(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a pilot shall be eligible for the pension provided in Section 1163 if the pilot meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Held a license as a pilot and served at least 10 years in that capacity or has attained 62 years of age, whichever occurs first.

(2) Retired after January 1, 1972.

(3) Is at least 60 years of age.

(b) A disabled pilot shall be eligible for the pension provided in Section 1163 if it has been determined by the board, based upon competent medical evidence, that the pilot is unable to perform the duties of a pilot. As used in this chapter, “disabled” means a disability of permanent or extended and uncertain duration, as determined by the board, on the basis of competent medical opinion.

(c) Except as provided in subdivision (d), an inland pilot shall be eligible for the pension provided in Section 1163 if the inland pilot meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Held a license as an inland pilot and served at least 10 years in that capacity after January 1, 1987, or has attained 62 years of age, whichever occurs first.

(2) Retired after January 1, 1987.

(3) Is at least 60 years of age.

(4) Since January 1, 1987, has held himself or herself out as providing pilotage assistance to the entire shipping industry consistent with the inland pilot’s license.

(5) For services provided after January 1, 1994, performs a minimum of 75 assignments per calendar year unless excused from performance of that requirement due to medical needs satisfactory to the board.

(d) A disabled inland pilot who meets the requirements of paragraph (4) of subdivision (c) shall be eligible for the pension provided in Section 1163 if it has been determined by the board, based upon competent medical evidence, that the inland pilot is unable to perform the duties of an inland pilot.

(e) (1) A surviving spouse of a deceased pilot shall be eligible for the pension provided in subdivision (b) of Section 1163 if that deceased pilot died after January 1, 1972, and that deceased pilot had held a license as a pilot.

(2) A surviving spouse of a deceased inland pilot shall be eligible for the pension provided in subdivision (b) of Section 1163 if the deceased inland pilot died after January 1, 1987, had held a license as an inland pilot, and since January 1, 1987, had held himself or herself out as providing pilotage assistance to the entire shipping industry consistent with the inland pilot’s license.

(3) In order for a surviving spouse to be eligible for any pension benefits pursuant to this chapter, the surviving spouse shall have been legally married to the deceased pilot or inland pilot for at least one year prior to the deceased pilot’s or inland pilot’s death.

(4) A surviving spouse of a deceased pilot or inland pilot shall neither be eligible for, nor receive, pension benefits pursuant to this chapter if the surviving spouse remarries. If a surviving spouse who is receiving a monthly pension under this chapter remarries, the surviving spouse’s successor in interest shall receive the amount of the monthly pension for the remainder of the benefit payment period as if the surviving spouse had died, in accordance with paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 1163.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 261, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2000.)