HIGHLANDS – The year 1694 was a good one – especially, if you happened to be a sea captain headed toward New York harbor. It was in that year that the Sandy Hook Pilots Association was formed.
Two-plus centuries ago, this was merely a sound idea. Today, federal law mandates that all ships entering or exiting a U.S. port utilize the services of a licensed harbor pilot.
To kick off the 2014–15 season of the Millicent Mercer Johnsen Lecture Series at the Twin Lights, retired Capt. Ned Britton will present “Safe Harbor: The Sandy Hook Pilots” at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Britton, who grew up on Staten Island, where the Sandy Hook Pilots are based, retired from service in 2008 and is now a Middletown resident. He began his service with the pilots in 1972 as an apprentice and became a licensed harbor pilot in 1980. During his 28 years at the helm, he successfully guided more than 4,000 ships in and out of New York and New Jersey ports.
“What an honor to have Capt. Britton as our first guest lecturer this season,” said Tim Dring, co-chair of the Twin Lights Historical Society programs committee. “Visitors to the Twin Lights watch dozens of ships move in and out of the harbor every day, yet how many appreciate the level of expertise, training and commitment that goes into making these journeys safe? Ned is the perfect person to bring the day-to-day life of a harbor pilot into focus, and also provide a broad historical narrative.”
Britton has served on the Sandy Hook Pilots board of trustees and was part of the team that collaborated with the Coast Guard to create the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for the Port of New York and New Jersey. VTS, which was adopted in the late 1990s, is the “air traffic control” of American harbor and port authorities.
“As a rule, our Millicent Mercer Johnsen lecturers have strong ties to the lighthouse, but in this case the connection is especially strong,” said Mary Jo Kenny, president of the Twin Lights Historical Society. “Millicent’s family was involved in the international shipping business and I have no doubt Captain Britton piloted more than a few of her vessels into port.”
The Millicent Mercer Johnsen Lecture Series is open free of charge to the public on a first-come first served basis. Reservations are required and must be reserved by calling the lighthouse at 732-872-1814.
Society members are accorded preference, as space in the Twin Lights auditorium is limited.
Additional information on Safe Harbor: The Sandy Hook Pilots or becoming a Twin Lights Historical Society member is available by visiting twinlightslighthouse.com.
