(a) There is created within the Connecticut Port Authority, for administrative purposes only, the Connecticut Pilot Commission to assist and advise the authority on matters relating to the licensure of pilots, the safe conduct of vessels and the protection of the ports and waters of the state, including the waters of Long Island Sound.

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(b) The commission shall consist of nine members, one of whom shall be the executive director of the authority or the executive director’s designee and one of whom shall be an active licensed pilot in this state operating on the Connecticut side of the rotation system for the assignment of pilots. The pilot member shall be designated by a simple majority vote of pilots operating on the Connecticut side of the rotation system for the assignment of pilots. The remaining seven members shall be appointed as follows: The Governor shall appoint one member representing a maritime-related industry, which industry shall not include a recreational industry; the president pro tempore of the Senate shall appoint one member representing the public with an interest in the environment who does not have an economic interest in the subject matters of the commission; the majority leader of the Senate shall appoint one member representing the public with an interest in the environment who does not have an economic interest in the subject matters of the commission; the minority leader of the Senate shall appoint one member who shall be a retired ship’s master or captain; the speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member representing a maritime-related industry, which industry shall not include a recreational industry; the majority leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member representing a maritime-related industry from a shipping agent perspective; the minority leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member with an expertise in the area of admiralty law. Each member shall be a resident of the state, provided no member shall be an active licensed pilot, except the one active Connecticut licensed pilot operating in and designated by a simple majority of pilots operating on the Connecticut side of the rotation system for the assignment of pilots. Members shall receive no compensation for the performance of their duties.

(c) On or before July 1, 1992, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section (1) the Governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the majority leader of the Senate shall each appoint one member who shall serve until July 1, 1996; (2) the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives and the minority leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint one member who shall serve until July 1, 1995; and (3) the minority leader of the Senate shall appoint one member who shall serve until July 1, 1994. Thereafter, members shall serve for a term of four years and any vacancies on the commission shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(d) The Governor shall appoint the chairperson of the commission who shall not be an employee of the Connecticut Port Authority. The commission shall elect a vice-chairperson and any other officers that it deems necessary from among its membership. The powers of the commission shall be vested in and exercised by not less than five members serving on the commission. This number shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of five members present at a meeting of the commission shall be necessary for any action taken by the commission.

(e) The commission shall, subject to the approval of the authority in such authority’s sole discretion, set: (1) The required qualifications of pilots for eligibility for licensure, including background, training, length of service and apprenticeship; (2) examination requirements for obtaining a pilot’s or other type of operating license; and (3) the appropriate number of state-licensed pilots necessary for the safe, efficient and proper operations in the ports and waters of the state, including the waters of Long Island Sound. In setting these requirements, the commission may not consider the licenses of pilots by other jurisdictions as a disqualifying factor.

(f) The commission shall advise the authority on (1) the establishment of fair and reasonable rates of pilotage, pursuant to section 15-14, including establishment of a hearing process for the setting of fair and reasonable rates of pilotage and licensure fees; (2) the policy of the state on the establishment of a rotation system for the assignment of pilots; (3) the policy of the state on the issuance of reciprocal licenses to pilots licensed in other states; (4) the enhancement of safety and protection of the marine environment during the operation of vessels and the prevention of oil spills and other marine incidents; (5) the proper equipment required on a vessel and the operation of vessels used by pilots for embarkation and disembarkation; (6) the designation of pilot boarding stations; (7) the proper safety equipment provided by vessels to enable pilots to safely board vessels; (8) the state’s policy relative to matters of interstate pilotage; and (9) any other matter requested by the authority.

(g) The commission shall: (1) Assist in the preparation of examinations for pilot licensure and other operating certificates; (2) evaluate the examination results of applicants for a pilot license and make appropriate recommendations concerning such applicants’ qualifications; (3) assist in the review and monitoring of the performance of pilots, including compliance with state policies, procedures and regulations; (4) review applications for reciprocal licensure and make appropriate recommendations concerning such pilots’ qualifications; (5) recommend the duties of pilots for the reporting of faulty pilot boarding and disembarkation systems and of violations of any state laws; (6) review and investigate any marine incident or casualty and conduct hearings to determine the causes of any such incident; (7) investigate and make recommendations on disciplinary measures, including such measures as letters of caution, admonition or reprimand and licensure suspension or forfeiture, including disciplinary matters relative to alcohol or drug abuse; (8) retain an independent investigator to compile a comprehensive factual record of any marine incident or casualty; (9) assist in the review of complaints filed with the authority; and (10) assist in the preparation of any report or matter relative to pilotage.

(h) Nothing in this section shall supersede the authority of the Connecticut Port Authority with respect to licensing marine pilots as specified in section 15-13.