An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Marine Pilots; and providing for an effective date.

Under AS 08.03.010 (10) the Board of Marine Pilots (BMP) will terminate on June 30, 2003. A report released by the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee recommended that the Legislature extend the board's termination date to June 30, 2007. Senate Bill 20 does just that.

The regulation and licensing of qualified marine pilots benefit the public's safety and welfare. The steady increase in tourist passenger ships in recent years has made BMP's role increasingly more important. The board provides reasonable assurance that the individuals licensed to pilot passenger and cargo ships in Alaskan waters are qualified to do so.

Last Updated: 02/10/2003

# # #