PILOT, in many maritime countries, is the name applied to a particular officer in a ship who has the charge of the helm and the ship's course. The term is usually applied in this country, however, to a person taken on board at any particular place, to conduct the vessel into or out of particular harbours, or along certain coasts. Charters of incorporation were formerly granted to pilots of this class, such as those of the Trinity House, Deptford, Stroud, and those of the Cinque Ports, &c. For the present state of the law respecting "pilots," see the Merchant Shipping Act 1854, entitled "An Act to amend and consolidate the Acts relating to Merchant Shipping," 17 and 18 Vict., c. 104, in which will be found various enactments respecting the license, regulation, and guidance of pilots belonging to the United Kingdom only.