La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § LXX-6209

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section LXX-6209 - Pilot Development Program

A. The Pilot Development Program is a mandatory program administered by the board for all Association selected applicants wherein each applicant must successfully and satisfactorily perform such duties, receive training and instruction, meet required standards, pass examinations and obtain such licensure as determined by the board. The program will last not less than four calendar years and be comprised of an apprentice period and a deputy pilot period. Successful completion of the program is required prior to the board approving the deputy pilot for unrestricted pilot status.

1. The board shall determine the number of selected applicants admitted into the Pilot Development Program at any given time.

B. Apprentice Period

1. All persons participating in the Pilot Development Program shall successfully complete the apprentice portion of the program designed and administered by the board. The Apprenticeship Period shall last for a period of not less than one calendar year. This Apprentice Period shall include the following:

a. not less than one year of training and instruction prior to commissioning, during which time the apprentice shall accompany state commissioned pilots in the performance of their duties;

b. advanced qualification testing;

c. any necessary license preparation and upgrades; and

d. any other industry related professional development that may be relevant and necessary.

C. Deputy Pilot Period

1. The Deputy Pilot Period of the Pilot Development Program shall last for a period of not less than three calendar years. The Deputy Pilot Period shall include the following:

a. movement of vessels of particular types and sizes and at times under specific conditions set by the board;

b. training and instruction during which the Deputy Pilot accompanies pilots in the performance of their duties;

c. advanced qualification testing;

d. any necessary license preparation and upgrades;

e. successful completion of licensure and education requirements; and

f. any other industry related professional development that may be relevant and necessary.

D. Time to Complete the Pilot Development Program

1. The Apprentice Period shall be successfully completed within a timely period unless the board determines that exceptional conditions apply such as illness, injury or limited availability of a necessary resource. Participants who fail to demonstrate satisfactory progress as determined by the board shall be subject to dismissal from the Apprenticeship Program.

2. The Deputy Pilot Period may last up to four years provided the participant is making acceptable progress as determined by the board.

3. The Deputy Pilot Period may be extended up to one additional year after the initial four years at the discretion of the board. If, after the one year extension period, the deputy pilot fails to meet the criteria and standards set by the board, said deputy pilot shall be released from the Pilot Development Program and a recommendation will be made to the governor to have the deputy pilot's state commission revoked.

E. Grounds for Release from the Pilot Development Program

1. Any program participant who fails to meet the criteria and standards set by the board shall be released from the Pilot Development Program and will not be recommended to the governor for commissioning. If, already commissioned, a recommendation will be made to have the deputy pilot's state commission revoked.

2. Grounds for release from the Pilot Development Program include, but are not limited to:

a. failure to complete the requirements of any period, stage, segment, license upgrades or educational requirements necessary to progress or complete the program;

b. recklessness and/or display of lack of judgment;

c. disregard of state rules, laws, and regulations;

d. disregard of United States Coast Guard rules and regulations;

e. lack of fitness for the position and responsibilities of a pilot; and

f. any violations of standards of conduct as enumerated in §6307 of the board's rules.

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § LXX-6209

Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Board of Examiners for New Orleans and Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots, LR 30:2474 (November 2004), amended by the Office of the Governor, Board of Examiners for New Orleans and Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots for the Mississippi River, LR 36:496 (March 2010), LR 38:3167 (December 2012).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 34:1041 et seq.