Safety & Environmental

Jacobsen is proud of our commitment to Safety, Risk Mitigation and Green Practices

Safety & Technology

Jacobsen Pilot Service (JPS) has long been recognized as a leader in safety, technology, and innovation. In 1949, JPS was the first non-governmental entity in the United States to install shore-side radar at the Port of Long Beach. This cutting-edge technology, for its time, helped improve safe vessel movements in all weather conditions. As the company evolved, JPS expanded radar technology even further by utilizing fiber optics and microwave for remote radars. Today, JPS continues to honor its long-held goal of moving ships safely and efficiently. In 1996, JPS spearheaded the development of the first high-precision Differential Global Positioning System, the carry-on-board “PilotMate”, which has evolved into an advanced Portable Pilot Unit (PPU).

Known as “risk mitigation experts,” JPS safely navigates goods totaling more than $200 Billion annually.

All ship movements are pre-planned and coordinated carefully. Larger ships require precise calculation of tide windows to allow for safe ship transits in any kind of weather. Using this type of technology and careful coordination can reduce the chance of any delay, even during the fog or heavy weather. Synonymous with “safety” for all of Southern California, JPS partnered with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Marine Exchange of Southern California to develop a unique Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) in the late 1990s. JPS is now the Long Beach sector of the Vessel Traffic Service and shares all of its radar and tracked targets with the entire VTS system for San Pedro Bay, plus Long Beach security and the USCG.

JPS goes beyond safety with a commitment to protecting the environment. In line with the Port of Long Beach’s reputation as the number one “green” Port in the United States, JPS is dedicated to protecting the environment by ensuring vessel movements remain as safe as possible. JPS has also invested in a “green” Pilot Boat, ALTAIR, that utilizes two four-stroke engines. The boat has won several environmental awards by eliminating diesel particulates and reducing harmful emissions by over 80%.

Customer Service

Jacobsen is proud of our legacy of customer service and innovation, started by our founder Captain J.A. Jacobsen. In 2000, JPS became the first and only Piloting company in the United States to become ISO 9000 certified. In order to meet the stringent standards of quality management, JPS formalized all of its policies. In turn, shipmasters have consistently rated JPS number one in customer service.

JPS has incredibly high standards-and is committed to providing superior service to all of our customers. Ship Masters can expect a JPS Pilot to be on time, every time and to complete their job in a professional manner.

The reputation of JPS makes it a perfect fit as ambassador of California. Since a Pilot is typically the first American a foreign ship Captain sees, JPS proudly represents the Port, the City of Long Beach, California and the United States.

Quality Policy

“Jacobsen Pilot Service is committed to providing superior pilotage and vessel traffic management to our customers. We strive to comply with all requirements and to continually improve the effectiveness of our quality management system, which defines the way we do business. We accomplish this by listening to our customers’ needs and requests. Our employees are among the most capable in the industry. They are provided with the training and technology necessary to set the standard in achieving customer satisfaction in our industry.”