§ 11-603. Licensed pilot -- Conflicts of interest

   (a) Prohibited. -- A licensed pilot may not engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest.

(b) Circumstances. -- A conflict of interest exists in situations in which:

   (1) except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a licensed pilot solicits or accepts financial or other consideration of value from a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or an agent or officer of that company, or from any other entity providing services in the port community;

   (2) a licensed pilot takes any action with the intent to benefit or harm the economic interests of a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or any other entity providing services in the port community;

   (3) a licensed pilot allows personal financial interests to conflict with professional responsibilities;

   (4) a licensed pilot solicits business for a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or any other entity providing services in the port community; or

   (5) a licensed pilot discourages a person from engaging the services of a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or any other entity providing services in the port community.

(c) Circumstances -- Conflict does not exist. -- A conflict of interest does not exist in situations in which:

   (1) remuneration is paid to the pilot through the Association in return for the provision of pilotage services; or

   (2) there is an exchange of nominal social pleasantries between the licensed pilot and any entity providing services to the port community.

HISTORY: 2004, ch. 520, § 2; 2005, ch. 25, § 1.