Mike, My Australian registered vessel has just run the gauntlet of the Puget Sound Pilotage issue. It sucks in principle for small recreation boats and seems to be aimed at ships in the main. I printed it off, read it, and sent it to the round filing cabinet under the desk. I have been afforded nothing but the best of hospitality on our trip north by all officials, and have just done a friendly Customs check in by phone from Petersburg to Wrangell. In every service you are going to find an oficial who want's to break your balls (Australia too, with Americans) Thanks for your stirring of the pot with the bureaucrats that make these rules. Peter SKIE N55#38