Charleston Harbor Pilots

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 […]

Captain Carrie Stewart and Captain Jay Stewart, both graduates of Maine Maritime Academy and longtime professionals in the maritime industry, recently marked a significant career milestone with the arrival of Captain Carrie Stewart’s latest command into Charleston Harbor on October 18^th, 2025– piloted by none other than her husband.

Captain Carrie Stewart began her maritime journey on the Connecticut River, where she developed a love for sailing and life on the water. She enrolled at Maine Maritime Academy in 1996, launching a career that has spanned nearly three decades. Since graduating, she has sailed globally – from container ships in the Indian Ocean to tankers and strategic sealift vessels supporting U.S. and allied military operations.

For over 23 years, Captain Carrie Stewart has served with Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., operating vessels under charter to the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Her leadership as Chief Mate in the Large, Medium-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off program prepared her to become a plankowner and Master of the USNS John Glenn, overseeing the vessel’s completion and commanding it through 2024.

In her most recent assignment, she has taken command of a newly built strategic sea lift vessel on its maiden voyage from the shipyard in San Diego around South America to Norfolk, Va. and finally Charleston. Upon arrival, the ship was piloted into port by her husband, Captain Jay Stewart – a moment that symbolized the culmination of two distinguished careers built side by side.

“To bring my new command home to Charleston and see Jay board as the harbor pilot was incredibly meaningful,” said Captain Carrie Stewart. “Our careers have often intersected, but this moment was truly special — both professionally and personally.”

Captain Jay Stewart, a Charleston native, grew up on James Island and developed a lifelong passion for the water through sailing and fishing. After meeting Carrie at Maine Maritime Academy in 1996, he went on to sail deep sea aboard clean product tankers and earned his Unlimited Master’s license in 2006. In 2007, he began his apprenticeship with the Charleston Branch Pilots Association, becoming a full branch pilot in 2013.

Over the years, Captain Jay Stewart has piloted several vessels where Carrie served as Chief Mate, including the USNS Samuel Cobb, Red Cloud, and Watson. However, this recent arrival marked the first time he brought in a vessel with Carrie as Master—a deeply personal and professional milestone for the couple.

“I’ve had the honor of piloting many vessels into this harbor, but none compared to this,” said Captain Jay Stewart. “Seeing Carrie in this role and guiding her ship safely home to Charleston was a proud and unforgettable moment.”

Captain Carrie Stewart attributes her success and discipline to the seamanship instilled at Maine Maritime Academy, the mentorship of senior officers, and the unwavering support of her family. She has carried her mentorship forward, actively guiding junior officers.

Jay attributes his success to the values instilled by his parents, the mentorship he received throughout his career, and the unwavering support from Carrie, the Charleston community and its Maritime Partners. Passionate about fishing, hunting, exploring, and traveling with Carrie, he continues to enjoy every opportunity to spend time outdoors and on the water.