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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 5Ch. 1Art. 8§ 1141 Pilot License Renewal Requirements

§ 1141 Pilot License Renewal Requirements

Harbors and Navigation Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1141 Pilot License Renewal Requirements

This law says a pilot’s license is good for one year, must be renewed with a medical check, and can be taken away if the pilot doesn’t follow the rules.

Key Takeaways

  • •A pilot license lasts one year and needs a new medical exam to be renewed.
  • •If a pilot doesn’t steer a ship for a whole year, they can’t renew it unless they have a medical disability, an unpaid leave, or are working as a port agent.
  • •Pilots must always have a current license for the waters they work in.
  • •The board can suspend or cancel a license if the pilot uses the wrong equipment or works in waters not covered by the license.

Example

A ship pilot hasn’t steered any vessels for a whole year because they were sick, but they have a doctor’s note showing the illness.

Because the pilot showed proof of a medical disability, the board can still let the pilot renew the license even though they didn’t work for a year.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1141 Pilot License Renewal Requirements

(a) Each pilot license shall be valid for a period of one year and shall be renewed upon application and successful completion of the physical examination required by Section 1176. (b) A pilot license shall not be renewed if the pilot possessing the license does not actively pilot vessels for any consecutive period of one year, unless the board determines the pilot is qualified and makes one of the following findings: (1) The pilot has presented satisfactory proof of medical disability during that period. (2) The board has granted the pilot a leave of absence without pay during that period. (3) The pilot has been serving as port agent under Section 1130. (c) A pilot licensee shall at all times hold an active and proper license to pilot vessels on the waters on which the pilot operates. (d) The board may revoke or suspend the license of any pilot who does not use proper equipment maintained exclusively for pilotage or who operates on territorial waters not described in the license. This subdivision shall not be construed to require the use of a pilot boat in order to provide pilotage services for Monterey Bay. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 177, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

pilot licenserenewalphysical examinationmedical disabilityleave of absenceport agentrevoke or suspendproper equipmentterritorial waters

Related Statutes

  • § 1106 Public Hearing Required
  • § 1130 Port Agent Duties
  • § 1140 Bay Pilotage Regulation
  • § 1144 Pilot Fatigue Education Requirements
  • § 1146 Pilot Fatigue Assignment Refusal

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 1141.
View Official Source