How We Help.
Puget Sound Pilots have been a trusted presence in our region for generations — whether you knew about us or not.
Looking out for Washington from the water.
The Pacific Northwest is driven by an efficient working waterfront, and pilots ensure the Sound is safe and the state’s economy keeps moving. As the first eyes and ears aboard a ship, we can identify and address deficiencies and prevent harm before it happens.
Environmental stewardship is at the heart of our work.
Our navigation skills and local knowledge protect Puget Sound’s precious marine environment every time a vessel enters or leaves its waters. Environmental stewardship is at the heart of our work, and we care deeply about protecting this fragile ecosystem. As the eyes and ears aboard a ship, we can identify and address deficiencies and prevent harm before it happens. In all we do, we honor our relationship with the Tribes of the Salish Sea, whose ancestral waters we navigate every day.
Community
Members of the Puget Sound Pilots support maritime education, history, and community and charity events across Washington. Our members also volunteer their expertise on key marine safety and environmental councils, ensuring a safe and thriving future for our waters. Some events and organizations we have supported include:
- Seattle and Tacoma Propeller Clubs
- Catholic Seafarer’s Club
- Seattle Maritime Festival
- Coast Guard Foundation
- Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend
- Youth Maritime Training Association
- Cal Maritime
- Tacoma Chamber of Commerce
- Schooner Adventures
- And more
Read about PSP efforts to keep our waterfronts safe.
October 8th, 2025
The Future of Puget Sound Pilots — Innovation and Stewardship
Community
Members of the Puget Sound Pilots support maritime education, history and community and charity events across Washington. Our members also volunteer their expertise on key marine safety and environmental councils, ensuring a safe and thriving future for our waters. Some events and organizations we have supported include:
- Seattle and Tacoma Propeller Clubs
- Catholic Seafarer’s Club
- Seattle Maritime Festival
- Coast Guard Foundation
- Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend
- Youth Maritime Training Association
- Cal Maritime
- Tacoma Chamber of Commerce
- And more
Economy
Aircraft, computers, agriculture, consumer products — we bring them all into and out of Puget Sound Ports. Our work contributes significantly to the Washington economy.
Bringing a human touch to the Puget Sound.
Safety is our top priority.
Safety
With a licensed pilot on board, large ships can safely enter the Puget Sound and dangerous accidents are avoided. Since 1935, we have maintained an extraordinary safety record.
Economy
We prevent supply chain delays, ensure efficient vessel movement and keep operational costs minimal.
Responsibility
The Pilots have been a trusted presence in the Puget Sound since 1935. We value safety, competency and efficiency.