About Us
Deep Sea and Coastal Pilots Ltd was founded in 1960 and are one of the longest standing agencies
Deep Sea Pilotage Since 1960
Deep Sea and Coastal Pilots Ltd has been a trusted name in maritime safety for over 60 years. Founded in 1960 with operations based in Brixham, Devon, UK, we are one of Europe’s longest-established providers of deep sea pilotage services.
We guide vessels through some of the world’s busiest, narrowest, and most challenging waterways including the English Channel, North Sea, and Dover Straits where traffic density regularly exceeds 500 vessel movements a day. We routinely board vessels via launch off Brixham, UK or Cherbourg, France, for vessels entering or exiting the English Channel.
Our role is to deliver precise, professional navigation and pilotage that minimises risk, protects your crew and cargo, and ensures your vessel reaches its destination safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with international regulations.
Our Maritime Heritage and Reputation
Over the decades, we have built long-standing relationships with shipowners, operators, charterers, and port authorities worldwide. Our reputation is based on:
- Proven safety records on always providing safe transit.
- Rapid response capability with pilots on standby 24/7.
- Operational knowledge of every major approach, port, and anchorage in Northwest Europe.
- Recognition and recommendation by P&I clubs, classification societies, and the UK Government maritime guidance as a best practice for high-risk passages.
Our pilots are more than navigators, they are specialists in risk mitigation, working seamlessly with bridge teams to deliver safe, compliant, and commercially efficient voyages.
Who We Are – Pilots with Master’s Experience
Every deep sea pilot is licensed by Trinity House, the UK’s authority for deep sea pilotage, under a scheme recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and regulated by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Before qualifying, each pilot must:
- Hold a Master (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency.
- Have a minimum of three years’ command experience.
- Pass rigorous specialist training and examinations.
- Undergo annual revalidation to maintain the highest level of operational standards.
This depth of experience ensures our pilots have expert local knowledge of routes, as well as covering traffic separation schemes, tidal patterns, VTS protocols, buoyage systems, and region-specific hazards. They are familiar with all major ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Bremerhaven, Le Havre, Southampton, Bristol, Felixstowe, London Gateway, Dunkirk, as well as Baltic approaches to Skagen and Gothenburg.
How We Operate – Strategic Locations, 24/7 Coverage
We provide flexible pilot boarding at key strategic points, ensuring we can join your vessel before the most challenging legs of the passage:
- Brixham, UK – English Channel entry for North and Southbound transits.
- Cherbourg, France – Boarding for northbound English Channel transits.
- Skaw/Skagen, Denmark – Gateway between the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
- Alongside at Northwest European ports – For vessels already alongside and requiring pilotage services for their onwards rotation.
This geographic spread allows us to cover the English Channel, Dover Strait, and North Sea without delay, giving you operational flexibility whether your vessel is on a fixed schedule or an ad-hoc routing. Please see a map of our service area:
Commitment to Quality, Safety, and Sustainability
Our company is ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certified, audited annually by Lloyd’s Register of London. This formal framework ensures that every aspect of our operation , from pilot assignment to voyage reporting, is managed with precision, consistency, and continuous improvement.
We integrate safety and environmental responsibility into every passage plan:
- Advising on fuel-efficient routing to reduce emissions and operating costs.
- Helping vessels comply with IMO emission control areas (ECAs) and MARPOL Annex VI regulations.
- Avoiding environmentally sensitive areas where possible.
Why Choose Deep Sea and Coastal Pilots Ltd
- 60+ years of proven expertise in deep sea pilotage and navigation services.
- Experienced English Channel and North Sea pilots specialising in navigation and safety.
- Risk mitigation focus — protecting lives, cargo, and vessel integrity.
- Flexible boarding points at Brixham, Cherbourg, Skaw/Skagen, and major ports.
- 24/7 operations for scheduled and short-notice transits.
Trusted by shipowners, charterers, and insurers worldwide.
At Deep Sea and Coastal Pilots Ltd, we combine maritime tradition with modern operational excellence. From Cherbourg to Rotterdam or Brixham to Skagen, our pilots are there to ensure your passage is not only safe and compliant, but also commercially optimised.
Contact our operations by email or phone to arrange your pilot boarding anywhere across the English Channel or North Sea.
Order a Pilot Today
To discuss your requirements or arrange our pilotage services, please contact us directly. Our operations team is available 24/7 to assist with boarding coordination, scheduling, and rates.