Tex. Transportation Code § 71.102

To be eligible for a license as a branch pilot in the jurisdiction of the pilot board of a navigation district in Cameron County, a person must:

(1) be at least 25 years of age;

(2) be a United States citizen;

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

(4) be licensed under federal law to act as a pilot on vessels that navigate water on which the applicant will furnish pilot services;

(5) have at least 30 months' service as a deputy branch pilot or equivalent service piloting vessels on water in that board's jurisdiction;

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

(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;

(11) be selected for appointment by a branch pilot licensed for water in that board's jurisdiction; and

(12) submit to the board written documentation from a branch pilot licensed for water in that board's jurisdiction that the person:

(A) has successfully completed a deputy branch pilot training program approved by that board; and

(B) is recommended for licensing as a branch pilot.