Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Legislature today, with unanimous passage in the Senate, passed House Bill 22, by Representative Kurt Olson, which extends the termination date of the Board of Marine Pilots to June 30, 2019.

HB 22 was introduced after a Division of Legislative Audit report recommended that the Board of Marine Pilots termination date be extended. The report cited that the board’s regulating and licensing of qualified marine pilots benefits the public’s safety and welfare, and protects the marine environment.

“I would like to thank my colleagues in both bodies for their quick, diligent work on this bill” Olson, R-Soldotna/Kenai, said. “The Board of Marine Pilots performs many important functions, including testing, qualifying and regulating pilots. With Alaska’s vast coastline and the increased maritime traffic in the Arctic, this board extension is vitally important.”

The State of Alaska requires most foreign vessels and vessels over a certain size to take on a marine pilot when they enter or travel in State waters. The purpose under state statute is to “assure the protection of shipping, safety of human life and property and protection of the marine environment” by providing pilots who specialize in operating these vessels and who have extensive knowledge of local conditions and maritime practices.

HB 22 passed the House unanimously on Feb. 22 and will now be sent to the Governor for signature.