An Act to Enable the Maine Pilotage Commission to Oversee Pilots Operating in Portland Harbor
Sponsored By: W. Crockett (Independent)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
New pilot rules for Portland yachts
In Portland Harbor, the law sets a special size rule for recreational vessels. Noncommercial foreign and U.S. yachts under 350 gross tons follow the Portland Harbor rule. This changes who must take a pilot and what fees they pay in Portland Harbor. Outside Portland Harbor, noncommercial foreign vessels under 253 feet are treated under a different rule. Some owners may now need a pilot who did not before, while others may not.
New makeup of the Pilotage Commission
The commission now has seven members. Three are licensed pilots, one from each coastal zone. Two represent maritime industries that use pilots. One non‑pilot with a maritime background is chosen from a list by the mayors of Portland and South Portland. One public member is not a licensed pilot. Terms are three years. The law also defines three coastal zones: Calais to Schoodic Point; Schoodic Point to Southport Island; and Southport Island to Kittery. Portland and Casco Bay are excluded from these zone definitions.
State commission now regulates Portland pilots
The Maine Pilotage Commission now regulates pilots who work in Portland Harbor. It handles licenses, apprentices, training, safety, fees, and rates. Pilotage rates must be just and reasonable. The commission must start rulemaking within 6 months of the law’s effective date. For at least 24 months, the initial rules must be like the Portland Harbor Board’s Section 17.0. During that time, fees charged to Portland pilots must match fees for other state‑licensed pilots. Pilots are under the commission starting on the law’s effective date. The Portland Harbor Board keeps control of docking masters, but docking masters may not do active pilotage.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
W. Crockett
Independent • House
Cosponsors
Holly Eaton
Democratic • House
Jill C. Duson
Democratic • Senate
Karen Montell
Democratic • House
Wayne Parry
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 253
6/10/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/3/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/3/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-335) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-335), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/2/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-335).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.On motion by Senator Tepler of Sagadahoc for the Committee on Marine Resources REFERRED to the Committee on Transportation, in concurrence.
5/13/2025SenateReport of the Chair-Pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2Representative HEPLER from the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES Reports a recommendation for a CHANGE OF COMMITEE.Report was READ and ACCEPTED.On motion of Representative HEPLER, the Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/13/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on May 1, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
5/1/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-335), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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