Long Island Sound/Block Island Sound Joint Pilotage Rotation System: In 1997, the New York and Connecticut legislatures authorized the two states to enter into an agreement for the establishment of a rotation system for the assignment of New York and Connecticut licensed State pilots on the Long Island Sound. A Memorandum of Agreement was finally signed between the two States on 8 February 2000 and the Agreement was finalized and implemented during the first half of 2005.  Block Island Pilots (affiliate of Sound Pilots, Inc.) is the authorized Joint CT/NY pilot Rotation System Administrator.

Both states have imposed a moratorium on the issuance of new pilot licenses, a policy which has been upheld by the Connecticut Superior Court in Seven Carmen, et. al. v. CT Department of Transportation.

The Board believes that the joint pilotage rotation system has improved the safety, and the efficiency of the CT/NY pilotage systems, through the use of pooled resources and joint personnel and systems, enhanced cooperative working relationships, pilot dispatch, communications with ships at sea and port agents, pilot boats, pilot stations, apprentice and advanced pilot training, shore facilities, administration, and billing/collection. The objective to combine operations seeks to reduce operating costs and overhead, and increase efficiency while maintaining high safety standards, professional conduct and accountability is a generally accepted business practice, which the Board has been advocating among the State pilot groups for a long time.  The Board extends its appreciation and thanks to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Pilot Commission for its cooperation in implementing the Memorandum of Agreement and its participation n the administration and oversight of the system.

Port of New York - New Jersey Docking Pilot Legislation:  Beginning in 1999, and continuing in 2004, the Board investigated the circumstances and applicability of the New York Navigation Law and Regulations with respect to incidents involving ships with docking pilots directing the movement of vessels in New York State pilot waters holding a federal license but not a State pilot license.  This type of work, known as vessel assist, tug escort, or intra-port movements has developed over time in the Port of NY/NJ and has been regarded as a value-added, safety service to vessel owners, which enhances the maneuverability and control of large ships in restricted channels as well as into or out of berths.

The Board consulted with a number of parties at interest in an effort to more fully develop the issues, including a joint state pilot and federal pilot working group.  From accountability and State's rights, to protection of the environment and post September 11, 2001 security, the Board debated these issues and heard testimony from industry and pilotage associations regarding utilization of docking pilots.

 Public hearings and comment sessions were held, and an extended written comment period permitted interested parties to express their views.  The result of this effort was a request by the Board for legislation, which would officially recognize the services of, and provide limited State pilot licenses for docking pilots within New York State pilotage waters.

Legislation was originally introduced in the 2000 session, and again during the 2001, 2022, 2003, 2004 and 2005 Sessions with no action taken by the legislature. The Board has consistently supported the concept of State licensure for persons performing docking pilot and intraport ship movements in the State of New York, under federal authority granted by Congress to the State(s).

In 2004, the Board of Commissioners of Pilotage of the State of New Jersey introduced a New Jersey Navigation Law re-codification bill that would similarly require the State of New Jersey licensure of docking pilots.  This legislation was signed into law and became effective on 1 September 2004, with licenses to be issued during 2005.