Article

Be A San Francisco Bar Pilot: Pilot Trainee Training Program

published on 15 March 2022 - 304 -

Show comment section |

The Board of Pilot Commissioners administers a maritime pilot training program. Graduates of the program become Board-licensed maritime pilots. Entrance into the program is via a selection examination.

Before submitting an application: The minimum requirements for entrance into the Pilot Trainee Training Program, are outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 7, Subsection 213. The Board has initiated regulatory changes that will put in place new minimum experience qualifications to qualify for the exam. These will include allowing Chief Mate experience, piloting in other jurisdictions, and lower tug tonnage requirements. These rule changes can be found here. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be admitted to the examination.

2022 Pilot Trainee Training Program Selection Examination

The next Pilot Trainee Training Program Selection Examination will be held in June 2022 at the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) in Vallejo, California.

2022 Exam Application
Trainee-Applicant-Handbook-2022
BOPC Exam Press Release 2022
FAQ – How to become a pilot trainee – Frequently asked questions
2019 Trainee Written Exam Reference List (this will be updated when written exam is finalized)
2019 Trainee Exam Simulator Orientation Video

San Francisco Bar Pilots

What's your opinion on this?

Video Pilot Boarding Ship in Extreme Weather condition

published on 2 August 2021

Pilot boarding Spirit of Tasmania ship from Pilot Boat- Epic scene as in movies
#Spirit of Tasmania
#Bass strait channel

Article Pilot dispatching problem along a maritime corridor: a case study in the St. Lawrence River

published on 13 May 2025

This study presents a novel decision support process for a pilot dispatching problem in the St. Lawrence River. It integrates a comprehensive set of time-based performance measures, including working time, waiting time, and skill level differences, to optimize fairness and operational efficiency in pilot dispatching.

Video Pilot Ladder Safety Webinar by The Nautical Institute

published on 12 May 2022

The Nautical Institute (NI) and the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) have been concerned for many years at the needlessly high rate of Pilot Ladder casualties. The NI is continuously reminded of the problem from its Members and through its Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme (MARS). The issue features frequently in our publications, and we recently dedicated an edition of our award winning magazine The Navigator to the topic, emphasising the importance of good...

Video Pilot Ladder Simulator

published on 17 May 2022

Article Lessons learned: Failure of outboard side combination railing

published on 17 February 2022

According to the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), the ship “Grand Radiant” suffered an incident where the accommodation ladder entire outboard side railing fell away due to a pin becoming loose.

Video Fast Time Simulation of manoeuvres - SAMMON

published on 24 November 2020

This video shows the underlying principles of the SAMMON software tools based on Fast Time Simulation of manoeuvres. It describes very shortly some of the features for manoeuvring planning and conning / monitoring with danymic prediction which are shown in more detail in the other movies on this channel.

Article 18 new job vacancies for Pilots' and Harbour Masters in October 2020

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 6 October 2020

We frequently search the internet for our members and find job offers for pilots or Harbour Masters.

Video Port of Tyne Pilotage: Pilot Boat Collingwood

published on 24 March 2025

navigate the Port of Tyne? Join me aboard the pilot boat Collingwood as we put pilots on and off ships! Experience the skill, precision, and teamwork it takes to guide vessels safely through one of the UK's busiest ports. From close-up action on the water to behind-the-scenes insights, this is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by maritime operations.
📸 Follow my photography journey: [Your Website or Social Media Links]
👍 Like & Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes content!
#PortOfTyne...

Article Inspection Campaign on Pilot Transfer Arrangements (Results from 2021)

published on 16 June 2022

This Notice documents the results of the Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Pilot Transfer Arrangements, which was carried out by the Bahamas Maritime Authority Inspectors and vessel staff between 01 July and 31 December 2021.

Video The work of a Pilot on the tidal Thames, UK - 2010

published on 18 March 2021

10 years back in time: Port of London Authority Pilot Jon Stafford talks about his work and the challenges of guiding large ships safely into and out of the Port of London.