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Be A San Francisco Bar Pilot: Pilot Trainee Training Program

published on 15 March 2022 - 304 -

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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

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Video Pilot boat launch - Methanol distribution

published on 29 March 2022

Europe’s first Commercial fueling station for Methanol!

Video How the MSC ZOE lost its containers (Simulation by Marin.nl)

published on 29 June 2020

Language ENGLISH!
MARIN has done model tests with a model of the msc Zoe in one of its test facilities, to find out what caused the msc Zoe to lose containers and how we can prevent this in the future.

Video Pilot boat heading out to sea

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Video Pilot Boat "Seaway IV"? on October 14, 2024 (USA)

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Video APL Mexico City destroys crane in Antwerp (09.12.2019)

published on 2 September 2020

9 December 2019 - 'APL Mexico City' hits adrift and rams port crane in Antwerp.
Author of these images is unknown, they circulate freely on social media.
Should an author identify with these images and have any objections, they will be removed upon simple request to Flows.be.

Video Grounding of Orient Centaur

published on 15 November 2019

On 6 November 2017, the fully laden, mini cape-size dry bulk carrier Orient Centaur was transiting the South Channel, Weipa, Queensland, outbound under the conduct of harbour pilots as part of a trial introduction of this size of ship to the port. While in the South Channel, the ship’s main engine shut down due to a loss of water from a cracked engine cooling component, and propulsion was lost. Shortly after, the ship grounded on the northern batter of the channel. The stern then slowly...

Article Port of London Authority: New Pilot Trainee

published on 13 August 2025

The PLA welcomes Sathar Sulaiman and James Kitney as they join as Trainee Marine Pilots.

Video New simulators at STC Group

published on 16 February 2022

The Netherlands is a world leader in maritime technology. Many companies at the port of Rotterdam are dedicated to expanding the field. One of these companies is VSTEP Simulation, developer of maritime simulators and software for training purposes. Port of Rotterdam Authority is using these solutions to train commanding officers for its vessels.

Video Cargo ship emergency at Port Tampa Bay

published on 9 September 2024

It was a near-miss Thursday morning at Port Tampa Bay as a harbor pilot managed to stop a cargo ship from crashing. The ship experienced a mechanical failure as it pulled into port. FOX 13 Tampa Bay brings you the important videos like breaking news, Tampa Bay weather, and local stories. But also plenty of fun stuff, like 'We Live Here' tips, the best of our archives, and all those 'only-in-Florida' stories. Subscribe to FOX 13 News: https://www.youtube.com/FOX13TampaBay?sub_confirmation=1...

Opinion Five questions to Mamdouh Albaiji, Senior Harbor Pilot at Ras Tanura at Aramco

published on 23 December 2020

In our new section "five questions to..." we would like to introduce pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we have talked to Mamdouh Albaiji, Senior Harbor Pilot at "Ras Tanura at Aramco“