Unusual Traveler
A Journal for those who do not take a shortcut
Latest Posts
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.
4 years ago
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.
4 years ago
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.
4 years ago
BC Coast Pilots: Keeping the Global Supply Chain Moving
In these challenging times, trade by sea remains essential and a more efficient way to keep the global supply chain moving.
5 years ago
BCCP RESPONSE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 PANDEMIC
This pandemic is an evolving situation and as such BC Coast Pilots continue to adjust operational procedures as required, in order to maintain this essential service.
5 years ago
Tips for Safe Boating
It’s almost springtime and most probably the water temperatures will start to rise making it favorable for water sports.
5 years ago
Feature Pilot: Captain David Willows
Meet Captain David Willows! He was born in Toronto but later his family moved to Victoria BC when he was a year and a half old.
5 years ago
Winter on the water
Winter in B.C. can be quite different than the rest of Canada depending on where you look, and that includes our coast!
5 years ago
Feature Pilot: Captain Adrian Cormier
Meet Captain Adrian Cormier! He grew up on the East coast of Canada in Margaree on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia before moving to BC.
5 years ago
Pilot Technology Today
Pilots have been dedicated to keeping the 15,000 miles of our province’s coast safe since the mid-1800s, but a lot has changed since then!
5 years ago
What kind of large ships come to B.C.?
Ever wonder about the difference between the large vessels you see on B.C.’s waters?
5 years ago
Boarding Safety and Pilot Ladders
According to the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), nearly 30 pilot deaths occurred between 2005 and 2018, about half of which were related to ladder failures or non-compliance issues.
5 years ago
Sharing the Water – Recreational and Commercial Vessels
Do you know the ‘rules of the road’ for Canada’s waterways? Spending a day out on the water is the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer day, but if you are planning a marine outing, it is your responsibility to know and follow these rules to keep our waters safe for everyone to enjoy.
5 years ago
Supporting Another Record-Breaking Cruise Year
Decades ago, a cruise ship may have had the capacity to carry approximately 2,000 passengers. However, since 1995, there has been a trend of cruise ships getting bigger, increasing in length by 27 per cent. Cruise ships now have the capacity to carry over 4,000 tourists.
5 years ago
BC Coast Pilots Responds to Pilotage Act Review
The BC Coast Pilots (BCCP) look forward to continue working with B.C. and Canadian leaders to ensure the best possible pilotage system and rules are adopted, so that environment and marine safety continue to be priorities. “In our view, the 2018 Pilotage Act Review has reinforced the fact that the current Canadian model is in […]
6 years ago
Slowing it down for the whales
Thank you to everyone who participated and the efforts you have made to reduce underwater noise in key southern resident killer whale foraging areas.
6 years ago
BC Coast Pilots take environmental excellence to the next level as Green Marine’s newest partner
The BC Coast Pilots (BCCP) are proudly the newest Green Marine partner. We join over 50 international companies who provide services, products, technology or equipment to help Green Marine participants improve their environmental performance.
6 years ago
Captain Bud Jones Featured in Western Mariner
This month, we are proud to say that the story of our very own Bud Jones was published in the Western Mariner.
6 years ago
BC Coast Pilots advocate for the prioritization of safety and marine environment in the Pilotage Act Review
During the year-long consultations to review the Pilotage Act, the BC Coast Pilots (BCCP) travelled across the country to meet with government officials, industry stakeholders, and other pilotage authorities to discuss the amendments to the Pilotage Act.
6 years ago
A conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on safety and shipping
The BC Coast Pilots (BCCP) were recently contacted by the Prime Minister’s Office asking if we’d be available to meet in person share our thoughts about the safety of shipping on the west coast.
7 years ago
What’s in a pilot’s technology tool kit?
What happens when you can’t see in the dark or through the fog? What do you do as the person responsible to navigate the vessel, its crew and product to safe shores?
7 years ago
Reberthing a ship at Cascadia
Over the last 5 years I have been with the BC Coast Pilots, I have had challenging assignments, but on a particular January evening I had one of my most, on an assignment to berth a ship at Cascadia.
7 years ago