HB88 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

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Summary

Primary Sponsor: James E. Buskey
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Mobile Bay or Harbor, bar pilots, fees, Sec. 33-4-48 am'd.
Summary: HB88 updates Mobile Bay bar pilot fees by setting new draft-based and tonnage-based rates, minimums, and extra service charges for pilots.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 33-4-48 to establish specific pilotage charges for crossing the Mobile Bay outer bar based on the vessel's draft and maximum gross tonnage, with scheduled increases over time and minimum fee rules. It authorizes additional special service fees for related pilot services and clarifies exemptions for shallow-draft Gulf-to-Mobile traffic; if a pilot is used, regular pilotage must be paid. The act takes effect May 1, 2013.

Who It Affects
Ship masters, owners, or operators of vessels crossing the Mobile Bay outer bar, who must pay the revised draft-based and tonnage-based pilotage fees (including minimums) and any applicable special service fees.
Commercial pilots and the State Pilotage Commission, who receive these fees and have authority to set and collect special service charges.

Key Provisions
Draft-based pilotage fee: $29 per draft foot (effective 2006) rising to $37 per draft foot (effective 2016 and thereafter), with a minimum fee calculated on a 15-foot draft.
Tonnage-based pilotage fee: per-ton charge on the vessel's maximum registered gross tons, increasing from $0.04/ton (2007) to $0.060/ton (2016 and thereafter), with a minimum fee based on 6,500 GRT.
Special services: the State Pilotage Commission may set fees for additional services related to docking, undocking, drydocking, turning, shifting, anchorage, standby, and delayed sailing.
Exemptions: vessels trading Gulf ports to Mobile drawing 7 feet or less are not required to employ a pilot; if a pilot is used, regular pilotage applies; fishing smacks are not subject to pilotage.
Effective date: May 1, 2013.

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