Ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection across European waters since 1963
Europe in their mission to ensure safe passage through our continent’s most challenging waters. Born in Antwerp from the vision of pilots in the newly formed European Economic Community, EMPA has grown to represent approximately 4,200 maritime pilots from 18 European Union member countries and 6 neighboring nations: Georgia, Montenegro, Norway, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Our members serve across five major bodies of water, the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, bringing together diverse expertise and shared commitment to maritime excellence. As a professional, non-profit organization, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices that continuously elevate the technical and professional standards of maritime pilotage across Europe and beyond.
Connect with maritime pilots across Europe at our conferences, training sessions, and networking events. Stay informed about key dates and opportunities for professional development.
Uniting maritime pilots across Europe to advance safety, professionalism, and sustainable shipping practices through collaboration and shared expertise.
Get insights, updates, and industry trends in maritime pilotage and navigation safety. Stay informed about our latest events, innovations, and success stories to keep your maritime operations ahead.
The latest edition of EMPA Bearing highlights the issues shaping the future of maritime pilotage across Europe: defending independent pilotage, enhancing transfer safety, embracing new technology, and supporting pilots' wellbeing. ...
EMPA Newsletter 07Download
In this edition of the EMPA Newsletter, maritime pilots address the evolving challenges facing modern navigation, including the risks of remote pilotage, emerging threats like GNSS jamming and spoofing, and...
Last 26th of February, European Maritime Pilots' Association (EMPA) represented by its President Miguel Vieira de Castro had the pleasure of attending the inauguration of the new Híades Business Patterns / AMURA office — a milestone that represents...
Today, 27 February 2026, European Maritime Pilots' Association (EMPA) attended the NELSON information session organised by AMURA in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, focused on innovative solutions for maritime services. The workshop...
We are pleased to thank our sponsors for their valuable support of the 60th EMPA General Meeting.
With deep sorrow, EMPA mourns the tragic loss of Captain Phillip Brady, who passed away on Monday 12 January following a serious accident during pilot transfer operations off Panama City,...
The Danish pilotage sector is set for major structural change following an agreement between the country’s two pilot associations, Danish Maritime Pilots and Danske Lodser, to merge into a single, unified organisation. The...
A celebration of a historic milestone for the Portuguese pilotage service!!! On November 19, 2025, APIBARRA celebrated three decades of history with the 8th Conference, held at the Infante D....
Navigate vessels safely through complex port approaches with deep knowledge of local waters, tides, currents, and hazards that only years of experience can provide.
Maneuver today's massive vessels through restricted waters with precision, applying specialized skills crucial for safely operating in tight port environments.
Coordinate seamlessly between ship crews, tugboats, port services, and traffic control to ensure efficient and conflict-free operations in busy waterways.
Protect sensitive coastal ecosystems by ensuring safe vessel transit and preventing groundings and spills that threaten marine environments and local communities around the world.
Maintain the highest professional standards through rigorous training, mentorship, simulator practice, and continuous skill development in evolving maritime technologies.
Serve as the primary risk mitigation measure in maritime operations, protecting lives, vessels, and infrastructure while enabling the efficient flow of global trade.
EMPA exists to unite European maritime pilots in advancing the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and sustainability across our waters. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy, we ensure that pilotage remains the cornerstone of maritime safety for generations to come.
Four Key Points:
Our team of maritime experts works tirelessly to ensure safe, secure, and efficient pilotage services. With years of experience and a safety-focused approach, we provide reliable solutions tailored to your maritime navigation needs.
Secretary-General EMPA
Office Administrator EMPA