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CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, USA – The Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots will present qualifications of the first woman Deputy Branch Pilot of the Port of Corpus Christi Waterways.  Captain Andrea Morrison will be introduced to the Pilot Board at the scheduled Port Commission meeting Tuesday, April 18 at 8:20 a.m. at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center located at 402 Harbor Drive.

In 2016 the Pilot Board for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority implemented new procedures for applicants seeking a position as a Deputy Branch Pilot for the Port of Corpus Christi Waterways. The Pilot Board has minimum standards that applicants must meet to successfully enter the Deputy Branch Pilot Pool. The application review committee reviews all qualifications to determine if a candidate may be accepted into the Deputy Branch Pilot Pool.

The Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots have selected Captain Andrea Morrison from a pool of eligible candidates. Andrea Morrison was born in Orange, CA and graduated from Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, CA in 2005 and was appointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY where she graduated in 2010.

While attending Kings Point, Cadet Morrison sailed as both an Engine and Deck Cadet on several types of vessels, including harbor tugs, tankers, container ships and roro vessels. She was also the team captain of the Academy’s track team and a leader in her Regiment.

Upon graduation, Andrea moved to Seattle, WA where she sailed as 3^rd Mate with Crowley Petroleum Services. She continued her career with Crowley sailing as 2^nd Mate and ultimately achieving the rank of Chief Mate in September of 2016. She earned her Master Unlimited License in July of 2016, and completed Master’s training in January of 2017.

While working for Crowley, Andrea earned several “Goal Zero Hero” awards from Shell Chartering, as well as a “TOPS” award from Crowley Maritime. These awards are the result of her dedication to safe operation aboard the vessels she sailed upon and her leadership performance as Second Mate and Chief Mate.

It is anticipated the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots Association will submit a letter of acceptance to the United States Coast Guard allowing Captain Morrison to participate in the Aransas-Corpus Pilots observation and training program. This will allow Captain Morrison to focus on passing the rigorous First-Class Pilot written examination before transition to active waterway training.

“Port Corpus Christi is honored to welcome Captain Morrison as the first ever female pilot of our port’s waterways.  We wish her well as she continues training to lead vessels in and out of our waterways,” said Charles W. Zahn, Jr., Chairman of the Port Corpus Christi Commission.

The Pilot Board will ensure that once a candidate becomes a Deputy Branch Pilot they are able to dedicate their entire attention to learning the challenging dynamics of our waterway, including new terminals and channel extensions, without having to take precious time out to study or be subjected to the pressures of a written examination.  Upon successful completion of testing and initial 120-day riding observer period, Captain Morrison will be presented to the Port Corpus Christi Pilot Board for a formal request to the State of Texas Governor for approval as a Deputy Branch Pilot of the Port Corpus Christi Waterways.

About Port Corpus Christi

As a major economic engine of the South Texas Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the 4th largest port in the United States in total tonnage.  Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico with a 36 mile, 47 foot (MLLW) deep channel, Port Corpus Christi is a major gateway to international and domestic marine commerce.  The Port has excellent rail and highway network connectivity via three North American Class-1 railroads and two major interstates. With an outstanding staff overseen by its seven member commission, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “Moving America’s Energy.” http://www.portcorpuschristi.com/

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Press Release – Port Corpus Christi Pilot Board Set to Approve First Woman Deputy Port Pilot