Code of Massachusetts Regulations 995 CMR - PILOT COMMISSIONERS: DISTRICT ONE
Here’s a detailed summary of 995 CMR 2.00 – “Pilotage within District One”, the section of Massachusetts regulations concerning Pilot Commissioners:
📘 Overview & Purpose
Scope: These regulations govern the safety and regulation of pilotage services—i.e., navigation of large vessels by licensed pilots—in District One, defined by M.G.L. c. 103 and covering Massachusetts waters near Boston (mass.gov).
** objectives**: They aim to support navigation safety, prevent service interruptions, and avoid environmental harm (mass.gov).
Who Are the Commissioners
Appointment: Two Commissioners are appointed by the governor (with Council approval), often after recommendation from the Boston Marine Society trustees (mass.gov).
Powers & duties (§2.03):
Create pilotage rules and grant, suspend, or revoke pilot commissions.
Enforce pilotage laws and handle complaints.
Require approval from Boston Marine Society trustees before granting commissions.
Can suspend pilots for misconduct, pending trustee review (law.cornell.edu).
Public Engagement & Transparency (§2.04)
Must hold at least two public meetings annually, with special meetings allowed under 24-hour notice or in emergencies.
Public meeting notices are posted online (e.g., masspilotage.com), filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and in newspapers (mass.gov).
Types of Pilot Commissions (§2.06)
Two forms:
Warrant Pilot Commission – entry-level, provisional.
Full Branch Pilot Commission – senior, unrestricted (mass.gov).
Eligibility & Application Requirements
Pilot Candidate Training−Applicants must have U.S. citizenship, be at least 21, hold a master's-level mariner credential, pass exams, medical checks (including USCG Form 719 K), and pay a $500 fee. Six months of Massachusetts residency is also required (mass.gov).
Warrant Pilot Commission−Requirements include experience as a trainee, documented sea experience, and endorsement from current pilots (mass.gov).
Full Branch Commission−Requires completion of 250 days as a warrant pilot and further evaluations (mass.gov).
Experience, Training & Performance (§2.10 – 2.17)
Prior maritime experience: Applicants must have sea time, often in command capacities aboard ≥1,600 GT vessels, or previous pilot service (mass.gov).
Ongoing training: Include annual medical exams, simulation, bridge resource management, ECDIS/PPU training, and more (mass.gov).
Operational Standards & Reporting (§2.16 – 2.21)
Pilot boats and boarding areas must meet strict safety standards and log all operations, including weather and crew boarding details (mass.gov).
Reporting: Pilots must submit reports on medical, credential, and unusual incidents (e.g., collisions, pollution) within 5 business days—or within 24 hours if specified by the Commissioners (mass.gov).
Additional Provisions
Leave of absence, commission duration (5 years renewable), use of emergency waivers (§2.23), and commission restrictions are also covered (mass.gov).
🔍 Regulatory Source & Updates
Effective as of November 11, 2022, per Mass Register Issue 1482 (law.cornell.edu).
These rules fall under regulatory authority of M.G.L. c. 103 (law.cornell.edu).
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