If you are interested in ordering a pilot, please review the information in this section and call our dispatcher at (206) 448-4455. Please reserve your pilot during the hours of 08:00 and 17:00, but note that this number is staffed 24/7 in case of emergency.
Pilotage service for all U.S. ports and places E of 123°24’ W longitude in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, including Puget Sound and adjacent inland waters, is provided by the members of Puget Sound Pilots who are licensed by both the United States Coast Guard and the State of Washington. Washington State mandated pilotage is compulsory for all vessels except US vessels engaged in domestic trade (sailing under enrollment) and vessels engaged exclusively in the coasting trade on the west coast of the continental United States (including Alaska) and/or British Columbia. Pilotage mandated by US federal law can also be provided by the members of Puget Sound Pilots.
Pilotage is compulsory on foreign yachts except that such yachts may apply for an exemption if not more than 1,300 Gross Tons (ITC) or 200 feet LOA. Application for exemption should be made to the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners: (206) 515-3904: fax, 206-515-3906. The application form for an exemption can be found on the Board’s web page.
Port Angeles has been designated as the pilotage station for all vessels en route to or from the sea. The pilot station is located on Ediz Hook about 0.7 mile W of Ediz Hook Light (see NOAA chart 18468). There are two pilot boats, 23 meters in length with white hulls and orange houses. The pilot station and pilot boats are equipped with AIS and radar to locate and track vessels. Radio communication can be made by calling Port Angeles Pilot Station on VHF-FM Channel 13.
Pilotage should be arranged 24 hours in advance through the vessel’s agent or by direct telephone communication with Puget Sound Pilots – Seattle (206) 448-4455.
If subsequent conditions make it necessary, an amended estimated time of arrival should be made. Inbound vessels are requested to reaffirm their estimated time of arrival at the pilot boarding station via VHF channel 13 when they are passing Cape Flattery, and again when they are 1 hour away.
Vessels desiring a pilot should proceed to a position about 1.4 miles NNE of the E end of Ediz Hook where the pilot will board the vessel. A pilot ladder is to be rigged without manropes in compliance with SOLAS regulations on the leeward side about 1 meter above the water. When approaching the boarding area, vessels are requested to monitor VHF-FM Channel 13 and maintain a steady course and speed of about 8-10 knots when the pilot boat comes alongside.
