§462A-19  Exempt vessels.  This chapter
does not apply to:



(1)  Any vessel required by the laws of the United
States of America to be under the direction and control of a federally licensed
pilot;



(2)  Public vessels of the United States of America;



(3)  Fishing vessels that have been issued a fishery
license or appropriately endorsed registry under the laws of the United States
of America; or



(4)  Tugs or towboats of 1,600 gross tons or less
which are registered in the United States if the master, mate, or operator is
licensed in the United States and has made a minimum of six round trips into
and out of the pilotage water which the vessel is traversing.



This section provides minimum pilotage
requirements, and is not intended to negate the department of transportation's
responsibility for the safety of all ports and shore waters in the State, nor
does it limit the department's right to require additional pilotage should that
department determine it is necessary to ensure safety in the ports or shore
waters of the State. [L 1978, c 231, pt of §2; am L 1984, c 111, §1; am L 1985,
c 126, §13; am L 1988, c 131, §3; am L 1991, c 27, §3]