BILL NUMBER: S8469A Revised 2/26/24
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the navigation law, in relation to the base pilotage
tariffs at Sandy Hook, Sands Point and Execution Rocks
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Increases the base pilotage tariffs at Sandy Hook, Sands Point and
Execution Rocks.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This legislation amends Section 88 of the Navigation Law to adjust the
pilotage tariff table over a four-year period commencing on the effec-
tive date in 2024. The rates on vessels above 1650 pilotage units would
increase by three percent each year. Because the increases are limited
to the largest ships entering the harbor, the effective overall increase
is one percent.
Section 1 amends item (A) of subclause 1 of clause (ii) of subparagraph
1 of paragraph (b) of subdivision 4 of section 88 of the navigation law,
to amend the current tariff tables.
Section 2 provides that the bill takes effect immediately, but the new
rate shall only apply to base pilotage tariffs incurred after the effec-
tive date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Adjusting the tariff schedule recognizes the change in vessels utilizing
the Port. When the schedule was established 34 years ago, vessel size
was well within the established limits. However, during that time,
vessels have doubled in size and can accommodate much more cargo. There-
fore, the total number of ships has decreased while total tonnage and
value of cargo has increased.
Schedule adjustments are necessary to compensate for the resulting
decreased revenue stream thereby enabling the pilots to maintain their
historically exemplary level of service. The increase is the result of
unforeseen cost increases and is necessary to allow the Sandy Hook
pilots to continue educational programs for pilots, fund the cost of
newly added employees and increased operational expenses such as insur-
ance and fuel, and to maintain the integrity of the pilot base against
increasingly challenging weather conditions.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to base pilotage
tariffs incurred on or after such a date.

Statutes affected:
S8469: 88 navigation law, 88(4) navigation law