March 2018 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 7. O-E - LD1752 R P February 5, 2018
Committee on Transportation 100 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333
The Maine Pilotage Commission has
served the state and our coastal communities for nearly 50 years governing the marine pilotage laws of Maine. The Commission is devoted to the preservation and protection of lives, the environment, property, and vessels. Over the years, the legislature has modifi ed certain pilotage statutes with the input of the Maine Pilotage Commission to place the state’s interests fi rst. The legisla- ture in Augusta is now considering LD 1752 an “Act to Promote Passenger Ferry Service Between Maine and Nova Scotia.” As a collaborative partner, the Maine Pilotage Commission opines that LD 1752 directly confl icts with our safety and environmental goals.
The authority to license and oversee
state pilotage is a responsibility delegated from Congress, under the United States Code. Pilots are licensed by the state and are, therefore, accountable to the people of the State of Maine. Affi rming this account- ability, pilots take an oath subscribing to perform their duties in the best interest of the State. The Maine Pilotage Commission is aff orded investigative and disciplinary power. If a Maine pilot acts negligently or improperly, there are laws in place to inves- tigate and discipline pilots including license suspension or revocation. The state would lose this power for vessels exempted under LD 1752.
Environmentally, Maine is unforgiving.
Maine has harsh weather conditions extend- ing into summer, unpredictable and heavy fog challenges, and an extremely rocky coastline that could tear a ship hull open
risking environmental impact which can harm our lobster habitat as well as tourism, not to mention our industrial economy that relies on shipping. Pilots reduce these risks though their extensive training and skill sets developed over long term apprenticeships. LD 1752 would allow the ferry’s Captain to pilot the ship after a minimal number of trips, with no additional instruction, testing, or state oversight. The language of LD 1752 downplays
the role of the pilot and the reality of the coastal/harbor transit which is the most critical point of any vessel voyage. Maneu- vering ships of hundreds of feet in length and tens of thousands of tons in volume in coastal and harbor environments is among the most complex command and control scenarios in our modern transportation sys- tem. The eff ort requires a team, in which the pilot plays the key and most pivotal role. Navigation considerations include weather, tides, currents, visibility (fog and snow), underwater obstructions, rocks and shoals, fl oating hazards, ship traffi c, and unpredict- able recreational vessel traffi c. In addition to moving cargo and pas-
sengers safely and efficiently, Maine’s pilots also protect the marine environment from accidents and oil pollution from ships. As “Vacationland,” protection of Maine’s coastal habitat and beaches is essential to the state’s tourism industry. Further, pilots skillfully work with agencies and fi shermen to avoid gear confl icts, reducing fi shing gear damage. A grounding, collision or other marine accident could endanger the coastal environment in which we work, live, and play.
In 2012 the Costa Concordia was run
aground on Isola del Giglio by the vessel’s Master, not a pilot. The Costa Concordia’s
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Master deviated intentionally from nor- mal routes and then failed to manage the navigational challenge created by his poor decision. In 2006 the passenger/car ferry Queen of the North struck a rock and sank with two fatalities in Wright Sound, British Columbia due to a missed course change. There was no pilot aboard. Pilots serve as the experts to manage
navigation risks leveraging expertise built upon hundreds if not thousands of vessel transits. They keep our waterways, beaches, economy, and fi shery safe. LD 1752 will
weaken our pilotage system and will place the environment, safety, and economy at risk. If you agree with our position on this matter, please contact your state representa- tive or senator, and let them know how you feel.
Sincerely,
Captain Charles Weeks Chairperson,
Maine Pilotage Commission
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