Why differentiate between state pilots and federal pilots?

Why are there two separate classifications of pilots? Wouldn’t it make sense to have one unified governing body to eliminate discrepancies in training/experience? Also, unified pilot governance could potentially eliminate the exclusivity resultant from nepotism present in some organizations. Perhaps the current regulatory structure of piloting isn’t in the best interest of all stakeholders and is in fact structured to benefit a small minority, e.g., pilots… Thoughts?

And to further confuse people, on much of the East Coast we also have docking pilots.

And [U]U.S. Registered Pilots[/U]

[QUOTE=Frank_Reynolds;195914]Why are there two separate classifications of pilots? Wouldn’t it make sense to have one unified governing body to eliminate discrepancies in training/experience? Also, unified pilot governance could potentially eliminate the exclusivity resultant from nepotism present in some organizations. Perhaps the current regulatory structure of piloting isn’t in the best interest of all stakeholders and is in fact structured to benefit a small minority, e.g., pilots… Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

as long as States control the licensing of pilots for ships in foreign trade they can control who becomes a state pilot and they allows State sanctioned pilots associations which are defacto monopolies in contradiction to open and fair trading. If the Feds controlled the licensing of pilots then it would be an open and free marketplace where competing associations would be allowed unlike what we have which is lots of very small mafias where the very lucky few make obscene money while many otherwise qualified mariners only look in from the outside wishing they could become one of the chosen few. THE SYSTEM STINKS WITH THE FESTERING ROTTEN CORRUPTION OF IT ALL!

A whole bunch of “good ol boy” networks.

Its called legal extortion.

[QUOTE=Frank_Reynolds;195914]Also, unified pilot governance could potentially eliminate the exclusivity resultant from nepotism present in some organizations.[/QUOTE]

Unified governance is what leads to nepotism. You need multiple independent and competing pilot organizations to prevent nepotism.

[QUOTE=Capt. Phoenix;195972]Unified governance is what leads to nepotism. You need multiple independent and competing pilot organizations to prevent nepotism.[/QUOTE]

he meant unified governance under federal oversight which would allow all first class pilots licensed by the USCG to serve vessels in foreign trade which would break up the monopolies of the state sanctioned private pilot’s associations. Currently, to pilot a vessel in foreign trade you need a state issued license and that is how the nepotism has always been protected. The states are all in bed with the pilot’s associations and you know that they would never give that control up.

[QUOTE=Frank_Reynolds;195914]Why are there two separate classifications of pilots? Wouldn’t it make sense to have one unified governing body to eliminate discrepancies in training/experience? Also, unified pilot governance could potentially eliminate the exclusivity resultant from nepotism present in some organizations. Perhaps the current regulatory structure of piloting isn’t in the best interest of all stakeholders and is in fact structured to benefit a small minority, e.g., pilots… Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

Not a Pilot but I have approved a whole lot of pilot bills for payment in many country’s. Limiting to the US there are wide differences in Pilot charges and how much money pilots make. Small ports very few ship arrivals many pilots have to have 2nd jobs or businesses to maintain the expense of launches etc. Others with lots of ship traffic high income. It’s a business and some are profitable others less so. A Ship owner looks at pilot charges different way’s. Liner operator lots of port calls pilot fees are considered part of port expenses and if not exorbitant are not a concern. Tramp owner pilot fees are paid by the charterer most of the time. Some ports do charge a lot and constant battles on charges. About the only thing the owner can do is avoid the port which has quick effect on all port charges.

When it comes to state vs federal,. State pilot associations have a requirement to maintain pilots on station at all times. Expensive requirement, capable pilot boats and crews around the clock dispatch any time with little notice. Federal pilots have to have a license that’s all, no service requirements. In the US they are mostly contracted and meet the vessels on a pre planned schedule using a hired launch. If the weather is bad the ship waits.

You could have federal control of pilotage if you believe the Federal Government is better at doing things than states. I don’t, working out of the country have seen many pilot organizations run by National governments with real competency & corruption issues. Generally pilots that want the business and are staffed with capable people do the best job. How they were appointed, nepotism or equal opportunity managed by the Feds is the question. I have seen good and bad both ways. Free market anybody with a License competing ? that how it worked many many years ago. Ship owners at the mercy of whoever boarded whenever he showed up and paid whatever he wanted. That would not do well ships in trades today. Fact is the pilot bill is a small portion of port charges. Pilot delays or accidents very expensive.

Boats3

Couple of guys asked me how pilot rates are set. Most states rates are set by the authority that regulates public utility’s. Power company phone cable TV etc. When they go for increases it’s open for public comment, I have commented on behalf of owners number of times. Most of the time cost per vessel comparison other ports with similar situations, How the increase compares to other cost. They want to hear if vessels have had delays or incidents relating to pilot service. Never saw a increase refused always approved but have to say the increases requested were mostly along the lines of other service charges.

Never commented on how much a individual pilot earns. It’s a non starter with the state. Get into that invites comparisons to earnings in other “closed” regulated occupations. Doctors, Lawyers, and the guy that runs the Power company.

Boats3

[QUOTE=Boats3;196033]Couple of guys asked me how pilot rates are set. Most states rates are set by the authority that regulates public utility’s. Power company phone cable TV etc. When they go for increases it’s open for public comment, I have commented on behalf of owners number of times. Most of the time cost per vessel comparison other ports with similar situations, How the increase compares to other cost. They want to hear if vessels have had delays or incidents relating to pilot service. Never saw a increase refused always approved but have to say the increases requested were mostly along the lines of other service charges.

Never commented on how much a individual pilot earns. It’s a non starter with the state. Get into that invites comparisons to earnings in other “closed” regulated occupations. Doctors, Lawyers, and the guy that runs the Power company.

Boats3[/QUOTE]

Everybody seem to be onboard with salary caps. . . until THEIR salary is capped. . . .