1. (a) The Commission shall establish pilotage fees and charges for pilotage services to vessels at a just and reasonable rate.
2. (b) The Commission shall give notice and hold a public hearing on each rate proposal as provided in this article.

3. (c) In determining a just and reasonable rate, the Commission shall consider:

   1. (1) the draft, dimensions, and tonnage of the vessel piloted;
   2. (2) the difficulty and inconvenience of the particular service and the time and skill required to render the service;
   3. (3) the time required to render pilotage service at other United States ports and the fees and charges for the service;
   4. (4) the public interest in maintaining efficient and reliable pilotage service; and
   5. (5) other factors relevant to the determination of a just and reasonable rate.
4. (d) A pilot may not demand or receive a different compensation for providing pilotage service than the rate set by the Commission under this section.
5. (e) The Commission shall impose an assessment on the Association of Maryland Pilots based on assessment guidelines established for public service companies under § 2-110 of this article. The assessment imposed under this subsection may not be less than $25,000.
6. (f) All pilotage fees and charges provided by applicable law shall remain in effect until changed by the Commission.

Added by Acts 1998, c. 8, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1998.

Formerly Art. 78, § 72B.