The Columbia River Bar Pilots are a group of fifteen pilots who provide pilotage service for vessels in the lower Columbia River. This includes a wide variety of vessel sizes from 100 foot tugs through 1,100 foot tankers and various types including bulk carriers, container ships, auto carriers, log ships and any other vessel requesting our services. Pilots board ships and assume the navigational conduct of the vessel using their experience and local knowledge to safely navigate the vessels in the restricted channels of the Columbia River and over the Bar to and from sea. The pilots have all been at sea from 10 to 15 years and must have at least 2 years sea experience as a ship's master for acceptance into the group. This is the highest licensing standard for entry into pilotage in the United States and is necessary to safely handle vessels in the sometimes extreme weather conditions experienced at the mouth of the Columbia River. The group's goal is to provide uninterrupted service to facilitate the safe and smooth flow of the River's commerce serving Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and the interior of the country. Our customers are the major ship owners of the world whose vessels come to work cargo at Columbia River ports. As these owners respond to increased safety demands and cost pressures, so we endeavor to provide better and more cost effective service. Today Oregon State law requires all ships in foreign trade to carry an Oregon State licensed bar pilot while crossing the seventeen-mile stretch of water.

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