Andrew Drennen

The primary discussion involved the adoption of the Final Rulemaking Language (CR103) to establish tug escort requirements for oil tankers and barges over 5,000 DWT in Puget Sound, as mandated by ESHB 1578. This rule aims to reduce the risk of catastrophic oil spills. Minor modifications were made to the pre-escort conference procedures, concerning whale sightings and clarity improvements. The Board approved the CR103 package. The Final Environmental Impact Statement and Final Regulatory Analysis are scheduled to be posted the following day, and the CR103 filing is set for November 20. The Executive Director's additional work on the OTSC with Ecology was acknowledged.

The Regular Meeting addressed several operational and regulatory matters. Key discussions included a report of a soft grounding incident involving the vessel PACIFIC CHAMP in Grays Harbor, with the investigation ongoing. Two separate Marine Safety Occurrences (ULTRA OCELOT and CAPE GATA) were filed. The Trainee Evaluation Committee (TEC) reported on pilot license upgrades, approved an 8-week extension for trainees affected by federal chart requirements due to a shutdown, and provided updates on the progress of all current trainees. The Pilot Exam Committee (PEC) approved the filing of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (CR102) to update written examination and simulator evaluation protest and appeal procedures, and noted updates on simulator development and exam bibliography release. The Board granted interim and annual exemptions for two motor yachts. Annual physical examination reports for several pilots renewing their licenses were approved. The Board accepted proposed calendar dates for 2026 meetings and canceled the December 2025 meeting. Significant time was dedicated to the Tug Escort Rulemaking Implementation, confirming the CR 103 filing, and approving an amendment to the Interagency Agreement with Ecology for the 2028 Tug Escort Rule Review. Additionally, the Puget Sound Pilots presented on new electronic navigation charts being developed by NOAA. The Board also reviewed proposed agency request legislation for the 2026 session concerning escort tug requirements for larger tank vessels. Updates were provided by the Oil Transportation Safety Committee, Pilot Safety Committee, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, Pilotage Act Advisory Committee, and Terminal Operations Work Group.

The Pilot Safety Committee meeting involved several key agenda items. Discussions centered on rest rule exceptions during Q2 2025, revealing zero exceptions in Grays Harbor and one exception to the 10-hour rest rule in Puget Sound. Pilots' reports regarding noncompliant pilot transfer arrangements from Q2 2025 were reviewed, highlighting ongoing issues with counterfeit, poor-condition, and improperly suspended ladders. The status of the new MSO Form adaptation via Jotform was reported, noting that the old PDF form remains available until official Board approval. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to evaluating PSP procedures around comp days, including data on accumulated comp days and whether comp days directly cause callbacks. While analysis of the callback job ratio showed a decreasing trend, there was debate regarding controlling the earning of comp days versus restricting their use, with emphasis placed on health and safety concerns and identifying risks.

The Oil Transportation Safety Committee (OTSC) meeting on March 11, 2024, involved discussions and decisions regarding escort ideas and environmental elements for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The committee reviewed five reasonable alternatives for escort requirements, including removing or expanding existing requirements in various straits and channels. They also discussed the elements of the environment to be included in the EIS scope, such as air quality, plants and animals, underwater noise, spill risk, vessel traffic, tribal resources, and water quality. The OTSC members voted on the alternatives to be recommended to the Board, and Haley Kennard presented the team's recommendations for the environmental elements to be included in the EIS.

The Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners voted to increase the Authorized Number of Pilots in the Puget Sound Pilotage District and for the Pilot Safety Committee to investigate comp day usage potentially developing safeguards and guidelines. The Pilot Safety Committee analyzed pilot assignment data to recommend a Target On-Watch Assignment Level. Parties of Interest presented submittals utilizing the TAL to determine the proposed authorized number of pilots. The BPC Staff Recommendation was based on staff review of the submittals and rebuttals and included a summary of main points and tables forecasting annual assignments.