Docking Master Dispute in Boston May be Nearing Resolution
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The contentious dispute between docking masters in Boston Harbor and their Marine Pilot brethren may be finally coming to a head. Industry observers who asked to remain anonymous say that a series of three meetings organized by the Boston Marine Society has produced some progress and basic agreement on certain principals. The meetings have not been open to the public, but included representatives from all interested parties to the dispute, including tug operators, the Boston Marine Society, the Marine Pilots, docking masters, some state legislators and other shipping industry officials. The Boston Marine Society is the primary oversight organization for marine pilotage laws in Massachusetts.
MarEx has learned that a licensing mechanism for the docking masters may be developed and that the marine pilots themselves will retain the right to berth marine vessels, as well. Massachusetts law currently requires these pilots to be on board for every docking maneuver and also sets the rate for their services at $350 per assignment. The recommendations agreed to in the meetings could be forwarded to the legislature for consideration. A bill put forward by the docking masters themselves, SB 1330, remains in “study.”
In exchange for certification from the Commonwealth, however, the docking pilots will likely have to make significant concessions. Reportedly under discussion at the meetings is the requirement for docking master tariffs (payments) to the Boston Marine Society …quot; similar in nature to those required of the marine pilots themselves - and the end of the docking master’s “exculpatory clause” which some say is in direct conflict to Section 18 (Liability of Pilots) of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 103 (Pilots). Also at stake is the issue of public disclosure of fees to marine customers which until now have been considered private and confidential by the docking masters.