Timeline

Circa 100 AD	Roman law requires that a captain take a pilot or be responsible for any damages his ship might cause.
1500	Sweden requires pilots.
1514	Henry VIII of England charters Trinity House, the first pilot organization.
1541	First lawsuit against a pilot filed in England (pilots sent to jail for negligently grounding the ship).
1681	France requires pilots.
1766	Colony of Pennsylvania creates a board of wardens to regulate pilotage in Philadelphia.
1783	Massachusetts adopts pilotage regulations.
1789	Our nation's first Congress passes a law recognizing that piloting shall continue to be regulated by the states, and not the federal government. This law is still in effect.
1840	First record of pilotage on Puget Sound.
1860-1941	Port Townsend serves as pilot headquarters.
1863	Washington Territory enacts legislation regulating pilotage.
1868	Washington Territory enacts legislation regulating pilotage on Puget Sound.
Feb., 1888	Washington Territory develops rules and regulations for pilotage and establishes a three member pilotage commission appointed by the Governor.
Aug., 1888	Eight pilots have been examined and licensed by the Pilotage Commission.
1889	Washington Territory becomes the 42nd state.
1907	1888 pilotage law repealed.
1935	State enacts Washington State Pilotage Act, prescribing a five member pilotage commission appointed by the Governor.
1935	Puget Sound Pilots established.
1977	Puget Sound Pilots assist with development of landmark tug escort regulations for oil tankers calling in Puget Sound.
1991	Washington State Pilotage Commission expanded to nine members.
1991	Puget Sound Pilots work in conjunction with tug, tanker, and naval architectural companies to develop comprehensive tanker escort procedures.