52-6-45. Vessels to be under direction and control of licensed pilots; exemptions; use of docking pilots.

Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, every vessel shall be under the direction and control of a pilot licensed by this state when underway in the bays, rivers, harbors, and ports of this state and the approaches thereto.#

The requirement of subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply to the following vessels:#

1. (1)

   Vessels exempted by the laws of the United States;#

2. (2)

   Vessels under 200 gross tons; and#

3. (3)

   Vessels in distress or jeopardy, except that any such vessel shall take a state licensed pilot as soon as one arrives at the vessel.#

Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit a vessel from utilizing the services of a docking pilot in addition to the state licensed pilot required under this chapter during docking and undocking maneuvers with the assistance of one or more tugboats. The commissioners are authorized, consistent with all other requirements of this chapter, to establish by regulation or otherwise the duties, responsibilities, and fees of state licensed pilots when operating with a docking pilot aboard a vessel.#