Houston Pilots Accept 45 ft. Fresh Water Draft

Effective immediately, the Houston Pilots will accept vessels with drafts up to 45 ft. (13.7 m) in fresh water. In the wake of the crisis along the U.S. Gulf Coast, the Houston Pilots are foregoing a previously scheduled phased-in approach to larger vessels, as the maritime industry needs to divert many deep draft loaded vessels from ports affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The Houston Pilots are comprised of 81 pilots; including two deputy pilots still in training.