Ever dreamed of driving a ship? Wonder what happens on the working ships of Washington’s waterfront? Join Delmas Whittaker, former Naval officer and current Senior Division Manager for Fishing and Commercial Vessel Services; and experienced ship’s pilot and member of the Southeast Alaska Pilot’s Association Jill Russell for a panel discussing opportunities in the maritime industry

Seafaring is not just a career, it’s a lifestyle. Captains, mates, and ship pilots spend their days on the water on vessels of all sizes, on inland lakes and rivers, as well as the open sea. Pilots are responsible for steering ships in and out of berths, through hazardous conditions, and boat traffic. They motor out from harbor as a ship approaches, then climb aboard to take charge and safely berth the ship. What doe sit mean to be a marine pilot? How can you become one?