The island’s strategic position defined its history. The majority of Öja population were not fishermen, but lighthouse keepers, customs officers, telegraphists and maritime pilots. The piloting operations at Öja were among the first ones in the country.
A maritime pilot (also called marine pilot or harbour pilot) is a sailor who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters in harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway such as its depth, currents, and hazards.The origins of this profession go back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when locally experienced seamen and fishermen were employed by incoming ships' captains to bring their vessels into port safely. Historically, pilot stations would often be found on an island or other point at sea near a harbour, giving the pilots ample time to transfer to an approaching boat.
The first maritime pilot position was opened on Öja by Gustav Vasa himself. It is believed that he hired Anders Bertilsson to steer and accompany the crown's ships and gave him the Öja crown farm in Sorunda parish in exchange for his services.
The fire signal place on Kasberget was used as a pilot lookout until 1861, but in 1861 it blew over and was replaced by a pilot station. Later, a lookout tower was also built. The current concrete watchtower was erected in the 1960s and used until the 1980s.
Today the tower houses a hotel and a restaurant (Lotstornet).
