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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 5Ch. 4Art. 2§ 1181 Pilot License Revocation Grounds

§ 1181 Pilot License Revocation Grounds

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

§ 1181 Pilot License Revocation Grounds

This law says a pilot’s license can be taken away or paused before it expires only if the pilot does misconduct, like not paying money owed, lying, being absent, being drunk, or breaking safety rules.

Key Takeaways

  • •A pilot’s license can be revoked or suspended only for misconduct.
  • •Misconduct includes not paying or reporting pilotage money, lying, being absent without leave, refusing to show the license, being intoxicated, endangering vessels, breaking board rules, failing health standards, or not completing required training.
  • •The board decides the punishment, and the pilot must prove they meet health standards if challenged.

Example

A pilot collects fees for guiding ships but waits more than 30 days to give the money to the board.

Because the pilot ignored the deadline to turn over the money, the board can suspend or revoke the pilot’s license under this law.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1181 Pilot License Revocation Grounds

The license of a pilot may be revoked or suspended before its expiration only for reasons of misconduct, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) Neglect, for 30 days after it becomes due, to render an account to the board of all money received for pilotage. (b) Neglect, for 30 days after it becomes due, to pay over to the board the percentage of all pilotage money received, as set by the board. (c) Rendering to the board a false account of pilotage received. (d) Absence from duty for more than one month at any one time without leave granted by the board, unless sickness or personal injury causes the absence. (e) Refusing to exhibit the pilot license when requested to do so by the master of any vessel boarded. (f) Intoxication or being under the influence of any substance or combination of substances that so affects the nervous system, brain, or muscles as to impair, to an appreciable degree, the ability to conduct the duties of a pilot while on duty. (g) Negligently, ignorantly, or willfully running a vessel on shore, or otherwise rendering it liable to damage, or otherwise causing injury to persons or damage to property. However, this subdivision does not apply to a vessel of less than 300 gross tons unless a pilot is required by law. (h) Willful violation of the rules and regulations adopted by the board for the government of pilots. (i) Inability to comply with the standards of health or physical condition requisite to the duties of a pilot, but in that case the burden of proving compliance with these standards is upon the licensee, unless prior to the hearing the licensee takes and passes those tests or examinations required by the board. (j) Failure or refusal, to complete training, practice trips, or other corrective action imposed on that pilot by the board pursuant to Section 1180.6. (Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 324, Sec. 21. (AB 1025) Effective January 1, 2012.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

misconductpilot licenserevoked or suspendedneglectfalse accountabsence from dutyintoxicationnegligently running a vesselwillful violationstandards of healthcorrective action

Related Statutes

  • § 1180 Pilot License Emergency Suspension
  • § 1180.3 Pilot Misconduct Review Committee
  • § 1180.6 Board Disciplinary Actions
  • § 1182 Pilot License Revocation Suspension
  • § 1177.5 Pilot License Denial Proceedings

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 1181.
View Official Source