Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners

What Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners does

The Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC) is a state government regulatory agency established by the Washington State Legislature in 1935 to oversee and regulate compulsory pilotage in Washington State's inland waters. The BPC operates two pilotage districts: the Puget Sound Pilotage District, serviced by Puget Sound Pilots (an association of independent contractors), and the Grays Harbor Pilotage District, serviced by pilots who are employees of the Port of Grays Harbor. The agency mandates state-licensed pilots for commercial vessels, including oil tankers, cargo vessels, and cruise ships, and oversees a Pilotage Exemption Program for qualifying recreational vessels under 1,300 GT(I) and 200 FT in length overall.

The BPC's core products and services center on regulatory oversight: licensing marine pilots through a two-part examination process (Knowledge Test and Simulator Skills Test), administering a structured pilot training program with a $9,500 monthly stipend, conducting rulemaking (most notably the 2025 tug escort rule WAC 363-116-500), and operating advisory committees such as the Oil Transportation Safety Committee. The agency publishes annual reports and quarterly newsletters, holds monthly public board meetings in a hybrid format, and maintains safety programs covering boater safety and pilot transfer safety. The BPC is governed by a board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with members representing Washington State Ferries, the Department of Ecology, shipping industry, licensed pilots, and the public.

The BPC's business model is that of a public regulatory agency rather than a commercial enterprise. Pilotage tariffs (the Puget Sound Tariff and Grays Harbor Tariff) are set by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and collected by the pilot associations and port, not by BPC itself. The BPC's operating budget is funded through state appropriations, and it charges a $400 application fee for prospective pilot candidates. There is no publicly disclosed revenue figure. The BPC has 13 employees and is headquartered in Seattle, WA.

Name

Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners

Legal name

Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners

Website

https://pilotage.wa.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1935

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners is a state regulatory agency, founded in 1935 and headquartered in Seattle, that oversees compulsory maritime pilotage licensing, training, and safety across Washington's Puget Sound and Grays Harbor waters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Regulatory Services

NAICS

Navigational Services to Shipping (488330), Navigational Services to Shipping (48833), Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (92615)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Pilotage Authority & Dispatch Services (Pilot Stations, Rostering, VTS Interface) (TLAHAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Transportation Regulators (Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Road) (BPAIAOAL), Deep-Sea / Coastal Pilotage (Non-Harbor Coastal Transits) (TLAHAGAF)

Keywords

• Maritime pilotage regulation
• Marine pilot licensing
• Vessel traffic safety
• Tug escort rulemaking
• Pilot training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Pilotage Tariffs and Fees: The BPC regulates compulsory state pilotage through tariff systems for both Puget Sound and Grays Harbor districts. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) oversees these tariffs. Revenue is generated through pilotage fees charged to vessel operators requiring state-licensed pilots for navigation through Washington state waters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners regulates and licenses marine pilots providing compulsory pilotage services through Washington state's inland waters. It administers a two-part examination (Knowledge Test and Simulator Skills Test), operates a stipend-supported Pilot Training Program, issues pilotage exemptions for qualifying recreational vessels, performs tug escort rulemaking to reduce oil spill risk, and provides safety oversight across the Puget Sound and Grays Harbor pilotage districts.

