The Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware
Since 1896
Founded in 1896, The Pilots' Association for the Bay and River Delaware is one of the oldest State Pilot Organizations in the Nation and a recognized world leader in the technology, training, and accountability of piloting.
Who are the Pilots?
Delaware River & Bay pilots are highly trained and experienced mariners responsible for the safe navigation of commercial vessels on the Delaware River & Bay and its tributaries, the Schuylkill & Salem Rivers and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, from the Atlantic Ocean to the head of navigation in Trenton, NJ.
Our Pilots typically have extensive maritime backgrounds and train for 3 or 4 years under the guidance of experienced pilots, prior to being issued their State and Federal licenses. After completing their initial training pilots undergo regular continuing education, including bridge resource management, emergency shiphandling and navigation technology, as well as other types of instruction on full mission bridge simulators and manned models.
Prioritizing Safety and Security
The First Class Pilots in our Association have an average of almost 20 years of experience piloting ships on the Delaware Bay and River. Over the course of which, they have each safely piloted hundreds of large ships, including LPG carriers, petroleum tankers, and chemical carriers. The ship handling skills and local knowledge held by these pilots are second to none in any port in the world.
Additionally, our local pilots are equipped with state-of-the-art technological aids, including personal piloting computers and internet access to real-time weather, tide, and current data.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, substantial new efforts were made to protect the security of US ports and waterborne transportation. Pilots are a critical component of these efforts. Frequently the only US citizen aboard foreign vessels navigating in US waters, a state pilot is in a unique position to observe and report potential threats.
Despite being active participants in the national anti-terrorism efforts, state pilots are careful to maintain their focus on their critical navigation safety functions. They have neither sought, nor have governmental authorities imposed, security-related duties that would interfere with essential piloting activities.
