(a) A consignee having control of a vessel shall obtain a pilot to provide pilot services when the vessel is under way or otherwise moving on a river, bay, harbor, or port in this state unless the vessel is:(1) documented as a United States vessel and licensed for and engaged in coastwise trade;(2) a public vessel;(3) of 20 gross tons or less;(4) a motorboat registered in this state; or(5) subject to Subsection (b), in distress or jeopardy.(b) A consignee having control of a vessel that is in distress or jeopardy shall take on a pilot as soon as the pilot arrives at the vessel. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Texas Legal Code