BILL NUMBER: S9389
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the navigation law, in relation to base pilotage tariffs
at Sandy Hook, Sands Point and Execution Rocks
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation updates and establishes a schedule of base pilotage
tariff rates for vessels operating in New York waters at Sandy Hook,
Sands Point, and Execution Rocks. The bill provides a structured tariff
schedule beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2032.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1; Amends section 88 of the navigation law to revise the rate
table used to calculate base pilotage tariffs. The bill establishes
updated tariff schedules beginning January 1, 2027, and includes incre-
mental rate adjustments through January 1, 2032. The rate tables calcu-
late tariffs based on pilotage units (P.U.), with different rates
applied depending on vessel size categories.
Section 2: Provides that the act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Pilotage services are critical to the safe navigation of vessels enter-
ing and leaving New York's major ports. State-licensed maritime pilots
guide ships through complex waterways and ensure safe transit through
heavily trafficked areas such as Sandy Hook, Sands Point, and Execution
Rocks.
Maintaining appropriate tariff levels for pilotage services is necessary
to reflect changes in operational costs, industry standards, and econom-
ic conditions. This legislation establishes a structured schedule of
tariff adjustments over several years, ensuring that rates remain
predictable and transparent for both pilots and the shipping industry.
By creating a multi-year schedule of tariff updates, this bill provides
long-term stability for maritime operations while supporting the contin-
ued availability of highly skilled pilotage services essential to the
safety and efficiency of maritime commerce in New York State.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.