Georgia § 52-6-45 - Vessels to be under direction and control of licensed pilots; exemptions; use of docking pilots.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 52-6-45 — Vessels to be under direction and control of licensed pilots; exemptions; use of docking pilots., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52-6-45. Vessels to be under direction and control of licensed pilots; exemptions; use of docking pilots.
Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, every vessel shall be under the direction and control of a pilot licensed by this state when underway in the bays, rivers, harbors, and ports of this state and the approaches thereto. The requirement of subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply to the following vessels: Vessels exempted by the laws of the United States; Vessels under 200 gross tons; and Vessels in distress or jeopardy, except that any such vessel shall take a state licensed pilot as soon as one arrives at the vessel. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit a vessel from utilizing the services of a docking pilot in addition to the state licensed pilot required under this chapter during docking and undocking maneuvers with the assistance of one or more tugboats. The commissioners are authorized, consistent with all other requirements of this chapter, to establish by regulation or otherwise the duties, responsibilities, and fees of state licensed pilots when operating with a docking pilot aboard a vessel. (Ga. L. 1886, p. 38, §§ 5, 6, 8; Civil Code 1895, §§ 1657, 1658, 1660; Civil Code 1910, §§ 1903, 1904, 1906; Code 1933, §§ 80-303, 80-304, 80-310; Ga. L. 1945, p. 279, § 9; Ga. L. 1986, p. 482, § 1; Ga. L. 1995, p. 846, § 8.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 1995, p. 846, § 13, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that subsection (d) of this Code section shall automatically stand repealed on July 1, 1996, unless legislation has been enacted providing for the licensing of docking pilots. The required legislation was not passed and subsection (d) has been deleted effective July 1, 1996. As enacted, subsection (d) read as follows: "When the services of a docking pilot are being utilized during docking and undocking maneuvers with the assistance of one or more tugboats in accordance with subsection (c) of this Code section, the docking pilot shall be in control of such vessel."
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 52-6-45
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 52-6-45 cover?
Section 52-6-45 ("Vessels to be under direction and control of licensed pilots; exemptions; use of docking pilots.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 52-6-45?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 52-6-45" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 52-6-45 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.