THE STORY OF KIMBERLEY COASTAL PILOTS
FOUNDED TO PROVIDE THE BEST PROFESSIONAL MARINE ADVICE TO CRUISE SHIPS VISITING THE SPECTACULAR KIMBERLEY
Kimberley Coastal Pilots (Int) Pty Ltd was formed to provide much needed professional, and quality assured, coastal pilotage and marine advice to cruise vessels visiting the Kimberley coast in Western Australia. The Kimberley is a unique global tourist destination. Its remarkable natural beauty and cultural history provides a wilderness experience unmatched anywhere in the world. Over the last decade, an increasing number of cruise vessels have been visiting the Kimberley to experience its remote and spectacular sights.
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The unique geography and hydrography creates significant navigational challenges for ships and other vessels visiting these waters. The king tides experienced in this area, in excess of 11M, are some of the largest in the world and result in strong currents and eddies throughout its waterways. This is particularly evident when navigating the myriad of channels between the archipelagos, reefs and shoals within the area, many of which are unsurveyed or partly surveyed. Local knowledge is therefore essential when navigating these waters to mitigate risk and to help protect this unique and sensitive environment. The Department of Transport strongly recommends local knowledge be utilised on all vessels transiting these areas. Kimberley Coastal Pilots can provide the cruise industry with the assurance of a critical marine safety service being performed to the highest possible industry standards.
Kimberley Coastal Pilots was founded by Captain Craig Brent-White, a Master Mariner with over 35 years of experience in the Kimberley and waters of Australia's north, with extensive knowledge of the coastal features, tides, currents and anchorages throughout the area. Captain Craig has been providing advice and services to major cruise companies for many years. Kimberley Coastal Pilots are the only pilots licensed to take cruise ships through the port of Yampi Sound, and are affiliated with West Coast Pilots, the premier multi-port marine pilot service in Western Australia. Since 2003, West Coast Pilots have built a reputation for providing the highest quality marine pilotage services under a fully accredited quality safety management plan. With the combined experience of the partners, Kimberley Coastal Pilots stand ready to deliver a vitally important service to support the cruise industry in the spectacular Kimberley region.
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AFFILIATED WITH