Gasman,

I did followed the links and the “mandatory” pilot doesn’t physically steer the ship. Out on the open lake the pilot doesn’t do that much. In shallower or more congested waters, he advises the captain and navigator of the ship on how to navigate around local hazards.

This explains why the requirement only applies to foreign vessels. A local crew should already be aware of local hazards.

Likely the reason the pilot is required at all times, is that the CG doesn’t want to get stuck ferrying pilots between ships and shore constantly, Not to mention, it would be kind of hard to put a helicopter down on the deck of a Viking longship.

On the other hand the Viking longships were relatively flat bottomed and shallow draft, so a lot of things that would be navigation hazards for modern ships wouldn’t be a hazard for a longship.

It is my understanding that xea pilots are not involved in running a ship, that is what a captain does (as opposed to air pilots, who run their planes). Instead, they serve to guide ships through the waters, where there may be significant obstacles and the obstacles may change with the tide, weather, etc. This is unlike airports, where you can see what you are landing on. Given these responsibilities, it is simply irrelevant what type of ship needs to be piloted.

They could declare it s religious voyage by cutting a blood eagle into anyone who didn’t contribute.

Bob

So what good really is an American pilot in this situation. Doubt that any training or prior experience properly prepares them for a traditional viking ship.
Rent seeking and regulatory capture pure and simple.

Would it be possible for the owners of the Draken Harald Hårfagre to declare that they would collect no fees for tours or rides in US waters, and thereby declare their vessel to be recreational while in US waters?

The owners could still ask for donations for their vessel while in US waters, as long as they didn’t require a donation for a tour or a ride. Or would only asking for donations somehow render their vessel commercial?

Vehicle size/weight is not the sole determinant of the requirement for a CDL.

Wisconsin requires a CDL for any vehicle that is designed to carry more than 16 passengers.

Wisconsin does not require a CDL for RVs under 45 feet unless they are being used in commercial activity or for farm equipment driven by a farmer or a family member or employee of a farmer.

King Canute was one of the Vikings himself. But your suggestion might have saved the reputation of Ethelred Unraed…