WA HB1511

Amends RCW 47.64.340 to clarify that ferry vessel captains have ultimate authority and responsibility for vessels "under their command" rather than while vessels are "in service"

Changes captain's role description from "supervising" to "directing" crew and from "managing" to "coordinating" vessel operations

Allows captains in the masters and pilots bargaining unit to vote by August 31, 2025 on whether to rejoin a combined masters, mates, and pilots bargaining unit, effective July 1, 2026

Requires collective bargaining negotiations for the 2027-2029 biennium to reflect the combined unit if the vote passes, or continue with the captains-only unit if it does not

Effective date: July 27, 2025