It is declared to be the policy and intent of the Legislature and the purpose of this subchapter to provide for a system of state pilotage in order to provide maximum safety from the dangers of navigation for vessels entering or leaving the waters described in this subchapter, to maintain a state pilotage system devoted to the preservation and protection of lives, property, the environment and vessels entering or leaving these waters at the highest standard of efficiency and to insure the availability of pilots well qualified for the discharge of their duties in aid of commerce and navigation. [PL 1999, c. 355, §2 (AMD).]