Article

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 Everyday marine pilotage in 2019 (France)

published on 11 March 2021

Video Pilot boat heading to the river tees Redcar

published on 19 April 2022

Small pilot boat river Tees Redcar gallery https://www.kateyjanephotography.co.uk/Ships-by-Katey-Jane-Photography/River-Tees-ships-and-boats/ All photos are available to buy as prints, wall art, gifts and downloads. My photos are sold worldwide to magazines, books, personal use, documentary and research. All ship galleries https://www.kateyjanephotography.co.uk/Ships-by-Katey-Jane-Photography Main website https://www.kateyjanephotography.co.uk/ Copyright Katey jane photography.

Video The way of Pilot on boarding

published on 2 December 2021

The pilot plays a crucial role in the safe navigation of the vessel to her destination. Expert in the local waters, a Pilot is imperative to the Bridge Team. Berthing/un-berthing, anchoring, transiting narrow channels etc. are very specialized operations and require expertise of a very objective manner that results in efficient planning, monitoring and execution of safe passage. When a ship needs to enter or leave a harbor, marine pilots are sent aboard via a small pilot boat to safely...

Opinion New article by The Standard Club: "Remote pilotage - perspective and risks to consider"

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 8 June 2020

Published on 5th June 2020. Author Capt. John Dolan says: "We would not recommend remote pilotage when the ship is berthing or unberthing. These operations require the presence and advice of an experienced pilot who has extensive local knowledge and who is usually assisted by port tugs."

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published on 16 March 2022

Awesome clip from UK

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published on 9 June 2021

Vos Pace is a Dutch registered ship being seen out by Puffin Pilot vessel at Great Yarmouth 8th June 2021. Vos Pace is 83m long and 18m wide and made in 2015. Puffin is as long as Vos Pace is wide at 18m and 4m wide itself
I run over and managed to grab some nove shots even though the sun was facing into camera some of the time. As Puffin came back it looked even better I thought.
Music by me.
Internet search 'Calvertfilm'.

Video Pilot Boat "Pacific Scout" in Victoria, BC

published on 30 May 2024

Found on YouTube. Created by "Capt Larry ". Originally published on 2024-05-24.

Video The Safest Pilot Boarding? A SWATH Vessel

published on 27 November 2024

SWATH build by Abeking & Rasmussen (Germany)

Video Pilot Boat 71 - Piraeus Port

published on 22 August 2025

Article Australian pilot receives IMO commendation for exceptional bravery at sea

published on 17 September 2021

In December 2020, Australian Pilot Captain Ritesh Bhamaria was expertly piloting oil tanker MT Godam through the Torres Strait in adverse weather conditions when he and the vessel crew sighted a distant hand waving for help in the rough sea.