About Northeast Marine Pilots

Northeast Marine Pilots supports safe and efficient vessel movements by coordinating dispatch for licensed marine pilots serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and designated waters of New York.

NEMP operate as a centralized dispatch and coordination organization, supporting communication, scheduling, and pilot boarding logistics across some of the most complex and highly regulated waterways in the United States.

Over time, NEMP has grown alongside the ports, harbors, and waterways of the region, incorporating new technologies, modern pilot boats, and coordinated dispatch operations while maintaining the core principles that have long defined the pilotage profession: local knowledge, preparation, and professionalism.

Ship bridge sunset view

WHO WE ARE

Northeast Marine Pilots is an organization that supports professional pilotage operations by coordinating dispatch for state-licensed and federally-licensed marine pilots. The pilots coordinated through NEMP are experienced professionals with deep local knowledge of Northeast ports, harbors, and approaches.

Large cruise ship at sea

OUR ROLE

NEMP’s role is focused on coordination and communication, including:

  • Coordinating the availability and dispatch of licensed marine pilots
  • Maintaining continuous 24/7 dispatch coverage
  • Supporting pilot boarding coordination and scheduling
  • Facilitating communication between pilots, vessel agents, owners, operators, and bridge teams
  • Providing general, non-binding information regarding regional pilotage practices

NEMP does not enforce pilotage laws, issue exemptions, or determine whether pilotage is compulsory for a particular vessel or transit.

Large red cargo ship

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Pilots coordinated through Northeast Marine Pilots operate in accordance with applicable state and federal pilotage laws, professional standards, and established maritime practices.

Professional pilotage supports:

  • Safe vessel navigation
  • Protection of life, property, and the marine environment
  • Reliable access to ports and terminals
  • Efficient movement of maritime commerce
Large blue and white cruise ship

REGIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Northeast presents unique navigational challenges, including:

  • Congested waterways
  • Strong tidal currents
  • Variable weather conditions
  • Narrow and restricted channels
  • Overlapping state and federal jurisdictions

Local knowledge and professional pilotage are essential to navigating these conditions safely. NEMP supports vessel movements with our local familiarity in these interconnected waterways – this is central to effective pilotage operations in the Northeast.

Ship passing under bridge

WATERS WE SERVE

Depending on voyage characteristics and operational considerations, pilotage support may include extended coastal transits connecting multiple pilotage areas/zones. Waters served include:

  • Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, and all Rhode Island waters
  • Long Island Sound, including major NY and CT ports
  • Buzzards Bay and surrounding coastal waters
  • Cape Cod Bay and Cape Cod Canal approaches
  • Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket waters, including surrounding sounds and offshore approaches
  • Regional coastal routes extending between the New York pilotage areas and the approaches to Cape Cod and the Islands
Pilot Stations & Routes
Compulsory Pilotage
Information for Yachts
Order A Pilot
Aircraft carrier with escort boats

WORKING WITH NEMP

NEMP works closely with:

  • Vessel agents
  • Owners and operators
  • Masters and bridge teams
  • Port stakeholders
  • Regulatory agencies and authorities

Clear communication and advance coordination help ensure safe pilot boarding and efficient vessel movements.

Contact Northeast Marine Pilots
Pilot boat on the water

COLLABORATION & CONTINUITY

Effective pilotage is the result of coordinated effort. At NEMP, pilots, boat crews, dispatch staff, and administrative personnel work together to support continuity, operational awareness, and clear communication across the service area. This collaborative structure supports professional pilotage operations in a region characterized by diverse ports, variable conditions, and evolving maritime activity.

Cargo ship approaching bridge

LOOKING AHEAD

As vessel traffic, technology, and port operations continue to evolve, Northeast Marine Pilots remains focused on adapting responsibly while preserving the professional standards and local knowledge that define marine pilotage. Experience, preparation, and regional familiarity will continue to guide how NEMP supports vessel movements in Northeast waters.

Large cargo ship sailing

TRUSTED COORDINATION IN NORTHEAST WATERS

Licensed pilots. Local knowledge. Reliable dispatch.
Supporting safe navigation across RI, MA, CT & NY waters.

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