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MaineLD 1874132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Enable the Maine Pilotage Commission to Oversee Pilots Operating in Portland Harbor

Sponsored By: W. Crockett (Independent)

Became Law

NAVIGATIONNAVIGATION - PILOTS (MARINE)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

State commission now regulates Portland pilots

The Maine Pilotage Commission now oversees pilots working in Portland Harbor. It sets pilot licenses, training, safety, and pilotage rates, while the Portland Harbor Board keeps control over docking masters. Starting now, Portland pilots fall under the commission, but they can follow Board terms during the transition; pilot fees must match commission fees. Within 6 months, the commission must start rulemaking and keep Portland’s Section 17.0 rules largely the same for at least 24 months. After that, the commission may change Portland pilot rules. The Portland Harbor Board must also update its rules to match this law.

New pilot rules for small and military vessels

Noncommercial foreign vessels under 253 feet are treated differently in Portland Harbor than elsewhere. In Portland Harbor, the law covers noncommercial foreign vessels under 350 gross tons used as yachts or for recreation, and noncommercial U.S. vessels under 350 gross tons under registry for yachts or recreation. Military ships traveling the Kennebec River to and from Bath Iron Works for repairs, trials, and related work are also covered. These changes clarify which small and military vessels must follow pilotage rules in Portland and nearby waters.

New makeup of pilotage commission

The commission has seven members named by the Governor for three-year terms. It must include three actively piloting licensed pilots (one from each coastal zone), two members from industries that use pilots, one mayor‑nominated maritime member from Portland/South Portland lists, and two public maritime members. The law also defines three coastal zones for membership: Calais to Schoodic Point; Schoodic Point to Port Clyde; and Southport Island/Port Clyde to Kittery. Portland and Casco Bay are excluded from those zones.

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

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 253

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  4. Report 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.

    6/2/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT 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.

    6/2/2025House

  6. Report 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.

    5/13/2025Senate

  7. Report 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.

    5/13/2025House

  8. Received 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

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