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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 18. Professional And Occupational Licensing
Agency 45. Board For Branch Pilots
Chapter 20. Board for Branch Pilots Regulations
12/29/2025

18VAC45-20-20. License renewal.

A. Each branch pilot seeking license renewal shall complete a renewal application, comply with the provisions of this section, and appear before the board or the board's license renewal committee, which shall determine if the branch pilot possesses the qualifications to be renewed.

B. Any limited branch pilot seeking license renewal shall meet the following standards:

1. Furnish to the board evidence of a satisfactory physical examination conducted within the immediately preceding 60 days. If the branch pilot has not been subject to random chemical testing during the preceding 24 months, then this examination shall include the chemical tests referred to in 18VAC45-20-50;

2. Furnish to the board evidence that the branch pilot has transited the waters embraced by the branch pilot's license during the preceding 12 months;

3. After three years of licensure as a limited branch pilot, possess a valid First Class Pilot endorsement, with radar observer endorsement, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard for waters of the Commonwealth; and

4. Pay a nonrefundable license renewal fee of $60 to the Treasurer of Virginia.

C. Any full branch pilot seeking license renewal shall meet the following standards:

1. Possess a valid unlimited Federal Inland Masters credential with First Class Pilot endorsement, with radar observer endorsement, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard for waters of the Commonwealth;

2. Furnish to the board evidence of a satisfactory physical examination conducted within the immediately preceding 60 days. If the branch pilot has not been subject to random chemical testing during the preceding 24 months, then this examination shall include the chemical tests referred to in 18VAC45-20-50;

3. Furnish to the board evidence that the branch pilot has transited the waters embraced by the branch pilot's license during the preceding 12 months, and that the branch pilot has piloted 12 or more ships during that time, at least six trips as a pilot within the first six months of the calendar year and six trips as a pilot within the last six months of the calendar year. Upon the showing of good cause, the board may waive the requirements of this subdivision when, in its judgment, the pilot is otherwise qualified;

4. Qualify in accordance with § 54.1-906 of the Code of Virginia; and

5. Pay a nonrefundable license renewal fee of $60 to the Treasurer of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-902 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR535-01-01 § 2.1, eff. November 30, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 7, Issue 5, eff. January 3, 1991; Volume 10, Issue 20, eff. July 28, 1994; Volume 15, Issue 9, eff. March 1, 1999; Volume 17, Issue 7, eff. February 1, 2001; Volume 23, Issue 9, eff. March 1, 2007; Volume 29, Issue 4, eff. December 1, 2012; Volume 42, Issue 7, eff. December 17, 2025.

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