Encl. (1) to COMDTINST 16637.5
Refusal After Boarding
If a registered pilot is confronted with a waterborne picket line after the vessel is already
underway, the pilot may decide to honor the picket line. In this event, concern for the safety of the
vessel will guide the actions of all parties. The registered pilot must take appropriate action to
ensure the safety of the vessel, such as safely anchoring. If the vessel can safely anchor, the
registered pilot may do so. Upon safely anchoring, the registered pilot is free to debark from the
vessel. Coast Guard units should neither assist nor hinder the registered pilot's departure. If the
registered pilot chooses to recognize the pickets, but departs an underway vessel without safely
anchoring or otherwise providing for the vessel's safety, then that registered pilot may have
violated the Great Lakes Pilotage statute by failing to provide pilotage service as required under
46 U.S.C. 9303(a)(3). In that case, if the ship's master proceeds with the voyage, the vessel will
also be in violation of the pilotage regulations (46 CFR 4019510(b)(5)). The local COTP should
begin an investigation as soon as possible following the investigation procedures detailed int he
next section of this enclosure.
INVESTIGATIONS OF MARINE INCIDENTS
General
Registered pilots operating on the Great Lakes are subject to the penalty provisions of the Great
Lakes Pilotage Act (46 U.S.C. 9308) and applicable regulations, as well as all other applicable
federal statutes and regulations. Investigations of possible violations of the Great Lakes Pilotage
Act are the responsibility of the Director of Great Lakes Pilotage. On the Great Lakes, the Officers
in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs), from the Ninth Coast Guard District are responsible for
conducting all investigations of marine casualties.
U.S. Great Lakes Registered Pilots
For investigations of marine casualties or incidents involving U.S. Great Lakes Registered pilots,
the local OCMI will coordinate the investigation activities with the Director's staff to ensure that
the provisions of the Great Lakes pilotage statutes and regulations are adequately addressed during
the course of the investigation and in the final recommendations. The Investigating Officer (IO)
will not require the pilot to complete the casualty report (form CG-2692). The registered pilot is a
key witness/party to the investigation. The IO may require a registered pilot to file a statement, just
like any
5