State Pilotage System Operations & Statistics

State pilot operations in the Port of New York and New Jersey, the Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound, and the Hudson River District from 2020 to 2023 are summarized in the ship traffic statistics below. In
2023, arrivals and departures increased by nearly 600 transits, to an astounding 10,927 pilot assignments.

Arrivals and Departures for New York, Long Island Sound/Block Island Sound & Hudson River:

These statistics do not include National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Military Sealift Command and United States Naval vessels; or ocean-going barge traffic and United States flag vessels under enrollment, which do not require a compulsory State pilot. The type of vessels entering and departing the Port of New York and New Jersey include Container Vessels, Passenger Vessels, Tankers, General Cargo Vessels, and Vehicle Carriers.

Number of Pilots:

Sandy Hook: In 2023, there were 64 active Sandy Hook Pilots serving the Port of New York and New Jersey, with one Sandy Hook Pilot also cross-assigned to the Hudson River.

Hudson River: In 2023, there were four Full Branch Pilots working exclusively on the Hudson River. In addition, there was one Sandy Hook Pilot licensed for the entire Hudson River and three Sandy Hook Pilots licensed for the lower Hudson River to assist the Hudson River Pilots Association during periods of increased vessel activity or heavy ice conditions.

Northeast Marine Pilots: In 2023, there were nine Full Branch Pilots licensed to serve the waters of the Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound, providing pilotage from Point Judith, Rhode Island to City Island, New York. One pilot retired in February 2023, leaving eight Full Branch Pilots. Five Sandy Hook Pilots are also licensed in the Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound as part of a Joint Pilot Rotation System implemented between the States of New York and Connecticut.

Retirements:

One pilot retired in 2023 from New York State pilotage. Captain David Gray piloted in the waters
of the Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound as a member of the Northeast Marine Pilots Association.
The Board extends its appreciation to Captain Gray for his dedicated service and wishes him Fair Winds
and Following Seas in retirement.

Apprentices:

There are seven New York and six New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilot Apprentices under the direction of the Apprentice Training Committee of the United New York and New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots Benevolent Association. Three new apprentice pilots were registered in 2023 - Benjamin B. White (NJ), John C. Locks (NY), and Luke G. Germanakos (NJ).

For additional training, apprentice Pilots also serve as navigation watch officers on the Pilot Boats NEW YORK and NEW JERSEY, and as launch operators to and from the offshore pilot station including meeting arriving and departing ships at sea.

SHIP MOVEMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR PORT OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY SANDY HOOK PILOTS:

*Pilot Assignments may include Harbor Operations, Dredging, Simulator Training, Trustee and Committee Meetings.

TOTAL STATE PILOTAGE ASSIGNMENTS; ALL PILOTAGE DISTRICTS: