Regulatory Advocacy
Advancing pilot interests in federal and state pilotage laws, safety standards, and licensing requirements
National trade association representing licensed maritime pilots and pilot associations across U.S. ports and waterways
About Organization
The organization advocates for licensed ship pilots and pilot associations, coordinating with federal and state authorities on pilotage regulations and safety standards. Based in Washington, DC since 1961, the association operates with 4 employees and 26 volunteers, generating $4.3 million in annual revenue through membership dues and advocacy work.
Regulatory Advocacy
Advancing pilot interests in federal and state pilotage laws, safety standards, and licensing requirements
Professional Representation
Promoting business interests and welfare of licensed maritime pilots and their associations nationwide
Safety Standards
Coordinating with authorities to maintain high pilotage standards protecting vessels and port operations
Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.
Revenue (2024)
$4.3M
+26.2% vs 2023
Expenses (2024)
$4.1M
+26.1% vs 2023
Assets (2024)
$2.0M
+9.9% vs 2023
Employees (2024)
4
+0% vs 2023
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,296,640 | $4,131,186 | $2,019,222 | 4 |
| 2023 | $3,403,959 | $3,275,219 | $1,837,894 | 4 |
| 2022 | $3,938,748 | $4,022,026 | $1,643,775 | 6 |
| 2020 | $3,237,553 | $3,149,683 | $1,384,915 | 5 |
| 2019 | $3,418,018 | $3,354,731 | $1,297,027 | 5 |
| 2018 | $3,848,376 | $3,728,205 | $1,098,048 | 5 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.
Gather input from pilot associations nationwide to identify shared priorities and concerns
Craft positions on federal and state pilotage regulations with legal counsel guidance
Present pilot perspectives to Congress, Coast Guard, and state maritime authorities
Deliver resources and advocacy results back to member pilots and associations
Services and programs offered by American Pilots Association Inc
Represents pilot interests before Congress and federal agencies on maritime safety and pilotage regulations
Works with state authorities to advance consistent pilotage standards and licensing requirements nationwide
Provides business support and professional resources to licensed pilots and pilot associations
Promotes common business interests and welfare of maritime pilots across U.S. ports
Meet the people behind American Pilots Association Inc.
1961
1961
Established to represent licensed ship pilots before federal and state authorities
1962
1962
Granted IRS recognition as trade association for maritime pilot advocacy
2022
2022
Reached $3.9 million in annual revenue through expanded membership services
2024
2024
Generated $4.3 million supporting pilots through federal and state regulatory engagement
Board members, advisors, and key contributors
Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.
Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990
Total Reported (2024)
$2.0M
Highest Paid
$790K
Capt Jorge J Viso
Compensated Officers
4
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capt Jorge J Viso | President | $650,000 | $139,547 | $789,547 | 40 |
| Clayton L Diamond | Executive Director & General Counsel | $596,400 | $76,725 | $673,125 | 40 |
| Brendan O'Shea | Deputy DIR & ASSOC Gen Counsel | $260,500 | $30,600 | $291,100 | 40 |
| Lisa P Townshend | Operations DIR. & ASST. Secretary | $206,771 | $74,616 | $281,387 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capt Jorge J Viso | President | $642,981 | $128,145 | $771,126 | 40 |
| Clayton L Diamond | Executive Director & Gener | $582,398 | $67,800 | $650,198 | 40 |
| Brendan O'Shea | Deputy Director & Associate General Counsel | $243,200 | $28,800 | $272,000 | 40 |
| Lisa P Townshend | Operations DIR. & ASST. Se | $195,553 | $66,485 | $262,038 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capt Jorge J Viso | President | $615,984 | $98,509 | $714,493 | 40 |
| Clayton L Diamond | Executive Director & General Counsel | $455,218 | $60,683 | $515,901 | 40 |
| Paul G Kirchner | Senior Counsel | $350,691 | $94,392 | $445,083 | 40 |
| Lisa P Townshend | Operations DIR. & ASST. Secretary | $183,053 | $62,909 | $245,962 | 40 |
| William Cairns | Navigation Tech. DIR. -Until 10/2022) | $170,567 | $20,000 | $190,567 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul G Kirchner | EXEC. Director & General Counsel | $655,740 | $127,418 | $783,158 | 40 |
| Capt Jorge J Viso | President | $616,672 | $141,591 | $758,263 | 40 |
| Clayton L Diamond | Deputy DIR. & ASSOC. Gen. Counsel | $374,768 | $44,400 | $419,168 | 40 |
| Lisa P Townshend | Operations DIR. & ASST. Secretary | $166,907 | $60,333 | $227,240 | 40 |
| William Cairns | Navigation Technology Director | $191,500 | $22,560 | $214,060 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul G Kirchner | EXEC. Director & General Counsel | $627,828 | $121,668 | $749,496 | 40 |
| Capt Jorge J Viso | President | $590,743 | $128,650 | $719,393 | 40 |
| Clayton L Diamond | Deputy DIR. & ASSOC. Gen Counsel | $359,768 | $42,600 | $402,368 | 40 |
| Lisa P Townshend | Operations DIR. & ASST. Secretary | $160,136 | $50,055 | $210,191 | 40 |
| William Cairns | Navigation Technology Director | $185,000 | $21,780 | $206,780 | 40 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.