(2) To accomplish the stimulation and preservation of maritime commerce it is necessary to establish an optional rate system whereby vessels and persons engaging the services of a licensee have the option of:
(a) Agreeing not to assert any personal liability against any licensee, trainee and organization of pilots to which the licensee or trainee belongs, and to defend, indemnify and save harmless the licensee, trainee and organization of pilots against all claims and demands arising from acts or omissions of the licensee, trainee or organization of pilots which relate, directly or indirectly, to pilotage of the vessel; or
(b) Directing licensees in writing and in sufficient time for insurance to be procured by them, on a "trip" basis, insuring such licensees, trainees and organizations of pilots to which they belong against all claims or demands arising from or relating to, directly or indirectly, pilotage of the vessel, the premium or cost of such insurance to be included in the charges for pilotage services and paid on demand by the vessel.
(3) The Legislative Assembly hereby declares that to effect the ends and purposes listed in this section, and to maintain pilotage fees at reasonable levels on the bar and river pilotage grounds of this state, ORS 776.520, 776.530 and 776.540 are adopted. [1959 c.404 §2; 1983 c.330 §4; 1993 c.796 §17]