Our Services
As a full service pilot organization, Charleston Branch Pilots provides 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 a draft greater than 11 feet. Further, the U.S. Coast Guard requires vessels over 100 net tons that are inspected by the Coast Guard and in domestic trade to take a pilot.
Pilot boardings take place approximately 20 miles offshore of Sullivan’s Island. Upon boarding the ship, a pilot will conduct a brief inspection, become acquainted with the captain and senior crew, and give orders to steer the vessel into the entrance channel, through the harbor, and to the appropriate berth. When vessels depart, a pilot is aboard to provide the same service in reverse, and allow for vessels to safely continue to their next port of call.
How to Order a Pilot
Pilots can be ordered directly by the vessel or by its designated agent. Three hours advanced notice is required. Pilots can be ordered preliminarily by VHF radio or by telephone, but the final order must be in writing, and submitted via fax or email.
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.
Boarding Arrangements
For domestic trade, pilot waters are defined by 46 CFR 7.65 and include the harbor and out to three miles offshore. For international trade, pilot waters are defined by Title 54 of the South Carolina State Law and include the harbor and the ship channel out to 15 miles offshore. Pilots are required when a vessel is underway in those waters.
Port Conditions
The entrance to Charleston Harbor is between converging jetties, the inner portions of which are submerged.
A Federal project provides for a channel 54 feet deep over the Bar (Ft. Sumter Range) and through the Harbor entrance, and thence 52 feet deep into the major reaches of the Cooper River, Wando River and Goose Creek, 13.6 miles above the mouth.
Contact the Dispatcher
HAIL CHARLESTON PILOTS ON VHF CHANNEL 16
Other VHF channels monitored: Channels 14 and 13
LATITUDE 32°37.1’N | LONGITUDE 079°35.5’W
To contact 24-Hour Dispatcher Service:
Phone: (843) 577-6695
Fax: (843) 577-0632