---
title: "Check a pilot license against the voyage"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/check-a-coastal-pilot-licence-against-the-voyage/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A37-NE20261022-8-US"
practice_area: "Maritime, Shipping & Transport"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check a pilot license against the voyage

> From the license and the voyage plan, record whether the voyage is one section 8502(a) describes or a movement in a bay, river, harbor or port, and whether the papers show a license under section 7101.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/check-a-coastal-pilot-licence-against-the-voyage/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Maritime, Shipping & Transport](https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the license and the voyage plan, record whether the voyage is one section 8502(a) describes or a movement in a bay, river, harbor or port, and whether the papers show a license under section 7101. Do not say the person is eligible for a license. |
| What the lawyer must review | Section 8501(a) says pilots in the bays, rivers, harbors and ports of the United States shall be regulated only in conformity with the laws of the States, except as otherwise provided in the subtitle. Section 8502(a) requires a coastwise seagoing vessel to be under the direction and control of a pilot licensed under section 7101 when it is not sailing on register, is underway, is not beyond 3 nautical miles from the territorial-sea baselines, and is propelled by machinery and subject to inspection under part B or is subject to inspection under chapter 37. Subsections (g) and (i) are the Prince William Sound and dredge exceptions. Subsection (h) requires, on waters the Secretary designates, a separate master or mate on the bridge of a tanker over 1,600 gross tons. An individual serving as a pilot without a required license is liable for a civil penalty of $10,000, as is an owner or master who operates in violation. Section 7101(c) includes pilots as a license class, and subsection (e) sets conditions for that license, including age 21 and a yearly physical examination except for a pilot who will serve only on a vessel of less than 1,600 gross tons. State pilot statutes were not opened. You decide whether this license covers this voyage. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Check a coastal pilot licence against the voyage](https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/check-a-coastal-pilot-licence-against-the-voyage.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the license and the voyage plan, record whether the voyage is one section 8502(a) describes or a movement in a bay, river, harbor or port, and whether the papers show a license under section 7101. Do not say the person is eligible for a license.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Do not use Australian coastal-pilot categories. State pilotage is section 8501 and the state statute was not opened.
- Section 8502(h) can require a master or mate who is separate from the pilot. It does not say the master remains in command in every case.

## Sources

- [46 USC section 8502 (federal pilots required)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/8502) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [46 USC section 8501 (state regulation of pilots)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/8501) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [46 USC section 7101 (licenses and certificates of registry)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/7101) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*