46 U.S.C. § 8502 — Federal pilots required

(a) Except as subsections (g) and (i) provide, a coastwise seagoing vessel^* must be under a pilot licensed under section 7101 if it is (1) not sailing on register; (2) underway; (3) within 3 nautical miles of the baselines from which the U.S. territorial sea is measured; and (4)(A) machinery-propelled and subject to part B inspection, or (B) subject to chapter 37 inspection.

(b) Required pilotage fees may not exceed customary or legally established State^* rates.

(c) A State or subdivision may not require such a federally licensed pilot to obtain another license or adopt a regulation impeding the pilot’s federal duties.

(d) A State or subdivision may not levy pilot charges on a lawfully piloted vessel.

(e) The owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a vessel operated in violation of this section or a regulation under it is liable to the United States for a $10,000 civil penalty. The vessel is also liable in rem.

(f) An individual serving as a pilot without a license required by this section or a regulation under it is liable to the Government for a $10,000 civil penalty.

(g) (1) The Secretary must designate by regulation any Prince William Sound areas where a covered vessel need not have such a pilot. (2) Where one is required, the pilot may not be crew; while navigating between 60°49′ North latitude and Port of Valdez, the pilot must be Alaska-licensed and operating under a Federal license.

(h) The Secretary must designate waters where covered tankers over 1,600 gross tons must have on the bridge a master or mate licensed under section 7101(c)(1), separate and distinct from the required pilot.

(i) (1) A covered dredge is exempt except as paragraph (2) provides. (2) After notice and comment, if the Secretary finds the exemption creates a navigational-safety hazard in a specified area, the Secretary may require an exempt dredge operating there to comply with this section.