§ 4-303. Rates for piloted vessels

   (a) In general. -- The Commission shall establish pilotage fees and charges for pilotage services to vessels at a just and reasonable rate.

(b) Notice and hearing required. -- The Commission shall give notice and hold a public hearing on each rate proposal as provided in this article.

(c) Required considerations. -- In determining a just and reasonable rate, the Commission shall consider:

   (1) the draft, dimensions, and tonnage of the vessel piloted;

   (2) the difficulty and inconvenience of the particular service and the time and skill required to render the service;

   (3) the time required to render pilotage service at other United States ports and the fees and charges for the service;

   (4) the public interest in maintaining efficient and reliable pilotage service; and

   (5) other factors relevant to the determination of a just and reasonable rate.

(d) Rate mandatory. -- A pilot may not demand or receive a different compensation for providing pilotage service than the rate set by the Commission under this section.

(e) Assessment. -- The Commission shall impose an assessment on the Association of Maryland Pilots based on assessment guidelines established for public service companies under § 2-110 of this article. The assessment imposed under this subsection may not be less than $ 25,000.

(f) Continuity of rates. -- All pilotage fees and charges provided by applicable law shall remain in effect until changed by the Commission.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 78, § 72B; 1998, ch. 8, § 2.