The British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd. is a private company consisting of 108 licensed marine Pilots who contract their services to the Pacific Pilotage Authority; a crown corporation charged with ensuring that a safe and efficient pilotage system is provided on the B.C. coast. Approximately 60 of the Pilots are based in the Vancouver area, 40 are based in the Victoria area and 8 Pilots are based in the Nanaimo area. The BC Coast Pilots Ltd. was incorporated in 1973 and therefore celebrated its 30th year since inception in 2003.