((a)) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation standards of competency to be met by each applicant for registration under this chapter. An applicant must—

((1)) have a license as master, mate, or pilot issued under ;

((2)) have acquired at least 24 months licensed service or equivalent experience on vessels or integrated towing vessels and tows of at least 4,000 gross tons as measured under , or an alternate tonnage measured under as prescribed by the Secretary under , operating on the Great Lakes or oceans, with a minimum of 6 months of that service or experience having been on the Great Lakes; and

((3)) agree that, if appointed as a United States registered pilot, the applicant will be available for service when required.

((b)) The Secretary shall issue to each registered pilot under this chapter a certificate of registration describing the areas within which the pilot may serve. The pilot shall carry the certificate when in the service of a vessel.

((c)) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the duration of validity of registration.

((d)) The Secretary may prescribe by regulation the conditions for service by United States registered pilots, including availability for service.

((e)) Subject to sections 551–559 of title 5, the Secretary may suspend or revoke a certificate of registration issued under this section if the holder fails to comply with a regulation prescribed under this chapter. Suspension or revocation of the holder’s license under chapter 77 of this title includes the holder’s certificate of registration.

((f)) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation rates and charges for pilotage services, giving consideration to the public interest and the costs of providing the services. The Secretary shall establish new pilotage rates by March 1 of each year. The Secretary shall establish base pilotage rates by a full ratemaking at least once every 5 years and shall conduct annual reviews of such base pilotage rates, and make adjustments to such base rates, in each intervening year.

((g)) The Secretary shall ensure that a sufficient number of individuals are assigned to carrying out subsection (f).