Executive Order 1131

by President of the United States

Under authority vested in me by law, it is ordered:

Section 1. The Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission shall appoint three persons who shall constitute a "Board of Local Inspectors." The members of this Board shall be employees of the Isthmian Canal Commission, or the Panama Railroad Company, or both, and shall perform the duties hereinafter specified without additional compensation.

Sec. 2. The Board of Local Inspectors shall recommend the classification of masters, mates, engineers, and pilots of steam vessels propelled upon the waters within the jurisdiction of the Canal Zone. Upon such recommendation, in writing, the Head of the Department of Civil Administration, Isthmian Canal Commission, shall issue licenses.

Sec. 3. Whenever any person applies to be licensed as master, mate, engineer, or pilot of any steam vessel propelled upon the waters within the jurisdiction of the Canal Zone, the Board of Local Inspectors shall make diligent inquiry as to his character, and shall carefully examine the applicant, as well as the proof he presents in support of his claim; and if, upon full consideration, they are satisfied that his character, habits of life, knowledge, and experience in the duties of master, mate, engineer, or pilot are all such as to authorize the belief that he is a suitable and safe person to be entrusted with the powers and duties of such station, they shall recommend that a license be issued to him, authorizing him to be employed on any vessel propelled upon the waters within the jurisdiction of the Canal Zone, in such duties, for the term of three (3) years; but such license shall be suspended or revoked upon satisfactory proof of negligence, unskilfulness, or intemperance. The Board of Local Inspectors will recommend the assignment of mates or engineers to an appropriate class designated "Chief," "First," or "Second."

Sec. 4. The Isthmian Canal Commission shall not engage for permanent employment upon any of its vessels propelled by steam, any master, mate, or engineer who shall not be duly licensed by the United States, or the Government of the Canal Zone, and who is not a citizen of the United States, unless an American citizen is not available; and all officers at present employed who do not hold United States licenses will be required to qualify before the Board.

Sec. 5. The Government of the Canal Zone may issue licenses as masters, mates, engineers, or pilots to persons who are not citizens of the United States.

Sec. 6. The Executive Order of the Governor of the Canal Zone, dated December 8, 1905, is amended by this order only in as far as it provides for the examination and licensing of pilots.

Wm. H. Taft.

The White House,

October 2, 1909.