About the Maine                    Pilotage Commission

 

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The MRSA 38 § 89 requires the Maine Pilotage Commission to be comprised of seven individuals who are citizens of the United States and Maine and appointed by the Governor as follows:

 

· Three licensed pilots who are active in pilotage representing each of the Commission’s coastal zones;

 

· Two members who are not licensed pilots but are from a maritime industry that utilizes pilots; and

 

· Two members representing the public who are not licensed pilots but have a maritime background.

 

Carrie Plourde Norton -  Commission Chairperson; Master of vessels of unlimited tonnage on any ocean.  She has served principally in the offshore energy industry during her career on various vessel types including offshore supply vessels, crew vessels, and drill ships. During her seagoing career, she has amassed extensive Dynamic Positioning experience.  Commission member since 2021; filling a public member (with maritime background) seat.

 

David Gelinas -  President, Penobscot Bay & River Pilots Association, Master of vessels of  unlimited tonnage.  Commission member since 1998, filling an active pilot member seat.                                                            

 

Gerald Morrison - Eastport and Quoddy area pilot, Master of vessels of   unlimited tonnage. Over 35 years of seagoing and pilotage experience, including extensive tanker experience. Commission member since 1999, filling an active pilot member seat.                                                                                                         

Shawn Moody -  Operations Manager at Chase, Leavitt Ship Agents, Master of vessels of unlimited tonnage.   Commission member since 1999, filling an industry member seat.                      

                                                                                                      

Lindsey  Pinkham -  Manager of Downeast Maritime, Inc. Mrs. Pinkham holds a license as Master of vessels up to 1600 gross tons with shipboard experience on various vessel types including bulk and oil spill response vessels.  She is also the President and owner of Midcoast First Aid, LLC as well as a member of the Boothbay Region Fire Department.  Commission member since 2021; filling a public member (with maritime background) seat.

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Adam Philbrook - Active pilot with the Penobscot Bay and River Pilots.  He holds a license as Master of vessels up to 1600 gross tons, and is licensed as a Master of Towing Vessels and has prior deep sea tank ship experience. Commission member since 2021, filling an active pilot member seat.

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Levi Ross  - Manager of Wholesale Operations at Dead River Company. He has extensive experience as a navigation officer aboard tank ships holding a license as Chief Officer and Master of vessels up to 1600 gross tons. He also served with distinction in the  U.S. Navy during the Persian Gulf War.  Commission member since 2023, filling an industry member seat.  

 

Brian Downey  -  Commission Administrator, retired senior Coast Guard officer with 30 years of experience in marine safety and regulatory enforcement.  Licensed deck officer of vessels of unlimited tonnage.  Commission Administrator since 2013.                  

 

Mr. Chris Mayo - Director of Ports and Marine Transportation with the MaineDOT Office of Freight and Passenger Services.  Liaises and coordinates administration and financial transactions for the Commission.  Commission Liaison since 2022.

 

 

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The pilotage program is divided into 3 Coastal Zones of Maine's coastal waters relevant to the commission membership:

 

• Calais to Schoodic Point,

• Schoodic Point to Port Clyde and

• Port Clyde to Kittery (excepting the port of Portland and Casco Bay).

 

!0 specific regulated routes are identified within the 3 Coastal Zones as follows:

 

Route A  Kennebec River (to Bath)

 

Route B  Penobscot Bay (Including Rockland, Camden, Castine, Belfast, & Searsport)

 

Route C  Penobscot River (Ft. Point to Bucksport)

 

Route D  Penobscot River (Bucksport to Bangor)

 

Route E   Frenchman Bay/Bar Harbor

 

Route F  Eastport/Quoddy

 

Route G  Sheepscot River

 

Route H  Blue Hill Bay

 

Route I   Somes Sound/

                 Eastern Way

 

Route J   Boothbay Harbor