§ 1134 Pilot Liability For Vessels

Harbors and Navigation Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that even when a pilot is on board, the ship and its owner are still responsible for any damage the pilot causes.

Key Takeaways

•A pilot becomes an employee of the ship and its owner.
•The ship’s owner cannot escape responsibility just because a pilot was in charge.
•If the pilot’s error causes damage, the owner must still answer for it.

Example

A pilot steers a cargo ship into a dock and accidentally hits a nearby warehouse, causing damage.

Even though the pilot made the mistake, the ship’s owner has to pay for the warehouse damage because the law says the owner stays liable.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1134 Pilot Liability For Vessels

When a pilot goes aboard a vessel, the pilot becomes a servant of the vessel and its owner and operator. Nothing in this division exempts the vessel or its owner or operator from liability to persons or property for damage or loss caused by the vessel or its operation on the ground that (1) the vessel was piloted by a pilot, or (2) the damage or loss was incurred as a result of the error, omission, fault, or neglect of a pilot. (Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 669, Sec. 7.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

pilot servant of the vessel liability error, omission, fault, or neglect

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 1134.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References