WSR 25-18-097

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

BOARD OF

PILOTAGE COMMISSIONERS

[Filed September 2, 2025, 11:48 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 363-116-076 Examination for pilot applicants, 363-116-077 Simulator evaluation for pilot applicants, 363-116-083 Written examination protest and appeal procedures, and 363-116-084 Simulator evaluation review and appeal procedures.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 88.16 RCW, Pilotage Act.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In preparation for the 2026 Washington state marine pilot exam, the board of pilotage commissioners (BPC) will be reviewing and updating these WAC as needed for continued psychometric validation, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and clarity for applicants, as well as other housekeeping items.

Process for Developing New Rule: Discussions regarding proposed amendments to these rules will occur at regular monthly meetings of BPC, open to the public, as well as at BPC's pilot exam committee. Upon review and recommendation from the pilot exam committee and BPC's exam consultant, BPC's assistant attorney general will review the proposed language. A public hearing will be scheduled as per formal notice requirements. Stakeholder comments are welcome throughout the process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jaimie C. Bever, Executive Director, 2901 3rd Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121, phone 206-515-3887, fax 206-515-3906, email Jaimie.Bever@wsdot.wa.gov, website www.pilotage.wa.gov.

September 2, 2025

Jaimie C. Bever

Executive Director