In acting on a pilotage rate change application, the board shall consider:
(1) characteristics of vessels to be piloted;
(2) the public interest in maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable pilot services;
(3) the average number of hours spent by a pilot in performing all pilot services and pilot services onboard vessels;
(4) costs to pilots to provide the required pilot services;
(5) economic factors affecting the shipping industry in the area in which the port is located;
(6) the average wages of masters of United States flag vessels;
(7) an adequate and reasonable compensation for the pilots and a fair return on the equipment and vessels that the pilots employ in connection with pilot duties; and
(8) the relationship between pilotage rates in Jefferson or Orange County ports and the rates applicable in other ports of this state and in competitive ports in other states bordering the Gulf of Mexico.