A new service has been formed to provide pilots for vessels operating under United States Flags in the ports of Galveston, Texas City and Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Captain Graylin Gant, a Beaumont native with 28 years of experience as a licensed Master, told Guidry News Service that he established the NW Gulf Federal Pilots to meet the needs for federal pilotage required by law in the various channels served.

“The NW Gulf Federal Pilots service U.S. flagged vessels in coastwise trade under enrollment and operate independently of state pilots,” Gant said. "The NW Gulf Federal Pilots plan to offer federal pilotage services to other ship channels in the Northwest Gulf of Mexico in the near future." Listen:  MP3  RealPlayer

The new organization will provide an alternative to U.S. flag vessels that now must use the services Galveston/Texas City Pilots, an association licensed by the state and whose members are appointed by the governor.

For more information on services and rates of the NW Gulf Federal Pilots, call (409) 781-5522 or visit nwgulffedpilots.com.