§ 1128 Towed Vessel Pilotage Exemption

Harbors and Navigation Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that a boat that can’t move on its own and is being pulled by a tug in Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Suisun Bay, or the waters between them does not have to pay pilot fees unless a pilot is actually hired.

Key Takeaways

•Only non‑self‑propelled vessels (like barges) are covered.
•The exemption applies only in the listed bays and the waters connecting them.
•If a pilot is actually employed on the tow, the vessel must pay the normal pilotage fees.

Example

A barge without its own engine is being towed by a tugboat through San Francisco Bay.

Because the barge is being towed and no pilot is hired, the barge does not have to pay any pilotage charges.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1128 Towed Vessel Pilotage Exemption

Any nonself-propelled vessel in tow of a tug within Monterey Bay and the Bay of San Francisco, San Pablo, or Suisun, or between those bays, is exempt from pilotage charges unless a pilot is actually employed. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 177, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

nonself-propelled vessel tug Monterey Bay Bay of San Francisco San Pablo Suisun pilotage charges

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 1128.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References