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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

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Video Florida Harbor Pilots - Imagefilm from 2010

published on 26 May 2020

Opinion Online survey: Securing methods of pilot ladders at intermediate length

by Herman Broers - published on 7 December 2020

Recently Capt. Troy Evans did a research into the breaking strength of various securing methods. To quantify the problem of unsafe practices, now is time to have a survey into the number of the various securing methods used worldwide.

Video Wärtsilä Pilot PRO working with TRENZ Pilot Plug

published on 30 August 2019

This video shows how to use the TRENZ Pilot Plug with an iPad and the app Wärtsilä Pilot PRO.

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published on 30 June 2021

Drone visuals of a bridge passage of a remotely controlled barge on the Plassendale Canal (Ostend). The vessel is controlled by a captain in the Seafar Control Center in Antwerp (100km away). All operations are approved by the Flemish Waterway Authorities. Want to know more? www.seafar.eu info@seafar.eu

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published on 15 November 2022

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by Allen Garfinkle - published on 8 March 2022

The article was written by Allen Garfinkle, Executive Director – Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun

Opinion Rituals around shipping. The „Titanic“ never got its name in a christening...

by Bianca Reineke, lutheran Pastor, Germany - published on 23 December 2022

Do you ever leave the harbour to get on a vessel you will guide along without a ritual? Whatever we trust in, whatever the rituals or traditions you Marine Pilots have - when you board your pilot boats, climb the ladders, get the vessels through the harbour - keep them and cherish them, they are good and they are important.

Video Launching Pilot Boat Indonesia

published on 21 February 2023

Launching Pilot boat di Galangan Kapal Yasa Wahana Tirta Samudera, Semarang

Video BROFJORDEN (SWEDEN) ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE / Coastal islands, PREEM / Tanker manoeuvring, pilotage.

published on 15 March 2025

Arrival to and Departure from port of Brofjorden, Preem terminal, quay 5.
Ships handling and manoeuvrings of oil/chemical tanker during pilotage in restricted coastal waters and between beautiful Swedish islands. Approaching terminal, mooring & unmooring operations.
for inquiries
Email: alex.marinero1@gmail.com

Video Episode 95: Navigating the Houston Ship Channel - Challenges and Innovation with Captain...

published on 8 January 2025

Episode 95: Navigating the Houston Ship Channel - Challenges and Innovation with Captain Matthew Glass Guest: Captain Matthew Glass, Pilot and Second Officer on the Houston Pilot’s Executive Committee Episode Overview: In this episode of The Last Dinosaur – Maritime Shipping in the Digital Age, Chris Aversano welcomes Captain Matthew Glass, a seasoned pilot on the Houston Ship Channel. They dive into the evolving landscape of one of the busiest ports in the world, exploring topics like...