About Charleston Harbor

Charleston Harbor serves as the centerpiece of the Lowcountry’s beauty, and an economic engine for the State of South Carolina. Our pilots handle vessels calling on 19 ports and facilities. Home to the as the eighth largest container trade in the country, the State Ports Authority terminals generate more than 250,000 jobs and $45 billion in economic activity each year.

Our maritime traditions

Dating back as far as the Bible, marine pilotage is one of the world’s oldest trades. Often referred to as “bar pilots,” these local experts use their detailed knowledge of waterways to safely navigate a visiting vessel over the sandbar offshore and to the dock. In the 1700’s and 1800’s, pilots in Charleston Harbor – much like those in the rest of the country and the world – were self-employed and competed against one another.

Dedicated to safety, environment

The Charleston Branch Harbor Pilots’ Association is dedicated to maintaining safety and preserving the environment. Safety Pilots must navigate vessels in a myriad of conditions: strong winds, precipitation, thunderstorms, fog, shoaling and more.

About Us

Harbor pilots serve the State of South Carolina to prevent marine incidents that would result in harm to the environment, the public, and mariners; and to maintain a smooth and efficient flow of maritime commerce. Further, The Charleston Navigation Company, owned by the Pilots, provides technical and administrative services such as boat operations and radio […]

Our Services

As a full service pilot organization, Charleston Branch Pilots provide pilotage services to vessels engaged in domestic and foreign trade. All members are both state and federally licensed for unlimited tonnage throughout the Port of Charleston. State law requires a pilot on all foreign registered vessels, and U.S.-registered vessels engaged in international trade and with […]

24/7 Dispatching

Located at the mouth of the harbor, the pilot office is fully equipped for around-the-clock vessel operations. State law requires at least three hours notice but 12-24 hours notice is typical. A dispatcher is available 24 hours a day to receive orders and arrange pilotage for vessels arriving and leaving the port. Outfitted with a […]

Post-Panamax Under the Ravenel Bridge

October 29, 2013November 12, 2013John Cameron

A Charleston pilot guides the MSC TOKYO underneath the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. This post-Panamax vessel is 902 feet long with a beam (width) of 131 feet.

Fog Bank

September 25, 2013July 11, 2025acbrack

A Mediterranean Shipping Company vessel emerges from a fog bank offshore of Sullivan’s Island.

Time Lapse Video: Two Ships in Port

May 11, 2013October 29, 2013John Cameron

Time-lapse of Simultaneous 8,000-TEU Ships in Port of Charleston

This video from the SC State Ports Authority offers a glimpse of what really happens when ships are in port. Check out the Pilot boarding the MSC Charleston, Captain Dan Waldeck.

Pilots to be recognized for rescue of four

May 10, 2013October 10, 2013acbrack

From the May 10 issue of The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier:

The Coast Guard today will recognize the efforts of two Charleston Pilots crew members in what officials said was a courageous rescue of four people stranded after their boat capsized.

Boat captains John Miles and Frank Witunsky will be presented with the Coast Guard’s Meritorious Public Service Award. The award is the Coast Guard’s second highest for public service and is offered to those individuals who display unusual courage in their assistance, Lt. Tim McNamara said.

The Charleston Branch Pilots Association provides pilots to container, cargo, cruise and military ships that enter and leave the Port of Charleston to prevent shipping accidents.

It was late on March 30 when Miles and Witunsky heard a distress call.

The pair decided to divert their course in the direction of the call, which was about 12 miles off the Charleston Harbor, Miles said.

Luckily, it wasn’t quite dark yet, Miles said, making it easier for them to navigate the choppy waters in their 75-foot vessel.

To read more of the story, click here.

Video: How Does the Port Work?

April 15, 2013October 30, 2013John Cameron

We had a blast taking part in this State Ports Authority educational video for elementary and middle school kids in South Carolina. While it is a simplified version of what happens when a ship is in port, it is a great “behind the scenes” look at the maritime community for all ages. Our Executive Director John Cameron plays the role of the pilot very well! Please note that for logistics reasons, we filmed his boarding in the harbor, even though the actual boarding occurred, like always, offshore before the ship entered the shipping channel.

Charleston Harbor Pilots