Established in 1879, the Bar Pilots are on location and on call 24 hours a day throughout the year.

The Bar Pilots advise maritime businesses on matters as varied as recommended drafts, dredging efforts, operating procedures, traffic schemes, and navigational aid placement. Safety is a vital concern to the Bar Pilots. The Association works closely with governmental agencies and industry, and serves on committees directly involved with the success of Louisiana's river ports.

The pilots have for more than 60 years operated a Vessel Traffic Information Service. The VTIS is an evolutionary outgrowth of the pilotage service that the Association's members have been providing for more than 144 years. Although maintained by the Association, the navigation and safety information gathered is given to all who request it. The information disseminated is utilized by mariners transiting the area to manage traffic in the waterways serviced by the bar pilots. The Association has for many years been the most reliable and accurate vessel traffic service in that part of the lower Mississippi River.

The Associated Branch Pilots are adding real value to the Louisiana maritime industry each and every day by ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods through America's busiest waterways.

Associated Branch Pilot Board Members

Michael R. Lorino, Jr. - President
Michael T. D. Miller - Vice President
Gregory J. Blache - Secretary
Leon C. Buras III
Daniel W. Mott