Men with local knowledge of port approaches offered their services to ships approaching a port. These were private individuals who supplied their own boats for boarding ships.
They were known, colloquially, as “Hobblers”, or “Jumpers” and ships contracted their services on a “first come” basis.
Our records show that pilots were licensed for the port of Derry in the early 1800’s. In 1831, the records show that there were 30 licensed pilots serving the port of Derry, 8 of them licensed since 1808.
Pilot boarding stations were established in Tremone, Shrove, Greencastle, Moville and Whitecastle.
During World War II, Derry was an important base for the Atlantic convoy escorts. The Foyle Pilots, although based in neutral Ireland, piloted allied warships and merchant ships throughout the War.
The Foyle Pilot Service was awarded “The Atlantic Star” for their contribution to the Battle of the Atlantic.