An individual shall be appointed by the Board before the individual may serve as a pilot-in-training.

The Board shall keep a list of all applicants who qualify to be pilots-in-training.

To be included on the list of applicants who qualify to be pilots-in-training, an applicant shall: be at least 21 years old; provide the Board with proof of recent satisfactory completion of the physical requirements for a first-class pilot license, as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard; agree to participate in a U.S. Coast Guard approved random drug testing program; have one or more of the following maritime credentials: a degree from a 4-year course of study at an accredited maritime institution acceptable to the Board, and a current license as third mate, or greater grade, of steam and motor vessels, any gross tons upon oceans; a current license as a master of steam and motor vessels, any gross tons upon oceans, that is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and that contains an appropriate radar endorsement; or a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the maritime industry working on vessels in the deck department as a licensed master or mate on tugs or inspected vessels, of which at least 2 years’ experience shall be as the master of a ship-assist harbor tug; and pass any mental or physical examination that the Board requires to verify that the applicant is mentally and physically capable of providing pilotage.

An applicant for appointment as a pilot-in-training shall: submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides; and pay to the Board an application fee set by the Board.

The Board shall place the name of each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle on the list of qualified applicants. From the list of qualified applicants, the Board may choose and appoint the number of pilots-in-training that the Board considers necessary to protect the commercial interests of the State.

Appointment as a pilot-in-training authorizes the individual to engage in training, under the supervision of a licensed pilot, to provide pilotage.