TRANSPORTATION CODE

CHAPTER 65. PILOTS FOR MATAGORDA AND LAVACA BAYS


	§ 65.001.  PILOTS FOR MATAGORDA AND LAVACA 
BAYS.  (a)  The governor shall appoint at least two and not more 
than four competent pilots for Matagorda and Lavaca bays, from Pass 
Cavallo to Indianola and Lavaca.
	(b)  The term of office, method of qualification, powers, and 
privileges of a pilot appointed under this section are the same as 
those of a branch pilot, to the extent applicable.
	(c)  The county judge of Calhoun County must approve the bond 
of a pilot appointed under this section.
	(d)  Except to the extent that the rate of pilotage is set 
under other applicable law, the rate of pilotage for the bays is 
$2.50 for each foot of water the vessel may draw when piloted.
	(e)  A vessel that may draw five feet or more is liable to pay 
one-half the pilotage prescribed by Subsection (d) to a licensed 
pilot for the bays whose services are tendered and declined.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.                    


	§ 65.002.  PROVISIONS FOR BRANCH PILOTS APPLICABLE.  The 
provisions of Chapter 62 relating to branch pilots at ports, to the 
extent applicable, apply to pilots appointed under this chapter.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.                    


	§ 65.003.  LIABILITY OF PERSONS OTHER THAN LICENSED 
PILOTS OR DEPUTIES FOR PILOTAGE.  (a)  A person who is not a 
licensed pilot or deputy who pilots a vessel up or down the channel 
of Matagorda or Lavaca Bay is liable to a pilot who is licensed or 
commissioned for the bays for full pilotage for the vessel.
	(b)  A pilot may bring suit to recover pilotage under this 
section.          

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.