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?

Video SWASH by Abeking & Rasmussen

published on 3 June 2020

Opinion AIMPA - The need and it´s Ideals

by Capt. Gajanan Karanjikar - Founder President - AIMPA - published on 12 February 2021

The formation of the All India Marine Pilot Association was a task which was required at any cost. The hurdles of Morale ground were noticed and one such organization was then decided to be formed by Group of Mariners who care for ’safety and security’ of the Pilot.

Video St Johns Bar Pilot Association

published on 17 January 2020

A collection of action from the St Johns Bar Pilot Association In the early 1800′s as the commercial ports along the St Johns River began to develop, a select group of brave and skilled seafarers would row to sea to meet arriving cargo sailing ships. These daring individuals would use their extensive local knowledge to safely guide the sailing ships across the treacherous sand bars that guarded the river entrance. This was the origin of the St. Johns Bar Pilots. Initially it was a bit of a...

Video Operating an STS Gantry Crane (Joystick Cam): Loading a vessel in the Port of Antwerp

published on 17 November 2020

This cabinview video shows how to control a STS crane, there will follow a video were I show you all the buttons and joystick controls. Lot of people request these video's. This shows how to operate en ship to shore crane with a joystick camera! (DUAL CAM) Make sure you LIKE and SHARE this video is you want more video's like this! Hope you enjoy! Feel free to comment & subscribe! SUB LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqoYj7ua7HwHvjjjyv3VyXA?sub_confirmation=1

Article Finnpilot Pilotage Orders Sixth Watercat 160 Pilot from Marine Alutech

published on 29 April 2025

Finnpilot Pilotage Ltd has reinforced its long-standing partnership with Marine Alutech by placing an order for another Watercat 160 Pilot vessel. This latest acquisition marks the sixth vessel of the new 160 Pilot Series for the Finnish Pilotage organisation’s fleet.

Video TRENZ Pilot Plug - Setup of Qastor on Windows with the TRENZ Pilot Plug

published on 5 July 2019

This video shows how to setup Qastor on Windows with the TRENZ Pilot Plug.
Please visit https://trenz-pilotplug.com/ for more information.
For more information on Qastor, please visit their homepage: https://www.qps.nl/qastor/

Article Systematic AIS data analysis reveals false vessel tracks

published on 27 August 2021

Analysis of tracking data from Automatic Identification System broadcasts reveals vessel locations have been simulated for a number of ships, including military vessels. This false information could compromise vessel safety, decrease confidence in a crucial collision avoidance system and potentially spark international conflict.

Article NTSB Investigation: Towing vessel pilot never reported hitting bridge in Louisiana

published on 13 March 2023

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the contact of the Miss Mollye D tow with the Route 182 bridge was a loss of control of the tow by the pilot at the helm of the towing vessel, likely due to impairment by factors such as fatigue or drug use.

Video Bulk Carrier Ship ERIETTA/ #PilotBoat SEA MASTER/ Embarking Maneuver

published on 9 November 2021

Bulk Carrier Ship "ERIETTA" / Pilot Boat "SEA MASTER" / Embarking Maneuvering of Rio de la Plata Pilots #pilotonboard #Prácticos.- #BoardingPoint #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina 23.09.2020 This video was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "SEA MASTER" and shows the moments when the Pilot Boat was proceeding to the #BoardingStation #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata to the vessel "ERIETTA", to start with the Embarking Maneuvering of the #RioDeLaPlataPilots Special appreciation to the Master of...

Video SHINWA MARU to Port of Rotterdam (Herman Broers)

published on 2 July 2021

On july 1st, the 327 meters long bulk carrier SHINWA MARU entered Port of Rotterdam with 20,6 meters draft, underway to EECV terminal at the Caland channel, Europoort. Due to her draft she transited the Eurochannel.