Tampa Bay Pilots celebrate 125 years of service in 2011

The Tampa Bay Pilots Association (TBPA), the association of harbor pilots serving the Tampa Bay area’s maritime traffic needs and a member of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association (FHPA), today announced that 2011 marks 125 years of collaboration with the ports of Tampa Bay, including Tampa, Manatee and St. Petersburg.  To commemorate the occasion, the harbor pilots held a celebration reception last evening at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club, where the Tampa Bay Pilots received a proclamation from the Mayor’s office and a Public Service Award from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

“[I] urge all citizens to join me in congratulating the Tampa Bay Pilots Association on this significant milestone and thanking all those who have been involved in this organization through the years for their commitment to the safety and welfare of our community,” stated Mayor of the City of Tampa Bob Buckhorn in his proclamation, where he proclaimed December 14, 2011, as “Tampa Bay Pilots Association Day” in the City of Tampa, Fla.  Mayor Buckhorn was unable to attend the reception, but understands the strong tie between the Tampa Bay Pilots and the history of Tampa as a port city, and is proud to have them as a part of the local community.

“As staunch advocates for maritime safety and security, the members of the Tampa Bay Pilots Association have provided unsurpassed leadership while promoting the safe, secure and efficient movement of passengers and cargo. The Coast Guard is proud to have such a strong partner in the maritime community,” said Captain Sheryl Dickinson, Commander, USCG Sector St. Petersburg and Captain of the Port-Tampa, who presented the Public Service Award on behalf of the USCG to the TBPA last evening.

“Since 1886, the Tampa Bay Pilots have played a vital role in the settling and growth of Tampa and the entire bay area,” said Captain Allen Thompson, executive director of the TBPA.  “Today, the Tampa Bay Pilots continue to offer the same critical judgment and unsurpassed familiarity with the land, sea and the ever-changing elements of the maritime environment here.  As our harbor pilots continue their second century of service to Tampa Bay, our commitment to excellence and dedication to service remains our top priority.”

One of the earliest harbor pilots in the Tampa Bay area was Anton de Alaminos, who explored both the Atlantic and Gulf Coast of Florida.  Alaminos was known for establishing the existence of the Gulf Stream and is credited with the discovery of Tampa Bay.  In addition, one of Tampa Bay’s harbor pilots was originally the captain of the city’s flagship, Mascotte, and a harbor pilot was the originator of the legend of Jose Gaspar, ergo Gasparilla.  It is also important to note that several streets in the Port Tampa neighborhood and several regional landmarks in Manatee County are named after harbor pilots.

There are currently 23 highly-skilled and highly-trained harbor pilots that service the ports of Tampa Bay.  Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest piloting domain, consisting of nine federal pilotage routes and more than 90 miles of pilotage waters.  TBPA’s members safely handle the navigation of nearly 5,000 ships per year and 50 million tons of cargo.

“I want to congratulate the Tampa Bay Pilots Association on the occasion of your 125 year anniversary,” said Richard Wainio, executive director of the Tampa Port Authority.  “The role you play in supporting navigational safety in the Port of Tampa is well known, but your contributions to our port are actually much broader.  You are a critical stakeholder in the collective efforts to support a strong security protocol in the Tampa Harbor.  Furthermore, Tampa Bay pilots are often on the front line in meeting and assisting the shipping lines that are so integral to the success of our seaport.  You are truly ambassadors for this seaport, and the Tampa Port Authority is proud to be your partner in supporting the Port of Tampa, our region’s greatest economic enterprise.”

“Having worked with the Tampa Bay Pilots over the last 40 years, they have shown professionalism beyond measure and have always worked closely with the Manatee County Port Authority in the endeavor to expand shipping in Tampa Bay,” said Dave McDonald, executive director of the Manatee Port Authority.  “Most recently, during the certification of Berth 12, the Tampa Bay Pilots Association responded rapidly allowing the opening of that new berth for expanded Port Manatee operations.”

“Our state association joins the Tampa Bay Pilots in celebrating their anniversary of service to the State of Florida for the last 125 years,” said Captain Stuart Lilly, president of the FHPA.  “The Tampa Bay Pilots are critical is serving the public good, as they are the local experts who manage the efficient flow of ship traffic for the Tampa Bay area, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”

Currently, there are nearly 100 highly-skilled and highly-trained harbor pilots serving Florida’s 14 deepwater ports, all of whom trained for a minimum of two years in their respective ports before handling the largest ships on their own.  In a recent three-year period, Florida harbor pilots controlled the navigation of approximately 90,000 ships in Florida’s seaports, compiling an outstanding safety record.

For more information on the Florida Harbor Pilots Association and the Tampa Bay Pilots Association, please visit www.floridapilots.com and www.tampabaypilots.com.

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