When we are not piloting ships, the BC Coast Pilots also review changes to shipping routes, make recommendations for the protection of marine habitat and evaluate the impacts of proposed new projects.
Environmental Protection
On every ship and every trip, we remain stewards of the waterways.
Embracing New Technology
By applying leading edge innovation, we safely move large vessels.
Economic Engine
Efficiently moving goods and people, we expertly guide ships in and out of our harbours.
Our Mission
BC Pilots have been in the business of keeping 15,000 miles of the province’s waters safe since the mid-1800’s and have an exceptional safety record and provide independent service to every company across the shipping industry.
Our Mandate
From Alaska to the southern Canadian border, under the Pilotage Act, we are mandated to board and guide any foreign ship coming in or out of BC’s ports for safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
Canada has over 500 port facilities, 800 fishing harbours, and 120 recreational harbours.
Marine shipping accounts for $200 billion worth of trade in the country.
3,500 cargo and cruise ships pass through BC's coastal waters each year
13,000 pilotage assignments to safely transport cargo, bulk, containers, vehicles, cruise ships, tankers, vehicles and more
Port of Vancouver’s cruise terminal welcomes over 900,000 passengers each year.
400,000 vehicles transported through the Port of Vancouver annually
Over 6 million tonnes of grain flow through the Port of Prince Rupert
Almost 900,000 tonnes of wood pellets shipped to and from the Port of Prince Rupert
Who are the Coast Pilots?
BC Coast Pilots use the latest innovations when it comes to ship movement.
126
BC Coast Pilots
15,000
Miles of Coast
13,000
Pilotage Assignments
50
Years of Service
BCCP Latest News
30
April
2021
New recommendations for Active Pass and Porlier Pass
Every time a BC Coast Pilot boards a vessel, they utilize a lifetime of knowledge to make important decisions that keep navigation and our coastlines safe. A Pilot’s judgement includes consideration of vessel performance, regulatory requirements, and local conditions which when combined with experience shapes how to best guide a vessel through BC’s waterways.
16
July
2020
Throwback Photos of BC Coast Pilots at work
Our Pilots use vast knowledge of local waters to protect B.C.’s ecologically-sensitive marine habitat by guiding ships safely in and out of ports and waterways. Here are some throwback shots all taken on our beautiful coast.
16
June
2020
Feature Pilot: Captain Peter Vivian
B.C. Coast Pilots continue to work 24/7 during the Covid-19 pandemic keeping 15,000 miles of the province's coastline safe while maintaining the global supply chain moving. We want to highlight the work done by these devoted Pilots and shine a light on the people behind the safe movement of ships on our coast.
Contact
For more information on the BC Coast Pilots, please email us at bccp@bcpilots.com
For press and media requests, please contact BC Coast Pilots at bccp@bcpilots.com
For press and media requests, please contact BC Coast Pilots at bccp@bcpilots.com
Our Office
1450-1130 W Pender St,
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC
Let's Talk
Office: (604) 688-0291
Email Inquiry
General: bccp@bcpilots.com
BC Coast Pilots compulsory pilotage area
The blue shaded areas indicate where foreign ships are required to take a licensed marine pilot
Red lines show common routes of vessels under pilotage
Grey lines show routes outside of compulsory pilotage areas