A Message From The Board

The Board for Branch Pilots licenses the pilots responsible for safe passage of ships in Virginia's major shipping lanes and waterways. The Circuit Courts of Hampton, Norfolk, and Portsmouth appoint individuals to the nine-member Board, which was created in 1783 and initially chartered by the King of England in the 1600s.

Important Notices

Technology Fee: Effective July 1, 2026, certain fees include a separate Technology Fee of $7.25 per year, pursuant to 2026’s House Bill 30. This fee will remain in place through June 30, 2030 and is used solely to upgrade or replace DPOR’s software system.

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

Pending regulatory action (proposed changes, public hearings, etc.)

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The links below contain the information you will need to obtain your Branch Pilots license. The law that governs your profession is found in the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, in Title 54.1, Chapter 9. That law permits the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to issue regulations that tell you more about what is expected of you in your profession. The regulations governing Branch Pilots are in Title 18 of the Virginia Administrative Code and provide detailed information about obtaining, renewing, and changing licenses, as well as standards of conduct and chemical testing requirements. These links provide access to the law and regulations that you will need to know and obey to get and keep your license. BE SURE YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. YOUR FAILURE TO OBEY THESE STANDARDS COULD RESULT IN A MONETARY PENALTY OR THE LOSS OF YOUR LICENSE.

It is the goal of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to provide you with the information you need to comply with the law and regulations. If you have a question and cannot find the answer to it in the laws and regulations, please email to:

Board for Branch Pilots
BranchPilots@dpor.virginia.gov
or call the Agency at (804) 367-8506.

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to the board's meeting schedule, agendas, and past meeting minutes.

Visit the Town Hall: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Meetings.cfm?BoardID=9

The Virginia Pilot Association oversees the apprenticeship program for branch pilots. The Board's Examining Committee administers examinations to candidates during the apprenticeship program.

How do I contact the Board office?

You may reach the Board office by phone at 804-367-8514 or by e-mail at BranchPilots@dpor.virginia.gov.Additionally, if you have information that you would like to mail to the Board, please send it to:
Board for Branch Pilots
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive
Richmond, VA 23233

When I call the Board office, will I be able to speak directly with a Board member?

No. The Board members do not work in the Board office. They come into the Board offices for Board meetings and hearings, but are not here on a daily basis.
Board office staff members can answer your questions and are trained to process all information that comes into the Board office. Please do not contact Board members directly.

How do I contact the Virginia Pilot Association?

By telephone at (757) 496-0995 or by mail at: 3329 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Board Roster

Board Executive Director

Kathleen (Kate) R. Nosbisch

Licensing Operations Administrator

Summer Saunders

Regulatory Operations Administrator

Kyle Mathews

Administrative Coordinator

Davon Jones

Member Roster

Board Member Roster

I. Vincent Behm, Jr.

  • Citizen Member
  • Hampton

Clarence M. Young

  • Licensed Branch Pilot
  • Virginia Beach

January Collins

  • Licensed Branch Pilot
  • Norfolk

Julian Wythe Whiting Chisman, III

  • Licensed Branch Pilot
  • Virginia Beach

Aaron Anseeuw

  • Citizen Member
  • Norfolk

Patrick B. McDermott

  • Citizen Member
  • Hampton

E. Waightstill Avery

  • Licensed Branch Pilot
  • Norfolk

Christine N. Piersall

  • Citizen Member
  • Portsmouth

Michael W. Coleman | Board President

  • Citizen Member
  • Virginia Beach

Board members are appointed by the circuit courts of the cities of Hampton, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. 

DPOR stands ready to assist veterans and active-duty military personnel as they maintain or transition to civilian careers requiring professional credentials.

Automatic License Transfers

Active-duty military personnel and their spouses may be eligible for automatic license transfers under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Any license held in another state that 1) is in good standing and 2) used in the last two years can be transferred into Virginia for the duration of the military orders. Eligible servicemembers and spouses may submit a Portability of Professional Licenses of Servicemembers and Their Spouses Application.

Credit for Military Training

Honorably discharged veterans may apply substantially equivalent military training, education, or experience toward certain Virginia license requirements (Section 54.1-118).

Exam Reimbursement

Veterans can be reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for fees paid for required licensing or certification exams. Visit Licensing And Certification Tests And Prep Courses | Veterans Affairs for details.

Expedited License Processing

Military spouses assigned to Virginia, a neighboring state, or D.C. may request expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application. Retirees are eligible within one year of separation. Spouses licensed in another state may also receive a temporary 12‑month license if they need more time to meet Virginia‑specific requirements (Section 54.1-119).

License Reimbursement

Coast Guard, Air Force & Space Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps spouses can get up to $1,000 to help cover the costs of transferring their professional licenses or certifications when they experience a permanent change-of-station move with their service member spouse. Navy spouses may be eligible for an additional $1,000 in assistance to cover any business-related expenses.

More Resources for Veterans

Veterans seeking employment opportunities and career support can find additional resources at VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans.