Oil tankers — State licensed pilot required. (Effective July 1, 2027.)

RCW 88.16.180
in effect
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Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 88.16.070 , any registered oil tanker of five thousand gross tons or greater, shall be required: (1) To take a Washington state licensed pilot while navigating Puget Sound and adjacent waters and shall be liable for and pay pilotage rates pursuant to RCW 88.16.035 ; and (2) To take a licensed pilot while navigating the Columbia river. Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 88.16.070 , any registered oil tanker of five thousand gross tons or greater, shall be required: (1) To take a Washington state licensed pilot while navigating Puget Sound and adjacent waters and shall be liable for and pay pilotage rates pursuant to RCW 88.16.035 ; and (2) To take a licensed pilot while navigating the Columbia river.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=88.16&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026

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