Safety

A pilot’s responsibility is to ensure the safe passage of ships, using independent judgment to determine correct methods of navigation in high-risk situations.

The Crescent River Port Pilots have a 99.95 percent safety rating, even for minor incidents. Our pilots are well trained and handle their responsibilities like the professionals they are. The regulations set by the commission regarding qualifications, Coast Guard licensing, drug testing, continuing education and apprenticeship always keep safety as a primary concern. For pilots, safety is a very personal issue. They are responsible for a lot more than just cargo. If a major accident occurs on the river, lives could be lost, as well as major damage to the environment and maritime commerce of our state.

The safety and security of the Mississippi is far too important, especially since September 11th. River pilots are often the only American presence aboard foreign ships. They are trained in assessing dangerous situations and reacting quickly to provide the citizens of Louisiana the highest level of protection.

The Crescent River Port Pilots have worked diligently with the Coast Guard in the continual development of a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system that will improve safety and efficiency, and heighten security against terrorists on the river. The Vessel Traffic Service Center operates 24/7, and a pilot is always present in the center, to provide expertise and local knowledge of the river. In July of 2004, the vice-chairman of the National Transportation and Safety Board commended the Crescent pilots on the role they have played in developing and establishing VTS.