What Is a Pilot?

Like an iceberg, most of the ship is underwater and unseen. In fact, so much of the ship may be submerged that the clearance between the bottom of the ship and the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay can be as little as a couple of feet. Ships with more than 47 feet of draft (how deep the ship sits in the water) routinely transit the 50’ main shipping channel. Maryland Pilots are men and women who are selected, licensed and regulated by the Maryland State Board of Pilots to guide ships on these passages.

As a result of a highly competitive selection process and an extensive training program, the Pilots representing Marylanders today are among the best in the world at what they do. In addition, state-licensed Pilots maneuver the ships when docking, casting off from the pier, or otherwise moving anywhere in Maryland waters.  The role of the Pilot is critical for many reasons. An unfortunate incident, like an oil spill, could cause a lasting environmental impact and since the Chesapeake Bay is a window to foreign trade, national security is an ever-present issue.

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