The Enlightened Pilot

Confident Captains, Stronger Connections, Lasting Value

Accessible Advanced Boat Pilot Training

Heritage & Mastery

The Enlightened Pilot is a new program, but its wisdom is old and deep.

I am the oldest son of Capt. Donn L. Williams and grandson of Capt. Loren A. “Shorty” Williams, who held one of the longest Class A Master’s Licenses in the world—spanning the Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers.

From Shorty’s children—Larry, Mark, and Linda—to Donn’s children—Jay, Ward, Reed, and Clay—the Williams family has built a lasting legacy of licensed pilots. Through Williams Marine Enterprise, Inc., the harbor service in Davenport, IA, our boat handling expertise is being passed down within the family (ten pilots in four generations) and shared with countless employees and colleagues who still carry the tradition forward.

That same spirit of professional teaching and mastery is the foundation of The Enlightened Pilot and my privilege to share.

Group of Captains: Jay Williams; Ward Williams; Reed Williams; Clay Williams; Jay's wife Sherry.

Williams brothers Captains Reed, Ward, Clay, wife Sherry, and Your’s Truly.

A line drawing of buddha smiling carefree with his arms raised, on a boat named, "The Enlightened Pilot."
The Capt. Shorty Williams family standing on the deck of a boat named 'Grampa Shorty.'

Two generations of Williams brothers Captains, their wives and families.

The Capt. Donn Williams family standing on the deck of a boat or ship with a sign reading 'Larry D. Williams' and a life ring hanging on the upper level.

Capt. Donn’s family: Mom Jan, Jay, Ward, Reed and Clay. We were all thin then.