§33-4-40. Bond of pilot - Preserving bonds, etc.; new bonds; actions on bonds; liability.

(a) The commissioners must preserve on file all bonds and affidavits taken from pilots, and may, whenever they consider it necessary, require a new bond to be executed. The pilot's bond stands as security for any injury caused by the negligence or want of skill of the pilot, and action may be brought thereon in the name of any person aggrieved.

(b) A pilot providing pilot services to a vessel is not liable for more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for damage or loss to any person or property caused by the pilot's error, omission, fault, or neglect in the performance of the pilot services, unless one of the following applies:

(1) The damage or loss was caused because of the willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct of the pilot.

(2) Liability exists for exemplary or punitive damages for willful, intentional, or reckless misconduct for which no other person is jointly or severally liable.

(c) This section does not exempt a vessel; its crew; or its owner, charterer, or operator from liability for damage or loss caused to any person or property by the vessel on either of the following grounds:

(1) That the vessel was piloted by a pilot.

(2) That the damage or loss was caused by the error, omission, fault, or neglect of a pilot.

(d) In an action brought against a pilot for an act or omission for which liability is limited as provided by this section and in which other claims are made or anticipated with respect to the same act or omission, the court shall dismiss the proceedings as to the pilot to the extent the pleadings allege liability of the pilot that exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(e) The provisions of this section apply only provided the bar pilots remain self-employed independent contractors and the number of such self-employed independent contractors does not exceed 20 actively engaged in the piloting of vessels as licensed by the State Pilotage Commission.

(Acts 1931, No. 81, p. 154, §16; Code 1940, T. 38, §64; Act 2012-388, p. 1046, §§1, 2.)