Tex. Transportation Code § 69.033

To be eligible for a license as a branch pilot for the ports within the jurisdiction of the board, a person must:

(1) be at least 25 years of age and younger than 68 years of age unless exempted under the provisions of Section 69.040(b);

(2) be a United States citizen;

(3) as of the date the license is issued, have resided continuously in this state for at least two years;

(4) have at least one year's service as a deputy branch pilot or equivalent service piloting vessels of at least 5,000 gross tons within the board's jurisdiction;

(5) have successfully completed the board-approved training program;

(6) have commanded or controlled the navigation of vessels such as the person would pilot;

(7) have extensive experience in the docking and undocking of vessels;

(8) be in good mental and physical health;

(9) have good moral character;

(10) possess the requisite skill as a navigator and pilot to perform competently and safely the duties of a branch pilot; and

(11) hold a license under federal law to act as a pilot on vessels that navigate water on which the applicant will furnish pilot services.