The commissioners at each of the ports of this state are entitled to license during good behavior such citizens of the United States who are
of good character as they shall think fit to act as pilots in piloting vessels underway in the waters of the several ports and rivers for which they shall be licensed. Any pilot who is licensed as of January 1, 1995,
shall continue to act under such license until said license is revoked or
the pilot is suspended or is retired as provided in this chapter.