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HB 2426

An Act amending the act of March 29, 1803 (P.L.542, No.156), entitled "An act to establish a Board of Wardens for the port of Philadelphia, and for the regulation of pilots and pilotages, and for other purposes therein mentioned," further providing for pilots in the Delaware Bay and River.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Bellmon and 20 co-sponsors

HB 2426 establishes a structured, class-based pilot licensing system for the Delaware Bay and River, requiring examinations and penalties for unlicensed piloting.

Re-referred to Appropriations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2426

Summary of HB 2426 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and Intent

HB 2426 proposes amendments to the 1803 act establishing the Board of Wardens for the Port of Philadelphia, specifically addressing licensing and regulation of pilots in the Delaware Bay and River. The bill aims to formalize and update the process for licensing new pilots and to specify license classes, validity, and enforcement penalties.

Key Provisions

  • New licensing pathway for non-licensed applicants: The bill requires every person who is not currently a licensed pilot but seeks to operate as a pilot in the Delaware Bay and River to apply to the Navigation Commission for the Delaware River and its navigable tributaries for a license.

  • Examination and licensing authority: The Navigation Commission must call upon at least three first-class pilots to examine the applicant’s fitness for the duties of a pilot and to grant licenses to those deemed qualified.

  • Classified pilot licenses by vessel draft:

    • First class: For pilots capable of piloting vessels with any practicable draught.
    • Second class: For vessels drawing up to 45 feet of water.
    • Third class: For vessels drawing up to 40 feet of water.
    • Fourth class: For vessels drawing up to 35 feet of water.
    • Fifth class: For vessels drawing up to 32 feet of water.
    • Sixth class: For vessels drawing up to 29 feet of water (note: original text lists “twenty-seven” but brackets indicate correction to 29 feet; the version provided shows [twenty-seven] with 29 feet intended, which may require clarification in practice).

  • License duration and renewal: Licenses issued under these provisions would be valid for one year from the issue date and would last until the pilot arrives in Philadelphia with the next vessel after the license’s expiration, whichever comes first. Licenses can be renewed upon surrender and replacement under security conditions unless the applicant is found disqualified by the Navigation Commission.

  • Penalties for unlicensed practice:

    • Anyone piloting in the Delaware Bay or River without a duly granted license or after expiration of a license may be liable for a civil penalty up to twice the amount of pilotage as calculated under existing law.
    • Such unlicensed activity constitutes a misdemeanor, with penalties including imprisonment for 1 month to 1 year and fines up to $200, at the court’s discretion.

  • Mechanism of enforcement: The act reinforces civil penalties and misdemeanor provisions for unlicensed piloting activity and unlicensed operation in vessels of any size (with note on the 100-ton threshold for certain restrictions).

  • Effective date: The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Aspiring and current pilots: Individuals seeking to pilot in the Delaware Bay and River would be subject to a structured license process with class-based qualifications tied to vessel draft.
  • Navigation Commission for the Delaware River and its navigable tributaries: Assigned responsibility to administer examinations, determine qualifications, and issue licenses.
  • Port operations and vessel operators: Clear licensing requirements aim to regulate piloting, potentially affecting hiring and pilotage arrangements.
  • Enforcement authorities and legal system: Assigned civil penalties and misdemeanor penalties for unlicensed piloting activity.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill is introduced in the Pennsylvania House (April 18, 2026) and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
  • If enacted, the act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
  • The licensing framework requires at least three first-class pilots to participate in examinations for each applicant.

Summary

HB 2426 modernizes and formalizes the licensing regime for pilots in the Delaware Bay and River by introducing a structured, class-based licensing system, a mandatory examination process by the Navigation Commission, a defined license duration, and penalties for unlicensed practice. The bill seeks to enhance safety and professional accountability in pilotage within the Port of Philadelphia jurisdiction.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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