CA AB1296

Prohibits state regulations from requiring San Francisco bar pilots to replace pilot station boats (PV California, PV San Francisco, PV Drake) unless the regulation authorizes replacement only upon reaching end of useful service life.

Defines useful service life as 25 to 35 years from the date the pilot station boat was commissioned, as determined by the State Air Resources Board in consultation with the Board of Pilot Commissioners and an accredited marine surveyor.

Establishes that pilot station boats are essential for maintaining reliable pilotage service at the pilot boarding area 11 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge for the nine Bay Area ports.

Declares that a special statute is necessary for San Francisco bar pilots due to their unique role in providing pilotage service on Monterey Bay and the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun.