54.1-905 - Examination of pilots; issuance of license; bonds and oath of office.
§ 54.1-905. Examination of pilots; issuance of license; bonds and oath ofoffice.
Applicants for examination shall submit to the Board a certificate from thecircuit court in the county or city of their residence stating that theapplicant is of good character and a resident of the Commonwealth. Theapplicant shall also submit proof that he has served as an apprentice forfive years, including three years as a limited branch pilot. If the Boardfinds the applicant qualified to act as a branch pilot it shall issue him alicense, and he shall thereupon become a state officer, to be known as abranch pilot and shall hold office as such for one year next ensuing. Beforehe may perform any of the duties of his office he shall give bond before theclerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which he resides in thepenalty of $500, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties andhe shall take the oath of office required by § 49-1.
Branch pilots may conduct and pilot any vessel.
(Code 1950, §§ 54-536, 54-555; 1988, c. 765.)