Sec. 66.0172.  EFFICIENT PILOT SERVICE; MAXIMUM VESSEL LENGTH.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Two-way route" means a directional route within defined limits inside which two-way traffic is established, and which is intended to improve safety in waters where navigation is difficult.
(2)  "Two-way traffic" means that traffic flow by all vessels is permitted in opposing directions.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), in order to ensure safe and efficient pilot services, the maximum overall length of a vessel, including the bulbous bow, that may be piloted within the board's jurisdiction is 1,100 feet.
(c)  Subject to Section 66.016(c), the board by rule may authorize piloting a vessel with an overall length that exceeds the maximum overall length provided by Subsection (b) if the board determines that the proposed rules would allow two-way routes to be maintained efficiently and two-way traffic to be conducted efficiently.  Before adopting a rule under this subsection, the board must hold at least two public hearings.  This subsection does not apply to the adoption of rules governing vessel traffic between Morgan's Point and the Houston Turning Basin.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1347 (S.B. 2223), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2019.