The British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd. works with the marine industry to deliver safe and efficient pilotage by providing local knowledge and expertise to foreign ships in order to protect environmental, public and economic interests. BC Coast Pilots have been in the business of keeping 24,140 kilometres (15,000 miles) of British Columbia’s waters safe since the mid-1800s and have an exceptional safety record. Under Canada’s Pilotage Act, BC Coast pilots are authorized to board and guide any foreign ship going in or out of a B.C. port located between Alaska and the southern Canadian border to ensure safety, efficiency and environmental protection. The BC Coast Pilots also review changes to shipping routes, make recommendations for the protection of marine habitat, and evaluate the impacts of proposed new projects.