§ 10.705 - Route familiarization requirements.

(a) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection having jurisdiction determines, within the range limitations specified in this section, the number of round trips required to qualify an applicant for a particular route, considering the following:

(1) The geographic configuration of the waterway;

(2) The type and size of vessels using the waterway;

(3) The abundance or absence of aids to navigation;

(4) The background lighting effects;

(5) The known hazards involved, including waterway obstructions or constrictions such as bridges, narrow channels, or sharp turns; and,

(6) Any other factors unique to the route that the OCMI deems appropriate.

(b) An applicant for an original license as first class pilot shall furnish evidence of having completed a minimum number of round trips, while serving as quartermaster, wheelsman, able seaman, apprentice pilot, or in an equivalent capacity, standing regular watches at the wheel or in the pilot house as part of routine duties, over the route sought. Evidence of having completed a minimum number of round trips while serving as an observer, properly certified by the master and/or pilot of the vessel, is also acceptable. The range of round trips for an initial license is a minimum of 12 round trips and a maximum of 20 round trips. An applicant may have additional routes added to the first class pilot license by meeting the requirements for obtaining an endorsement.

(c) An applicant for an endorsement as first class pilot for a particular route shall furnish evidence of having completed the number of round trips over the route, specified by the Officer In Charge, Marine Inspection, within the range limitations of this paragraph, for the particular grade of existing license held. The range of round trips for an endorsement is a minimum of 8 round trips and a maximum of 15 round trips.

(d) Unless determined impracticable by the OCMI, 25% of the round trips required by the OCMI under this section must be made during the hours of darkness.

(e) One of the round trips required by the OCMI under this section must be made over the route within the six months immediately preceding the date of application.