Print Form
Page
1
Criteria and Qualifications for Applications
Deputy Branch Pilot on the Houston Ship Channel
The following is a listing of state and local requirements, a description of the application process
and an application packet.
Qualifications
The following are the qualifications as specified by state law and by rules adopted by the
Houston Board of Pilot Commissioners:
State Requirements for Deputy Branch Pilot
To be eligible for a certificate as a deputy branch pilot for ports in Harris County, a
person must:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
be at least 25 years of age;
be a United States citizen;
be licensed under federal law to act as a pilot on vessels that navigate water on
which the applicant will furnish pilot services; and
must be found by the pilot board to be in good mental and physical health, to have
good moral character, and to possess the requisite skill to perform competently
and safely the duties of a deputy branch pilot;
take an official oath
provide $25,000 bond; and
be appointed by a branch pilot to serve as deputy branch pilot.
Houston Pilot Board Requirements for Deputy Branch Pilots:
To be eligible for a certificate as a deputy branch pilot for ports in Harris County, a
person must apply to the Houston Pilot Board Application Review Committee for a
determination of qualifications. Persons must meet the following qualifications for
approval by the Houston Pilot Application Review Committee as a member of the
applicant pool:
Deputy Branch Pilot Application Letter
Page
2
Houston Pilot Board Requirements for Deputy Branch Pilots (continued):
(1)
Provide a written report of a physical examination by applicant's physician
indicating that applicant meets the physical and mental criteria adopted by the
Pilot Board. Evidence of the applicant meeting the physical and mental criteria
will allow the Application Review Committee to proceed with verification of
information contained in the application.
(2)
Provide a copy of current U.S. Coast Guard License (front/back).
(3)
Provide evidence that applicant has at least six years sea-going experience as an
unlimited licensed deck officer or six years inland operating experience and a
1,600 ton master's license. 1080 eight-hour days of actual sea service or boat time
over this six year period is required. Properly documented 12-hour days will
count as 1.5 days for the purposes of the total day count. Cadet time does not
count towards sea service for this application.
Evidence of experience or sea time can be shown in any of three ways:
• Letter of service from employer
• USCG shipboard discharges
• Military Record of Sea Service
Please attach a summary sheet of days.
(4)
Provide a copy of birth certificate or other proof of age.
(5)
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
(6)
Provide evidence of at least two years experience on the Galveston Bar and
Houston Ship Channel and the Turning Basin, Houston, TX with recent
experience of not less that six (06) round trips thereon within the previous six
months. One such trip shall have been made within thirty (30) days prior to date
of application for initial appointment.
Or, in lieu of the experience described above, the applicant will be allowed
to draw a chart of the Houston Ship Channel showing all prominent features of
the route, courses, distances, shoals, aids-to-navigations, depths, widths, VTS
reporting points and other features between the Galveston Bar and Turning Basin,
Houston, TX.
(7)
Provide statement showing ability to enter into faithful performance bond in the
amount of $25,000.00.
(8)
Provide a signed "Coast Guard Release Form". This form must be either notarized
or signed by a witness.
(9)
Provide a complete signed application.
Deputy Branch Pilot Application Letter
Page
3
Application Process
On January 27, 1993, the Houston Pilot Board established an Application Review
Committee (ARC) to review applications and supporting data of persons desiring to be
appointed as a deputy branch pilot for the Houston Ship Channel. The ARC processes
applications and takes measures to determine that the applicant is in good mental and
physical health, has a good moral character, and possesses the skill as navigator and pilot
to perform competently and safely the duties of a deputy branch pilot.
Upon receipt of a complete, signed application, including a release from the applicant
authorizing a background check, and the initial qualifying physical examination, the ARC
performs an investigative check to determine eligibility. The background check includes
checking: personal references, educational credentials, and job history (including reasons
for leaving any marine-related employments). It also includes a criminal background
check.
If all the criteria are met, the application will be forwarded to the Houston Pilots who will
place it in an applicant pool for selection at the time that a vacancy exists.
Enclosed is a checklist of documents that must be submitted with the application form.
Please complete, sign and return to the Board of Commissioners Application Review
Committee, Port of Houston Authority; P.O. Box 2562; Houston, Texas 77252-2562.
J. Eldridge
Chairman, Application Review Committee
Page
Port of Houston Authority
Application for Deputy Branch Pilot
for the Houston Ship Channel
(Please return this form with application)
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Application Checklist
(
)
Written Report of Physical Examination
(
)
Application Form
(
)
Copy of Applicant's Current U.S. Coast Guard License (front/back):
(
)
Evidence of Sea Service and summary sheet
(
)
Copy of Birth Certificate or Other Proof of Age
(
)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
(
)
Coast Guard Release Form
(
)
Evidence of two years experience on the Houston Ship Channel
or hand-drawn charts of the Houston Ship Channel from the
Galveston Bar to the Turning Basin
Form must be TYPED and completed in its entirety
This form must be either notarized or signed by a witness
4