HB506 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim Barton

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Bar pilots, bond requirements, liability limited to $5,000 unless bar pilot grossly negligent, Sec. 33-4-40 am'd.

Summary

HB506 would cap bar pilots’ liability for damages at $5,000 unless the damage was caused by willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct (or certain punitive-damage situations).

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 33-4-40 to limit a bar pilot’s liability to $5,000 for damage or loss caused by the pilot’s services, unless the damage results from willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct, or punitive damages apply when no other party is liable. The bill preserves the bond requirement, with the pilot’s bond serving as security for injuries caused by negligence or lack of skill. It does not grant vessels or their crews blanket immunity; they can still be liable in some circumstances. If a claim exceeds $5,000, the court would dismiss the excess against the pilot.

Who It Affects

• Bar pilots and their employers: liability under most circumstances would be limited to $5,000 for damages caused during pilot services, with higher liability possible only for willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct or certain punitive-damages situations.
• People or property damaged by a bar pilot, and vessel owners/charterers: potential recovery is generally limited to $5,000 unless exceptions apply; the measure also clarifies that vessels or their crews are not entirely exempt from liability in all cases.

Key Provisions

• Liability cap: A pilot providing pilot services to a vessel is not liable for more than $5,000 for damage or loss caused by the pilot’s error, omission, fault, or neglect, unless the damage was caused by willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct, or punitive damages apply when no other party is liable.
• Bond and court mechanism: The pilot’s bond remains on file as security for injuries caused by negligence or lack of skill; in lawsuits, any pleadings seeking more than $5,000 against the pilot would be dismissed.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Bar Pilots and Pilotage