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vidual earnings grew more than $36,000 for self-insurance liability premium ex- ited by the Board into the pilotage ac- each despite having only a small tar- penditures. This appropriation is contin- count solely for the expenditure of self- iff increase for the ? rst 6 months (2% gent upon three stipulated conditions: insurance premiums.

equivalent) equaling 1% for the year. (1) The Puget Sound Pilots shall pay These three directives are in effect be-

Hence, revenue per assignment con- to the Board, from its tariffs, $150,000 ginning May 18, 2017 through June 30, tinues to grow without tariff increases, annually on July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2019.

with larger container vessels and cruise 2018. These amounts shall be deposited ships a key factor in that metric. by the Board into the pilotage account Looking Ahead: in the Radar

Local stakeholders argued that indus- and used solely for the expenditure of The only thing that is certain in terms try should not pay (for the discrimina- self-insurance premiums; of pilot law here in the United States tion judgment) and that they were not (2) The Board shall maintain the is that challenges are becoming more responsible. Ultimately, the legislature Puget Sound Pilotage District pilotage frequent. The disputes also touch upon decided on an assessment of $16 per as- tariff at the rate which became effective many more issues than just rates and signment plus the rate freeze plus a study on January 1, 2017; and fees. How will any or all of these spats of rate setting, workload, governance (3) A self-insurance premium sur- play out? That’s anyone’s guess. That and other issues. But, that decision only charge of $16.00 shall be added to said; there may be no other aspect of lasts for the biennium (whereas a Senate each Puget Sound pilotage assignment the domestic waterfront which regularly

Bill pushed for the pilots paying the en- on all vessels requiring pilotage in the provides more entertainment. For the

About the Author

Joseph Keefe is a 1980 (Deck) gradu- tire amount for six years with a six year Puget Sound Pilotage District. The players involved, though, the stakes are ate of the Massachusetts Maritime tariff rate freeze and a study – the ? nal Puget Sound Pilots shall remit the total high and current events are anything but

Academy and the lead commentator of was compromise between the House and amount of such surcharges generated to fun and games.

MaritimeProfessional.com. Additionally,

Senate). the Board by the 10 of each month. The Millions and millions of dollars hang he is Editor of both Maritime Logistics

With respect to the passage of En- surcharge shall be in effect from July in the balance. A good friend once told

Professional and MarineNews. He can grossed Senate Bill 5096 Section 108, 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. These me that ? nding out the truth simply in- be reached at jkeefe@maritimeprofes- the Board of Pilotage Commissioners is amounts shall be in addition to those volves “following the money.” If so, sional.com or at Keefe@marinelink.

appropriated $1,100,000 from the Mul- fees to be paid to the Board pursuant to then the collective legal wrangling now com. timodal Transportation Account solely subsection (1) above and shall be depos- underway makes perfect sense.

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