First Nation mariners were the first licensed pilots on the BC coast.
And Michael McGuire, dispatch manager for the Pacific Pilotage Authority thinks more of our people who have an intimate knowledge of coastal waters should consider a career as a marine pilot.
“Fishermen have always been one of the prime resources for pilots,” he said. “They have the local knowledge that is required.
“Many of BC’s marine pilots are approaching the end of their careers and this situation will become even more critical in the next few years. That is why this is a big opportunity for those who are familiar with our waters.
Marine pilots are professional licensed mariners. Their role is to advise the captain of a ship on the safest route to bring a vessel into its port of call. Captains are familiar with their vessels and crew, but not necessarily familiar with the specifics of each port
That is where marine pilots come in. They are familiar with the coastline, inland waters, shoals, weather, tides, shipping regulations and restrictions for the area for which they are licensed.
There are more than 100 licensed pilots currently working on the BC coast.
To qualify as a pilot, a person has to be a captain of a vessel on the BC coast for about five years. They can then apply to take an exam to become a licensed coast pilot. If they pass the exam, they then go onto a waiting list until a piloting position becomes available. Once they are notified that a vacancy exists, they undergo a 6-12 month apprenticeship program