What I posted in the previous post is technically correct. But, a survey
of the US West Coast shows 12 ports where pilotage is compulsory in
certain cases, including foreign vessels(yachts); I can find no specific
instance where using a USCG licensed master or mate, acting as pilot
will get you by.
It's not that there are no ports where this can be utilized, it's that I
can't verify any.
Mostly because the Coast Pilot information is vague or contradictory, or
incomplete in that it does not accurately reflect the state statutes;
Washington State being a specific example. In the case of Alaska, the
present material in SE Alaska is so complex for any vessel over 65 feet
that I have no idea how to comply. See the Coast Pilot #8, latest edition.
The reason this is such a mess is that when the Federal Government was
first formed, the states were given the power to regulate foreign trade
in their jurisdictions. This means that they can abuse foreign vessels
pretty much any way they want, in this pilotage business.
Because there are so many states involved, perhaps 25 coastal, it is
hard to find detail information. The Merchant Marine Officers Handbook,
4th ed. page 18-21, indicates that a state may make it a criminal
offense to take a vessel through waters where a pilot is required
without a pilot. In short, I have no detail information as to what the
penalties are. Also, ships are not absolutely bound to accept such
services, but must pay their fees, if such services are tendered and
declined. Also, US vessels, those enrolled and licensed are exempt by
Federal Statute from compulsory pilotage.
The definitions for US Registry, Enrollment, License, Fishery, etc are
in Title 46 USC Sec. 12101.
(2) license'', enrollment and license'', license for the coastwise (or coasting) trade'', and enrollment and license for
the coastwise (or coasting) trade'' mean a coastwise endorsement as
provided in section 12106 of this title.
More later, when I can find it.
Mike
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)
What I posted in the previous post is technically correct. But, a survey
of the US West Coast shows 12 ports where pilotage is compulsory in
certain cases, including foreign vessels(yachts); I can find no specific
instance where using a USCG licensed master or mate, acting as pilot
will get you by.
It's not that there are no ports where this can be utilized, it's that I
can't verify any.
Mostly because the Coast Pilot information is vague or contradictory, or
incomplete in that it does not accurately reflect the state statutes;
Washington State being a specific example. In the case of Alaska, the
present material in SE Alaska is so complex for any vessel over 65 feet
that I have no idea how to comply. See the Coast Pilot #8, latest edition.
The reason this is such a mess is that when the Federal Government was
first formed, the states were given the power to regulate foreign trade
in their jurisdictions. This means that they can abuse foreign vessels
pretty much any way they want, in this pilotage business.
Because there are so many states involved, perhaps 25 coastal, it is
hard to find detail information. The Merchant Marine Officers Handbook,
4th ed. page 18-21, indicates that a state may make it a criminal
offense to take a vessel through waters where a pilot is required
without a pilot. In short, I have no detail information as to what the
penalties are. Also, ships are not absolutely bound to accept such
services, but must pay their fees, if such services are tendered and
declined. Also, US vessels, those enrolled and licensed are exempt by
Federal Statute from compulsory pilotage.
The definitions for US Registry, Enrollment, License, Fishery, etc are
in Title 46 USC Sec. 12101.
(2) ``license'', ``enrollment and license'', ``license for the
coastwise (or coasting) trade'', and ``enrollment and license for
the coastwise (or coasting) trade'' mean a coastwise endorsement as
provided in section 12106 of this title.
More later, when I can find it.
Mike
_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)
