Speaker Series to explore ‘Piloting on the Delaware’ Jan. 19 in Lewes

The Lewes Historical Society Speaker Series lecture “Piloting on the Delaware" featuring Stuart Griffin will take place at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 19, at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. It is free and open to the public, no reservations required.

Founded in 1896, The Pilots' Association for the Bay and River Delaware is one of the oldest state pilot organizations in the nation and a recognized world leader in the technology, training, and accountability of piloting.

Delaware River & Bay pilots are highly trained and experienced mariners responsible for the safe navigation of commercial vessels on the Delaware River & Bay and its tributaries, the Schuylkill & Salem Rivers and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, from the Atlantic Ocean to the head of navigation in Trenton, N.J.

Pilots typically have extensive maritime backgrounds and train for three or four years under the guidance of experienced pilots prior to being issued their state and federal licenses. After completing their initial training, pilots undergo regular continuing education, including bridge resource management, emergency shiphandling and navigation technology, as well as other types of instruction on full mission bridge simulators and manned models.

Griffin will focus on the present conditions of piloting, but archives from the Lewes History Museum will also be available for viewing and discussion.

A chairman of the Mariners' Advisory Committee for the Bay and River Delaware, Griffin formerly sailed as U.S. Merchant Marine deck officer until he completed apprenticeship and became a member of the Pilots' Association for the Bay and River Delaware. Griffin lives in Lewes.

In 2012, the museum produced a regional Emmy-nominated short film about Lewes, as told through the eyes of the river and bay pilots. To view it, go to youtu.be/C-taEjcWnwg. For more information, call 302-645-7670 or visit bit.ly/riverpilot.

The Lewes Historical Society Speaker Series features a new topic each month between September and May, with educational and entertaining programs that explore the history of Lewes and the surrounding area, and these places’ unique interactions in the national scene. Meetings are open to all members, residents and visitors of the Lewes community. For more information and a complete schedule, call 302-645-7670 or go to www.HistoricLewes.org.