Harbor Pilots and What They Do

Harbor pilots, often known as maritime pilots, bar pilots or river pilots, possess a specialized knowledge of a particular port, harbor, river or other body of navigable water. They are the watchdogs for the numerous U.S. and foreign flagged cargo and cruise ships coming in and out of our state’s ports, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

They not only direct large ships out of and into the ports, Harbor Pilots also assist local, state and federal authorities with seaport development, new ship operations and port security.

Without the services of harbor pilots, there would be a real chance of ships running aground and damaging the ship, the cargo, or even the port and surrounding ecosystem.

Protecting Port Everglades

"As trained experts with detailed knowledge of Florida’s waterways, shorelines and deepwater ports, Florida’s harbor pilots protect our state’s ports from harm and ensure the safe passage of ship traffic
– 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We work diligently to maximize the efficiency of Florida’s seaports that serve as hubs for economic growth and stimulus, making their safety and well-being our top priority."

-Capt. Stuart Lilly, President
Florida Harbor Pilots Association

Shiphandling Guidelines Draft Limitations *Ship Schedules

All about Port Everglades Pilots

Click the arrow to watch this 8 minute informative video about the harbor pilots of the Port Everglades Pilots Association.

Become a Harbor Pilot ... click here for more information.

Site Navigation..

Personnel

Port Everglades Pilots Association operates with a cohesive team of pilots, pilot boat captains, maintenance and office staff. The harbor pilots work together and are able to make sure that the ships coming into and out of Port Everglades do so safely. Read more.

Pilotage

All harbor pilots in the Port Everglades Pilots Association are dual licensed by both the State of Florida and the United States Coast Guard to provide marine pilotage to all seagoing vessels calling at Port Everglades or Port Dania. Read more.

Port Everglades

Port Everglades is a deepwater port on the southeast coast of Florida. Many of the world's largest passenger ships call at this major cruise port. It is also one of the largest petroleum ports in the southeast United States, having the second largest non-refinery petroleum storage capability in the country. Read more.

Becoming A Pilot

All persons desiring to become a Harbor Pilot in Port Everglades are required to obtain an extensive maritime background before entering a rigorous on-the-job training program provided by the Port Everglades Pilots Association. Read more.

Images and Videos

Nothing is more explanatory that seeing pictures and watching videos of the harbor pilots in action. See the action.