In today’s heightened security environment, members of the Puget Sound Pilots help safeguard the security of Puget Sound waterways and adjacent cities.
A pilot is the first American to board foreign vessels entering U. S. waters.
Throughout the ship’s transit in Puget Sound, a pilot is alert for indications of any suspicious activity and can inform the Coast Guard, FBI, or Naval Intelligence of such concerns without alerting the bridge crew.
In addition, a pilot serves as a liaison with the Coast Guard inspection team for the frequent boardings of foreign ships that now occur in our waters. In the case of surprise inspections, the pilot stays in close confidential contact with the Coast Guard, and is available to the Coast Guard team during the inspection to assist as needed. The pilot is instrumental in coordinating the ship and its crew for appropriate Coast Guard inspection.