Although the Captain of the ship is very familiar with their own vessel and crew, they may not necessarily be familiar with the specifics of each port where their vessel must go. BC Coast Pilots live, work and play along the BC coast, and have a lifetime of experience in how tides, geography and weather patterns affect the way ships move in and out of BC’s harbours. We apply this through, local expertise to make sure that the ship, its crew, passengers and cargo arrive smoothly at their next port of call.
Marine pilots determine the safest route for the captain to bring a vessel to its port of call.
A marine pilot is a trusted guide who uses their knowledge of local waters to direct a vessel and navigate it through BC’s ports and waterways using the safest route. This route can change daily depending on factors like other marine traffic, winds and tides.