commissioners where they will be retained for a period of at least six months. Forms indicating a vessel not in compliance or deficient and forms upon which either the master or the pilot have failed to make the required certification shall be forwarded to the board of pilotage commissioners and retained for a period of at least twelve months.

[Recodified as § 363-116-205. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 82-13-087 (Order 82-10-049, Resolution No. 82-10-049), § 296-116-205, filed 6/23/82; 79-11-063 (Order 79-5, Resolution No. 79-5), § 296-116-205, filed 10/18/79. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035 and 88.16.155. 78-09-057 (Order 78-2, Resolution No. 78-2), § 296-116-205, filed 8/23/78.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-315   Retirement disbursements.   Pilot associations having retirement plans, the expense of which is reimbursed through board established tariffs, shall make such payments to retired pilots as are required by the benefits and enforcement provisions of those plans.

[Recodified as § 363-116-315. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 91-06-033, § 296-116-315, filed 2/26/91, effective 3/29/91.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-35001   Exemption from provisions of WAC 197-10-800.   The board of pilotage commissioners of the state of Washington has reviewed its authorized activities and found substantially all of them to be exempt from the provisions of chapter 197-10 WAC, with the exception of authority supplied by the 1975 legislature to the ((commission)) board respecting additional tug shaft horsepower equivalencies which is a part of the "tug escort" 1975 amendments by chapter 125, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess.

     There is presently no intent to exercise this authority. Additionally, said act is currently under constitutional challenge. Thus, the ((commission)) board indicates its intent that if, and when, any authority should be exercised pursuant to this provision, it would do so consistent with the guidelines contained within chapter 197-10 WAC insofar as practicable. (The referenced chapter being the regulations developed by the council on environmental policy.)

[Recodified as § 363-116-35001. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97; Order 76-14, § 296-116-350 (codified as WAC 296-116-35001), filed 5/6/76.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-370   System of specified disciplinary or corrective actions.   When a pilot has received multiple disciplinary actions pursuant to RCW 88.16.100 (1) and/or (2) within any two-year period, the board shall evaluate the pilot and prepare and personally serve upon him/her a notice advising of the board's intended action, the specific ground therefore, and the right to request a hearing pursuant to RCW 88.16.100(4) to challenge the board's action. Such intended action may include the temporary suspension of the pilot from duties until such pilot has satisfactorily completed subsection (1) or (2) of this section:

     (1) An approved course-of-study which may include navigation training and testing; or

     (2) Any remedial activity or treatment designated by the board to assure fitness and competence for full pilotage duties.

     In ordering such disciplinary action, the board shall take into account both the causes of the previous disciplinary actions and the pilot's previous record.

     Failure to enter into such corrective action within thirty days of the board's action may be cause for revocation of the pilot's license.

     In the event of a temporary license suspension, license reinstatement and resumption of pilotage duties shall not be authorized until the board has reviewed completed activity and formally extended approval. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by the board and shall be reviewed and acted upon within five days of the completion of the activity.

[Recodified as § 363-116-370. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.100. 88-14-062 (Order 88-14, Resolution No. 88-14), § 296-116-370, filed 7/1/88.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 03-09-096, filed 4/21/03, effective 5/22/03)

WAC 363-116-405   Relieving pilots for cause.   A pilot serving on a vessel required by chapter 88.16 RCW to employ a state licensed pilot may be relieved from his ((or))/her piloting duties by the ship's master only for cause as provided ((herein)) in this section. The master may relieve a pilot only if the pilot is manifestly incompetent or incapacitated or if the vessel is endangered or in extremis due to the pilot's error. If a pilot is relieved for cause under this section another pilot shall be requested and dispatched. In such event, the master shall immediately put the ship to anchor, to the extent it can be done safely, and await the substitute pilot. If anchoring is not possible or prudent, the master shall slow the vessel to the slowest prudent speed until another pilot can be put on board. To the extent possible and practical, after being relieved of his ((or))/her duties, the pilot shall remain available to advise and assist the master. In the event a pilot is relieved as provided in this section in the Puget Sound pilotage district, the ((U.S.)) United States Coast Guard vessel traffic system shall be notified immediately. In the event a pilot is relieved as provided in this section in any pilotage district, the vessel and the pilot promptly shall provide notice to the board of the event and relevant circumstances.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.035. 03-09-096, § 363-116-405, filed 4/21/03, effective 5/22/03.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97)

WAC 363-116-420   Summary/temporary license suspension.   Summary/temporary suspension of a pilot's license may be made by the chairperson or vice-chairperson of the board of pilotage commissioners when:

     (1) A pilot has been involved in any vessel accident where there has been major property damage, loss of life, or loss of a vessel; or

     (2) Where there is a reasonable cause to believe that a pilot has diminished capacity or is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other substances; and

     (3) Such an accident or physical or mental impairment would significantly diminish that pilot's ability to carry out pilotage duties and that the public health, safety, and welfare requires such emergency action. Notification of this suspension shall be made directly to the pilot and the appropriate pilot's association.

     Within seventy-two hours an emergency board meeting will be held to determine whether to continue such suspension. In the event the suspension is continued pending proceedings for revocation or other action, an order shall be immediately prepared and notice shall be personally served upon the pilot advising of the board's action.

     These further proceedings shall be promptly instituted in the office of administrative hearings.

     All final decisions of the administrative law judge shall be subject to review by the superior court of the state of Washington for Thurston County or by the superior court of the county in which the pilot maintains his/her residence or principal place of business, to which court any case with all the papers and proceedings therein shall be immediately certified by the administrative law judge if requested to do so by any party to the proceedings at any time within thirty days after the date of such final decision. No appeal may be taken after the expiration of thirty days after the date of final decision.

[Recodified as § 363-116-420. 97-08-042, filed 3/28/97, effective 3/28/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.16.100. 88-10-040 (Order 88-12, Resolution No. 88-12), § 296-116-420, filed 5/3/88.]


REPEALER

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
WAC 363-116-075 Qualifications for pilot applicants taking examinations before July 1, 2008.
WAC 363-116-150 Registration of operators.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office