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 […]

Views From the Channel

July 11, 2025July 11, 2025dispatch

Two New Cranes for SCPA

March 2, 2018July 10, 2025Elizabeth Hills

Two new Neo-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes for the South Carolina Ports Authority were delivered March 1 on the heavy lift vessel ZhenHua. Pilot 14 and two apprentice pilots moved the vessel from Columbus Street Terminal, under the Ravenel bridge, and on to Wando Welch Terminal. Assisted by Moran Towing.

All photos © Elizabeth Hills

: Pilot 14 and two apprentice pilots

: Diesembarking the Zhen Hua

A Pilot’s View

April 13, 2017June 15, 2017Elizabeth Hills

photo by JDukes

SCETV Feature: Harbor Deepening

June 29, 2016June 15, 2017Elizabeth Hills

Among others, Charleston Pilots’ President Whit Smith discusses the growth of the port. Featured on SCETV public broadcasting network.

By W. Richardson

Recently, the South Carolina Ports Authority exported its two millionth BMW, which was manufactured at the plant in Greer. Plans are underway to deepen the Port, which will expand the Port’s competitiveness and capabilities, as it continues to be a force for growing the economy in our state.

A View from the Bridge

March 31, 2015June 15, 2017Elizabeth Hills

Ever wonder what a transit looks like from the harbor pilot’s perspective on the bridge of a massive containership? Click here to see a time lapse video filmed from the offshore “C” Buoy to the Wando Welch Terminal.

Charleston Harbor Pilots