California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 1138

(a) When cruising offshore or standing out to sea, pilots shall go to the vessel nearest to shore or in the most distress, or incur a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100). For each refusal by a pilot to board a vessel when required, a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be incurred.

(b) A pilot may be suspended or expelled by the board for a violation of subdivision (a).