§ 700.754 - Pilotage.

(a) The commanding officer shall:

(1) Pilot the ship under all ordinary circumstances, but he may employ pilots whenever in his judgment such employment is prudent.

(2) Not call a pilot on board until the ship is ready to proceed.

(3) Not retain a pilot on board after the ship has reached her destination or point where pilot is no longer required.

(4) Give preference to licensed pilots.

(5) Pay pilots no more than the local rates.

(b) A pilot is merely an adviser to the commanding officer. His presence on board shall not relieve the commanding officer or any of his subordinates from their responsibility for the proper performance of the duties with which they may be charged concerning the navigation and handling of the ship. For an exception to the provisions of this paragraph, see “Rules and Regulations Covering Navigation of the Panama Canal and Adjacent Waters,” which directs that the pilot assigned to a vessel in those waters shall have control of the navigation and movement of the vessel. Also see the provisions of these regulations concerning the navigation of ships at a naval shipyard or station, or in entering or leaving drydock.