AGO Opinion Topics: LICENSING PILOTS PILOTING VESSELS PUGET SOUND

1. Under chapter 88.16 RCW pilots of Canadian citizenship (who may not be licensed as pilots in this state) may not engage in the piloting of vessels between British Columbia and Puget Sound ports through those portions of the Haro Straits lying within the boundaries of the state of Washington. 2. The state of Washington or any agency thereof may not enter into an agreement with officials of the Canadian government providing for the distribution of responsibility for pilotage in such waters between American and Canadian pilots. 3. Penalties for failure to abide by the pilotage laws are contained throughout chapter 88.16 RCW and are to be enforced by regularly constituted county authorities.