South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 136 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION- COMMISSIONERS OF PILOTAGE
Article 1 - LOWER COASTAL AREA
Section 136-040 - Pilot Vessel Operation

A. The pilots for the Lower Coastal Area shall obtain and engage the dedicated services of two or more privately owned pilot vessels for the sole benefit of the pilots.

B. An appropriate number of such vessels shall be manned and available for duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week, such number to be determined by the Commissioners.

C. Every pilot vessel shall be materially sufficient and properly manned for its intended duty to the satisfaction of the Commissioners.

D. Response in support of port or vessel emergencies is considered duty under the role of pilotage.

E. Pilot vessels are engaged in the mission of state law enforcement when transporting and transferring state licensed pilots in the performance of pilotage, and must not be inhibited to promote the safe execution of pilotage, pilot transfers, and in the interests of placing pilots onboard ships as timely as practicable.

F. Provided there are not less than two vessels available for pilotage as required in paragraph (A) above, approved pilot vessels in the fleet maintained by the pilots may temporarily provide maritime services to the port or to vessels in the vicinity so long as there is no imposition on pilot operations, and the temporary service adheres to state and federal regulations as applicable.