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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Opinion Positioning of vessel at berth by using bridge wing gyro repeater

by Capt. Girish Chandra - published on 14 April 2020

Today I will discuss a very simple and useful practical trick often used by pilots.

When we have to berth a vessel with small clearances forward and aft (say 20 to 25 mtr fwd and aft) it is very essential that you are able to estimate your position. Now most of the time you have a berthing supervisor on jetty who will help you with position.

Video S-102 Bathymetric Surface Product for a Safe Passage

published on 13 July 2020

Specialized training for maritime pilots
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada – June 23, 2020 – The Maritime Simulation and Resource Centre (MSRC), a world-class pilot simulation training and port feasibility studies facility, is pleased to announce the release of an informational video on the new S-102 standards on surface bathymetry products.
In the video, Captain Pascal Rhéaume, pilot and member of the technical committee for the Corporation of Lower St-Lawrence Pilots, an active stakeholder...

Video Dunkerque Port: One Day Work

published on 16 November 2021

Port of Dunkerque: A typical working day in the Port of Dunkerque East.
Views of the Port of Dunkerque East and its daily maritime traffic.

Towing: Tugs from Boluda Dunkerque

Article Education And Training Of Pilots In The Netherlands

by Eline van der Vlist-Lammers (Coordinator education and training for STODEL) and Ed Verbeek (Master Mariner) - published on 30 September 2022

Article originally published in SWZ|Maritime September 2022

Through the years, the Dutch Pilots have developed a system of selection, initial education and continual professional training. What is the current state of affairs?

Video Safe Passage: The Importance of Pilot Embarkation in the Great Barrier Reef

published on 20 January 2023

Helicopter operation embarkation is a safe and efficient method to embark pilots in remote locations or during inclement weather conditions in Great Barrier Reef. This video guides you through the process of how a pilot is flown to the vessel by helicopter, the considerations, regulations and resources required. A must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the importance of pilot embarkation in the Great Barrier Reef. #Pilot operation embarkation #Great Barrier Reef #Navigation #Marine...

Video Picking up Pilot in Baranquilla (Colombia)

published on 22 June 2021

Pilotage

Video HMM - Maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #10-Hamburg

published on 18 July 2020

#MaidenVoyage #HMMalgeciras
The maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #10-Hamburg: Look at the sunrise in Hamburg, Germany. The city awakes, but the port never sleeps. The HMM Algeciras, the first largest containership in the world, bids farewell to Hamburg.

Video Maritime Pilot Training IV - Man overboard manoeuvre

published on 12 May 2021

Training video IV on the correct behaviour in case of man overboard

Article New Managing Director at TRENZ GmbH

published on 11 June 2026

With effect from 1 June 2026, Steffen Schmedes has been appointed Managing Director of TRENZ GmbH. He will lead the company with immediate effect alongside Frank Diegel, who previously managed TRENZ alone.

Video PILOT68 17m Self-righting Pilot Boat | self-righting test

published on 10 January 2022

17m Self-righting Pilot Boat by Cheoy Lee Shipyards Name: PILOT 68 Designer: Camarc Design Overall length: 17.3m Designed speed: 25 knots https://www.cheoylee.com/product/detail/66/ Performance • Innovation • Reliability • Quality • Service #HKPA #cheoyleeshipyards #cheoylee #pilotboat #selfrighting #shipbuilding #Caterpillar #CamarcDesign Ref: 5217 (sister-ship: 5209)