Every pilot boat cruising or standing out to sea must offer service of a pilot to the vessel nearest the bar, unless a vessel more distant is in distress, under penalty of $50.00 for every neglect or refusal to approach such nearest vessel, to aid her if required, or to aid a vessel in sight showing signals of distress, and the commissioners may deprive a pilot so offending of his license.
Ala. Code § 33-4-55 (1975)