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.

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.

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.

In these challenging times, trade by sea remains essential and a more efficient way to keep the global supply chain moving.

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.

It’s almost springtime and most probably the water temperatures will start to rise making it favorable for water sports.

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.

Winter in B.C. can be quite different than the rest of Canada depending on where you look, and that includes our coast!

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.

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!

Ever wonder about the difference between the large vessels you see on B.C.’s waters?

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.