BOARD OF PILOTS
MINUTES
DATE:June 5, 2009
PLACE:500 N. Calvert Street
3rd Floor Conference Room
Baltimore, MD 21202
PRESENT:Robert Schulman, Esquire, Chairman
Elizabeth Williams, DLLR
Michael S. Derby
Captain Mark Adams
Captain Randall Bourgeois
Captain Elizabeth Christman
Captain Eric Nielsen
Mike R.Reagoso, III
OTHERSPRESENT:Pamela J. Edwards, Assistant Executive Director
Elizabeth Trimble, Esquire, Counsel to the Board
James Bartlett, Esquire, Counsel for Association
Joe Wyatt
Daniel Tyson
Kenneth Riffle
Ryan Brune
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Schulman called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Motion (I) was made byCaptain Nielsen, seconded by CaptainChristman, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2009 meeting.
REPORT OF THE INCIDENT COMMITTEE
Captain Christman gave the following report on open incidents and complaints.
Incidents
Incident I-127 – This incident remains open pending outcome of appeal to Court of Special Appeals.
09-02 - Waiting for Coast Guard report.
Complaints
06-BP-03 –Insufficient evidence. Close.
06-BP-04 –Investigation pending.
08-BP-02 – Investigation pending.
09-BP-01 – Investigation pending.
BOARD OF PILOTS
June 5, 2009
Page Two
Captain Nielsen reported that there were two non-reportable incidents or allisions. On April 28,the M/V MSC ROBERTA lost power and the pilotwas able to safelysteer the vessel until it could be anchored. On May 27, 2009, the M/V EASTERN POWER experienced engine problems and was escorted by tug to the port for repairs.
Motion (II) by Captain Adams, seconded by Michael Reagoso, and unanimously carried by the Board to accept the report of the Incident Committee.
PILOT COMPLEMENT REPORT
Captain Nielsen said the first report “Arrivals” shows that there was a 20% reduction in arrivals for 2009. This impact is being felt in ports all over the country.
The second report, “Shifts”, indicates numbers have dropped also. The next report is the “Proposed Pilot Complement”. Captain Nielsen said that the acquisition of more pilots-in-training may be postponed until 2010. Next are the Cargo reports supplied by the Maryland Port Administration. The numbers for the first three months of 2008 were good, but then business slowed down.
The Pilots Years of Service report indicated that 20 pilots are eligible to retire. The Pilot Ages report shows a fair number of pilots in the 55-59 years of age bracket. The last report projects the number of pilots who could retire each year through 2015. There are a large number of pilots in the 0-4 category and there are still a lot of pilots over 55.
PILOT-IN-TRAINING SELECTION COMMITTEE
Captain Nielsen stated that three apprentices started on March 1, 2009. They are Ryan Brune,Kenneth Riffle, and Daniel Tyson. Each addressed the Board and stated their professional backgrounds.
Captain Bourgeois stated that the selection committee interviewed 13 people in May and will be interviewing again on June 15. The committee will have a new list of qualified candidates compiledfor the October meeting.
QUALIFICATION COMMITTEE
Captain Nielsen reported that four limited pilots are eligible for upgrades to unlimited pilot licenses. They are: Michael Flanagan and Alison Gaudiano Buckler on September 1, 2009; and Paul Whitin andJesse Buckler on October 1, 2009. He further stated that three others are eligible for upgrade to 34’ license on August 1, 2009. They are William Smith, Bryan Grube and Richard Morrison.
Motion (III) was made by Michael Derby, seconded by Captain Christman and unanimously carried by the Board to approve the upgrades.
BOARD OF PILOTS
June 5, 2009
Page Three
WORK RULES COMMITTEE
Chairman Schulman reported that no new work rules affecting safety have been approved by the Association.
NEW BUSINESS
Captain Nielsen suggested that the Board consider proposing legislation next year to increase the drafts of the respective licenses. The channel has been dredged and is now 48’ in depth. He recommended as follows:
28’ draft – 32’ draft
34’ draft – 36’ draft
37’ draft – 40’ draft
Mr. Loleas said that draft legislation must be submitted to the Department by the end of July. Motion (IV) was made by Michael Derby, seconded by Captain Christman and unanimously carried by the Board to recommend legislation to increase the drafts for limited licensed pilots.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Edwards stated that the Board is undergoing a preliminary Sunset Review. This is a two-year process which will result in either a recommendation for a full evaluation or legislation in 2010 to extend the Board for another 10 years.
The next meeting is schedule for October 9, 2009.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, motion (VII) was made by Mr. Derby, seconded by Captain Adams and unanimously carried by the Board to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 a.m.
With Corrections
Without Corrections
SIGNED BY ROBERT SCHULMAN, CHAIRMAN
OCTOBER 9, 2009