(a) The department, with the approval of the board, may hire a marine pilot coordinator who is qualified to assist the board in administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter. The coordinator is in the partially exempt service under AS 39.25.120.
(b) The person who is hired as coordinator may not
(1) be an active member of a pilot organization in the state;
(2) work as a pilot while employed as the coordinator, except to the extent required by official duties; or
(3) have a financial interest in a pilot organization or in a pilot vessel or other equipment used by a pilot organization.
(c) In addition to other duties as may be assigned by the board, the marine pilot coordinator may review applications for examination and licensure to ascertain whether the applicant satisfies the applicable requirements.