Captain Derrell J. Plaisance

River Pilot/ Maritime Ship Pilot

My name is Captain Derrell J. Plaisance, and I am currently a Louisiana state commissioned ship pilot and partner with the New Orleans and Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association (NOBRA). My job is tasked with safely navigating and guiding internationally flagged, deep draft vessels upon the Lower Mississippi River and maneuvering within its ports of New Orleans, South Louisiana, and Baton Rouge. I have been serving in my current role since being elected to the association in December 2019.

Prior to becoming a state river pilot, I worked in the inland marine towing industry, as well as aboard harbor tugboats and with the Plaquemines Parish Ferry Department. I am also a veteran of the United States Air Force and served as a civilian law enforcement officer, prior to my experience in the maritime industry.

Upon graduating from Loyola University New Orleans in December 2010, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream to become a ship pilot. I left my job in law enforcement and began working in the local maritime industry, on deck of various river vessels. In 2012, I enrolled as a maritime cadet and graduate student at Texas A&M University Galveston. For the next three years and during summers, I sailed the world and mastered all aspects of leading as a ship’s officer.

In December 2015, I graduated with my Master’s in Maritime Administration and Logistics from Texas A&M University Galveston and completed my United States Coast Guard Third Mates License.

In latter 2016, I earned my United Stated Coast Guard First Class Federal Pilots License on the Lower Mississippi River and subsequently, my election and apprenticeship to becoming a ship pilot. In 2018, while awaiting entry into the pilot’s association, I was selected for Loyola New Orleans’ Institute of Politics (IOP) Program. My IOP experience allowed me to work with some amazing future leaders operating in both the public and private sector and was instrumental in increasing my awareness on several key issues regarding political, social, and economic factors impacting our society and within my industry.

The many opportunities afforded to me in life, have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I am looking forward to continuing to develop my leadership and managerial skills with NORLI, to begin working with non-profit organizations now and in the future, which positively impact our people and our state.