Washington Board of Pilotage Commissioners

The Oil Transportation Safety Committee discussed the implementation of the tug escort rule, including potential mitigation measures related to environmental and cetacean safety, particularly for Southern Resident Killer Whales. The committee reviewed the applicability of Standards of Care for various vessel sizes, considerations for escort tug operations, and potential recommendations to the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee regarding mitigation strategies identified in the Environmental Impact Statement. Additionally, the committee supported ongoing efforts related to lost fishing gear and discussed future assessment requirements for rule effects.

The Board of Pilotage Commissioners held a meeting to discuss several key items including the reconsideration of a pilotage exemption for the Clipper fleet, which was granted with specific safety conditions. Reports were presented regarding marine safety occurrences for the vessels MATSON TACOMA and OHIO, with motions passed for further action. The committee provided updates on trainee evaluations, the pilot license upgrade program, and exam applicant approvals. The Port of Grays Harbor requested and received an increase in the authorized number of pilots. Additionally, the Board reviewed staff recommendations for the authorized number of pilots for the Puget Sound Pilotage District, discussed legislative updates, and heard presentations on the upcoming 2026 cruise season, including new cruise lines and infrastructure projects like LNG bunkering and shore power improvements.

The meeting included staff and committee reports on pilotage activity, training programs, and incident reporting. Significant actions involved the standard-setting process for the Marine Pilot Examination, including defining the cut score for the written exam and simulator evaluation criteria. The Board discussed and acted upon pilot license upgrades, committee membership and recommendations, vessel exemption requests, and reviewed input regarding pilotage regulations. Additionally, financial and operational reports were presented, and the schedule for upcoming meetings was noted.

The board meeting agenda includes staff and chair reports, along with activity updates from the U.S. Coast Guard, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, The Northwest Seaport Alliance, Puget Sound Pilots, and the Port of Grays Harbor. Key business items cover the reconsideration of a pilotage exemption for the Clipper Fleet and various actions regarding Marine Safety Office matters. The meeting will address committee recommendations from the Trainee Evaluation Committee and Pilot Exam Committee, including pilot license upgrades, training program invitations, and applicant reviews. Additional agenda items include vessel exemption requests, a request from the Port of Grays Harbor to increase the number of pilots, review of pilot and trainee physical examination reports, a presentation on the 2026 cruise season, discussion on WAC 363-116-065 regarding pilot numbers, implementation of the tug escort rule, a legislative update, and various committee and work group reports.

Key discussions included the approval of the BPC's 2026 supplemental budget request and legislative process updates. The Chair reported on letters sent to Puget Sound Pilots concerning azipod training and regarding the Pilots' tariff revision filing related to the target assignment level (TAL). Activity reports were provided by various maritime stakeholders. The Board acknowledged the death of a pilot in St. Andrews Bay, Florida, and the Pilot Safety Committee is monitoring the investigation. New Business covered a presentation from the Marine Exchange. Several Pilot Reports of Incident were reviewed, including grounding of the PACIFIC CHAMP (filed with no pilot error) and a fractured wrist sustained by a pilot aboard the YM NAVIGATOR (filed with injury and no pilot error). Three Marine Safety Occurrences involving terminal cranes and engine issues on two vessels (MATSON KODIAK and PINE ARROW) were referred to relevant workgroups or added to tracking lists. Committee actions included approving pilot license upgrade programs for three Captains and approving eleven applicants to sit for the Knowledge Based Test. Rulemaking protest and appeal procedures are scheduled for a public hearing in February 2026. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee roster was adopted, and sponsorships for the Women on the Water and Women in Maritime Leadership conferences were approved. The annual exemption for Passenger Vessel VICTORIA CLIPPER V was approved, as were pilot physical examination reports for annual license renewals. Implementation of the Tug Escort Rule, effective December 21, 2025, was discussed, including plans for a rule assessment process and consultation with the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. The Board continued discussions regarding the Process for Review of Authorized Number of Pilots, reviewing data on training timelines and pilot age statistics, with additional data requested for the next meeting.