Delaware Administrative Code
Title 24 - Regulated Professions and Occupations
Department of State
Division of Professional Regulation
1000 - Board of Pilot Commissioners
Section 1000-12.0 - Service Requirement for Advancement from License Class to a Higher License Class
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024
12.1 Under 23 Del.C. § 113(b), a licensed pilot must serve at least one year in each of the previous lower pilot license classifications before the pilot is entitled to a first class license, permitting the pilot to provide pilotage services for "ships or vessels of any practical draft of water." 23 Del.C. § 112(1). Using the plain meaning rule of legislative interpretation, the term "serve" as used in Section 113(b) means to actively engage in the pilot profession during a full one-year term, and not merely to hold a current license for twelve months.
12.2 For example, if a pilot is unavailable for pilotage assignments during a one-year term, the total time for which the pilot was unavailable shall not be counted toward the one-year requirement. This circumstance will then affect the pilot's license renewal date, at the completion of the total one-year term.