Virginia Pilot Association

A lot of folks have no idea what the Virginia Pilot Association is. Well that is unless you are familiar with Yelper Jim B. friend to many in the Hampton Roads area. Jim is a dispatcher that works out of the Shore Drive office. I may very well get some things wrong and if I do I suspect Jim will correct me and I will quickly edit. The opportunity to do a ride along on a Pilot Boat was beyond a thrill and I suspect a rare insight few would ever get.I have visited the Virginia Pilot Association twice, once with my daughter and another time with both children. The second time was the thrill of a lifetime to actually get out on a Virginia Pilot boat and connect with a 220,000 Break Bulk Cargo Ship. That is a cargo ship with containers, as opposed to liquid, coal, or grain.Our adventure started out with a message from Jim that it was a dead quiet night and a great opportunity to do a ride a long with a Pilot boat driver. Since we live minutes from the dock I got the kids over in time for a sunset cruise and was met by Jim dockside. We made it just in time before the boat departed with a driver and assistant to head out to the Chesapeake Bay.The boat was around 17 feet long and very roomy inside with a captains chair for the driver and three other captain seats in the middle. There were also two small window seats in the back. But that's not all, down in the hull was a place for the driver to sleep out on the water if necessary. We traveled at top speed of around 20 knots to a depth of around 60 feet on a smooth half foot chop, warm cloudy evening. As we approached our cargo ship to connect, we witnessed a nice view of Cape Henry on the Starboard side. Both light houses were spotted, but obviously the taller new Cape Henry Light House (Black & White) was more easily identifiable.My children...okay me too had a blast learning about the Pilot boat operators 30+ years experience on this water. Near misses with party boats that drove with no lights illuminated, boat operators that appeared impaired and dangerous to themselves and others on the bay. It seems like there has been no shortage of near misses over a lifetime on these waters. The Pilot boat operator can clearly see an obstacle on their GPS and they do what they can to avoid any type of collision. There is VB patrol on these waters, just the same as our road ways too. The office for the VB PD is around the corner from the Pilot Association at the Lynnhaven Boat Marina. After traveling 6-7 miles away from the Lesner Bridge we connected with our cargo ship by pulling up Port side. The assistant got out, tied us down and before my kids knew it they could see a young man with a Blue Oxford shirt wearing a neck tie exiting the ship and waving at them to their delight. A short trip down a ladder and in no time we had him on our boat ready to head back.We all had a really nice conversation with the Apprentic who is very close to be a full fledged Pilot Boat operator. So what was he doing on that cargo ship any way? Well the ship's Captain's check-in with dispatch prior to porting. These Captain's who are not as familiar with shallow waters where sand bars etc. may be present have the Pilot Boat drivers navigate for them. These are hard working young people who work shifts of 24 on for three days and on call as an apprentice. There are sleeping quarters and cars to check out for the drivers when they come back in. You may think that most of these drivers are former Navy, you would be wrong! Those that wish to train into these positions obviously undertake many hours of instruction and licenses to begin an apprenticeship in their specific state. Once you begin working in a specific state there is no transferring of credentials, you are in that state for life such as our driver for the night.The round trip took around 40 to 50 minutes and the sun had set at when approaching the dock. Jim was again there to greet us and graciously provide a short tour of the dispatch office. His position, similar to an Air Traffic Controller, except boats instead of planes is both cool, but stressful at times I'm sure. The main HQ for tracking maritime activity for our area is on Fort Story Base. Jim works a specific geography of the Chesapeake Bay and tracks location and status of boats. He is in constant communication with those at the FS office. He monitors all VA Pilot boats that are working too. Lots of cool monitors, that track the ships with GPS technology. Very important too is the equipment utilized to keep track of weather. If you ever want an accurate weather forecast it's Jim B. who may be the best to call.Let me finish up with this. A must for anyone, take the time to look at the 200+ photos Jim has posted the last several years on the Pilot Boat Association Yelp business page. His stunning pics bring life to what it is like to work feet from the water. Thank you for your years of service Jim and good luck in your future retirement endeavors.

Neither rain, nor snow...nor gale force winds! And they are out there! Bravo, bringing our ships into harbor safely!

Amazing Italian food! Great staff. By far our new favorite place to eat in Carrollton. The loaf of bread is so good. I've had the veal on 3 different occasions and always the same...spectacular!!!