What is a Pilot?
A Pilot is a highly skilled and trained vessel captain who works on behalf of the people and businesses of Washington. Pilots board oil tankers, cargo vessels and cruise ships, piloting them safely through congested waters.
Experts in navigation. Stewards of safety.
Pilots are independent, state-licensed authorities with specialized knowledge of local weather and tides. Our navigation skills protect Puget Sound’s precious marine environment every time a vessel enters or leaves its waters.
Why our work matters.
Vessels Safely Piloted Each Year
Guiding cargo ships, tankers, and cruise vessels through Puget Sound’s complex waterways.
Dollars of Protected Annual Trade
Ensuring the safe movement of goods through Washington’s critical maritime economy.
Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
Partnering in orca protection, clean water initiatives, and slow-down zones to protect Puget Sound’s ecosystem.
We’re looking out for the Sound every day.
Our skills and expertise
Pilots are deeply familiar with every channel, current and reef. We have specialized knowledge of local weather and tides, and our extensive training means we can navigate complex waterways – even in the middle of the night.