The Houston Ship Channel: A Photo Essay by Lou Vest
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1971, Lou Vest was invited to join the Houston Ship Pilots Association in 1986. Lou began to carry a camera around in 2005 to document the experience of working on the Houston Ship Channel. He hoped to correct the fact that, even though it is the busiest port in the US, most people seemed to be unaware of it, in the region and throughout the nation. The result is a rare view of a thriving sector of the city that he has given us permission to share with visitors to our website. In this photo essay, Lou captures the wide range of individuals who find their way to the Houston Ship Channel, some are local seamen and others are visitors who happen here en route to and from other parts of the world. They are all a part of a complex and vibrant industry.
A Filipino sailor washes the salt off the ship window after a rough sea voyage.
Some crews are like family...in this case, a happy family.
Family reunion on the Ship Channel. Son, inbound, gets to wave at his dad on the passing outbound ship.
Houston pilot Kenneth Jones docking a ship at City Docks.
Filipinos make up about 75% of the world's sailors.
Lineman Mark Henry after tying up a tanker.
Tired linemen at the end of long day on the Houston Ship Channel.
Deckhands from Fiji finish rigging the gangway.
Sailor operates a mooring winch on deck.
Sailor gives a "hold fast" sign as mooring line comes tight.