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?

Article Maritime Big Data in Demand - Vessels on a Map Is No Longer Cutting It

by GateHouse Maritime A/S - published on 30 October 2019

In the last couple of years several paid as well as free tools have made it easier than ever to access vessels on a map. Although vessels shown on a map have their place, authorities and industry are understanding the greater potential and value of the underlying AIS data.

Opinion AIMPA has published "Providing Peek into Marine Pilots' World" - Issue II

published on 21 September 2020

The PDF of the second issue is available for download here

Opinion Beyond the Green Horizon

by Esil Abibula - published on 14 September 2026

Why human sustainability must come first in maritime pilotage
An operational commentary by Esil Abibula, Maritime Pilot Class I

Video Identité | Piloter sur le Saint-Laurent

published on 18 July 2022

Le Saint-Laurent n’est pas un long fleuve tranquille: il faut des compétences spécifiques pour l’apprivoiser. Rencontre avec Simon Lebrun, pilote maritime, qui guide les navires étrangers et canadiens dans des sections difficiles du Saint-Laurent entre Montréal et Trois-Rivières. Pour ne rien manquer de nos prochaines capsules vidéo, abonnez-vous à notre chaîne. Activez les notifications pour être avisé lorsque de nouvelles vidéos sont publiées. Pour nous suivre sur les réseaux sociaux :...

Video Multiple bar pilot hoists

published on 10 May 2024

Video Pilot Boat In Civitavecchia Arrives At "Allure Of the Seas" on Friday April 18th 2025

published on 29 April 2025

Please Consider Leaving Me A COMMENT Or A LIKE Or A Subscription. Thanks Very much for watching my channel. I Really Appreciate It.

Video Female Pilot embarking in Paranagua, Brazil.

published on 22 September 2021

Boarding M/V ETERNAL HAKATA

Opinion Five questions for Douglas Vincett, Industrial & Technical Sales at Spinlock

published on 9 December 2020

In our new new section “Five questions for ..." Marine-Pilots.com introduces pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we have talked to Douglas Vincett, Industrial & Technical Sales at Spinlock.

Video Drone video from Elbe River, Germany. Pilottransfer.

published on 1 April 2020

Video Interceptor 60 Pilot alongside ship handling sea trials

published on 2 April 2025

Here’s a cool little video of the 2nd Interceptor 60 ‘Rubban’ built for DP World undergoing alongside ship handling sea trials, with some lovely drone footage of the container ship ‘BG Ireland’ as well.