Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 494 - BOARD OF PILOTAGE COMMISSIONERS
Here is a compiled overview of Department 494 – Board of Pilotage Commissioners from the Official Compilation of Rules & Regulations of the State of Georgia, current through June 11, 2025
📜 Administrative History
Chapter 494‑1‑1, titled Rules for the Government of Bar and Harbor Pilotage, was originally filed May 31 1994 and became effective June 20 1994. Several rules within have since been amended:
Rule .03: amended July 30, 1996; effective August 19, 1996
Rules .06 & .11 & Rule .31: adopted January 20 1998; effective February 9 1998
Rules .07, .09, .16: filed April 14 2004; effective May 4 2004
A broad group of rules (.02, .06, .08, .09, .14, .17, .19, .22, .24, .26, .27) amended September 16 2010; effective October 6 2010
Rule .32 amended July 31 2024; effective August 20 2024
📘 Chapter 494‑1: Saint Simons & Saint Andrews Bars
Subject 494‑1‑1 – Rules for the Government of Bar and Harbor Pilotage
Table of Contents :
.01 Purpose – Establishes safety- and efficiency-focused centralized pilotage standards
.02 Definitions – Key terms like apprentice, bar, branch, pilot, pilot waters, etc.
.03 Area of Jurisdiction – Covers waters from St. Simons Bar to Great Satilla River, extending offshore as needed
.04 Policies and Procedures Manual
.05 Requirement for Licensure – Apprentices must complete a three-year program
.06 Apprentice Training and Qualification Program
.07 Apprentice Selection Process
.13 Short Branch Qualification – Qualification for restricted pilot licenses
.14 Pilot Registration
.15 Board of Examiners
.16 Application, License and Registration Fees – Fees ranging from $50–$150 depending on license type
.17 Pilot Vessel Operation
.18 Pilot Communications Center at Brunswick
.19 Pilot Charges and Fees – Payment terms, finance charges, liens
.20 Federal Pilot Licensure – State pilots may also hold federal licenses; fees must comply with federal law
.21 Commissioner Authority over Federal Pilotage
.22 Marine Casualties, Accidents, and Other Reports
.23 Reports of Coast Guard Investigations
.24 Pilot Functions and Responsibilities – Requirements for pilot services to all inbound vessels
.25 Vessel Traffic Movement Restrictions
.26 Docking and Undocking Procedures
.27 Pre-arrival, Pre-shifting, Pre-departure Conference
.28 Pilot Coordination – Requests must be at least 3 hours ahead; commissioners ensure coordinated assignments
.29 Appeals
.30 Penalties – Includes suspensions, revocations, fines
.31 Pilot Licenses Restricted to Vessels <1600 GRT
.32 Rules for Ordering and Receiving State Pilots Onboard – Covers deviations for safety, operator cooperation, penalties
✅ Summary
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| .01–.04 | Purpose, terminology, jurisdiction |
| .05–.07, .13–.17 | Licensing, apprenticeship, selection, training |
| .18–.19 | Communications, fees, billing |
| .20–.21 | Federal licensing and commissioner authority |
| .22–.23 | Incident reporting, investigations |
| .24–.28 | Pilot function, movement coordination, docking, briefs |
| .29–.30 | Appeals and penalties |
| .31–.32 | License restrictions, boarding procedures |
📥 Accessing the Full Text
Official PDF download (current through June 11, 2025): available from Georgia SOS
Browse the rules online via Georgia SOS Code: Chapter 494
Additional references on Justia, Cornell LII, Casetext
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