Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners

The Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC) is a statutory board based in Seattle, Washington. The BPC is comprised of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, serving staggered four-year terms. The board's mission is to ensure the safety of lives, property, and vessels on Washington's inland waters, while also protecting the marine environment. The BPC is responsible for the development and enforcement of pilotage laws in the state. They develop proposed legislation for the legislature, establish rules for administering pilotage laws, and investigate and discipline violators of the Pilotage Act. The board also sets annual pilotage tariffs for the Puget Sound and Grays Harbor Pilotage Districts and oversees the testing, training, and licensing of marine pilots. They also establish standards for reporting and investigating incidents involving state-piloted vessels. The BPC plays a critical role in maintaining Washington's competitiveness in waterborne commerce. They work to ensure that the state's pilotage service is efficient and competent, allowing vessels to navigate Washington's waterways safely and efficiently. The Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners can be reached at pilotage.wa.gov.