Pilotage in Itajaí has begun its activities in the 1940´s when Mr. Manoel Ezidro, a former pilot, established the very first operation with the vessel named Trópicos. Back in the 40´s, it was named Pilotage Services of Bar and Itajaí Harbor Ltd. until 1985 when the Pilotage Authority of Itajaí Harbor was then estabilished. In 1997 it was succeeded by Itajaí Pilotage S/C Ltd., with three official pilots and three apprentice pilots that became official pilots in 1998.

By the end of 1998, another three pilots joined the Pilotage Authority and services were all computer-assisted for better performance. In 2003, a 24 hour bilingual service was added to assist all operations.

In the mid 2005, Itajaí Pilot Authority moved its Operational office to New Atalaia, where the operations control center take place with a high-tech computer system on duty 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Its own fleet of motorboats are always ready to service and are constantly in accordance with The National Pilotage Council – CONAPRA.

Pilotage in several Brazilian Harbors are under the rules of the IMO – International Maritime Organization, which is an UN branch connected to the IMPA – International Maritime Pilots Association in a well renowned world system adopted by the main maritme nations where autonomy is asserted and the number of prefessionals are under control by the maritime authority.

The official national Pilotage representative for the IMPA is CONAPRA – The National Pilotage Council which is in charge of all matters concerning pilots interests on every Brazilian ports and coastline.

All pilots are qualified and determined for a harbor or a pilotage specific area where they perform their duties in group represented by a local Authority or Society, allowing them to work in shifts for assisting on a non-stop basis, any task concerning vessels operational schedules.