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Est. 1960

Delivering safe navigation through Europe’s busiest waters

Our operations team is available 24/7

Founded in 1960 with operations based in Brixham, Devon, UK, we are one of Europe’s longest-established providers of deep sea pilotage services.

Deep Sea & Coastal Pilots are a trusted partner to global operators seeking assurance, insight, and excellence during their most critical passages.

We deliver specialised deep sea pilotage services for vessels transiting the English Channel, Dover Strait and the North Sea.

Our mission is to provide professional Deep Sea Pilotage and Navigation Services that reduce risk and safeguard vessels, crew, and cargo. We ensure every voyage is completed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with international regulations.

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Deep Sea Pilotage

At Deep Sea and Coastal Pilots Ltd, we combine maritime tradition with modern operational excellence. From Cherbourg to Rotterdam or Brixham to Skagen, our pilots are there to ensure your passage is not only safe and compliant, but also commercially optimised.

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Navigational Audits

To allow forward-thinking companies to measure and benchmark their navigational standards, Deep Sea and Coastal Pilots Ltd is able to offer our bespoke auditing service utilising the considerable experience of our pilots across the maritime industry.

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Offshore Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)

At Deep Sea & Coastal Pilots, our licensed Trinity House pilots provide offshore Vessel Traffic Services that protect high-value assets, minimise downtime, and ensure compliance with international safety and environmental regulations. We operate in alignment with IMO safety recommendations and integrate seamlessly with UK MCA and national Coastguard procedures.

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Ship Agency

Based in Brixham, UK, at the gateway to the English Channel, DSCP is pleased to offer Ship Agency through Brixham Ship Agency Services, offering a responsive and reliable solution to vessels operating off the South Coast of the UK. Our experienced team provides 24/7 support, leveraging extensive local knowledge of Brixham, Torbay, and Lyme Bay to meet the needs of commercial shipping operations.

Contact us
+44 (0)1803 220696
[email protected]
www.brixhamshipagency.co.uk

Pilot Boarding Locations & Flexibility

We offer flexible boarding via launch at key locations along the approaches to the English Channel and North Sea:

  • Brixham, UK (for vessels <18m draft)
    50º 25.00'N - 3º 25.70'W
  • Brixham, UK (for vessels >18m draft)
    50º 23.87'N - 3º 22.68'W
  • Cherbourg, France (3NM)
    49º 43.5'N - 1º 42.0'W
  • Cherbourg, France (7NM)
    49º 47.5'N - 1º 39.0'W
  • Skagen (Skaw), Denmark
    57º 46.5'N - 10º 46.0'E

We can also arrange for pilots to board vessels alongside at ports throughout Northwest Europe, offering full flexibility to align with your vessel's schedule.

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Why choose us

Our pilots are highly qualified former Master’s who combine real-world command experience with in-depth training in deep sea pilotage. Each pilot is licensed by Trinity House, under a scheme recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and regulated by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Through their expertise, our pilots are uniquely positioned to:

Enhance navigational safety through precise local knowledge

Busy shipping lanes, shifting weather, and offshore activity all increase navigational risk. With expert local knowledge, our pilots bring an extra layer of safety to every passage.

Support safe and efficient passage planning in busy waters

With over 1,000 vessel movements daily in the Dover Strait alone, planning a safe and efficient passage is more important than ever. Our pilots ensure your vessel moves confidently through even the busiest shipping lanes.

Reduce fatigue and pressure on the Master and bridge team

Strict working hour regulations and smaller crew sizes place increasing strain on vessel operations. A deep-sea pilot can ease this burden, giving Masters and bridge teams the support they need.

Strengthen situational awareness and teamwork on the bridge

An extra layer of expertise on the bridge not only supports the Master but also enhances communication and coordination across the team.

Ensure compliance with rest-hour regulations

With strict international rest-hour rules in place, vessel Masters face constant challenges balancing safety with compliance. Our pilots help ease that pressure.

Act as an impartial, experienced advisor in high-risk situations

When critical decisions must be made under pressure, having an independent expert onboard provides clarity and confidence.

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Supporting a wide range of vessels

By boarding vessels prior to critical chokepoints such as the Dover Strait, our pilots help optimise passage planning, ensure compliance, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance crew awareness and onboard safety culture. Whether your vessel is bound for Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, or deeper into the Baltic Sea, Deep Sea & Coastal Pilots ensures safe and efficient passage through Europe’s most strategic yet hazardous waters.

We routinely support a wide range of vessel types, including:

VLCCs and ULCCs
LNG, LPG and Chemical Carriers
Liner and Car Carriers
VLCCs Product and Crude Oil Tankers
Bulk Carriers
Naval and Government Vessels
Specialist and High-Value Tonnage
Cruise Ships
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Order a Pilot Today

To discuss your requirements or arrange our pilotage services, please contact us directly.  Our operations team is available 24/7 to assist with boarding coordination, scheduling, and rates.

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