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 Issue No. 46 of the ANPRA Bulletin, ‘Pilots and Manoeuvres: Heading for the Future’

by Anpra Colombia - published on 16 September 2026

Original language!

Article Pilot boat "Sainte-Honorine" christened in Le Havre

by L'Antenne - SPI - published on 14 October 2021

The pilot station Le Havre-Antifer-Fécamp christened, on October 7 in Le Havre, the "Sainte-Honorine", the sixth launch of its fleet.

Video Sweden. Gothenburg. Pilot Boat

published on 13 April 2023

Article New website online: Port Phillip Sea Pilots

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 23 October 2020

Port Phillip Sea Pilots now have their new website online. The result is impressive. Well done!

Video ABB & Keppel Offshore & Marine successfully complete sea trials for autonomous collision avoidance

published on 24 August 2022

ABB in collaboration with Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), has successfully verified autonomous collision avoidance capabilities of ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot technology. Digital technologies from ABB have enabled the harbor tug Maju 510 to become the first vessel in the world to receive Autonomous and Remote-Control Navigation Notation from ABS classification society and first Singapore-flagged vessel to receive the Smart (Autonomous) Notation from Maritime and Port Authority of...

Video Marine Pilots at Port Authority of New South Wales, Australia

by Port Authority New South Wales - published on 8 September 2022

"Keeping the ports of NSW open to the world" - Watch how the teams at Port Authority of New South Wales work on the water 24/7 to keep our ports safe, secure and open to the world.

Article Premiere of KARCO new release - Pilot Ladder - A Persisting Challenge

published on 18 June 2021

A unique 3D video endeavoring to raise the awareness of the seafarers about a very important, critical, and essential piece of equipment on board. Basic in design, but high on purpose, the mistakes incorrect handling of this equipment continue to result in Near Miss, Incidents and accidents.

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...