Product overview

The Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC) is a state regulatory agency overseeing compulsory pilotage on Washington State's inland waters. The agency operates two pilotage districts: Puget Sound (serviced by Puget Sound Pilots, independent contractors) and Grays Harbor (serviced by Port of Grays Harbor employees). Core services include licensing marine pilots through a rigorous two-part examination process (Knowledge Test and Simulator Evaluation), administering a structured pilot training program ($9,500/month stipend), issuing pilotage exemptions, and maintaining safety oversight through programs like boater safety and pilot transfer safety. The BPC also conducts regulatory activities including tug escort rulemaking (WAC 363-116-500) and manages the Oil Transportation Safety Committee. The agency publishes annual reports and quarterly newsletters, holds monthly public meetings, and provides public records services. The DEIB program supports workforce diversity in the maritime industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• State Compulsory Pilotage Oversight Regulatory oversight of compulsory state pilotage in Washington State inland waters, including licensing, training, and discipline of marine pilots across the Puget Sound and Grays Harbor districts.
• Marine Pilot Examination Two-part examination process including a Knowledge Test (written) and a Skills Test (simulator-based evaluation of shiphandling abilities) for aspiring marine pilots seeking Washington State licensure.
• Pilot Training Program Structured training program consisting of observation, mentored piloting, and evaluation that familiarizes trainees with locations, piloting styles, and vessel types. Trainees receive a $9,500 monthly stipend during the program.
• Pilotage Exemptions Formal application process granting qualifying vessels under 1,300 GT(I) and 200 FT length overall exemption from compulsory state pilotage in Washington waters.
• Tug Escort Rulemaking Development and adoption of tug escort requirements for laden oil tankers (5,000-40,000 deadweight tons) and certain barges to reduce oil spill risk in Puget Sound, pursuant to ESHB 1578 and WAC 363-116-500.
• Boater Safety Programs Safety resources for recreational boaters including right-of-way protocols, whale awareness guidance, VHF channel information, and other navigation safety communications in Washington waters.
• Pilot Transfer Safety Program Oversight and data collection on pilot boarding and disembarking operations in Washington waters, including reporting on dangerous transfer arrangements.
• Oil Transportation Safety Committee (OTSC) Statutorily required committee conducting analysis and providing recommendations to the Board concerning oil transportation safety responsibilities outlined in the 2019 legislative act (ESHB 1578).
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Program Workforce development initiative to attract mariners of diverse identities, backgrounds, and career paths into Washington State pilotage, supported by partnerships with Melanated Mariners, Organization for Black Maritime Graduates, Sea Potential, Sea Sisters, Women Offshore, and WISTA.
• Public Board Meetings and Communications Monthly public board meetings held on the third Thursday of each month in hybrid format (MS Teams and in-person), with meeting materials posted 24 hours in advance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tug escort requirements for laden oil tankers between 5,000-40,000 deadweight tons reduce oil spill risk in Puget Sound
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Puget Sound Pilots (PSP)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPSP is an association of independent contractors that provides pilotage services in the Puget Sound Pilotage District. The BPC regulates and oversees PSP operations while PSP delivers the actual pilotage services to vessels.
• Port of Grays HarborcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Port of Grays Harbor employs pilots who provide pilotage services in the Grays Harbor Pilotage District. The BPC regulates and oversees these pilot operations.
• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUTC oversees the Puget Sound Tariff and Grays Harbor Tariff for pilotage services. The BPC works with UTC on rate-setting and regulatory oversight of pilotage fees.
• Washington State Department of EcologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPer ESHB 1578, the BPC partners with the Department of Ecology on tug escort rulemaking, risk modeling analysis, and the 2028 Tug Rule Assessment. The partnership includes an interagency agreement and collaborative work on environmental protection.
• United States Coast GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSCG is consulted on tug escort rules, vessel traffic patterns, and oil spill risk analysis. Also referenced in conjunction with Tribal Governments and Port of Seattle for yacht anchorage recommendations.
• Tribal GovernmentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederally recognized tribal governments partner with Puget Sound Pilots and BPC on Summer 2026 Yacht Anchorages recommendations and tug escort rulemaking consultation per RCW requirements.
• Marine Exchange of Puget SoundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferenced as a partner in the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee and for maritime safety coordination.
• Port of SeattleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Puget Sound Pilots, Tribal Governments, and USCG on Summer 2026 Yacht Anchorages recommendations.
• Melanated MarinersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEIB resource listed on BPC website supporting diversity in the maritime industry.
• Organization for Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEIB resource listed on BPC website supporting diversity in the maritime industry.
• Sea PotentialminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEIB resource listed on BPC website supporting diversity in the maritime industry.
• Sea SistersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEIB resource listed on BPC website supporting diversity in the maritime industry.
• Women OffshoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEIB resource and podcast partner; featured BPC pilots in articles and conference sponsorship.
• Washington State FerriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirector of Washington State Ferries serves as BPC chairperson; considered a pathway to pilotage career.
• WISTA (Women's International Shipping and Trade Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEIB resource listed on BPC website supporting women in shipping and maritime industry.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Puget Sound Pilots: Association of independent contractor pilots providing maritime pilotage services in the Puget Sound Pilotage District under oversight of the Washington State BPC. Peer due to shared operational focus on the same waters and recurring BPC–PSP coordination in the Salish Sea.
• Board of Examiners for the Houston Pilots: Texas regulatory body licensing and examining Houston ship channel pilots — comparable to a Texas counterpart to BPC in scope (pilot licensing, exam administration) but operating under Texas's distinctive board-of-examiners model rather than a commission.

Direct peers

• South Carolina Board of Pilot Commissioners: South Carolina state commission regulating maritime pilot licensing and operations. Comparable as another southeastern US state pilot commission of similar scope, exercising licensing, complaint investigation, and rulemaking authority analogous to Washington's BPC.
• Board of Pilot Commissioners for San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bays: California state body regulating compulsory maritime pilots in the San Francisco Bay complex. Directly comparable as a US West Coast pilot regulatory commission with similar oversight authority, exam and licensing process, and tariff arrangement under California law.
• Virginia Pilotage Commission: Commonwealth of Virginia regulatory body overseeing pilot licensing and operations in Virginia's inland waters and the Chesapeake Bay. Peer due to identical constitutional setup as a state-level pilotage regulatory commission with comparable licensing, disciplinary, and rulemaking functions.
• Maryland Board of Pilots: State regulatory body issuing licenses to Chesapeake Bay pilots and overseeing their conduct. Peer due to identical state-government structure regulating compulsory pilotage on inland waterways with similar disciplinary and licensing procedures as the Washington State BPC.
• Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Bay and River, Delaware: State regulatory body governing compulsory maritime pilotage on the Delaware Bay and River — structurally identical in scope and function to the Washington State BPC, with statutory authority to license pilots and set operational rules. Comparable because both are government commissions regulating state-level compulsory pilotage services.

Others

• American Pilots' Association (APA): National trade and professional association representing virtually all US state-licensed pilots and pilotage commissions. Peer at the industry-association level — APA sets national standards and represents BPC-aligned commissions in federal regulatory matters.
• Marine Exchange of Puget Sound: Nonprofit maritime information coordination body supporting vessel traffic management and the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee, a body on which BPC participates. Comparable as a regional maritime coordination entity with overlapping scope in Puget Sound safe navigation.
• USCG Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service (VTS): U.S. Coast Guard vessel traffic service operating in the same Puget Sound waters BPC regulates. Comparable as a maritime safety coordinator in the same geographic area, with which BPC exchanges information on vessel movements, anchors, and risk.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/washington-state-board-of-pilotage-commissioners

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners