South Carolina § 54-15-220 - Pilot shall offer services to nearest vessel; exceptions.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 54-15-220 — Pilot shall offer services to nearest vessel; exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-15-220. Pilot shall offer services to nearest vessel; exceptions.
Every pilot cruising or standing out to sea shall offer his services first to the vessel nearest the bar unless specifically ordered to the contrary by the authorized official of the group of licensed pilots on duty at the time and except when he sees a more distant vessel in distress, in which event he shall aid the vessel in distress, if practicable. Any pilot neglecting or refusing to comply with this requirement as to his services may have his license suspended or revoked by the South Carolina Commissioners of Pilotage, depending on their judgment of the circumstances. However, nothing herein shall extend, or be construed to extend, to vessels of the description mentioned in Section 54-15-260, all of which vessels it shall be the duty of every pilot to avoid as much as possible, whenever they are known to or justly suspected by him.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 56-1422; 1952 Code SECTION 56-1425; 1942 Code SECTION 6699; 1932 Code SECTION 6699; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 3597; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 2487; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 1631; G. S. 1270; R. S. 1371; 1878 (16) 417; 1958 (50) 1624; 2006 Act No. 237, SECTION 1, eff March 17, 2006.
Effect of Amendment
The 2006 amendment added "South Carolina" preceding "Commissioners" and made nonsubstantive language changes throughout.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 54-15-220
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 54-15-220 cover?
Section 54-15-220 ("Pilot shall offer services to nearest vessel; exceptions.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 54-15-220?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 54-15-220" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 54-15-220 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.