Public Hearing

We invite you to comment on the proposed rule language and supporting materials on the webpage for this rulemaking.

Review related documents on the webpage for this rulemaking.

Background

The Board of Pilotage Commissioners, in consultation with the Department of Ecology, is conducting a rulemaking to amend Chapter 363-116 WAC, Pilotage Rules. Chapter 363-116 WAC describes the training, licensing, and regulation of Washington state maritime pilots to ensure safe pilotage. Chapter 363-116 WAC also describes tug-escort requirements for oil tankers in Washington waters.  

We write rules to implement and enforce state and federal environmental laws and rules.  We follow a three-phase process for rulemaking:

1. Announcement and development
2. Proposal
3. Adoption

For each phase of the process, we update the rulemaking web page and notify interested parties. We also file notice in the Washington State Register. To learn more about our rulemaking process, read the Frequently Asked Questions.

For this rulemaking, our agency will lead the rulemaking process for BPC and will conduct the regulatory analyses required by the Administrative Procedure Act, State Environmental Policy Act, and the Regulatory Fairness Act. The BPC will make final decisions on tug-escort requirements.