Sec. 61.003.  DUTY TO ENGAGE PILOT.  (a)  A consignee having control of a vessel shall obtain a pilot to provide pilot services when the vessel is under way or otherwise moving on a river, bay, harbor, or port in this state unless the vessel is:
(1)  documented as a United States vessel and licensed for and engaged in coastwise trade;
(2)  a public vessel;
(3)  of 20 gross tons or less;
(4)  a motorboat registered in this state;  or
(5)  subject to Subsection (b), in distress or jeopardy.
(b)  A consignee having control of a vessel that is in distress or jeopardy shall take on a pilot as soon as the pilot arrives at the vessel.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.