HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6171
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to the weight limitation for certain vessels exempt from the pilotage act.
Brief Description: Modifying the weight limitation for certain vessels exempt from the pilotage act.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, King and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/24/12 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Eddy, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.
Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).
Background:
The Board of Pilotage Commissioners (Board) must provide for the maintenance of efficient and competent pilotage service on the waters of the Puget Sound pilotage district and the Grays Harbor pilotage district. To this end, the Board examines the proficiency of potential pilots, licenses pilots, enforces the use of pilots, sets pilotage rates, investigates reported accidents involving pilots, keeps records of various matters affecting pilotage, and performs various other duties as required by law.
All nonexempt vessels navigating the Puget Sound and Grays Harbor pilotage districts must employ a licensed marine pilot. The Board may grant exemptions from the compulsory marine pilotage requirements to certain vessels, including yachts not heavier than 500 gross tons and not longer than 200 feet in overall length. The exemptions must not be detrimental to the public interest in regard to safe operation preventing loss of human lives, loss of property, and protecting the marine environment of the state.
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Summary of Bill:
The Board may grant an exemption from the compulsory marine pilotage requirements to any yacht not heavier than 750 gross tons and not longer than 200 feet in overall length.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill will make it easier for vessels to cruise the Puget Sound and makes Washington consistent with San Francisco pilotage requirements. It will encourage more yachts to visit the state, which will increase revenue and be good for marinas. This is a noncontroversial, agreed-upon change. The parties worked well together.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Peter Schrappen, Northwest Marine Trade Association; Lea Reaves, Puget Sound Pilots; and David Sloate.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.