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Team

Each year, members of the BC Coast Pilots elect an executive team who works with the office team to set and carry out the organization’s priorities. This year, the elected representatives of the BCCP are:
President: Captain Robin Stewart
Vice-President: Captain Kevin Roberts
Director: Captain Matt Taylor
Director: Captain Simon Houston
Director: Captain Glen Ritchie
Photo of Captain Robin Stewart
Captain Robin Stewart
BC Coast Pilots President

Captain Robin Stewart

BC Coast Pilots President

Born and raised on the west coast, Captain Robin Stewart feels most at home when he’s at sea. Realizing his passion for the water at a young age, he began his mariner career as a commercial diver and specimen collector for the Vancouver Aquarium at just 17. After graduating high school, he started a new gig as a commercial salmon fisher for JS McMillan and as a packer for the Canadian Fishing Company. Five years later, he switched gears, and spent over two decades navigating waterways on tugs from the Columbia River to Skagway, Alaska, where most trips were meant for moving fuel and self-loading log barges.

He was first introduced to the BC Coast Pilots while working for Tymac Launch Service, delivering that generation of pilots to the vessels. He appreciated their level of professionalism and individuality – something which he had not been exposed to in other areas of the profession. Twenty-two years later, he made the life-changing decision to begin a new adventure and apply as a BC Coast Pilot. With a successful application in hand, he officially became a part of the BCCP family in 2000. Robin has served two terms as Director at Large for the company, three terms as Vice-president and three terms as President. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his five sons, and riding his motorcycle with his wife or other pilots. 
Captain Kevin Roberts
BC Coast Pilots Vice President

Captain Kevin Roberts

BC Coast Pilots Vice President

Captain Kevin Roberts is a lifelong mariner with more than two decades of experience navigating British Columbia's coastal waters, bringing extensive operational knowledge of the region's marine transportation industry.

Born and raised in Prince Rupert, he began his maritime career as a commercial fishing deckhand before advancing to Captain of a 25-metre trawler.  Over 18 years in the fishing industry, he developed extensive knowledge of the Pacific coast from Alaska to Washington State preparing himself for a career as a marine pilot.

Since being licensed as a BC Coast Pilot in 2011, Kevin has contributed to the safe and efficient movement of vessels in Canadian waters.  He currently serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors of BC Coast Pilots Ltd., having previously served as a Director from 2021 to 2023.
"Safeguarding the waters of BC is our responsibility"
– Captain Robin Stewart
"Piloting makes a difference to the people and the environment of Canada every day.
It is that responsibility that, for me, makes piloting an extremely rewarding career."
– Roy Haakonson
Captain Matt Taylor
BC Coast Pilots Director

Captain Matt Taylor

BC Coast Pilots Director

Captain Matthew Taylor serves as a Director at British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd.  An active pilot since 2015, he brings deep local knowledge, steady and confident command, and genuine enthusiasm to the intricate waters of the BC coast.  

Matt's maritime career launched at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Cape Breton, followed by years serving aboard various Canadian Coast Guard vessels along the BC coast - experience that forms the deep operational and local knowledge he relies on every day.

A fit and active mariner, Capt. Taylor balances time on the bridge with exploring the stunning shores he pilots, whether hiking rugged trails or simply soaking up the natural beauty that makes British Columbia so special (and well worth protecting).
"I started my marine career on a tugboat when I was 15. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s not all at the same place."
– Steve Stangroom
Captain Simon Houston
BC Coast Pilots Director

Captain Simon Houston

BC Coast Pilots Director

Check back for an update on Capt. Houston's bio!
"I have always been drawn to the ocean. I love that I have a job protecting the natural environment I have grown to respect so much."
– Peter Koehle
Photo of Captain Glen Ritchie
Captain Glen Ritchie
BC Coast Pilots Director

Captain Glen Ritchie

BC Coast Pilots Director

Born and raised in Campbell River, Glen has spent a lifetime on the water. His journey began at the age of 14 as a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat, and by his early 20s, he was skippering fishing vessels up and down the British Columbia coast . After 30 years in commercial fishing, and a few thousand pots of coffee later, he faced an unexpected turning point in his career. Through word of mouth, he discovered the world of marine pilotage and found his next calling.

Now an unlimited licensed Pilot on the BC Coast, Glen is living proof that a career in marine pilotage is not only rewarding, but accessible to anyone with the determination to master ship handling and pursue a life on the water. His practical experience, sharp instincts, and down-to-earth humour make him a respected presence both on the bridge and in the boardroom.

As a Director, he brings a deep understanding of marine operations, a passion for mentorship, and a commitment to engaging the next generation of seafarers. He believes the best Pilots aren't born - they're made - through hands on experience, strong fundamentals, and a love for the sea.
"When I started on a commercial fishing vessel as a teenager and heard about a career in pilotage, I didn’t know how far I could go. Ask me to tell you a story"
– Brad Taipalus