Who We Are.
Since 1935, Puget Sound Pilots have safely guided vessels in and out of the Sound – no matter the time of day, no matter the weather.
We’re the first line of defense for safer waters.
More than 7,000 times per year, Puget Sound Pilots (PSP) board container ships, oil tankers, bulk carriers, car carriers, cruise ships and other vessels that require a pilot onboard, and we safely guide them in and out of our region’s harbors, straits, rivers and bays. As the first eyes on every vessel, we assess risks and use our knowledge of weather, tides, currents and marine traffic to prevent accidents and keep our state’s commerce moving.
We know the Puget Sound better than anyone. We’re the experienced mariners and independent professionals who can safely and expertly navigate every channel, current and reef.
Our mission.
We ensure against the loss of lives, protect the marine environment and prevent damage to property and vessels – all by maintaining efficient and competent pilotage service on our state’s inland waters within the Puget Sound Pilotage District.
PSP members are highly skilled, specially trained ship captains who board commercial vessels and guide them safely through Puget Sound waters. Our pilots are independent professionals who work on behalf of Washington citizens. Their expertise and commitment to excellence have produced an unparalleled safety record of more than 200,000 sailings over the last 25 years without a major incident.
Puget Sound Pilots: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Puget Sound Pilots recognizes the existence, impact, and influence of systemic and historic biases that persist across the maritime industry. We believe that cultivating Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Belonging takes intentional action.
Our pilots and leadership are committed to leading efforts that improve representation across Washington’s maritime industry.
Our association will continue to create inclusive pathways into the maritime industry and the Puget Sound pilots corps by:
- Doing the internal work to foster an environment that is both physically and psychologically safe for all individuals.
- Partnering with local and national organizations to develop evidence-based, informed approaches.
- Collaborating with professional organizations on initiatives that support representation across the maritime industry.
- Leading efforts to advocate for actions that help attract and retain a more diverse pilot corps.
Anything less than this would be inconsistent with our values and a disservice to our colleagues, industry and communities in which we operate.
Puget Sound Pilots serve as leaders, educators and mentors for anyone seeking to explore a maritime career.
We are not always going to get it right. But we have a responsibility to do the work, learn from being uncomfortable, and use what we have in order to amplify voices other than our own.
The people behind the Pilots.
Our Legacy.
Our work in the community.
Members of the Puget Sound Pilots are active in the community, providing information on marine-related issues, environmental awareness, boater safety and other topics. Interested in hiring a pilot to speak to your organization? Contact us below.
