A licensed pilot may not engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest exists in situations in which: except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a licensed pilot solicits or accepts financial or other consideration of value from a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or an agent or officer of that company, or from any other entity providing services in the port community; a licensed pilot takes any action with the intent to benefit or harm the economic interests of a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or any other entity providing services in the port community; a licensed pilot allows personal financial interests to conflict with professional responsibilities; a licensed pilot solicits business for a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or any other entity providing services in the port community; or a licensed pilot discourages a person from engaging the services of a tugboat, towing, vessel-assist, vessel-owning, or vessel-chartering company, or any other entity providing services in the port community. A conflict of interest does not exist in situations in which: remuneration is paid to the pilot through the Association in return for the provision of pilotage services; or there is an exchange of nominal social pleasantries between the licensed pilot and any entity providing services to the port community.