A limited licensed pilot shall serve for at least 3 years after being licensed before being licensed as an unlimited licensed pilot. Before an eligible limited licensed pilot may be licensed as an unlimited licensed pilot, the limited licensed pilot shall: File an application approved by the Board; and Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board by actual observation of demonstrated performance that the limited licensed pilot possesses sufficient ability, skill, and experience. In evaluating the ability, skill, and experience of a limited licensed pilot, the Board shall consider the following: The recommendations of the Qualification Committee; The length of time that the limited licensed pilot has piloted vessels; The number of vessels piloted; The pilotage routes; Any other licenses obtained by the limited licensed pilot; and Other pertinent factors identified by the Board. An application filed under this regulation may be treated as an application filed under Regulation .04 of this chapter in the discretion of the Board.