No Cost to Taxpayers
100% of the total operating expenses for the San Francisco Bar Pilots are paid for by corporations and ship owner(s) who use pilot services provided by the San Francisco Bar Pilots. The majority of users are headquartered outside of the United States.
Government-Regulated
The Bar Pilots are regulated and licensed by both the United States Coast Guard and the California Board of Pilot Commissioners, and governed by state and federal laws.
170 Year History
Founded in 1850 by California’s first legislature, the Bar Pilots have been on the front lines of protecting Northern California’s pristine waters since the gold rush.
A National Standard
In 1789, the first US Congress gave states the right to regulate pilotage in their waters. Today, more than half of the states in the country have a state pilotage system.
Treacherous Waters
The San Francisco Bay’s topography, challenging currents, and rapidly changing weather makes it some of the most difficult waters to navigate along the US coastline.
On Call 24/7
Bar Pilots are on call all hours of the day and night, 365 days a year, to safely navigate vessels into and out of the San Francisco Bay.
