04 NCAC 15 .0121. APPRENTICESHIP

(a)  In order to be considered for an appointment as an apprentice pilot, an applicant shall:

(1)           provide evidence of graduation from a maritime college or regionally accredited four year college or university or hold a valid Third Mate's Unlimited Ocean license;

(2)           not have been convicted of a felony;

(3)           provide evidence of 20/20 visual acuity uncorrected or corrected by lens;

(4)           provide evidence of being able to distinguish colors by means of the Stilling Test or other equivalent test accepted by the Coast Guard;

(5)           provide three personal references;

(6)           provide evidence of passing a complete physical examination in the form required by the Coast Guard for the issuance of an original federal pilot's license; and

(7)           be a citizen and resident of North Carolina.

(b)  If determined by a majority vote of the association that the applicant has demonstrated the knowledge and skill necessary to obtain a limited license and approved by a majority vote of the commission, the applicant shall be issued an Apprentice Pilot's Certificate.  He shall be known as an apprentice pilot during apprenticeship.

(c)  Under the direct supervision of a pilot, an apprentice pilot shall become proficient in all matters appertaining to the duties of a pilot including, but not limited to:

(1)           rules of the road;

(2)           use of compass and navigate aids;

(3)           set of various currents;

(4)           boarding of vessels in heavy weather;

(5)           bearing of noted objects;

(6)           number, shapes, and colors of buoys; and

(7)           use of radar and ranges.

(d)  An apprentice pilot shall make such boarding and trips and perform such duties as directed by a pilot in order to master the waters of the river and bar to master the handling of the various vessels traversing the same.

(e)  A limited license may be issued to an apprentice pilot by the commission upon a determination by a majority of the association that the applicant has demonstrated the knowledge and skill necessary to obtain a limited license.  Prior to advancing from one limited license to the next, a majority of the association must sign the limited license, thus certifying progressive development of the knowledge and skill necessary for a limited license.  The commission may issue the next limited license upon a determination by a majority of the association that the applicant has demonstrated the knowledge and skill necessary to obtain that limited license.

(f)  An apprenticeship may be terminated at any time there is a finding by the commission that progress is not being made or any of the requirements set forth in Paragraph (a) have been violated.  A majority of the association may recommend termination of an apprenticeship.

(g)  In order to be considered for an appointment as a pilot:

(1)           an applicant must satisfy all statutory requirements for a Full License;

(2)           an applicant must hold a Pilot's License issued by the Coast Guard;

(3)           an applicant must not have been convicted of a felony;

(4)           an applicant must be approved by majority of the commission;

(5)           there must be a vacancy in the number of pilots established pursuant to Rule .0119 of this Chapter; and

(6)           the applicant shall not be a child, sibling, or grandchild of a pilot.

(h)  Upon the successful completion of the apprentice pilot training program and the requirements for a full licensed pilot, the apprentice pilot shall then be placed on the apprentice pilots waiting list in the order in which they complete all such requirements.  When a vacancy occurs in the number of full licensed pilots, the apprentice next in line shall be appointed to that vacancy.  If he declines, his name shall be stricken from the waiting list.  During this interim, between the expiration of the limited license and waiting for a vacancy, the apprentice shall be required to make an average of two boardings per month under the supervision of a full licensed pilot.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 76A‑1; 76A‑5; 76A‑6; 76A‑12; 76A‑13;

Eff. December 1, 1985;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2000.