This is the story of maritime pilots. Of being in the right place at the right time and finding one's true calling. Yet, at the same time, it is the story of an era, of pilots from colonial times through the ages to date, of maritime trade, of ports and services, and of the team that made it work. But more, it is the story of determination, achievement and sacrifice to get there. Likened to a walk-on that made it to the big dance in sports jargon. It’s of a road not taken for some, but one taken by others who stayed the course, persevered, and never looked back. It was a leap of faith without knowing where it led or how it might turn out. It was a big step from a seagoing career to that of pilot and master ship handler. Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay, and the ports and waters of the New England coast were an extensive expanse, and the necessary licensing process took time and effort. But eventually you got there, and from then on it was a thirty-year commitment. Northeast Marine Pilots was unique among pilot associations, a rare organization that drew its members as Master Mariners from the seagoing fraternity. We came with ability and skill, and notable credentials, just needed to be honed to the purpose. As pilot you stepped aboard a ship, the captain sensed from the outset that you had once been in his shoes… and he turned his ship over to you to guide it the final way through unsure waters and the vessel’s destiny was in your hands.