Welcome to EMPA pilots

EMPA is a professional, non-profit organization, created in Antwerp in 1963 by pilots of what was then called the European Community.

Nowadays EMPA represents about 4.500 maritime pilots from 18 European Union member countries, and 6 neighbouring countries: Georgia, Montenegro, Norway, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Regrouping member countries' associations of maritime pilots from the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Nordic Pilots Meeting

"The Nordic Pilot associations held their annual Nordic Pilots' meeting in Copenhagen 29-30th of August 2025. Pilots from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland were accompanied by pilots from Estonia and Iceland! A very co-operative and good meeting about important pilotage matters. The Nordic Pilots' common wish is to see the suspended Baltic Pilotage Authorities Commissions (BPAC) meetings reactivated. These meetings between authorities and pilots were an excellent place to share information and ideas to improve the safety of shipping."

News From Georgian Maritime Pilots

Georgian Maritime Pilots Elect New President On July 2, 2025, the Georgian Maritime Pilots Association (GMPA) held its General Meeting in Batumi.

We are pleased to share that Capt. IAGO MGELADZE has been elected as the new President of GMPA for the next four years.

Also elected to the board were Capt. Roland Zoidze (re-elected) and Capt. Mamuka Talakvadze.

We congratulate the newly elected leadership and wish them success in their important work ahead!

Upcoming events

Tuesday 14-04-2026

Wednesday 15-04-2026

SAVE THE DATE : EMPA 60th General meeting - Ghent Belgium

We are delighted to share that the 60th General Meeting will take place from 14-15th April 2026 in Ghent, Belgium.

Join us as we celebrate this milestone edition with inspiring presentations, valuable networking opportunities, and a look ahead at the future!

It's an unmissable opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen connections.

more details and registration will follow soon, but for now, make sure to mark your calendars!

More info / Register

4500 pilots

24 countries

EUROPEAN MARITIME PILOTS' ASSOCIATION

EMPA

60th General meeting