More than 60 years dedicated to ensuring port safety. Luiz Augusto Correia de Araújo, known as seu Lula, retired from his profession as a marine pilot on January 28, 2026, at the age of 86, after having gathered remarkable stories throughout his career.
He began his trajectory at the Port of Recife when he was just 25 years old and, throughout all that time, guided and ensured the safety of many ships entering and leaving ports. Seu Lula stated that the profession of marine pilot requires great responsibility, preparation and emotional balance.
"You board a gigantic ship, often coming from another country, and you proceed to guide the captain so that everything happens as safely as possible. It is a silent profession for many people, but fundamental to the functioning of commerce, the economy and maritime safety."
The man from Pernambuco recalls that he had to face the rigorous selection process of the Brazilian Navy to enter the profession. "I studied to take the selection exam, you know how it is, right? And it was tough, because I was studying law in parallel."
In more than 60 years of career, the pilotage veteran experienced great moments, such as in 1968, when he conducted the maneuvering of HMS Britannia, the yacht of the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, and berthed the vessel at Rio Branco Square Dock, in downtown Santos.
Beyond that, there are many other memorable stories that seu Lula experienced. He then decided to record them permanently on his Instagram @luizaugustocoficial.
Throughout his trajectory he received several honors such as the José Mariano Medal, the Order of Naval Merit and the Tamandaré Merit medals, Friend of the Navy and Friend of the Port Authority of Pernambuco. These decorations reflect the respect that seu Lula earned over decades dedicated to pilotage and port safety.
His advice for those wishing to work as a marine pilot is to study a lot. "There is no improvisation in this profession. Have humility to learn from those more experienced and never lose respect for the sea. Technology helps a lot today, but experience, attention and responsibility remain irreplaceable. The good pilot never enters a maneuver with overconfidence. He enters prepared."
His last performance as a marine pilot took place at the beginning of this year, on a ship called Recife KNUTSEN. About this last maneuver, the veteran recalls that he even spoke with the vessel.
"The ship has a record. It is registered, just as we are registered. The ship has a soul. So I said goodbye, made a recording and said: go away, return to our sea and bring oil back here."
Regarding the contribution he intends to leave for future maritime professionals, Luiz Augusto Correia de Araújo says he hopes to leave a legacy of responsibility, ethics and love for the profession. "I am proud to have dedicated practically my entire life to the Port of Recife and to have contributed, in some way, to its history. If the new generations understand that competence must walk alongside character and humility, I will already consider myself fulfilled."
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