EMPA Newsletter 06
In this edition of the EMPA Newsletter, maritime pilots address the evolving challenges facing modern navigation, including the risks of remote pilotage, emerging threats like GNSS jamming and spoofing, and...
EMPA
Ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection across European waters since 1963
Maritime Pilots
0
k+
Welcome to EMPA pilots
Europe in their mission to ensure safe passage through our continent’s most challenging waters. Born in Antwerp from the vision of pilots in the newly formed European Economic Community, EMPA has grown to represent approximately 4,500 maritime pilots from 18 European Union member countries and 6 neighboring nations: Georgia, Montenegro, Norway, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Our members serve across five major bodies of water, the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, bringing together diverse expertise and shared commitment to maritime excellence. As a professional, non-profit organization, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices that continuously elevate the technical and professional standards of maritime pilotage across Europe and beyond.
Upcoming events
Connect with maritime pilots across Europe at our conferences, training sessions, and networking events. Stay informed about key dates and opportunities for professional development.
Event details
- Start date: 14/04/2026
- End date: 15/04/2026
- All-day event
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
Event details
- Start date: 14/05/2026
- End date: 16/05/2026
- All-day event
- Location: Ålesund, Norway
EMPA at a glance
Uniting maritime pilots across Europe to advance safety, professionalism, and sustainable shipping practices through collaboration and shared expertise.
Years of experience
0
+
Maritime pilots
0
+
Member countries
0
+
European seas
0
Stay up-to-date with the latest news
Get insights, updates, and industry trends in maritime pilotage and navigation safety. Stay informed about our latest events, innovations, and success stories to keep your maritime operations ahead.
EMPA at the Inauguration of Hiades/AMURA’s New Office
Last 26th of February, European Maritime Pilots' Association (EMPA) represented by its President Miguel Vieira de Castro had the pleasure of attending the inauguration of the new Híades Business Patterns / AMURA office — a milestone that represents...
Nelson – Info Sessions About Nelson And Innovative Solutions For Maritime Services
Today, 27 February 2026, European Maritime Pilots' Association (EMPA) attended the NELSON information session organised by AMURA in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, focused on innovative solutions for maritime services. The workshop...
EMPA 60th GM Sponsors
We are pleased to thank our sponsors for their valuable support of the 60th EMPA General Meeting.
Fatal accident involving a maritime pilot
With deep sorrow, EMPA mourns the tragic loss of Captain Phillip Brady, who passed away on Monday 12 January following a serious accident during pilot transfer operations off Panama City,...
Danish Pilot Associations Announce Historic Merger
The Danish pilotage sector is set for major structural change following an agreement between the country’s two pilot associations, Danish Maritime Pilots and Danske Lodser, to merge into a single, unified organisation. The...
8th APIBARRA Conference – 30 Years : Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, What Future?
A celebration of a historic milestone for the Portuguese pilotage service!!! On November 19, 2025, APIBARRA celebrated three decades of history with the 8th Conference, held at the Infante D....
EMPA attending ESPO Award 2025
EMPA - European Maritime Pilots' Association Secretary General Aileen Van Raemdonck was honoured to attend last week's ESPO (European Sea Ports Organisation) Award to celebrate inspiring port projects. This year's edition...
EMPA attending NEDSPA Meeting 6th November 2025
The European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA) participated in the latest NEDSPA (North European Deep-Sea Pilots Association) meeting, held in Hull (UK), bringing together representatives from across Europe both in person...
What maritime pilots do
Maritime pilots are the essential guardians of safe navigation, combining deep local knowledge with expert ship-handling skills to guide vessels through challenging waters. They serve as the critical link between ship captains and port operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental protection in every journey.
Local navigation expertise
Navigate vessels safely through complex port approaches with deep knowledge of local waters, tides, currents, and hazards that only years of experience can provide.
Expert ship handling
Maneuver today's massive vessels through restricted waters with precision, applying specialized skills crucial for safely operating in tight port environments.
Communication & coordination
Coordinate seamlessly between ship crews, tugboats, port services, and traffic control to ensure efficient and conflict-free operations in busy waterways.
Environmental protection
Protect sensitive coastal ecosystems by ensuring safe vessel transit and preventing groundings and spills that threaten marine environments and local communities around the world.
Professional training
Maintain the highest professional standards through rigorous training, mentorship, simulator practice, and continuous skill development in evolving maritime technologies.
Risk mitigation
Serve as the primary risk mitigation measure in maritime operations, protecting lives, vessels, and infrastructure while enabling the efficient flow of global trade.
Our mission
EMPA exists to unite European maritime pilots in advancing the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and sustainability across our waters. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy, we ensure that pilotage remains the cornerstone of maritime safety for generations to come.
Four Key Points:
- We champion the highest safety standards in maritime pilotage, working with international bodies to ensure that European pilots have the training, equipment, and support needed to protect lives and vessels in our waters.
- Our network enables pilots across 24 countries to share insights, best practices, and innovations, creating a community of continuous learning that elevates the entire profession.
- We're committed to environmental stewardship, helping pilots adapt to new technologies and practices that reduce shipping's environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.
- We represent pilots' interests at European and international levels, ensuring that regulations support safe, efficient pilotage while recognizing the unique expertise pilots bring to maritime operations.
Our professional team
Our team of maritime experts works tirelessly to ensure safe, secure, and efficient pilotage services. With years of experience and a safety-focused approach, we provide reliable solutions tailored to your maritime navigation needs.
Miguel Vieira de Castro
President and Maritime Pilot
Salvatore Mecca
Vice President and Maritime Pilot