A survey of the safety culture and hazard risk perception has been carried out involving 77 maritime pilots around Australia and New Zealand, representing more than the 20% of the maritime pilots in each country, in proportional geographic distribution. In 82% of the cases, interviews were carried out face to face. Each interview was based on a questionnaire designed to be completed in less than one hour. Questions on four different aspects were asked, relating to each pilot's professional background, safety culture and perception of risks, navigation and pilotage hazards and their perception of the pilot's role. The main responses in addition to the most interesting comments highlighted by the pilots are presented in this paper. Finally, the paper makes recommendations which might be considered for improving operational performance and safety of navigation.