San Francisco Bar Pilots is responsible for safely and efficiently navigating large ships through challenging waterways in California. Self-described as supporting the economy and environment since 1850.

San Francisco Bar Pilots

San Francisco Bar Pilots | 3,983 followers on LinkedIn. Growing the economy, protecting the environment, and keeping the San Francisco Bay secure for 170 years. | For 170 years, the San Francisco Bar Pilots have been navigating the world’s largest ships through some of North America’s most difficult waterways. These state and federally-licensed master mariners are highly-specialized ship captains who rely on navigational experience, ship-handling skills, and local knowledge to transport more than $1.2 billion in goods to and from 200 Bay Area ports, docks, and berths every day. This critical service protects more than 1,000 miles of fragile coastline and 90% of the state’s marshlands.

Pilot at San Francisco Bar Pilots

Tim Holl

Certified Pilates Instructor at Absolute Center LLC

Jason Morris

Business Director at San Francisco Bar Pilots

Anne McIntyre

Captain at San Francisco Bar pilots

Dave Chapman

Last week, several Bar Pilots headed north to join Sea Sisters , a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting the recruitment and retention of women in the maritime industry, and participate in the organization's annual retreat. The pilots fielded a Q&A session from attendees, highlighting their own experiences and challenges in the industry. Seen below are Capt. Max Starnitzky and Capt. Jesse Pullin, joined by SFBP trainee Capt. Lily Gallo and Sea Sisters founder Capt. Elizabeth Simenstad . Thank you to the Sea Sisters for having us!

A warm thank you to Senator Anna Caballero from the California State Senate for joining us yesterday for a pilot boat ride and a robust discussion around the impact of California’s Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) emissions regulations on our pilot vessel fleet!

A recap of Fleet Week from the water! San Francisco Fleet Week Association

Last Friday, the Bar Pilots hosted Asm. Lori D Wilson and a group of staffers from Sacramento to further educate our policymakers on the importance of the Bar Pilots on the San Francisco Bay and to view the events of Fleet Week, including the flyover of the famous US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels . We hope everyone who attended left feeling more knowledgeable about the Bar Pilots and with some great videos to share!

This morning, the Port of San Francisco celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, an integral piece of the City's waterfront for welcoming hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers annually and a much-used terminal for the Bar Pilots who specialize in navigating these behemoths to port. Seen here are SFBP President Capt. John Carlier and Capt. Zack Kellerman, joined by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi at the celebration. Please join us in congratulating the Port on this milestone!

On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 295 (Dodd) into law, providing the Bar Pilots more flexibility to utilize revenue accrued from the pilot boat surcharge established through Asm. Grayson’s AB 2056 in 2022. SB 295 will allow SFBP to fund the construction of future pilot vessels while continuing to meet the state’s rigorous emissions goals moving forward. The Bar Pilots would like to offer our thanks to Sen. Dodd and his staff for their hard work, as well as the many partners who were crucial to the passage of this legislation.

This year, alongside the launch of the new IMPA Safety Campaign App, we have prepared a short, informative video to help identify the unfortunately common issues with unsafe ladder arrangements. Take a look here: https://lnkd.in/gCFcTYSR A big thank you to our colleagues at CHIRP , Arie Palmers , Adam Roberts and Matthew Williams for their collaboration.

International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA)

Earlier this week, the Bar Pilots hosted the Five Star Bank - California Board of Directors for their corporate board meeting at Pier 9. On top of the board meeting, the Roseville-based company celebrated the opening of their first San Francisco branch on Wednesday in Downtown! Join us in congratulating our new banking partner – we look forward to working closely together.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, navigating 160 miles of pilotage routes, and protecting 1,000 miles of shoreline, the Bar Pilots are a critical link in the supply chain for moving cargo in and out of the 200 docks and maritime facilities in the San Francisco Bay and keeping our regional economy moving. Photo: Capt. Dave McCloy

It's impossible to spend as much time on the water as the Bar Pilots and our crew do and not fall in love with it. Sandy Brown, a cook on Pilot Vessel San Francisco, wrote this interesting piece on how she discovered her love of being on the water and her connection to the Bay Area maritime industry. The Bay Area's status as a key link in the global supply chain combined with its many bays and waterways make it a haven for boat lovers professionally and recreationally. The Spaulding Marine Center not only restores historically significant vessels but educates the next generation of shipwrights and marine service technicians, laying the foundation for the next generation of Bay Area maritime workers. The Bar Pilots hosted several of Spaulding’s Boatworks 101 apprentices down at Pier 9 earlier this year and look forward to continuing to work with the Center and its staff. Read more about Sandy's story and the Spaulding Marine Center below: https://lnkd.in/gxcQYmKw

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San Francisco Bar Pilots