To be eligible for a license as a branch pilot in the jurisdiction of the pilot board of a navigation district in Cameron County, a person must:

1. (1) be at least 25 years of age;
2. (2) be a United States citizen;
3. (3) as of the date the license is issued, have resided continuously in this state for at least one year;
4. (4) be licensed under federal law to act as a pilot on vessels that navigate water on which the applicant will furnish pilot services;
5. (5) have at least 30 months' service as a deputy branch pilot or equivalent service piloting vessels on water in that board's jurisdiction;
6. (6) have commanded or controlled the navigation of vessels such as the person would pilot under the license;
7. (7) have extensive experience in the docking and undocking of vessels;
8. (8) be in good mental and physical health;
9. (9) have good moral character;
10. (10) possess the requisite skill as a navigator and pilot to perform competently and safely the duties of a branch pilot;
11. (11) be selected for appointment by a branch pilot licensed for water in that board's jurisdiction; and

12. (12) submit to the board written documentation from a branch pilot licensed for water in that board's jurisdiction that the person:

    1. (A) has successfully completed a deputy branch pilot training program approved by that board; and
    2. (B) is recommended for licensing as a branch pilot.

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 821 (S.B. 1353), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2025.