Florida Harbor Pilots Association

_________
NEWS

January 2016

Did You Know?

CONTACT FHPA
Captain Sam Stephenson, J.D.
PO Box 38294
Tallahassee, FL 32315
(850) 224-0219 office
(954)336-4664 cell
captainsam4@yahoo.com

In Florida, JAXPORT is the only strategic port on-call to move

military cargo for national defense.
- JAXPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - PILOTING

SYSTEM IN FLORIDA
Founded in 1974, the Florida Harbor Pilot Association (FHPA) is comprised of
11 member associations that serve each of Floridas 14 deepwater ports. All of
Floridas harbor pilots are independent contractors, belonging to a member
association within our states pilotage region, and are responsible for operating
and maintaining one or more offices and pilot stations, pilot boats, dispatch
system, electronic equipment and administrative services. While the FHPA has
been in existence for more than 40 years, professionally-licensed state harbor
pilots have been providing piloting services on Floridas waterways since 1868.
Tens of thousands of commercial ships enter Floridas deepwater ports every
year, carrying millions of tons of cargo and millions of passengers, having a
massive impact on the State of Florida. On the navigational bridge of nearly
every ship is a state-licensed harbor pilot, controlling its navigation. This proven
piloting system continues to keep Floridas ports safe and commerce moving
efficiently 365 days a year.

ON THE HORIZON
Remember, if you have a
newsworthy item to share, please
submit the complete details to:
Kristen Bridges at
kristen@bascomllc.com
or (850) 222-2140.

Because harbor pilots are not employees of the state or port authorities, this
service costs nothing to the state or its citizens no taxpayer money is needed to
support this safety system. Additionally, harbor pilots are not under economic
pressure to maximize profit. The lives and safety of the people of Florida and the
protection of the states ports and coastal environment remain a top priority for
Floridas harbor pilots.
Reasonable rates keep Floridas ports competitive in the region. And, all pay is
generated by pilotage fees charged to the vessels, which in Florida, are set by the
Pilotage Rate Review Committee of the Board of Pilot Commissioners, who are
appointed by the Governor.
Harbor pilots are highly skilled and highly trained, and serve as the watchdogs
for the numerous vessels coming in and out of Floridas ports. Without harbor
pilots, the safety and lives of Floridians, as well as the protection of our states
ports and coastal environment would be at risk.
- Captain Sam Stephenson, FHPA President

FloridaPilots.com | @FLHarborPilots | FB.com/FloridaHarborPilotsAssociation

Florida Harbor Pilots Association

Page 2
PORT TAMPA BAY POISED FOR MORE BUSINESS WITH CUBA
WFLA - December 20, 2015 - Tampa Bay President Paul Anderson proclaimed the overall health of the port as good at
the annual State of the Port address. Still, Anderson says there is room for growth. To view this article in full, please
visit bit.ly/1JK2bSG.

CONTAINER SERVICE TO CONNECT PORT CANAVERAL

MARINELINK - December 19, 2015 - GT USA, the US arm of UAE-based global ports
and logistics company Gulftainer, announced the new Blue Stream Service, a weekly
container cargo service connecting Port Canaveral to Europe, the French West Indies, and
Central America. To view this article in full, please visit bit.ly/1OToaW4.
Right: Blue Streams maiden call at GT USAs Canaveral Cargo Terminal is expected on January
31. Courtesy Port Canaveral

CAPTAIN TIM MCGILL VISITS DEERWOOD ROTARY CLUB

JAXPORT - JAXPORT pilot, Captain Tim McGill, was recently invited to Deerwood
Rotary Clubs monthly meeting by Hancock Bank President Randy Chesak, where he
presented on the role of harbor pilots and JAXPORT.

SEA CADETS VISIT PORT EVERGLADES

PORT EVERGLADES - On November 21, 2015, Captain Todd Cooper took the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps,
Spruance Division, on a tour of Port Everglades. The tour included visiting the Tate and Vicki McAllister assist tugs, a
tour of the Harbormasters tower and a tour of the M/S Westerdam, a Holland America Lines Passenger Vessel. While
touring the port, the cadets were able to see first hand how much work is taking place at this busy commercial port and
learn about future career opportunities in their own community. Additionally, the Sea Cadets also recently participated in
the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, where their boat was decorated with red, white, and blue lights.

FloridaPilots.com | @FLHarborPilots | FB.com/FloridaHarborPilotsAssociation