Sec. 66.043. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF BRANCH PILOT'S LICENSE. (a) On complaint or on its own motion, and after notice and hearing, the board may suspend a branch pilot's license for not more than six months or recommend that the governor revoke a branch pilot's license if the board finds that the pilot has:

(1) failed to demonstrate and maintain the qualifications for a license required by this chapter;

(2) used narcotics or other types of drugs, chemicals, or controlled substances as defined by law that impair the pilot's ability to perform the pilot's duties skillfully and efficiently;

(3) used alcohol to an extent that impairs the pilot's ability to perform the pilot's duties skillfully and efficiently;

(4) violated a provision of this chapter or rules adopted by the board under this chapter;

(5) made a material misstatement in the application for a license;

(6) obtained or attempted to obtain a license under this chapter by fraud or misrepresentation;

(7) intentionally failed to comply with an order of the board;

(8) charged a pilotage rate other than that approved by the board;

(9) intentionally refused to pilot or neglected to board promptly a vessel when requested to do so by the master or person responsible for navigation of the vessel except when, in the judgment of the pilot, movement of the vessel constitutes a hazard to life or property or when pilotage charges that are due and owing are unpaid by the person ordering the pilot services;

(10) intentionally caused damage to a vessel;

(11) been absent from duty in violation of board rules and without authorization;

(12) aided or abetted another pilot in failing to perform the other pilot's duties; or

(13) been guilty of carelessness, neglect of duty, intentional unavailability for performance of duties, refusal to perform duties, misconduct, or incompetence while on duty.

(b) If the federal pilot's license of a pilot licensed under this chapter is suspended or revoked, the board, on a finding that it has good cause, shall suspend the license for the same period or revoke the license under this chapter.

(c) On determining that a license should be suspended or revoked, the board shall adopt a written order that states its findings and:

(1) suspends the license for a stated period; or

(2) recommends to the governor revocation of the license.

(d) The governor, on receipt of a board order recommending revocation of a license, shall revoke the license.

(e) A suspension of a license takes effect on adoption of the board's order. A revocation of a branch pilot's license takes effect on issuance of the governor's decision.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.