A Bar Pilot is one who, though not belonging to a ship's company, is licensed to conduct a ship into and out of port or through dangerous waters. The word "bar" refers to the sandbars that form near the mouth of an inlet or river that create dangerous conditions for mariners without extensive local experience. All St. Johns Bar Pilots are licensed unlimited Master Mariners and hold licenses as First Class Pilots from the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Florida, Department of Professional Regulation and State Board of Pilot Commissioners.

Currently there are 12 pilots and deputy pilots in the St. Johns Bar Pilot Association. The actual number of pilots is determined by the Board of Pilot Commissioners based on the supply and demand for piloting services and the public interest.

The process of becoming a pilot is a long one. A mariner submits an application to the State Board of Pilot Commissioners documenting their background, service and character. The applicant must pass a thorough examination to be considered qualified to serve as a deputy pilot. When a pilot vacancy opens in a port, the Board selects from those qualified applicants and the State issues a certificate as a deputy pilot. This deputy pilot is assigned to the port and begins a pilot led training program under probation for the first year. If their progress is successful during that year they will be issued a certificate as a deputy pilot valid for 2 years. The pilot training program lasts for at least 2 years and includes observation and piloting trips on increasing size vessels. Upon completion of the training program and with the recommendation of the Association and the Board of Pilot Commissioners, the deputy will be examined in all matters pertaining to the management of vessels and their knowledge of the channels, waters and the port where they wish to serve. The successful completion of this exam results in the deputy becoming a full pilot.

Vessels that draw 7 feet or more of water and are not exempted by the laws of the United States are required to have a licensed state pilot or certificated deputy pilot on board to direct the movement of the vessel when entering or leaving ports of Florida or when underway upon the waters of the bays, rivers, harbors and ports of the state.

Check the schedule page of our web site. This page includes the latest available information on expected arrivals and departures.

The distance from the ocean to facilities up the river are available at the Jacksonville Marine Information Exchange web site facility page.

The controlling depth of the main ship channel is 38 feet. Specific restrictions are available on our procedures page.