State Certified Pilotage

California’s Harbors and Navigation Code in Division 5, Chapter 1, Article 8 deals with state certified pilotage for pilots in Monterey Bay and the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun.

Section 1140 states the intent of the Legislature to provide for a unified system of state regulated pilotage for Monterey Bay and the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun because it will be beneficial to the safety of people, vessels, and property using those bays and tributaries.

Section 1141 specifies that each pilot license is valid for a period of one year and is required to be renewed upon application and successful completion of the physical examination. A pilot license cannot be renewed if the pilot possessing the license does not actively pilot vessels for any consecutive period of one year, unless the board determines the pilot is qualified and makes one of three specified findings.

In addition, a pilot licensee is required to hold an active and proper license to pilot vessels on the waters on which the pilot operates. The board may revoke or suspend the license of any pilot who does not use proper equipment maintained exclusively for pilotage or who operates on territorial waters not described in the license.

Section 1144 requires any continuing education program adopted by the board to regularly inform pilots of the hazards of fatigue and of effective strategies to prevent fatigue while on duty.

Section 1146 requires a pilot to refuse a pilotage assignment if he or she is physically or mentally fatigued and has a reasonable belief that the assignment cannot be carried out in a competent and safe manner.