The department of transportation of the state of Washington shall be the office of the board, and all records shall be kept in the office of the department. Each pilotage commissioner shall be compensated in accordance with RCW
43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW
43.03.050 and
43.03.060, to be paid out of the pilotage account on vouchers approved by the chairperson of the board: PROVIDED, That the sums received under this section shall not be considered compensation earnable as defined pursuant to RCW
41.40.010(8).
The board is authorized to employ personnel, pursuant to chapter
41.06 RCW, as necessary to conduct the business of the board.