Michael Watson News

NOAA and American Pilots’ Association (APA) sign Memorandum of Agreement to advance safe navigation in coastal waters. Dr. Kathryn Sullivan , NOAA Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation & Prediction, signs an agreement that recognizes the longstanding working relationship between marine pilots and NOAA’s navigational services. Coast Survey has a long-term working relationship with the American Pilots’ Association , whose members include virtually all of the 1,200 state-licensed marine pilots working in the 24 coastal states and the Great Lakes.

A Memoranda of agreement (MOA) was signed on May 6 by the Chairman of INTERTANKO, Capt Graham Westgarth, and the President of the International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA) and of the American Pilots' Association (APA), Capt Michael Watson. These historic MOAs are aimed at improving cooperation and constructive dialogue between the associations and their members, with the ultimate objective of enhancing navigational safety and protecting the marine environment in pilotage waters. The associations recognize and respect the responsibilities of their respective members and the indispensible roles played by the pilot and ship’s officers in the safe, environmentally sound and efficient seaborne transportation of oil, gas and chemicals.