(A) The South Carolina Commissioners of Pilotage for the Lower Coastal Area and surrounding jurisdiction shall organize a board of examiners for the commission of three nautical men, at least one of whom must be licensed for the port under Sections 54-15-120 and 54-15-130. No one is eligible for examination by the board of examiners until he satisfactorily completes his apprenticeship for the port.
(B) The board of examiners shall examine eligible applicants as to their competency to work or manage vessels and generally to discharge the duties of a pilot. Examinations for license are oral, written, and by demonstration.
(C) No license or branch may be granted to a person unless he has received a certificate of his competency signed by a majority of the board of examiners.